Munnar
Hill Station | Kerala | India
Munnar inescapable natural beauty lures scores of tourists each and every year from not only India but also from...
Updated On: 10/20/2009
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Munnar is nestled in the undulating mountain ranges of the southern Western Ghats and is unrivalled among the tourist destinations of Kerala. Its inescapable natural beauty lures scores of tourists each and every year from not only India but also from abroad. The major highlights of Munnar are its remarkable ambiance, lush green tea gardens, mesmerizing lakes, dense forests and a cool salubrious climate. Munnar is located at the confluence of three mountain streams, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Once, Munnar was the summer resort of the British government in South India. There is much more about Munnar that simply cannot be put in words. Be totally informed about this magnificent hill retreat before embarking on a tour.

Munnar is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The hill resort of Munnar at an altitude of 1520 metres is in the Idukki district of Kerala. Munnar means "three rivers" literally derives it s name from the fact that it lies at the confluence of three mountain streams. The Western Ghats of Kerala stand close to Munnar, the highest peak being Anamudi.Munnar has an ethereal effect once in every twelve years when the Neelakurinji plant blooms and covers the entire mountain range in an alluring blue.

Munnar was always a favored summer destination with the British. Centuries later it is thronged by tourists from across the world who are mesmerized by the unending expanse of tea plantations, exotic species of flora and fauna and the aroma of spice in the air.

History
The history of Munnar is quite interesting and takes us into the colonial era when the British used to rule this place. Scottish planters were the first ones to have discovered Munnar and the Duke of Wellington was the first notable personality to visit Munnar. The British developed this land for the purpose of tea plantations and as getaways from the oppressive heat of the cities. There are several prehistoric relics that point towards the existence of a Stone Age civilization in this region. Evidences point to the fact that written history began here only from the 10th century. In the 19th century, several villages of Anchanad, Kannan Thevar belonged to the local Rajah of Poojar.

Afterwards in the year 1895, Messrs Finlay Muir & Company purchased Munro’s land and Tata-Finlay Ltd. purchased it in the year 1976. Munnar in the present days is a perfect holiday destination and is famous for various adventure pursuits such as trekking, paragliding, rope climbing and mountaineering. The enchanting atmosphere and friendly people of this place are simply going to win your heart.

Pothamedu, Mattupetty, Devikulam, Pallivasal, Attukal, Nyayamakad, Rajamala, Chithirapuram, Lock Heart Gap, Power House Waterfalls, Kundala, CSI Christ Church, Anayirangal, Marayoor, Eravikulam National Park, Cheeyappara, Top Station, Meenuli, Kalvari Mount, Echo Point, Chithirapuram, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Pothamedu: Pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks. Pothamedu is a small village inhabited by the local people just 6 kms from munnar. Pothamedu is one of the major plantation hubs of Munnar. Being a very high place, the surrounding places can be seen clearly.

Mattupetty: It is located at a height of 1700 meters and famous for its highly specialized dairy farm. You can visit the cattle shed farms at this
place on your tour to Munnar. Besides, the Mattupetty lake and dam is a short distance from the farm and is a beautiful picnic spot. You can also get boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam that would simply be exciting.

Devikulam: It is an idyllic hill station and the most sought-after among the tourist attractions of Munnar featuring sprawling lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cold mountain air. You will also find Sita Devi lake with its mineral rich water and charming ambiance and is an ideal picnic spot. This place is ideal for trout fishing.

Pallivasal: Pallivasal is the first hydro electric project in Munnar. It is a bewitching place that makes a good spot to spend a quiet evening by the side of natural lake.

Attukal: A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treks.

Nyayamakad: It is located at a distance of 10 kms from Munnar and is a land of incredible waterfalls. The sight of waters cascading down a hill from a height of around 1600 meters is an awe-inspiring one. The captivating surroundings make an outstanding picnic spot and trekking point.

Rajamala: The natural habitat of the Niligiri tahr, Rajamala is 2695 Mts above sea level. Half the world's population of the rare mountain goat or tahr which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here. The Niligiri tahr in Rajamala are now to be found in small herds found in Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Niligiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated to be over 1300.

Chithirapuram: With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old world charm. Home of the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.

Lock Heart Gap: This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.

Power House Waterfalls: The waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock 2000 Mts above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic Western mountain ranges, and is an ideal place for a break on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.

Kundala: Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to top station. The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction. Aruvikkad Waterfall is also near Kundala.

CSI Christ Church: The CSI Church of Christ is one of the popular sightseeing stops at Munnar. Built by the British in 1910, the church is a popular attraction for those interested in its unique architecture. The church has been built on a rocky outcrop and has some lovely stained glass and brass plaque. As you walk through this beautiful old stone church, set in the salubrious climate of Munnar, you are overtaken by a sense of calm.

Anayirangal: It's a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic spot.

Marayoor: This is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The sandalwood factory of the forest department, the caves(muniyaras) with the murals and relics from the New stone age civilization and the children's park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single banyan tree, are of great interest to tourists. Thoovanam waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also nearby.

Eravikulam National Park: The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695 Mts) is located in the Southern region of the park. Originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex), the Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978.

Cheeyappara: The Cheeyappara Waterfalls is one of the beautiful waterfalls of evergreen Kerala and and is a great eco-tourism destination of the region. It is one of the significant excursion points lying in the region surrounding Cochin.

Top Station: 1700 Mts above sea level, this is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodiakanal road. The rare Neelakurunji (strobilanthus) belongs to this region. Top Station (a viewing point) also offers a panoramic view of neighbouring state of Tamil nadu.

Meenuli: Meenuli is an ideal place for trekking with its huge rock extending over 500 acres in area and two acres of evergreen forests upon it. From the top of the rock, one can see the Lower Periyar Area, Bhoothathankettu and even up to Ernakulam on a fine day.

Kalvari Mount: This is a famous pilgrim centre on the way to Kattapana.

Echo Point: Located 13 km from Munnar, Echo Point is a popular adventure tourism destination. Trekking and nature walks are popular activities in this scenic destination with beautiful views of the green hills. This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.

Chithirapuram: With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old play grounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old world charm. Home of the Pallivasal Hydel power project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantation.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary: Located at Devikulam taluk of Idukki district Kerala, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known reserve that extends over an area of over 90 sq km. Recognized as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984, it lies in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. As a result, Chinnar gets only about 48 rainy days in a year during the months of October and November when Northeast monsoons are at work.

August to March

By Air
The nearest airport to Munnar is at Ernakulam, Kochi, which is about 130 kms away.

By Rail
The nearest Railhead is also at Kochi. There are numerous trains that connect Kochi with other important cities.

By Road
From kottayam it is 147 kms, 110 kms from Thekkady, 160 kms from Madurai and 158kms from Thrissur.

Munnar Tourist Home, Siena Village, Munnar Inn, Olive Brook , Hotel Igloo, Hotel HillView, Deshadan Mountain Resorts, Edassery Eastend, Abad Copper Castle Resort, Tata Tea Guest House, Government Guest House, PWD Rest House

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