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Munnar
[ Edit ] Overview
Munnar, located in Kerala greenery, scenery, calmn, and cool air attracts honeymooners and tourists throughout the year. In Tamil, the word 'munnu' means "three" and 'aar' means "river". The town is at the confluence of three mountain streams joining together. Munnar is renowned for its tea and there are about 30 tea plantations in and around Munnar.
[ Edit ] History
Quick Facts
[ Edit ] State
Kerala, India
[ Edit ] Location
1800 mts above sea level in Idukki District on the high ranges of the Kanan Devan hills of the Western Ghats.
[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit
September to May During this time the monsoon recedes and you are guaranteed of spending a cool time.
[ Edit ] Tourist Offices
DTPC Information Centre: Old Munnar: 531516.
Free Tourist Information Service: telephone: 530349
[ Edit ] STD Code
0486
Sightseeing
[ Edit ] Anamudi
This is the highest peak in South India. This lofty peak stands in great grandeur and can be seen from Munnar. This is a wonderful place for trekking. The sloppy terrain covered in varied flora and fauna is splendid sight. Try and spot the Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, right here on this terrain.
[ Edit ] Attukal
Also just around Munnar is the panoramic Attukal. The waterfalls, and gently sloping hills located in this area is where the eyes stop. This is another location for a leisure trek.
[ Edit ] Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
A little away from Munnar, about an hours drive away is Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary. Home of elephants, leopards and bears this place is a lovely place to spend a day.
[ Edit ] Christ Church
While on a trip to Munnar, remember to visit the Christ church which was built by the British in the early 1900. Look out for the stained glass windows and brass tablets in memory of Munnar tea planters. It is a protestant church and houses 14 rows of original pews. The nearby cemetery has tombs dating back to 1894.
[ Edit ] Devikulam
Do not miss this beautiful hill station located hardly 7-8km away from Munnar. This popular picnic destination is covered with lush green lawns and is known for the famous Sita Devi lake.
[ Edit ] Echo Point
This place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon that occurs here. Shout out loud and you will here nature replying. Echo point is located on the way to Top Station from Munnar.
[ Edit ] Eravikulam National Park
Situated in the Devikulum taluk, the Eravikulum National Park is a home to rich flora and fauna. It was declared as a National park in 1978. The park is breathtakingly beautiful. However, visitors are not allowed to traverse the entire park region. There is a particular area within the region which is open to tourists. It is here that visitors can spot the rare Nilgiris Tahr (hermitragus hylocrious) from a very close range.
[ Edit ] Mattupetty
Take a trip to Mattupetty, a specialised dairy farm which is an Indo-Swiss project. Many varieties of cattle are reared here. Mattupetty is situated about 1700 metres above sea level, A little away from the farm is the Mattupetty Lake and dam. It is a lovely picnic spot. Boating facilities are also available in the reservoir. A very beautiful place to relax and enjoy. Take a trek around Muttapetty, in the Shola forests.
[ Edit ] Neelakurunji Flowers
Surrounding Munnar are the Hills draped with rare Neelakurunji plant. The flowers of this plant bloom only once in 12 years and the full bloomed flowers make the hills look exotic.
[ Edit ] Pothamedu
A few kilometers from Munnar lies Pothamedu which is a confluence of coffee, tea and cardamom plantations. Just take a walk and admire beauty at its best. You can also request the locals to allow you to pick tea leaves with them. A walk in Pothemedu is a great idea, it allows you to experience nature as it is.
[ Edit ] Rajamala
Famous for the Nilgiris Tahr or goat, Rajmala is wonderful stop over. This mountain goat is on its way to extinction and mite be a rare view if you do not catch sight of them soon. Rajamala lies 2695 mts above sea level. During monsoon this area is closed for visitors.
[ Edit ] Top Station
This is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodiakanal road. The view from this Top station is breathtaking. The rare Neelakurunji (strobilanthus) belongs to this region. You can also see Tamil Nadu from this point. Top Station is 32 kms from Munnar.
[ Edit ] Valara
Valara has a beautiful line of waterfalls and is surrounded by dense forests. Hear the fall of water and feel the spray of water.
Planning a Trip
Getting There
[ Edit ] Air
The nearest Airport is the Kochi Airport. From Kochi you can take bus or rent a taxi to Munnar. If you happen to reach the Coimbatore airport, the distance from there to Munnar would be around 152km.
[ Edit ] Rail
The nearest rail connection would be Kochi, Thiruvanthapuram, Madurai and Kottayam.
[ Edit ] Road
Traveling to Munnar is not a difficult task at all, but is only accessible by road. So, you can rent out a taxi or climb onto the frequent busses that ply to and fro from Madurai or Kochi and other nearby cities. From Kochi, the drive is around 4 hours and from Madurai it takes approximately the same time.
Driving distances to Munnar from:
- Coimbatore: 152 kms
- Kochi: 130 kms
- Kottayam: 142 kms
- Madurai: kms
- Mysore: 200 kms
- Thekkady: 100 kms
- Trisur: 146 kms
- Trivandrum: 302 kms
[ Edit ] Getting Around
Getting in and around Munnar is very easy, being a small place makes it simple. You can travel by the popular autorikshaw or rent out a taxi. You can also rent out a cycle and traverse the winding roads.
[ Edit ] Other Information
Boating:
Munnar is the perfect place to sail. You can take a paddle boat or motor boat and enjoy a cruise. Rent out a motor boat or paddle boat and embark on your journey. Enjoy the cool breeze and glittering waters.
Cycling:
If you feel like sweating it out then cycling on the terrain of Munnar is a wonderful experience. You can rent out cycles available in the main town area and other nooks and corners. Cycling is one of the popular modes of transport here in Munnar because of the open air experience and the joy of being one with nature.
Fishing:
To experience the life of Munnar you must catch a fish or two. Grapb a rod and enjoy the waters. Go up to the hills streams and enjoy the cool breeze while fishing for your catch. Even if you are not luck enough to catch a fish, the experience will simple jolt your senses.
Helicopter ride:
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to get an aerial view of this scenic town. Munnar offers you the best ever experience with a mind blowing helicopter ride. A little expensive on the pocket but worth every rupee. The stretch of Munnar looks like a green carpet flooring the earth. Experience it all in Munnar.
Trekking:
By foot, Munnar is as splendid. You can take pride in walking on a green carpet rather than a red one. Traverse the grounds of Rajamala, and Anamudi by foot. Stop by the waterfalls and feel the cooling effect of the water spray tingling on your face.
[ Edit ] Shopping
In Munnar the most famous buy would definitely be tea. You can purchase tea from the estates and probably request the estate owner for a tour of the estate too. You can also buy tea from local shops. In and around Munnar there are various shops selling handicrafts and curios. Otherwise, Munnar is not specially known as a shopper’s paradise.
[ Edit ] Food
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