Munnar

Munnar is a popular hill station and town in the district of Idukki, in the state of Kerala, in Southern-western India. It is located at about 5,200 ft or 1,600 metres above sea level. It is situated in the southern strip of Western Ghats. It is strongly believed to have derived its name as Munnar which means “three rivers” in Malayalam language. It is a place where the confluence of the Kundaly, Nallathanni and Mudhirapuzha River happens. It is to be noted that Munnar was the summer resort and recreation hill station of the erstwhile British Government in Southern India. At present, the holiday facilities, winding lanes, picture-book towns and sprawling tea plantations make this a famous resort town.

Place to explore in Munnar:

• Eravikulam National Park – This national part is popular for its Nilgiri Tahr which is an endangered inhabitant. It is home for many species of rare butterflies, birds and animals.  It is the best place for magnificent view of the tea plantations and the rolling hills touched by blankets of mists. It is the best spot for trekking.  Within the park lies the highest peak of South India named Anamudi with height of over 2,695 m. This park is the right place to spot the exotic flora found that is named as the Neelakurinji. This particular flower will once in every twelve years largely bathes the hills station in blue. In 2018, it will bloom next.

• Mattupetty – It is situated just 13 km from the town of Munnar. It is located at a height of approximately 1700 m above seas level. It is known for its beautiful lake and storage masonry dam. The dam’s reservoir offers boat rides that are pleasurable enabling visitors to enjoy the surrounding landscape and hills. The dairy farm successfully runs by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project that gives space for understanding different breeds of cows of high yield.

• Pallivasal – It is situated nearly 3 km from Chithirapuram in the town of Munnar. In Kerala, it is the venue of the initial Hydro-electric project. As a picnic spot, it is a place of immense scenic and natural beauty.

• Chinnakanal and Anayirangal – Chinnakanal is known for Power House Waterfalls that comes with cascade down a steep rock about 2000 m above sea level. It is about 22km away from Munnar. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by evergreen forests and tea plantations.

• Munnar Top Station – It is nearly 32 km from Munnar. It is at a height of approximately 1700 m above sea level. On the Munnar-Kodaikanal road, it is the highest point. It offers the panoramic view of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.

• Tea Museum – This museum offers better understanding of the origins plus evolution of tea plantations. It was previous owned by Tata Tea. This particular Tea Museum houses photographs, curios and machineries. In Munnar, the museum is situated at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea. It is really worth a visit.

How to reach Munnar :

By Road: Munnar has good connectivity by road and bus services from Ernakulam and Kottayam from the Kerala side and Coimbatore and Madurai from the Tamil Nadu side.

By Rail: The nearest railhead is located at Angamali and Aluva.

By Air: The nearest airhead is Cochin International Airport. It is about 108 km away from Munnar.