Munnar, Kerala – A breathtakingly beautiful panoramic hill station
Situated in Idukki, Munnar is a panoramic hill station. Its altitude is around 1700 metre. Breathtakingly beautiful, it is a haven of peace and tranquility and an idyllic tourist destination in God’s own country. Munnar is known as the land of three rivers namely Kundla, Mudra puja and Nallathani. It has the perfect blend of nature with sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns & winding lanes. It was a favoured summer destination of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2,695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
Places to see at Munnar: There are many sight seeing locations in Munnar which include;
Anaimudi Peak
The Anaimudi Peak, is considered to be the highest peak in southern India. One can set up tents for camping and trekking at an altitude of about 2700 meters and enjoy the tranquil mountain atmosphere. It is a feast for nature lovers and enthusiasts. This peak provides the ultimate high and holiday experience.
CSI Christ Church
The CSI Christ Church was built by the British in 1910 AD. The church is known for its stained glass windows. There are many brass plaques in the church in the memory of the tea planters.
Echo Point
Echo point is situated at 15km from Munnar and is an admirable adventure destination for the tourists. The place gets its name from the natural occurrence of echo here. It is a popular place in Munnar and many people come here to listen to their echoes. It is said that if you can hear your echo calling back at you three times, it is a sign of good luck. Some of the popular activities in this picturesque destination among the explicit views of the lush green hills are trekking and nature walks.
Kundala Lake
The charming town of Kundala is located at a distance of about 20 kilometers from Munnar. This town is famous for the Golf Course, which is owned by the famous Tata Tea Ltd. Company. You can also visit and the Kundala artificial dam, which is a popular picnic spot.
Top Station
The place is 41 km from Munnar, and is appropriately named. This is the main abode to the highest tea plantations of India. It is located on the borders of both the states, Kerala as well as Tamilnadu and dictates an absolute panoramic view. Tourists keep visiting top station as it is in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu and Idukki district of Kerala.
Marayoor
This place is a distinct place with enchanting beauty and culture. Sandal wood, paddy, rocky hills, rivers, cave temples, waterfalls, and many more make Marayoor an alluring place. It is located 40 km from Munnar. Marayoor is opulent with natural beauty as well as wildlife. This place proclaims to be of the Stone Age civilization. Its caves, engravings, rich heritage are evidences of its past wealth. Traveling Marayoor is like passing the history with nature and adventure. It is yet a pristine place than Munnar as this is not frequently visited by the tourists.
Valara Waterfalls
Valara Waterfalls which is not very far from the Cheeyappara Waterfalls. Valara Waterfalls is about 10 km away from Adimali along the Cochin-Madurai highway. Valara features an astounding chain of waterfalls and provide a particularly magnificent treat for the eye. These waterfalls are surrounded by lush, dense forests that are home to a wide variety of small animals and birds.
Kuthumkal Waterfalls
An important tourist attraction at Munnar is the Kuthumkal Waterfalls. The scenic waterfalls, falling from spectacular heights and creating a foggy atmosphere is something worth watching out for.
Malankara Reservoir
One of the popular tourist attractions in Munnar is the Malankara Reservoir. It is situated on the Thodupuzha – Moolavattom road, this reservoir gives plenty of opportunities for boating and fishing.
Cheeyappara Waterfalls
The Cheeyappara Waterfalls is certainly a unique spectacle! The awesome scene of white waters cascading down from the top of a peak will remain forever in your heart as one of your most precious memories. The surroundings of the beautiful Cheeyappara Waterfalls are a great place where you can pursue a range of activities, foremost among these being trekking. The Waterfall is one of Kerala’s most magnificent waterfalls.
Eravikulam National Park
This Park is abundantly rich with shola forests and grasses, and is yet fairly new as it was after construction in 1978. The Park was created to preserve the Nilgiri Tahr, a rare species of the wild goats found only in the south of the Himalayas. The Park is sited in the Idukki district. It is located on the borders of Kerala and Tamilnadu. Some of the animals spotted here are Elephant, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri marten, small-clawed otter and a rare tiger or leopard and the Nilgiri wood pigeon.
Nearby attractions around Munnar: A number of nearby destination can be visited from Munnar.
Anayirangal
Anayirangal is 22 kms from Munnar. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. It is a lush green carpet of tea plants. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic spot.
Attukal
This place is 9 km from Munnar. Attukal is also ideal for long treks. A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes.
Sooryanelli
Located at a distance of 27 km, this lake and Tea plantations in this hill resort attract a large number of people. The route to Sooryanelli winding through the hills is really a great delight.
Lock Heart Gap
Lock Heart Gap is just 13 km from Munnar. The place is a perfect venue for adventure tourism and trekking expeditions. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit. Located at a distance of 13 km from Munnar, this magnificent vantage point lies close to Mattupetty. This place offers some amazing views of the mist clad endless blue hills covered with lush greenery, winding roads and silver brooks splashing the emerald greenery with white streaks. The salubrious climate and picturesque surroundings make it one of the most preferred locations to visit in Munnar.
Things to do at Munnar: Explore this beautiful place which is itself a visual treat.
Best Time to Visit: Summer season is considered as an ideal time to spot wildlife. Since the climate is temperate throughout the year, one can visit at any time of the year, except for the monsoon season.
How to go ?
By Air
Munnar does not have an airport of its own. The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, which is 110 kilometres away by road.
By Train
The nearest railway station from Munnar is at Aluva, which is at a distance of 110 kilometres from Munnar.
By Bus
State-run or private buses, plying from various towns in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are the best way to get to Munnar by road.
Where to stay ?
There are a number of accommodation options in Munnar.
Tea County (KTDC): +91-04865-230460, 230969, 230971, 72, 73 Website: www.teacountymunnar.com
Hotel Oak Fields: +91-04865-233066
Misha Holidays: +91- 4865- 230376,232376 Website: www.mishaholiday.com
Jays Tourist Home: +91-9446553080 Website: www.jaysmunnar.co.in
Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.