Location: Idukki District, Kerala
Altitude: 1600 m Above Sea Level.
Best Season: September To May
Main Languages : Malayalam, Tamil,
Hindi And English |
Tourism in
Munnar
Munnar is situated at the confluence of
three mountain streams namely Mudrapuzha,
Nallathanni and Kundala.
This hill station, located at an altitude of
1600 m above sea level, was once the summer
resort of the erstwhile British government
in South India. Sprawling tea plantations,
picture book towns, winding lanes and
holiday facilities make this a popular
resort town. Among the exotic flora found in
the forests and grasslands is the 'Neelakurinji'.
This flower which bathes the hills in blue
every twelve years will bloom next in 2006
AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in
south India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695
m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Mattupetti (13 km from Munnar):
Situated at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetti
is famous for its highly specialised dairy
farm, the Indo-swiss live stock project.
Over 100 varietes of high yielding cattle
are reared here. Visitors are allowed into
three of the eleven cattle sheds at the
farm.
The Mattupetti Lake and dam, just a short
distance from the farm, is a very beautiful
picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea
plantations and the Kundala lake are other
attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki
provides boating facilities on the
Mattupetty Dam. Speed Launch and slow speed
motor boats are available on hire.
Pothamedu (6 km from Munnar):
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.
Pallivasal (8 km from Munnar):
This is the venue of the first Hydro
Electric Project in Kerala and a place of
immence scenic beauty.
Attukal (9 km from Munnar):
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 (10 km from Munnar):
Located between Munnar and Rajamala,
Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking
waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill
from a height of about 1600 meters. The
enchanting surroundings makes an excellent
picnic spot and trekking point.
Chithirapuram (10 km from Munnar):
With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows,
old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram
still exudes an old world charm. Home of the
Pallyvasal Hydel Power Project, this hill
town is also famous for its picturesque tea
plantations.
Lock Heart Gap (13 km from Munnar):
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.
Rajamala (15 km from Munnar):
The natural habitat of the Nilgiri
Tahr,Rajamala is 2695 m 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 Nilgiri Tahr in Rajamala is now to be
found in small herds found in
Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number
of Nilgiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated to
be over 1300. Visitors are not allowed
during the monsoon.
Echo Point (15 km from Munnar):
This scenic place gets its name from the
natural echo phenomenon here. Echo point is
on the way to Top Station from Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar):
The 97 sq. kms park is situated in the
Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri
Tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695 m) 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. It covers an area of 97 sq kms
of rolling grasslands and high level sholas
(evergreen forests).
The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is
easily comparable to the best mountain
ranges found anywhere in the world. The park
is divided into 3 regions - the core area,
the buffer area and the tourism area.
Visitors are allowed only to the tourism
area, which is in the Rajamala region. The
Nilgiri Tahr can be observed at close
quarters here. Trekking facilities are
available here. Tourists are allowed to go
on foot up to Anamudi. This is also a place
for adventure tourism.
Trekking Areas :
Anamudi, Rajamala.
Power House or Chinnakanal Waterfalls (18 km
from Munnar):
The waterfall on the way to Thekkady from
Munnar cascades down a steep rock 2000 m
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 (20 km from Munnar):
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.
EXCURSIONS
Anayirangal (22 kms from Munnar):
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.
Devikulam (7 kms from Munnar):
This idyllic hill station with its velvet
lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool
mountain air offers a rare experience to
visitors. The Sita Devi Lake with its
mineral waters and picturesque surroundings
is a good picnic spot. The lake is also
ideal for trout fishing.
Valara (10 kms from Adimali on the Kochi-Madurai
highway):
Valara has a chain of waterfalls surrounded
by thick green forests.
Marayoor (40 kms from Munnar):
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.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Near by airports are at Kochi (130 kms)
and Madurai (142 kms).
Rail: Nearest railway stations are at Kochi
and Kottayam.
Road: The place is well connected by a well
developed network of road transport.
Local transport: Local buses, cycles.
PLACES TO STAY
Windermere Estate.
Mahindra Resorts.
Fort Munnar.
Periyar Mist Valley.
Bluemount, Chinnakal.
Royal Retreat. Elseem Garden.
Western Cottage.
Marthoma Rest House.
Misha Tourist Home.
Idukki Tower, Thodupuzha.
Gemini Tourist Home, Thodupuzha.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tourist Information Centre: District Tourism
Promotion Council (DTPC) Information Centre,
Old Munnar; District Tourism Office, Kumily.
Banks and Money Changers: State Bank Of
Travancore, State Bank Of India.
Post Office: Main Post Office, Munnar.
Hospitals: Tata General Hospital, Matha
Hospital, Arun Hospital.
Ayurvedic Massage Centre: Surya Ayurvedic
Health Resorts.
Spices And Fresh Strawberries: DTPC, Munnar.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Altitude: 5000-8000 Feet Above Sea Level.
Area: 26.2 sq. kms.
Rainfall: 275 cms.
Temperature:
Summer: Max: 25.8°C, Min: 15.2°C
Winter: Max: 10°C, Min: 0°C
Clothing:
Winter: Woollen
Summer: Cotton
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India
Travel Guide / States / Kerala / Cities / Munnar Travel
