Munnar
Munnar is a hill station located in the Idukki district of Kerala. It was developed for tea cultivation in India during the British rule. In the early days, only Tamil Nadu and a few Malayalees lived here. Munnar is the confluence of three rivers, Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. It features vast tea gardens, beautiful small towns, and winding highs and lows. natural beauty of Munnar is enhanced by its lush meadows, Shola forests and tea gardens. Munnar is located at an elevation of 1800 m above sea level. The average temperature is between 9 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius. Tourists visit this place from August to March.
Munnar is a place that has attracted a lot of Saipans. Top officials and managers of the plantations at that time were all British. That is why there are a number of bungalows built for them in Munnar. The monorail was established in Munnar at the beginning of the last century. It was established in 1902 as a monorail connecting to the top station at Munnar. It is from this soil that hydropower projects were paved and livestock farming was started. In 1915 number of tea estates were established in Munnar.
Best Sightseeing Places in Munnar
1.Anamudi
Anamudi is the highest peak in south India. It is located in the southern region of Eravikulam National park. Anamudi is a part of Anamalai hills, Cardamom hills and Palani hills. Anamudi peak is a destination for adventure trekkers and wildlife photographers alike. Climbing Anamudi peak requires special permission from the Forest department but no entry fees. Permission must be obtained from the Iravikulam National Park authorities in Munnar. It covers an area of 7.5 Sq Km... Anamudi is located at an elevation of 2695 meter. This Everest is part of Munnar panchayath.
2.Rajamala
Rajamala is located at a distance of 15 km from Munnar. Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Eravikulam National Park. It is a steep hill station located at an elevation of 2000 ft above sea level. The main attraction is Neelakurinji. Neelakurinji blooms every 12 years. However, the Neelakurinjis bloom from time to time.
3.Kolukkumalai
Kolukkumalai is located in the Bodinayakanur Taluk in the Theni District of Tamil Nadu. Kolukkumalai is located at an elevation of about 8000 ft above sea level. Kolukkumalai is home to some of the tallest tea gardens in the world. There is a tea factory in Kolukkumalai which is over 75 years old. Road access to Kolukkumalai, about 35 km from Munnar, is by road only from Kerala. Meesappulimalai and Thippadamalai are on the outskirts of Kolukkumalai. It is also an important place for many people to go trekking. There are also tents set up for overnight stays.
4.Eravikulam National park
Eravikulam National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Munnar. Eravikulam National Park is located at a distance of 17 km from Munnar. The main objectives of conserving endangered stripes. Major attraction of Eravikulam National park is the Neelakurinji flower. Visiting hours for Eravikulam National park 8.30am to 4pm. It takes 2 - 3 hours to visit these Eravikulam National park.
5.Lakkam Waterfalls
Lakkam waterfall is located on the Munnar - Marayoor state highway. Waterfall is only 100 meter away from the road. The uniqueness of this place is that it has clean water that does not get turbulent even during heavy rains. Lakkam waterfall is located at a distance of 24 km from Munnar and about 16 km from Marayoor under the Munnar Wildlife Department. Special features is that even small children can bathe safely. Lakkam log house is another attraction near lakkam falls.
6.Mattupetty
Mattupetty is located at a distance of 12 km from Munnar town. At 1700 m, Mattupetty has an old dam and a large reservoir. Boating is available on the lake. While boating on the lake, one can see the surrounding hills and gardens. Indo swiss cattle breeding center nearby mattupetty. It is one of the busiest tourist destinations in Munnar. Mattupetty Dam is famous for its high speed water bike riding.
7.Pothamedu View Point
Pothamedu view point is one of the important tourist destination in Munnar. Pothamedu is a small village in Munnar. Pothamedu view point is located at a distance of about 5 km from Munnar. It is also a place that attracts a lot of tourists. The most important activities here are Hiking and Trekking. It is beautiful to watch the sunset and sunrise from here.
8.Echo Point
Echo point is located at a distance of about 15 km from Munnar. Boating on the lake between the mountains and small shops are the main attractions of the place. It is also a favorite destination of trekking enthusiasts. Eco Point is an adventure center. The place has a beautiful view of tea gardens and cardamom plantations. Here we can hear the echoes of the sound we make again and again. The 600 feet high Echo Point is an ideal place for an adventure walk. Echo Point is on the way to the top station on Munnar - Kodaikanal Road.
9.Carmelagiri Elephant Park
Carmelagiri Elephant Park is located at a distance of about 7 km from Munnar. This is a place where you can ride an elephant and take a photo with the elephant. This park is located on the Munnar Mattupetty Road in the Kannandevan Hills near the Mattupetty Dam.
10.Cheeyappara Waterfalls
Cheeyappara waterfall is located on the Kochi - Dhanushkodi National Highway between Nerimangalam in Ernakulam district and Adimali in Idukki district. Cheeyappara is an important tourist destination of Munnar. The water falls in 7 layers. waterfall can be reached by traveling 20 km along the Neriamangalam -Adimali National Highway. Beautiful sight to see water splashing on the road during good monsoons. This is also a great place for trekking. This waterfall is located inside the forest so tourists can see the animals and birds.
