Munnar, a hill station on the Western Ghats has lakes, reservoirs, forests and tea estates. It is called the Nature-Lovers's Paradise. It stands at the confluence of three rivers - the Muthirappuzh, Nallathanni and Kundala. Moonu in tamil means "three" and aar "river". It is a major center of Kerala's tea industry. So this is what it feels to be utterly,deliciously sinfully colonial,you will find yourself wondering,as you soak in the neat arrays of verdant green,dotted with the red and blues and violets of the women who are plucking tea leaves….Tea plantations,trout-filled streams,placid lakes,picnic spots at each bend of the winding road,trekking routes that take you to the highest peak in South India….Munnar.
Location: Idukki District, Kerala
Altitude: 1600 m Above sea level.
Climatic Conditions....It receives heavy rain during the months of June to September.
Best time to visit...anytime of the year besides the monsoons that last from June to September.
The airport at Cochin/Kochi caters to the air transportation to Munnar. It is the nearest airport at a distance of 130 km from Munnar. The railway station nearest to Munnar also happens to be that of Cochin-Kochi. The excellent road network links the hill resort of Munnar with the other important places of Kerala. It is well connected with places in Tamil Nadu also like Madurai and Coimbatore.
Attractions:
Mattupetti (13 km from Munnar): Situated at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetti is famous for its highly specialised dairy farm, the Indo-swiss live stock project. Over 100 varietes of high yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm. The Mattupetti 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 and slow speed motor boats are available on hire.
Pothamedu (6 km from Munnar): Pothamedu 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.
Pallivasal (8 km from Munnar):This is the venue of the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala and a place of immence scenic beauty.
Attukal (9 km from Munnar): 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 (10 km from Munnar): Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters. The enchanting surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.
Chithirapuram (10 km from Munnar): With its 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.
Lock Heart Gap (13 km from Munnar): This 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.
Rajamala (15 km from Munnar): The natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr,Rajamala is 2695 m above sea level. Half the world's population of the rare mountain goat or tahr, which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here. The Nilgiri Tahr in Rajamala is now to be found in small herds found in Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Nilgiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated to be over 1300. Visitors are not allowed during the monsoon.
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.
Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar): The 97 sq. kms park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr.
The Anamudi peak (2695 m) is located in the Southern region of the park. Originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex), the Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. It covers an area of 97 sq kms of rolling grasslands and high level sholas.(evergreen forests)The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world. The park is divided into 3 regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area, which is in the Rajamala region. The Nilgiri Tahr can be observed at close quarters here. Trekking facilities are available here. Tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi. This is also a place for adventure tourism.
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