Actress Gayathri Suresh recently shared a video of her attempting off-road driving in a jeep. Sporting cool sunglasses, an olive green top, and jeans, the actress can be seen driving in style in the video. In its caption, she mentions that she is travelling to Vattavada in the Idukki district. There are various interesting comments and trolls below the video. The trolls bring up a past incident where the actress was involved in a hit-and-run case. Vattavada, located about 45 km from Munnar, is one of the best places for off-road driving in winter. The strawberry plantations, hills with hovering clouds, valleys blanketed by fog, and the gentle drizzle attract tourists to the place repeatedly.
There is a Forest Department check post while proceeding from Munnar to Top Station. After inspections by Forest officials, the next 6 km journey from here is through the Pampadumchola National Park. Visitors are allowed to pass through the forest from here only if they arrive before 6 pm. The Forest Department strictly instructs that while traversing the forest that is inhabited by wild animals such as sambar deer, langurs, deer, bison, giant squirrel, elephants, etc., visitors should not halt the vehicle anywhere to take photos or disembark from the vehicle and walk around.
One can observe farms growing strawberries, winter-season vegetables, various types of pulses, and garlic in Vattavada. There are also shops scattered all over the place selling locally made strawberry jam and wine, homemade chocolate, and pure honey collected from the forest. Vattavada also offers facilities for adventure activities like jeep safari, mountain biking, and jungle camping. Those inclined towards more strenuous trekking can venture on foot to Meesapulimala, Kanthallur, or Mattupetty. Iravikulam National Park, Kolukumala, Kurinjimala, and Anamudichola are also located near Vattavada.
