Munnar is a beautiful getaway landscaped with tea plantations, hills, lakes, forests and winding
walks. Located at an altitude of 1,829 m, it is home to South India's highest peak called Anamudi,
standing 2,695 m tall. It is also an important commercial centre in the Idukki district.
The economy of Munnar thrives primarily from its vast tea estates and coffee plantations. Tourism
is also another contributor.
Often referred to as the Kashmir of South India, Munnar offers tourists a mix of relaxation and
adventure amidst beautiful landscapes. The word Munnar in Tamil means three rivers. Munnar is
located where the rivers Mudrapuzha, Nallathani and Kundala converge, and so the name.
The history of Munnar can be traced back to the 10th century, which is its recorded history;
although various relics that have been discovered point to its existence in the Stone Age. Around the
17th century the people of Tamil origin known as Muthuvans came and settled in Munnar and the
nearby areas. It was also around the same time when the first European, the Duke of Wellington
was said to have visited this place. Munnar flourished under the British rule, when it was developed
for tea plantations and as a favourite summer retreat.
 Tata Tea Museum: Nearby is a fascinating place where you can witness the entire process of tea production, its processing and tea tasting.
 Mattupetty Dam: 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.
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: 18 km from Munnar and on the way to Thekkady, gushes down a steep
cliff 2000 m high. It is an ideal place to take a break on the way to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
 Eravikulam National Park : is 15 kms from Munnar. Covering an area of 97 sq kms, it lies in the
Rajamalai hills and is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat of South India.
Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary : Two kms from the National Park is the Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary,
also 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.
 Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: also known as the Thattekad 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.
Trekking Spots: 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.
The famous peak of Anamudi, rich in its varied species of flora and fauna, is another favourite of
trekkers, but needs some experience in this field.
Excursions: Top Station, 37kms from Munnar, offers captivating views of the Western Ghats, and is the best lace
to see the Neelakurunji plant when it flowers once every twelve years.
You could head to the artificial lake called Malankara Reservoir, 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. |
