Kundala Lake (Kundala Dam)
Asia's first arch dam, Kundala Lake offers serene backwaters, boating, horse riding, and stunning views amidst lush greenery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Misty views, peaceful start
Kundala Lake (Kundala Dam)
Best Time
Misty views, peaceful start
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Asia's first arch dam, Kundala Lake offers serene backwaters, boating, horse riding, and stunning views amidst lush greenery.
"A very recommended place in your Munnar Diary, a very good place to take pictures between pine trees like any other hill stations."
Beware of Monkeys! :monkey:
Keep food and phones secure; monkeys can be aggressive and snatch items. Stay alert!
Affordable Photo Shoots :camera:
Local photographers offer reasonable rates and pose suggestions for memorable pictures.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kundala Dam Backwaters
Muthirapuzha River
Asia's first arch dam offering serene backwaters, perfect for peaceful boat rides and stunning photos.
Sunrise Shikara Ride
Kundala Lake
Glide on the calm waters as the sun rises over misty tea gardens for a magical start to your day.
Pine Tree Lined Lake View
Kundala Lake
Capture picturesque moments amidst lush pine trees with the serene lake as your backdrop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Monkey Business & Photo Ops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beware of Monkeys! :monkey:
Keep food and phones secure; monkeys can be aggressive and snatch items. Stay alert!
Affordable Photo Shoots :camera:
Local photographers offer reasonable rates and pose suggestions for memorable pictures.
Boating Bliss :rowboat:
Enjoy paddle boating or Shikara rides on the serene backwaters for a relaxing experience.
Pack Light Snacks :apple:
Small shops are available, but carrying your own snacks is convenient, especially if visiting early or late.
Tips
from all over the internet
Beware of Monkeys! :monkey:
Keep food and phones secure; monkeys can be aggressive and snatch items. Stay alert!
Affordable Photo Shoots :camera:
Local photographers offer reasonable rates and pose suggestions for memorable pictures.
Boating Bliss :rowboat:
Enjoy paddle boating or Shikara rides on the serene backwaters for a relaxing experience.
Pack Light Snacks :apple:
Small shops are available, but carrying your own snacks is convenient, especially if visiting early or late.
Entry Fee & Parking :parking:
Nominal entry fee; ample parking is available. Boating and other activities are extra.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kundala Lake is praised for its serene backwaters, picturesque dam, and opportunities for boating and photography. Visitors enjoy the peaceful ambiance, especially during sunrise and late afternoons. However, the aggressive behavior of monkeys and the potential for limited activities after evening hours are noted drawbacks.
"This beautiful dam backwater should not be missed while you are visiting the top station. You can either visit it for a mesmerizing Sunrise or for a pleasant morning later. Ample parking is available. Photography on the dam might be prohibited. You can do paddle boating o the backwater. Overall beautiful place"
Hemanth Shriyan
"This is a very recommended place in your Munnar Diary, a very good place to take pictures between pine trees like any other hill stations. The lake view is super awesome. You can take Shikara rides as well. There are many photographers out there and they can give you hard/soft copies of the pictures at a very reasonable price, the best part is they will suggest you good poses as well. Try to visit late afternoon, so that you can chill and relax near Lake side."
Abhishek Anand
"Visited Kundala Dam on 19th April during the late evening. The place was peaceful and the surroundings were serene, with cool weather and beautiful natural scenery. It’s a nice spot to relax and take in the calm views of the dam and the hills around. However, since it was late in the day, most of the boating activities were closed and there weren’t many people around. It’s a good stop for a quick visit and some pictures, but not much to do if you arrive after evening hours. Maintenance and signage could also be better."
Shreenath Santhanakrishnan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kundala Lake is located about 20 kilometers from Munnar town. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus towards Top Station, which will pass by the lake. Many visitors combine a visit to Kundala Lake with other nearby attractions like Top Station and Mattupetty Dam as part of a Munnar tour package. 
Yes, ample parking is available at Kundala Lake, making it convenient for visitors arriving by private vehicles.
While you can walk around the dam area, the best way to experience the lake is through boating. Shikara rides and paddle boats are popular options.
Local buses ply towards Top Station from Munnar, and these buses usually stop at Kundala Lake. However, hiring a taxi offers more flexibility and comfort for exploring the area.
Yes, Kundala Lake is easily accessible by road from Munnar. The journey itself offers scenic views of tea plantations and hills.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for Kundala Dam Lake is generally around INR 100 per person for pedal boats, with other boating options and activities having separate charges.
Photography on the dam itself might be prohibited, but the surrounding areas and the lake offer plenty of opportunities for stunning photos.
