Lockhart Gap is a refreshing, serene and picturesque landscape where the floating mist is found on the blue layers of hills and can be seen from this spot in Munnar. Located at around 12 to 13 km from Munnar on the way to Mattupetti, Lockhart Gap is one of the remarkable places in Kerala. With the expansive panorama of green tea slopes, the sharp winding mountain roads, the streaks of white cotton mist and the ultra-blue skyline made of mist-clad hills, this place is the perfect destination for those who want to spend quality times in a tranquil valley. The best time to visit this place would be Sunrise and Sunset to truly experience the wonderful view that it offers.
Visited by hordes of tourists all across the world, Lockhart Gap View Point is one of the most alluring and soothing places to visit in Munnar. This spot offers a bird’s eye view of Bison Valley, which is named because of an abundance of gaur (bison) found here in the earlier days. The surrounding hills of this place have extended up to Thekkady. The pleasant climate and eye-catching surroundings make Lockhart Gap one of the most preferred locations to visit in Munnar. This place is not only an ideal destination for a picnic with your dear ones but also a perfect spot for adventure tourism and trekking.
This destination is known for its scenic trails through dense forests. Rare and exotic species of flora and fauna can be viewed by the visitors while taking these trails into the forest. This place is considered as a photographer’s paradise because of its spectacular location amidst the hill ranges of Western Ghats. The view of rolling hills, lush green valleys, grasslands, etc. along with descending clouds gives a thrilling experience. Lockhart Gap View Point is also famous for its sprawling evergreen tea estates.
A historic Malayil Kallan Guha (a natural cave) is also nearby for the visitors to explore here, which has an interesting story attached to it. It is said that a thief used to live in this cave and loot the travelers passing by. The steps leading to this cave are low and accessible.
Best Time To Visit Lockhart Gap:
The best time to visit Lockhart Gap is from January to March and October to November. Monsoon is not the favorable time to visit here as the visibility at this time hits a low and you won’t be able to see beyond 15-20 meters.
How To Reach Lockhart Gap:
As the place is just 13 km away from Munnar, one can reach the spot conveniently by hiring a cab from Munnar.
• By Air - The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is nearly 125 km away from Munnar.
• By Rail - The nearest railway station to Munnar is in Kochi or Ernakulam.
• By Road - Hence, once visitors land in Kochi, Aluva or Ernakulam, they can hire a cab or take a bus to Munnar and then to Lockhart Gap.