Location – Idukki district, Kerala
Major tourist attractions – dense forests, deep valleys,trekking and high mountains
Languages – Malayalam, Hindi and English
Munnar lies at an altitude of more than 1525 meters in the Gods own country, Kerala. It is situated at the convergence of three mountain streams Nallathanni, Kundala and Mudrapuzha. This hill resort is also known as queen of hill station because of pristine beauty and cool ambiance. The place is famous for its winding lanes, lush green surroundings, waterfalls, reservoirs, tea plantations, forests and streams. This hill town is blessed with virgin natural beauty and bounty. The picturesque greenery attracts thousands of tourists every year from all around the world. It illuminates with thousands of lights in the night and provides panoramic views to eye. It provides popular gateway from the bustle as well as hustle of city life.
The mist filled valleys and low flying clouds offer magnificent views to the visitors. The place is famous for rare flower of Neela Kurinji, which blooms for only one time in twelve year. Tourists will smell aroma of species in the cool air of the hill town. It is also major tea trade center and more than thirty tea gardens are located here. It was summer capital of British officers in the colonial days. Tourists can see British bungalows with their original charm. It is also heaven for adventure activities like hang gliding, para gliding and rock climbing. Tourists can enjoy here natural walk through charming forests trails to relax soul as well as mind.
Mustsee tourist attractions
Echo point is picturesque destination and surrounded by lush green hills. It is ideal spot for nature walks and trekking. Tourists can enjoy pleasure of their voice coming back. It offers panoramic view and best place to disembark from scream and shriek. Mist clad hills and clean mountain air makes it worth visiting place. It offers enchanting view of valleys and attractive landscapes.
Tea museum has rich legacy as well as it showcases exquisite and interesting aspects of genesis and growth about tea plantation. Tourists will get detail story of origin of tea plantation and processing. This estate dates back to second century. Old photographs, machinery and curious are displayed here.
Christ church is one of the major landmarks of hill town and built in the year 1910. It is well known for its European style of architecture. It is important pilgrimage center and devotees around the world come here to celebrate Christmas.
Eravikulam national park is also known as Rajamalai national park. It is well known for its healthy population of flora as well as fauna. It was established for the preservation of rare Niligirir tahr. Tourists can spot also spot other mammals like tiger, wild dog, ruddy mongoose, leopard and dusky striped squirrel. This place is home to 12o different species of the birds.
Mattupetty Lake is beautiful picnic spot to spend day with family. The place is surrounded by lush green mountain cliffs, shola forests and green grasslands. Tourists can enjoy boating in the crystal clear lake water. Slow speed boats and motorboats are available for boating.
Nyayamakad waterfall is surrounded by picturesque location and offers breathtaking view to the visitors. The crystal clear white water falls down from a height of 1600 meters. It is an ideal place for trekking.
Things to do
Trekking is favorite adventure activity in Munnar and many people come here to do trekking only. Tourists can catch the spectacular sights of lakes, streams, enthralling landscapes and deep valleys. Trekking programs are arranged by forest department and well trained guide is always with trekkers.
White water rafting provides thrilling experience to the adventure lovers. It is three hours program and well trained guide is provided.
Mountain biking is good to remove fears. It is challenging and biker can see breathtaking view of deep valleys. The path passes through winding tea plantations and it is life time thrilling experience.
Climate
Munnar has a moderate weather for the entire year. Winters are very clod here and temperature falls down up to 10 degrees. Summers are pleasant and temperature ranges between 20 to 32 centigrade. Monsoons receive pouring rain falls. All adventurous activities are closed in the monsoon.
Best time to visit
The hill town is always green. Best time to visit this place is from October to May. This period is good for sightseeing and enjoying adventure activities.
How to reach
By road – it is well connected with other cities of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Daily bus services are available from all major cities of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
By rail – Angamaly is nearest railway station to reach the town, at a distance of 120 kilometers. Angamaly is important railway station and well connected by daily trains with other cities of the country.
By air – Cochin international airport is nearest airport to reach this hill station by flight, at a distance of 125 kilometers. Cochin is well connected with regular flights with many cities of India and abroad.