Boating activities are typically available during daylight hours. It's best to visit in the morning or late afternoon. Most activities may be closed by late evening.
Tickets for entry and boating can usually be purchased on-site. Advance booking is generally not required unless you are part of a large group tour.
While the entry fee is nominal, be aware that boating, horse riding, and elephant sightings are separate paid activities. Photographers also charge for their services.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy paddle boating, Shikara rides, horse riding, and even elephant sightings. The scenic beauty also makes it ideal for photography and relaxation.
Yes, families can enjoy the boating and the scenic views. However, parents should be extra vigilant due to the presence of monkeys.
For a peaceful experience with beautiful misty views, visit during sunrise (6-8 AM). Late afternoons also offer a serene ambiance.
Absolutely! The lake, surrounding tea gardens, pine trees, and the dam itself offer numerous picturesque spots for photography.
Be very careful of the monkeys. They are known to snatch food, phones, and other belongings. Keep your valuables secure and avoid feeding them.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are small shops and food stalls near Kundala Lake offering local snacks and souvenirs.
You can find local snacks and beverages at the stalls. It's a good place to grab a quick bite while enjoying the scenery.
While there aren't designated picnic areas, you can find spots to relax by the water's edge. Just be mindful of the monkeys and dispose of your trash properly.
Kundala Lake is primarily a natural attraction, and fine dining options are limited. For more extensive dining choices, you would need to return to Munnar town.
The stalls offer local snacks. It's generally safe, but as with any street food, exercise caution and choose vendors who appear clean and popular.
📸 📸 Photography
The dam itself, the serene lake with its reflections, the surrounding pine trees, and the misty tea gardens offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Yes, there are local photographers available who can take your pictures, often suggesting good poses and offering soft copies at reasonable prices.
Sunrise offers a magical, misty ambiance, while late afternoons provide soft, golden light. Both times are excellent for capturing stunning shots.
Photographers often suggest poses that highlight the natural beauty, such as standing by the lake, amidst pine trees, or with the dam in the background.
A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens is ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto can be useful for distant shots. Don't forget a polarizing filter for water reflections.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents must exercise extreme caution regarding the monkeys. Keep a close eye on children, secure all belongings, and avoid carrying open food items. While there are food stalls, it's wise to have snacks readily accessible but well-protected. The nominal entry fee and ample parking make it a convenient stop for a family day out.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Consider hiring a local photographer for unique perspectives and poses, as they know the best spots and angles. The opportunity to capture the unique landscape of Asia's first arch dam adds a special element to your portfolio. Remember to bring a versatile lens and perhaps a polarizing filter to enhance the water's clarity and reflections.
❤️ Couples Seeking Serenity
The serene ambiance, away from the hustle and bustle, allows for quiet moments together. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll by the lake, capture some beautiful couple photos, or simply relax and soak in the natural beauty. The late afternoon offers a particularly calm and romantic setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Engineering of Kundala Dam
The dam's construction not only served practical purposes but also created the picturesque Kundala Lake, which has since become a major tourist attraction. The serene backwaters and the lush green surroundings have transformed this functional structure into a place of natural beauty and tranquility. The dam's historical significance combined with its scenic appeal makes it a unique destination for visitors interested in both engineering marvels and natural landscapes.
+1While the dam's primary function is power generation and irrigation, its creation has inadvertently fostered a thriving tourism ecosystem. Visitors are drawn to the dam's unique architecture and the stunning vistas it offers. The lake's calm waters are now a hub for recreational activities, adding another layer to the dam's multifaceted role in the region.
Experiencing Kundala Lake: Boating and Beyond
+1Beyond boating, the area around Kundala Lake is also known for horse riding and opportunities for elephant sightings, adding an element of adventure to the visit. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, simply sitting by the water's edge and enjoying the serene atmosphere is a popular choice. The presence of swings also adds a touch of playful charm to the lakeside.
Photography enthusiasts will find Kundala Lake to be a paradise. The combination of the dam, the lake, the surrounding pine trees, and the rolling hills creates a visually stunning backdrop. Local photographers are often available to capture memorable moments, offering their services at reasonable prices and even suggesting poses.
Navigating the Monkeys and Local Interactions
Despite the monkey caution, interactions with locals can be rewarding. The area has small shops and food stalls offering local snacks and souvenirs. Additionally, local photographers are readily available, providing a convenient way to capture memories. They often offer competitive rates for photos, with some even charging as little as ₹20 for a soft copy of a single picture.
When visiting, remember that while the natural beauty is paramount, respecting the local environment and wildlife is essential. Being aware of the monkeys' behavior and engaging respectfully with local vendors and photographers will contribute to a more pleasant and memorable experience at Kundala Lake.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit