Munnar is one of the most beautiful hill stations of south India. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft. in Idukki district of Kerala, God’s own country, Munnar used to be the summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in India. Unending expanse of tea gardens, green hills, lush forests, serene dams and melodious waterfalls… Munnar is a piece of paradise on earth.
Attractions
Here are some of the main attractions of Munnar:
1. Tata Tea Museum
If you want to see live how tea is produced, you should visit this museum. Tea in various flavours like cardamom, ginger and lemon is also offered for sale in the small outlet inside the museum.
2. CSI Church
Tourists throng this church for its unique architecture. It was built by the British in 1910. Standing on a rocky outcrop, it has beautiful stained glass and brass plaques.
3. Blossom International Park
Just 3 km from the main town of Munnar, Blossom International Park has many recreation facilities including cycling, boating, badminton, swings, roller skates and underground mediation centre. The 1000-ft high fountain in the park catches everybody’s eyes.
4. Devikulam
Located 7 km from Munnar, Devikulam is famous for Sita Devi Lake with mineral rich water. Located in cool picturesque surroundings, this is an ideal picnic spot.
5. Mattupetty
The highly specialized dairy farm, an Indo-Swiss live stock project is situated here. A short distance away from this is the beautiful Mattupetty dam. You would love to have a boat ride through the dam.
6. Rajamalai
Eravikulam National Park in Rajamalai is home to Nilgiri tahr, the rare mountain goat. Around half the world’s population of this soon becoming extinct ibex is found here.
7. Anamudi
Anamudi, the highest peak of South India is located in the southern region of the Eravikulam National Park. Trekking facilities are available.
8. Top Station
From an altitude of 1700 m, Top Station gives a spectacular view of the plains of Tamilnadu. Some of the highest tea plantations of India can be seen here. Among the exotic flora found here is the Neelakurinji flower, which blooms once in twelve years.
9. Echo Point
13 km from Munnar on the way to Top Station, Echo Point is a place on the lake embankment where you can see visitors yelling in the open to get their voice echoed by the surrounding hills.
10. Attukal
Located 9 km from Munnar, Attukal offers uninterrupted panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills. It is an ideal place for long treks.
11. Nyayamakad
Nyayamakad is the place of awesome waterfalls where you can see water falling down the hills from a height of 1600 m.
12. Pothamedu
About 6 km from Munnar, Pothamedu is a major plantation hub offering an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. Ideal for trekking and long walks.
13. Pallivasal
This place of immense scenic beauty houses the first Hydro Electric Project of Kerala.
14. Chithirapuram
Dotted with little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still carries its old world charms and attracts many tourists looking for an escape to nature.
15. Lock Heart Gap
13 km from Munnar, Lock Heart Gap is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. Kundala lake and tea plantations are nearby attractions.
16. Marayoor
The rain-shadow village of Marayoor is 40 km from Munnar. You will adore the beauty of sandalwood forests, sugarcane fields, bamboo trees, rocky hills and water falls. Muniyars or the ancient caves and the stone coffins of Neolithic times can also be seen here.
17. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
About 60 km from Munnar, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is abode to some of the interesting wildlife of Kerala. The highly endangered and extremely rare giant grizzle squirrel is the most interesting inhabitant of Chinnar. Other species like elephants, tigers, deer, bison and monkeys can also be seen from the watch tower.
Quick Facts
Location: Iduki District, Kerala, South India
Altitude: 1600 m
Temperature: 0º C to 25º C
Best time to travel: September to May
Accommodation: Munnar is a well developed travel destination. You can choose from various accommodation options of hotels, resorts and homestay.
Getting There
Munnar is well connected and easily accessible via roadway. There are no direct flights to Munnar. Cochin is the nearest airport.