Munnar is a beautiful getaway landscaped with tea plantations, hills, lakes, forests and winding walks. Located at an altitude of 1,829 m in Idukki district of Kerala State in South India. Munnar’s mesmerizing greenery, mountain scenery, calmness and cool refreshing air attracts honeymooners and tourists throughout the year. Often referred to as the Kashmir of South India, Munnar offers tourists a mix of relaxation and adventure amidst beautiful landscapes .It is a weekend hideout location for domestic tourists during summer season. Foreign travelers likes watching the natural beauty of Kerala while the journey from Thekkady to Munnar.
Munnar is a one of the world's best tea estates location. There are about 30 tea plantations in and around Munnar. The tea estates, hills, lakes and forests inside Munnar area exposes it's beauty. The tea plants covered Munnar hills makes the feeling of seeing a wide green carpet
Munnar is breathtakingly beautiful, where a haven of peace and tranquility with the idyllic tourist destination in kerala.The name Munnar is a shortest version of “Munnu Aar” means “three rivers”. Munnar is at the confluence of three rivers. Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala are the three mountain streams joining together . Munnar has Unending expanse of tea plantations, pristine valleys and mountains, exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests
Munnar is blessed with natural beauty that attracts tourists from far and wide. The lap of Mother Nature in Munnar promises to soothe the senses of the weariest of traveller in Munnar. For adventure lovers there is paragliding and for nature lovers there are some of the World's highest tea estates. National Adventure Foundation in Munnar conducts courses for paragliding. You may also enjoy boating in the lakes of Munnar. Nature walks and hiking are popular activities that tourist in Munnar indulge in. The winter months from October to March are the best time to visit Munnar. The lovely landscapes offer the picturesque setting for unforgettable holidays.
Tourist attractions & Highlights:
Eravikulam National Park is 15 kms from Munnar. Covering an area of 97 sq kms, it lies in the Rajamala hills and is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat of South India.
Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary is located only 2 kms from the Eravikulam National Park. It is a home to many species of animals including the tahrs. It is also a favourite point to catch some great views of the valleys. The very many trekking opportunities within the sanctuary, makes it an adventure seekers delight.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is 60 kms from Munnar and spread out over an area of 90,422 sq kms. It is a landscape of thorny scrub and deciduous forests, wet grasslands and rocky expanses. It is home to the endangered giant grizzled squirrel as well as other animals like elephants, spotted deer, sambhar, etc.
Thattekad Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a bird watcher's delight, and is located near Kothamanagalam in Ernakulam district, on the riverbanks of Periyar. It was brought into prominence by Dr. Salim Ali who described it way back in 1930's as the richest habitat for birds in peninsular India. It is home to more than 270 species of birds like the rare mottled wood owl, spot-bellied eagle owl, Malayan night heron, Sri Lanka frogmouth, rusty-tailed flycatcher, etc.
Tata Tea Museum, nearby is a fascinating place where you can witness the entire process of tea production, its processing and tea tasting.
Mattupetty, at an altitude of 1,700 m, and 10 kms from Munnar, is home to the Mattupetty Dam and Lake and is a favourite picnic spot. You could also opt for activities like boating and horse riding here. The forest in and around Mattupetty makes it an ideal location for trekking and some bird watching.
Indo Swiss Dairy Farm, is a little ahead Mattupetty lake, where you can see more than 100 varieties of cattle. It has a beautiful rose garden that you could visit as well. Close by is the Echo Point, which offers you a panoramic view and the thrill of hearing your voice echo.
Potheamedu, 6 kms from Munnar, has some fine plantations of tea, coffee and cardamom. It also offers a great opportunity for trekking.
Devikulam is another hill station 7 kms from Munnar, landscaped with interesting forests and tea plantations. It is also has a lake where you could fish for some trout for your picnic.
Anamudi Peack:- It is the highest peak in South India, which is one of the major tourist attractions in Munnar. It is the best place for trekking with a height of 2600 mts. The view of the nature from this point is said to be everlasting. Anamudi is rich in its varied species of flora and fauna
Chithirapuram is a quaint town 10kms from Munnar, filled with pretty cottages, bungalows and tea plantations; it's a place that can charm you.
Nayamakad 10 kms from Munnar is a picturesque spot with many captivating waterfalls in its environs.
Power House Waterfalls, It is situated 18 kms from Munnar. The 2000 mts high waterfalls with the steep rock with the western mountain ranges on the way to Thekkady from Munnar is called as the Power House Waterfalls area. It is considered to be an ideal break on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Lock Heart Gap, 13 kms from Munnar, is ideal for trekking and outdoor exploration. It's the perfect place to soak in some fresh mountain air and catch captivating views.
Excursion areas
Top Station, 37kms from Munnar, offers captivating views of the Western Ghats, and is the best place to see the Neelakurunji plant when it flowers once every twelve years.
Malankara Reservoir is an artificial lake at a distance of 6kms from Thodupuzha, which is a favourite spot for some excellent fishing and boating.
Marayoor, 40 kms away from Munnar is the natural habitat of sandalwood trees, and home to caves with murals and relics belonging to the Later Stone Age era. You can visit the Sandalwood Factory and the children's park located there.
Getting Munnar:-
Nearest Airport: 155 KM from Cochin International Airport
Nearest Railwaystation: 140 KM from Alwaye /Ernakulam Railway station
By road: 135 Km from Ernakulam City