11.Chinnakanal Falls
Chinnakanal Falls is a rocky waterfall located at an elevation of 2000 m above sea level. Also known as the Powerhouse Falls. Chinnakanal Falls, which originates from the holy river Devikulam, is surrounded by lush greenery and hills. waterfall is located in the vicinity of Munnar town. This waterfall is surrounded by the Western Ghats. It is located at a distance of 12 km from Pooppara. It is located at a distance of 16 km from Munnar.
12.Marayoor Dolmens
Dolmens believed to have been built during the Shila youga can be found in large numbers in the Marayoor-Kanthalloor region. The Dolmens were built by placing three large boulders on the ground and placing huge boulders on top of them. These dolmens are thought to have been built around 3000 BC. Shila youga ornaments and weapons have been found in large red and black pottery near the Dolmens and Underground.
13.Chokramudi
Chokramudi is a must visit place for anyone interested in trekking. These giant mountains are a paradise for nature lovers and trekkers. This hills are b 2643 Ft above sea level. Chokramudi is the third highest mountain range in North India. If you climb the mountain at around 5 in the morning, we can see a good sunrise. You have to cross three hills to reach the chokramudi. It takes about 3.5 hours to walk here. Chokramudi is located on Munnar - Devikulam road. It is located at a distance of 20 km from Munnar.
14.Rose Garden
Rose Garden has a beautiful collection of different types of roses and other flowers. Rose Garden captivates visitors, including foreign tourists. The garden has a variety of plants. More than 100 species of plants, including those brought from abroad, and their flower beds are a marvel of color. Plants that bloom in all climates are the speciality of this place. Visitors to the garden can also purchase plants. The eco-shop here sells a variety of forest products, including sandalwood oil and sandalwood powder. Rose is located at an elevation of 3500 ft above sea level. Garden also houses garden fresh vegetables, seasonal tropical fruits and natural honey with farm grown Cofee and Tea powder. Rose garden also provide Eco friendly homestay. Floriculture Center in Munnar is maintained and operated by Kerala forest development center. The timing of Rose Garden Munnar is 8 am - 5pm on all days. Garden is located on the National Highway 49. Best time to visit Rose garden in Munnar September to May. The entry fee of Rose Garden is 20 Indian Rupees per person.
15.Attukad waterfalls
Attukad waterfalls is located at a distance of 3 km from Pallivasal on the Kochi - Dhanushkodi National Highway. It is the largest waterfall in the Munnar region. Manye tourists visiting Munnar to see the waterfall , which Cascades down from a height of Over 500 FT. Attukad is a popular destination for adventure tourists. Attukad is a beautiful place with lots of streams, Cool breeze and rare flora.
16.Anayirankal Dam
Anayirankal Dam is a important tourist destination of Munnar. One side of the dam is forested and the other is surrounded by Tata tea plantations. The dam is located near the Kumily - Munnar road. Although it is a dam built to generate electricity, it attracts a lot of tourists. Anayirankal dam is located at Chinnakanal Shanthampara Panchayath, 22 km from Munnar. Dam is located on the Panniyar river.
17.TATA Tea Museum
TATA tea company also has set-up a museum in Munnar to learn all about tea. TATA tea museum is located on a Nallathanny Estate not far from the city of Munnar. If we go there , we will understand the machinery and that makes tea powder and how it works. Museum is open to visitors from 9 am to 4pm. Tourists can enter here on all other days except Monday. Visitors can buy variety of tea powder from here.
18.Kundala Dam
Kundala dam is located on the way to Munnar Top station. It is a major tourist destination of Munnar. Kundala dam is part of the Pallivasal Hydroelectric project at Muthirapuzha river as a tributary of the periyar river at Kundala dam. Dam is located at a distance of 20 km from Munnar.
19.Meesapulimala
Meesapulimala is a dream destination for adventure seekers. It is located at an elevation of 2640 M above sea level. Trekking facilities are available from Kolukkumalai to Meesapulimala. Meesapulimala is the second highest peak in the western ghats of Kerala after Anamudi. If you want to experience snow, go to Meesapulimala itself. The hilly mountains, Jungles, waterfalls and the fragments of snow that flow across the face makeup it a good experience. This is a 2000 hectares protected forest area owned by KFDC.
20.Top Station
Top station is a tourist destination located in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu. Although this place is in Tamil Nadu, the only way to reach it is through Kerala. Top station is located at an elevation of 1700 m above sea level, 35 km from Munnar town. There is a trekking track from Top Station to Kurangani Hill via Central Station. Tourists can reach this place by trekking. Top Station is the western entrance to the Palanimalai Wildlife Sanctuary. These area is famous for its rare Neelakurinjis. Kurinjimala Sanctuary is located in the vicinity. It is also a popular destination for adventure trekkers.
