Munnar
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams namely Mudrapuzha,
Nallathanni and Kundala.
This hill station, located at an altitude of 1600 m above sea level,
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 is the 'Neelakurinji'.
This flower which 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. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
How to Get There
Air
Near by airports are at Kochi (130 kms) and Madurai (142 kms).
Rail
Nearest railway stations are at Kochi and Kottayam.
Road
The place is well connected by a well developed network of road transport.
Major Attractions of Munnar
Mattupetti
(13 km from Munnar) Situated at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetti is famous
for its highly specialised dairy farm, the Indo-swiss live stock project.
Over 100 varietes of high yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are
allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm.
The Mattupetti 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 slow speed motor boats
are available on hire.
Pothamedu
(6 km from Munnar) Pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee
and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain
and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain
walks.
Pallivasal
(8 km from Munnar) This is the venue of the first Hydro Electric Project
in Kerala and a place of immence scenic beauty.
Nyayamakad
(10 km 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 meters. The enchanting surroundings makes 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 Pallyvasal
Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea
plantations.
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 treks.
Rajamala
(15 km from Munnar) The natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr,Rajamala is
2695 m above sea level. Half the world's population of the rare mountain
goat or tahr, which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here. The Nilgiri
Tahr in Rajamala is now to be found in small herds found in Eravikulam-Rajamala
region. The total number of Nilgiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated to be
over 1300. Visitors are not allowed during the monsoon.
Places to stay in Munnar
Windermere Estate.
Mahindra Resorts.
Fort Munnar.
Periyar Mist Valley.
Bluemount, Chinnakal.
Royal Retreat.
Elseem Garden.
Western Cottage.
Marthoma Rest House.
Misha Tourist Home.
Idukki Tower, Thodupuzha.
Gemini Tourist Home, Thodupuzha.
Munnar Reservation Form
