Anamudi (also written Anaimudi) rises to 2,695 m on the border of Idukki and Ernakulam districts and is the highest point in India south of the Himalaya. The name means “elephant’s forehead” in Malayalam and Tamil, and from most angles that is exactly what it looks like: a huge, rounded dome of bare granite above the grass.
The peak stands inside Eravikulam National Park, where the Anamalai, Palani and Cardamom hill ranges meet. To protect the grassland and its Nilgiri tahr, the summit is off-limits to regular visitors — this is a mountain you admire rather than climb.
Top things to do at Anamudi
See it from Rajamalai
The easiest good view is from the visitor trail at Rajamalai in Eravikulam, where the dome fills the northern skyline on a clear morning.
Drive the Marayoor road
The road north from Munnar towards Marayoor skirts the western side of the massif, with several places to pull over among the tea for photographs.
Climb something you are allowed to
If you want a summit, look at Meesapulimala (about 2,640 m), the second-highest peak in the region, which can be trekked through the Kerala Forest Development Corporation with a booked package, or take a guided trek in the hills around Munnar.
How to get to Anamudi
- Nearest base: Munnar, about 13 km from the Eravikulam entrance at Fifth Mile.
- Viewing: buy a ticket for Eravikulam National Park and take the park bus to Rajamalai.
- Permits: there is no public trekking route to the summit. Any access is at the discretion of the Forest Department and is not normally granted to tourists.
Insider tips
- Clear views are most likely early in the morning from November to February.
- Do not trust anyone offering an unofficial “Anamudi trek” — it is illegal inside the national park.
- Remember that Eravikulam usually closes for the calving season around February–March.
Tours that include Anamudi
These guided trips cover Anamudi or combine easily with a visit:
Private day trip from US$75 Kochi to Munnar: Eravikulam, Lockhart Tea Factory & Waterfalls Day Tour
The most complete way to see Munnar in a day from Kochi. A private car climbs the ghat road to Eravikulam National Park, the Lockhart Tea Factory and its estate, Attukal Waterfalls and the valley viewpoints, with a traditional Kerala lunch included. It is a long day — an overnight option is also listed.
- Eravikulam National Park, home of the Nilgiri tahr
- Lockhart Tea Factory visit and a walk in the tea estate
- Attukal Waterfalls, viewpoints and a Kerala lunch
Guided hike from US$23 Munnar Mountain Hiking (Full Day)
The serious option: a hard seven-to-eight-hour day in the hills around Munnar with a guide. The operator describes it as a tough trek, so come fit, with proper shoes and rain protection.
- A demanding 7–8 hour trek through the Munnar mountains
- Tea estates, forest and open hill country
- Meal included
