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 A paradise for nature's lover ,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 and will bloom next in 2006 AD. All kinds of South Indian animals and birds are found in Munnar and surroundings. You can have a closer look at them at Eravikulam national park or Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. In Munnar you can go for various adventures such as trekking, boating, riding, angling, or just take a walk in the peaceful scenario of Munnar. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi , which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
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How to reach |
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By Air |
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Near by airports are at Kochi (130 kms) and Madurai (142 kms |
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By Rail |
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Nearest railway stations are at Kochi and Kottayam. |
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By Road |
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There are buses to Munnar from Cochin, Coimbatore, Kottayam, Madurai, Trivandrum, Thekkady etc. |
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Places to Visit |
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Mattupetti |
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Situated 13 km from Munnar, 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.Boating facilities are provided on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed Launch and slow speed motor boats are available on hire.
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Rajamala |
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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. |
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Devikulam |
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Situated 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. |
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Marayoor |
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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. |
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Pothamedu |
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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. |
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Eravikulam National Park |
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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 it is established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex). 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
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Kundala |
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) 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. |
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