It is one of the attractions that contributed to Kerala's popularity as a travel destination among domestic and foreign travellers. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, and perched about 1600 m above sea level, the hill station of Munnar once used to be the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in south India.
This hill station is marked by vast expanses
of tea plantations, colonial bungalows, rivulets, waterfalls and cool
weather. It is also an ideal destination for trekking and mountain
biking.
Let us now explore some of the options in
and around Munnar that would provide travellers ample opportunities to
enjoy the captivating hill station of Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park
One of the main attractions near Munnar is the Eravikulam National Park. Located about 15 km from Munnar, this park is famous for its endangered inhabitant - the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mists. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years. The last time it bloomed was in 2006.
One of the main attractions near Munnar is the Eravikulam National Park. Located about 15 km from Munnar, this park is famous for its endangered inhabitant - the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mists. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years. The last time it bloomed was in 2006.
Located inside the Eravikulam National Park is the Anamudi Peak. This is the highest peak in south India standing at a height of over 2700 m. Treks to the peak are allowed with permission from the Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam.
Mattupetty
Another place of interest, located about 13 km from
Munnar Town, is Mattupetty. Situated at a height of 1700 m above sea
level, Mattupetty is known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful
lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides, enabling one to enjoy the
surrounding hills and landscape. Mattupetty's fame is also attributed to
the dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, where one would
come across different high yielding breeds of cows. Mattupetty with its
lush green tea plantations, rolling grasslands and the Shola forests is
also ideal for trekking and is home to a variety of birds.
Pallivasal
Pallivasal, located at about 3 km from Chithirapuram in Munnar is the venue of the first Hydro-electric project in Kerala. It is a place of immense scenic beauty and is often favoured by visitors as a picnic spot.
Chinnakanal
Near the town of Munnar
is Chinnakanal and the waterfalls here, popularly known as Power House
Waterfalls, cascade down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot
is enriched with the scenic view of the Western Ghat ranges.
Anayirangal
When you have traveled about seven kilometers from
Chinnakanal, you reach Anayirangal. Anayirangal, 22 km from Munnar, is a
lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an
unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by tea
plantations and evergreen forests.
Top Station
Top Station, which is about 32 km from Munnar is at a height of 1700 m above sea level. It is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. Travellers to Munnar make it a point to visit Top Station to enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the spots in Munnar to enjoy the Neelakurinji flowers blooming over a vast area.
Tea Museum
Munnar has a legacy of its own when it comes to the
origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy
and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting
aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's high
ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata
Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and
machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth
of tea plantations in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni
Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit.
Getting there:
Nearest railway stations: Theni (Tamil Nadu), about 60 km away; Aluva about 110 km away.
Nearest airports: Madurai (Tamil Nadu), about 140 km away; Nedumbassery International Airport, about 125 km away.
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