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Munnar

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Location

Munnar is a hill station located at an altitude of 5000 to 8000 feet above sea level. It is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams, namely, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities make Munnar a popular resort town. It was also once the summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in South India.

Munnar has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi, towering over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking. The high ranges of Munnar were earlier known as Kannan Devan Hills, named after a certain Kannan Devan, who was a landlord in the Anchanad Valley on the eastern side of the district. The main crops cultivated in Munnar are tea and coffee. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands in Munar is the Neelakurinji.

The best time to visit Munnar is between the months of October to March. Travellers must avoid the monsoon season while visiting Munnar.

How to Reach

By air: The nearest airport at Kochi is 130 km west of Munnar.

By rail: The railway station is also at Kochi.

By road: Munnar is accessible by road from most towns in Kerala.

Tourist Attractions

Anamudi: It is the highest peak (2695 m) south of the Himalayas towering over the sanctuary in majestic pride. The Anamudi slopes abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park. Other rare species of fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers etc

Eravikulam National Park: The Eravikulam National Park, spread over 97 sq km, stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and shoals in the Rajamalai hills. It also serves as the sanctuary for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrious).

Mattupetty: The Mattupetty dam and lake (reservoir) serve as beautiful picnic spots with the panoramic view of tea plantations and the lake. Boating facilities are available in the reservoir. Mattupetty, situated at a height of 1700 m above the sea level, is also famous for its highly specialized Indo-Swisss livestock project. The Shola forests in and around Mattupetty are ideal for trekking and serve as habitat for a variety of birds. Rivulets and cascades crisscrossing the terrain add to the attraction of Mattupetty.

Rajamalai Hills: Rajamala Hills are the natural habitat of the endangered mountain goat of South India, Nilgiri Tahr. Half of the world population of this rare mountain goat is found here.

Echo Point: One can experience a natural echo phenomenon at the Echo Point which offers beautiful panoramic views.