MUNNAR

Munnar, one of the finest hill stations in India, doesn’t need much of an introduction. Literally, in Tamil, Munnar means three rivers. The three mountain streams which gird the place are Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.
Situated at a height of about 1800 mts above the sea level, Munnar has a temperate climate round the year.

Sprawling tea plantations, mist-clad hills, picturesque towns, exotic wildlife, placid lakes, winding wild streams, waterfalls and much much more make this an ideal tourist destination. Among the rare flora are the Neelakurinji plants (strobilanthus) which blossom once in every twelve years and drown the place with a unique charm.

As for wildlife, you can spot Nilgiri langur, sambhar, gaur, elephant, lion-tailed macaques, and, of course, the Nilgiri tahr, an endangered species of wild goat with melting eyes. With utter disregard for the amazed gaze of the tourists, the herds of Nilgiri Tahr are seen frolicking on the slopes.
The tallest peak in peninsular India, Anamudi, can be viewed from Munnar town.
It is the climatic peculiarities that make Munnar one of the most captivating tourist-spots in India. The fact that the place was the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India adds to its reputation.

PLACES TO VISIT

Devikulam
It is situated seven kilometers away from Munnar. According to the legend, Sita devi, the wife of Lord Ram, once took a bath at the pond here and hence it is known as Devikulam or the Pond of the Goddess. The pond is also ideal for trout fishing

This idyllic hill station with velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air would be a rare experience to visitors.

Marayoor
Situated 40 kms from Munnar, it is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The sandalwood factory of the State Forest Department, the caves (muniyaras) with the murals and relics from the New Stone Age civilization and the children's park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single banyan tree, are of great interest to tourists. Near it is the Thoovanam waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park.

Rajamala
The place is situated 15 kilometers away from Munnar and is the natural habitat of the rare mountain goat called Nilgiri tahr. The place is 2695 m above the sea level. Half the world's population of tahr, which is fast becoming extinct, can be found here. Small herds of tahr can be found in the Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Nilgiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated to be over 1300. Visitors are not allowed to the place during the monsoon season.

Eravikulam National Park
The park, which has an area of 97 sq kilometer, is situated 15 kilometers away from Munnar. It was originally established to protect Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex). The tallest peak in peninsular India, Anamudi (2695 m) is located in the Southern region of the park.

It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975, and later, in 1978, it was declared as a National Park. The place 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.

Kundala
It is a picturesque town on the way to Top Station and is just 20 kilometers away from Munnar. Tata Tea Ltd. has a Golf Course here. The artificial dam near here is another attraction. Aruvikkad Waterfall is also near the place.

Mattupetti
The place is famous for the highly specialised dairy farm which is an Indo-Swiss venture. Over a 100 varieties of high-yielding cattle are reared here. Visiting some of the cattle-sheds is allowed.

Near the dairy is a beautiful Mattupetty lake and dam which are favourites with most of the tourists. DTPC provides boating facilities on the dam. The dam is flanked by the vast expanse of Kundala tea plantation on one side and open grass lands and small hillocks on the other.

Echo Point
On the way to Top Station from Munnar is this scenic place which gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. It is about 15 km from Munnar.

Top Station
The place is Situated 40 km away from Munnar. Here the visitor would get a spectacular view of the plains of the neighbouring state, Tamil Nadu.

Chithirapuram
Situated 10 km away from Munnar, the place with its sleepy-looking cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still retains an old world charm. Near here is the Pallyvasal Hydel Power Project. This hill town is also famous for picturesque tea plantations.

GETTING TO THE PLACE:

Munnar is accessible only by road.
Nearest airport : Kochi International Airport
Nearest railway station : Aluva
Bus service is available from all major nearby towns like Kochi and Kottayam.