Munnar, A Paradise for Nature Lovers!

Munnar, also proudly called as Kashmir of South India, is located on the high ranges of Western Ghats of Kerala in India at an altitude of 1,600 m above mean sea level. Endless green carpets like tea plantations, many number of beautiful lakes, cloud towering peaks, chill climate throughout the year, mesmerizing cascades and heart winning surrounding picturesque sites are making it one of the most popular hill stations of India. Every year thousands of people from all over the world coming here to enjoy chill weather and amazing natural scenaries of mother nature. Once it had been the summer resort for the British officials in India. Neela Kurinji is also famous here which blooms once for every 12 years. The place gets this name as three rivers namely Madurapuzha, Nallathani and Kundala are joining here. The word 'Munnu' means three and the word 'Aru' means river. Anaimudi (2,650 m), the highest peak of Western Ghats is located very near to Munnar. Best time to visit here is March to June.

About climate of Munnar

On winter days mercury touches below 0 degree celsius and it never crosses above 25 degree celsius in summer season. Munnar receives heavy rains from both Sout-West and North-East Monsoons. However, most of the rains are from South-West Monsoon period of June to September. Frequent heavy raining and lashing wind during South- West Monsoon season make it unfavorable to visit here at that time. Most of the people in the domestic country are not preferring winter months of December to February to visit here, However, tourists from cold countries like US and Canada like to visit here to enjoy frost climate.

 

Places of attraction in and around Munnar

We can enjoy seeing many interesting and mesmerizing places in and around Munnar. Let us see some of them

1, Mattupetty

This is about 13 km away from Munnar. It's famous for specialized dairy farm where more than 100 varieties of high yielding cattles are reared. Visitors are allowed into some of the cattle sheds.

2. Mattupetty Dam

It's very near to Mattupetty with unique natural beauty. We can see green carpet like tea plantations around waters of the dam. Speed motor boats are available here on hire.

3. Devikulam

This is about 7 km from Munnar. We can enjoy beautiful scenic spots and cool mountain air here. Sita Devi Dam is famous here with its picturesque surroundings. The lake is ideal for trout fishing.

4.Marayoor

It's about 40 km away from Munnar and famous for naturally growing sandal wood trees. We can aslo see here a children park under the canopy of single banyan tree which attracts tourists coming to this point.

5. Thoovanam Waterfalls

This is located about 15 km away from Munnar on the river Chinnar. It is notable for mesmerizing beauty with picturesque surrounding natural scenaries of mist covered mountain peaks and lush evergreen forests.

6. Lock Heart Gap

This is suitable for trekking which is 13 km away from Munnar. One can enjoy fresh cool air and panoramic view of hills undertaking adventurous trekking here.

7. Eravikulam National Park

We have to travel 15 km from Munnar to reach this place. 97 sq km park is famous for its rare specie called Nilgiri Tahr. Actually the park is established to protect this animal specie. Anaimudi peak is located in the southern region of the park. The spot is so beautiful with lush evergreen forests with large variety of woods and mesmerizing mountain peaks as it can be one of the most beautiful locations of the world.

8. Chithirapuram

It's about 10 km away from Munnar and noted for little cottages, playgrounds and bungalows. Very calm and amazing natural scenaries of surrounding hills make it worthy to visit.

9. Anayirangal

It's about 22 km away from Munnar. We can enjoy seeing Anyirangal Dam and endless tea plantations on surrounding hills. It's ideal picnic spot where we can enjoy beautiful natural scenaries with ultimate peace.

10. Echo Point

The point gets the name from the natural echo phenomenon. This is about 15 km away from Munnar. The place is notable for beautiful lake and greenish surroundings.

11. Attukal

It's about 9 km away from Munnar and we can enjoy here amazing cascades and natural scenaries of folded mountains. It's located between Munnar and Pallivasal. Trekking can be aslo undertaken here to get thrilling experience.

12. Rajamala

It's about 15 km from Munnar and this is also a place where we can find rare animal specie of Nilgiri Tahr. Now there are only 1,300 number of Nilgiri Tahrs are existing here. Entry fee for adult is Rs. 10/- and for children under 12 years is Rs. 5/-

Cultivation in Munnar

Tea and Coffee are the main commercial crops cultivated in and around this place. About 24,000 hectares are under the plantation of Tea. Most of the plantation here is taken over by TATA tea company which is commercially called as Kannan Devan Tea. Other popular tea estaes in the area are Harrison, Michael Tea, Brooke Bond and AVT. In Munnar we can see Assam variety of tea which grows upto 4 to 5 foot tall and has economical life of 40 years. Coffee is getting importance next to tea. Robusta and Arabica are two important varieties of coffee being cultivated here. Tree Tomato, Jack, Orange, Sappota and Plantain are some of the important fruits being cultivated. Cabbage, Beans, Carrots and Potatoes are some of the vegetable varieties grown in Munnar.

Accomodations in Munnar

There are many luxurious hotels in Munnar to enjoy peaceful staying. T & U Leisure Hotel, Hotel Las Palmas, Fort Munnar, Westwood Riverside, Hill View, Bellmount Resort are some of them with reasonable tarrifs and good facilities.

Getting there

Nearest Airports and Railway Stations are Cochin in Kerala (136 km) and Madurai in Tamil Nadu (162 km)