Munnar is a hill station at a height of 6000ft in the Idukki district of Kerala in South India. It has always been a privileged resort right from the British colonial days. It is surrounded by natural scenery. The tourists see and enjoy the sights of tea plantations amidst the mountains, flora, fauna and valleys. The air in Munnar is filled with an aroma of spices, and rising and falling terrain are covered with grasslands and forests.
The tourists are thrilled to view the topography of Munnar with craggy rocks. You can relax and walk around this beautiful and unspoiled hill town. At every twist and turn your eye meets the sheer beauty of streams with trout, brooks, exotic wildlife and trees like redwood, teak, red sandalwood, jungle jack and many more. Munnar fits well within the itinerary of an adventure enthusiasts, wildlife and nature lovers, and so also the honeymoon couples.
Visiting Places in Munnar
Anamudi Peak
This peak lies in the deep interiors of the Eravikulam national Park. The peak stands amidst the park towering the entire place with poise and grandeur. This hill is covered with various kind of flora and fauna. Many animals find shelter in this peak. The management offers arranged treks to the peak, and the tourists are all too glad to avail of this facility.
Atukkad Waterfalls
These waterfalls are worth a visit. They lie at a distance of about 2km from Munnar town. This is a good picnicking and relaxation place with your family. The waterfalls lie amidst green forests and hills. The sound of the falling waters seems romantic to the ears.
Kalvari Mount
This is quite popular with the tourists visiting Munnar. It is at a distance of 5km from Iduki. It is a slope with a village on one side and a reservoir on the other side. The tourists mingle with the villagers and come to know a lot about their way of simple living.
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
This tea estate is a 90 minute drive from Munnar. It lies on a ridge above the plains of Tamil Nadu. It is about 8000 feet above sea level. The tourists are awestruck standing in a tea estate at this height, breathing in the tea aroma-filled air. You get panoramic views and see rugged mountains. This tea estate produces flavorsome tea. When the nights are clear, you can see the twinkling nights of Kodaikanal.
Kundala Dam and Lake
This dam is arch shaped. It is located around 21km from Munnar. The tourists get a splendid view of the greenery all around from the top of the dam. You will find a lake close to the dam. It has boating facilities. The lake looks beautiful with the mountain slopes surrounding it with tea gardens. The tourists can also go around the lake on a shikara boat. Those tourists who would like to be by themselves can take row boats or peddle boats.
Mattupetti Indo-Swiss Farm
On this Indo-Swiss farm, high quality cattle are neutered and taken care. The tourists can visit the farms from morning to evening. Children enjoy seeing the cattle around them.
Top Station
This station is about 41km from Munnar. It takes about an hour to reach here. From here the tourists access the highest tea estates of Munnar. It borders two states, Kerala as well as Tamil Nadu. You get panoramic views as the Top Station is at an altitude of 1700m.
Rajamalai National Park
The idea to create this national park was primarily to preserve the Nilgiri Tahr, a rare wild goat species. These goats are found only in the south of the Himalayas. This park is on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The park has shola forests and grasses. The animals spotted here are Nilgiri langur, tiger, leopard, elephant, wood pigeon and small-clawed otter.
Blossom International Park
Nestled 3km away from Munnar is where you will find this beautiful and colorful park. It occupies an area of 18 acres. The whole park is well laid out with gardens, shady trees and different varieties and some rare species of flowering plants. There are amusement areas where the tourists can indulge in activities like water cycling, boating and roller skating.
Trekking
To reach the different places of Munnar, the tourists will find some of the best climbing and trekking routes. The adventure tourists usually take the trekking routes of Rajamala, Eravikulam National Park and Nayamakad. The area is among grasslands and one can also camp here. The biodiversity in these areas leaves you spellbound.
The trekkers can avail of all the arrangements made by the forest department for trekking in the National Park and the areas around it. The dense forests of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary also tempt the trekkers.
Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport. It is 110km away from Munnar. Madurai International Airport is 140km from Munnar. From these airports, the tourist can hire private vehicles to reach Munnar by road. The nearest railhead of Aluva is 110km while Ernakulam is 130km, and Madurai is 135km. Direct buses ply to Munnar from these places.
Autumn, winter, and spring are inviting seasons to visit Munnar. Summer is a bit hot, and in monsoon the rains can play spoilsport to your trip. The tourists can shop for different varieties of spices, tea of different flavors, homemade chocolates and handicrafts made by the locals.
Food, specially piping hot South Indian dishes and other varieties too are available at the many eateries. Accommodation at Munnar is no problem. All types of hotels are available, welcoming the tourists.
