Munnar is situated at the confluence
of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and
Kundala. 1600 m above sea level, this hill station was once
the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in
South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns,
winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular
resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests
and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower that
bathes the hills in blue every twelve years, will bloom
next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South
India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m.
PLACES TO VISIT
Pothamadu(6 km from Munnar)
Pothaamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and
cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush
mountain and the breathtaking scenary here are ideal for
trekking and long mountain walks
Devikulam(7 km from Munnar)
This idyllic hill stations with its velvet lawns, exotic
flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience.
The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque
surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal
for trout fishing.
Pallivasal (8 km from Munnar)
This is the venue of the first Hydro electric Project in
Kerala and a place of immense scenic beauty
Attukal (9 km from Munnar)
A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located
between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes.
The place is also ideal for long treaks.
 |
Nyayamakad(10km from Munnar)
Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land
of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill
from a height of about 1600 metres. The enchanting surroundings
make an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.
Chithirapuram(10 km from Munnar):
With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds
and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old-world charm.Home
of the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is
also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.
Mattupetty(13 km from Munnar):
Situated at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetty is known for
its highly specialised dairy farm-the Indo Swiss Livestock
Project. Over a 100 varieties of high-yielding cattle are
reared here. Visitors are allowed into 3 of the 11 cattle
sheds at the farm.
Visiting time: 0900-1100
hrs and 1400-1530 hrs. Rate Rs.5 per head. Telephone:04865-230389.
The Mattupetty lake and dam, just a short
distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot.The
sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are
other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides
boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam.Speed launch and
motorboats are available on hire.
Lock Heart Gap (13km from Munnar)
This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking.
The fresh mountain air, the mistclad hills and panoramic
view make it worthy of visit.
Rajamala (15km from Munnar)
This is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri tahr. Half the
world population of the rare mountain goat (Hemitragas bylocres)
which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here. The Nilgiri
tahrs are today redused to small herds found in the Eravikulam-Rajamala
region. The total number of Nilgiri tahrs in Rajamala is
estimated at 1317.
|
Echo Point (15 km from Munnar)
This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon
here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Stations from Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar)
The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam taluk and
is home to the Nilgiri tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695m) is
located in the southern region of the park.
Power House waterfalls (18 km from Munnar)
This waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades
down a steep rock, 2000m above sea level. The spot is enriched
with the scenic western mountain ranges, and is an ideal
place for a break on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
in Thekkady.
Kundala (20 km from Munnar)
Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Stations.
The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is located
here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction.Aruvikkad
waterfalls is also near Kundala.
EXCURSIONS FROM MUNNAR
|
Anayirankal (22km from
Munnar)
It is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid
reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirankal
Dam is surrounded by the Tata Tea Plantations and evergreen
forests. It is an ideal picnic spot.
Top station (32 km from Munnar)
1700 m above sea level, this is the highest point on the
Munnar-Kodaikanal road. The rare Nilakurinji (strobilanthus)
belongs to this region. This plant blooms wants every 12
years bathing the hill sides in bright blue. Top Station
also offers a panoramic view of the neighboring state of
Tamilnadu.
Marayoor (40 km from Munnar)
This is the only place in Kerala that has natural growth
of sandal wood trees. The sandal wood factory of the forest
department, the caves (Muniyaras) with 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 tourist's. Thoovanam
waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also near
by.
Cheeyappara
The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between
Nariamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi Madurai highway.
The Cheeyappara waterfalls cascade down in seven steps.
It is a real feast for the eyes. This is also a great place
for trekking.
|
Meenuli
It is noted for two acres of evergreen forests upon a huge
Rock. The rock is more than 500 acres in area and is an
ideal spot for mountaineering
Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary (60 km from Munnar)
Situated on the Tamilnadu Boarder, The Chinnar wild life
sanctuary is spread across 90.44 Sq.km.
