Munnar

Munnar Waterfalls, lakes, tea and coffee plantations, mist-covered hills, cool breeze and pleasant weather; all these attractions make Munnar a distinguished tourist destination.

Introduction

Located in Idukki District of Kerala at an altitude of about 6000 ft in the South Western Ghats of India, Munnar is a picturesque hill station. With its pristine valleys, large tea and coffee plantations, dense green forests, magnificent waterfalls, exotic hill ranges, mysterious mist and rich wildlife; Munnar is absolutely an enamouring destination. No wonder why the erstwhile British rulers chose this hill town as their summer capital in Southern India. Once you visit this land, you are definitely going to get spellbound by the scenic beauty it encompasses. Such is the charm of this place that one feels to arrive in a dreamland. The charismatic beauty of the place is difficult to be explained in mere words. For people visiting Munnar, a lot of exciting surprises await them.

Places to explore

Kundala Lake

Surrounded by hills and lush green forests, Kundala Lake gives a mesmerising view of the region. Approximately 20 km from Munnar, the lake is a reservoir of a minor arch-shaped dam. It is extremely popular as a tourist spot offering boating facility. This is the place where you can take a Shikara ride which you thought to be present only in Kashmir. The lake is unbelievably romantic and one of the best destinations for honeymooners. Kundala tea plantations, Aruvikkad waterfall, Kundala artificial dam (Asia’s first arch dam) and a golf course belonging to Tata Tea Ltd. are other major attractions of the lake.

Top Station

Like its name, Top Station is the highest point in Munnar with stunning and unseen beauty. The place offers panoramic view of Western Ghats and the valley of Theni District of Tamil Nadu. Another attraction for which the place is extremely popular is the rare Neelakurinji or Strobilanthus, a plant which bloom only once in 12 years. Its blue-coloured myriad flowers shroud the hill sides filling the heart with immense pleasure. In addition, the sight of clouds hovering over the hills will simply give you a feeling out of the world.

 

Echo Point

Resembling its name, Echo Point is famous for natural echo phenomenon. It falls on the way to Top Station where people easily hear the loud reverberations of their voices. A natural walk and trekking are must do activities. While walking around the area one gets to see the mist-covered hills and waterfalls filling the soul with an intoxicating feeling. Added, the cool breeze and serene surroundings will completely sweep the wayfarers away.

Eravikulam National Park

The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is a natural habitat to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. About 15 km from Munnar, the Eravikulam National Park is spread over 97 sq. km which is home to many rare species of animals, birds and butterflies. The park has a record 132 species of birds namely - endemics like black-and-orange flycatcher, Kerala laughingthrush white bellied shortwing, Nilgiri pipit, Nilgiri wood pigeon and Nilgiri flycatcher. Apart from Nilgiri Tahr, the park is home to another 25 species of mammals like - sambar deer, Indian muntjac, leopard, jungle cat, golden jackal, tiger, dhole and elephants. With 101 species of endemic butterflies such as - red disk bushbrown and Palni four wing - this park with biodiversity is among the most sought after tourist spots.  The beauty of the park reaches at its peak when its entire hill slopes become blue with the flowering of Neelakurinji.  

 

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Known as the haven for endangered Grizzled giant squirrel, the sanctuary has 34 species of mammals and 245 species of birds. The place is ideal for trekking with its extensive forest of sandalwood.

Mattupetti

Green valleys and pleasant weather make Mattupetti an enticing destination. The place is famous for its dam and dairy farm. The Shola forests, green tea plantations, rolling grasslands, rivulets and cascades are simply a paradise for nature lovers. You cannot help yourself get fascinated by the beauty surrounding the area.  Mattupetty Dam and a local lake are its major attractions. Boating facilities are also available here. Also the dairy farm, running under the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project with several varieties of high-yielding cattle, is another attraction.     

 

Tea and Coffee Plantations

While visiting Munnar, you can never miss the charm of its lush tea and coffee plantations. These gardens are ultimate destination for one to explore. These gardens grow one of the best qualities of tea and coffee that are globally famous for their taste and aroma. A walk through these gardens is refreshing and delightful. There is also a tea museum displaying the growth of more-than-a-century-old tea plantations in Munnar.

Devikulam

This breathtaking ancient hill station is famous for its spiritual and physical rejuvenation. The Sita Devi Lake in the area is believed to have mineral waters with healing powers and is also popular for Trout fishing. You would find yourself in love with its tranquil surroundings consisting of velvet lawns and cool fresh breeze. There are also many adventure sports like trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing, skiing and paragliding.

 

Waterfalls

  Various waterfalls of Munnar keep calling people to Kerala. Thoovanam Falls, Lakkom Water Falls, Power House Falls, Pallivasal Falls, Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Attukal Waterfalls and Lakkom Water Falls are hot favourite among tourists.

Accommodation

There are numbers of luxury hotels and resorts in Munnar ensuring an extremely comfortable and luxurious stay. The Panoramic Getaway, Mountain Club, Fragrant Nature Munnar, Chandys Windy Woods and Club Mahindra Munnar are among the best hotels offering serene atmosphere combined with warm hospitality. Prominent resorts - KTDC Tea County, Tea Valley Resort, Deep Woods Resort, Blue Bells Valley Resort and Blackberry Hills Retreat & Spa - deal in premium quality services making your stay in Munnar completely pleasurable. You can pamper yourself at these hotels and resorts suiting your taste and requirements.

Cuisine

From traditional Kerala food to western and continental, Munnar has got all of them for you. For vegetarians, typical Kerala thali, tender coconut kheer mixed vegetable stir fry, mixed vegetable thoran, puli enji, rice with sambhar and rasam are easily available. For non-vegetarians, Munnar is a heaven. Delicacies like beef masala, fish in kerala curry and Malabar parotta will definitely satisfy your taste buds. The use of coconut oil and fresh crushed coconut add amazing taste to them.

Shopping

You can get premium quality of tea, coffee, strawberries, spices, handmade paper greeting cards, homemade chocolates and aromatic oils which are easily available in Munnar’s local markets.   

Reaching Munnar

Air: Nearest airport is Cochin at 110 km.

Rail:  Nearest railway station is Aluva at 110 km.

Road:  State-run and private buses are easily available to Munnar.

When to visit

April-May: Ideal time with pleasant weather.

August-November and February-March: Best time with pleasantly cold weather. December-January: Extreme winters with temperature dropping as low as three degree.

June-July: Not recommended due to excessive rains and misty weather.

 
Munnar - a refreshing treat

This hill station of Kerala is incisively a peaceful location with calm and relaxing nature and sights to behold. Come and feel the difference.