MUNNAR
General Information about
Munnar
Munnar is
located at the Idukki district of Kerala State in India. The word
"Munnar" means three rivers. 3 mountain streams (Madurapuzha,
Nallathanni and Kundala) are joining together here.
During the
British rule in India, Munnar was the summer resort of the Government
officials. The natural beauty, calmness and mild cold climate throughout the
year makes it the favourite tourist place of both Indians and foreigners.
There are
about 30 tea plantations in and around Munnar. Among these, majority of the
plantations are owned by Tata Group's Kannan Devan Tea Estate.
The tea
estates, hills, lakes and forests inside Munnar range exposes it's beauty. The
Munnar hills are covered by tea plants which makes the feeling of seeing a
wide green carpet.
The local
people here speaks Malayalam (the official language of Kerala) and Tamil (the
official language of Tamilnadu). English is taught in schools from the primary
level and even common people can read and speak English.
The easiest
route to reach Munnar is from Ernakulam which is about 135km and takes about 4
hours. The Aluva-Munnar road extends through Perumbavoor, Kothamangalam and
Adimali.
Bus services
are available to Ernakulam (135km), Thekkady (100km), Thiruvananthapuram(300km), Palani (120km) and Coimbatore (150km) from Munnar. Frequent bus
service is available daily to Theni from where you can go to Madurai or
Kodaikanal.
Places to see
in and around Munnar
Devikulam
is
7 Km away. Tourists are attracted to this lake town.
Mattupetty
Lake
is 14 Km away from Munnar.
Rajamalai
is situated 15 Km away, where Nilgiri
Tahr is preserved.
Top Station
is
40 Km away from Munnar. From here you can get a spectacular view of the plains of Tamilnadu. Kundalai Dam is
on the Munnar-Top Station road.
Marayoor
is
about 40 Km away, where Sandalwood forest, Muniyaras (ancient caves) and water
falls (Thoovanam) are located.
Chinnar Wild Sanctuary
is 60 Km away, where
elephants, deers, samba etc can be seen.
Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands
here 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.
Pothamedu
is located 6 km from Munnar and 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.
Devikulam
is located (7 km from Munnar) is idyllic
hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna
and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita
Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque
surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal
for trout fishing.
Pallivasal is 8 km from Munnar is the venue of the
first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala and a place of
immense scenic beauty.
Attukal is 9 km from Munnar is 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
is 10 km from Munnar is located between
Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking
waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of
about 1600 metres. The enchanting surroundings makes an
excellent picnic spot and trekking point.
Chithirapuram
10 km from Munnar is known for 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.
Mattupetty
located 13 km from Munnar is situated at a
height of 1700 m, Mattupetty is known for its highly
specialised dairy farm - the Indo Swiss Livestock Project.
Over a 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared
here.
The Mattupetty 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, slow speedboat and
motorboats are available on hire.
Lock Heart Gap 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.
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.
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