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Munnar is located in the eastern part of the state of Kerala,India.It is 130
km east of Kochi and borders the state of Tamil Nadu. One of the most popular
hill stations in India, is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams
- Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.
Munnar, a quiet and restful resort at an altitude of 1524 meters 136 km off
Cochin, lies snuggled in the green and serene Kannan Devan Hills.It is famous
for its lush green surroundings, lakes, reservoirs, forests, and tea estates.
The quiet environs of Munnar attract the traveler to relax in the lap of Mother
Nature Panoramic views of low-flying clouds and mist filled valleys make it a
haven with a cool bracing climate. Part of its charm lies in the fact that it
was opened up out of virgin forests a century ago by pioneering planters.
Munnar also beacons the adventure-seeking traveler, who is interested in
paragliding. It has some of the highest tea estates in the world.
Around 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.
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.
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.
Lock Heart Gap (13 km from Munnar) : This is an ideal place for adventure
tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic
view make it worthy of a visit.
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.
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 Station from
Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar) : It was declared as a
sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological
and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. It
covers an area of 97 sq kms of rolling grasslands and high level sholas
(evergreen forests).
The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best
mountain ranges found anywhere in the world. The park is divided into 3 regions
- the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area.
Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area, which is in the Rajamala region.
The Nilgiri Tahr can be observed at close quarters here. Trekking facilities are
available here. Tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi. This is also a
place for adventure tourism.
Trekking Areas : Anamudi, Rajamala.
Power House or Chinnakanal Waterfalls (18 km from Munnar) : The waterfall
on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock 2000 m 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 Station. The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is located here. The
Kundala artificial dam is another attraction. Aruvikkad Waterfall is also near
Kundala.
Anayirangal (22 kms from Munnar) : It's a lush green carpet of tea
plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The
Anayirangal dam is surrounded by Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests. It
is an ideal picnic spot.
Devikulam (7 kms from Munnar) : This idyllic hill station with its velvet
lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air offers a rare experience
to visitors. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque
surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.
Valara (10 kms from Adimali on the Kochi-Madurai highway) : Valara has a
chain of waterfalls surrounded by thick green forests.
Marayoor (40 kms from Munnar) : This is the only place in Kerala that has
a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The sandalwood factory of the forest
department, the caves (muniyaras) with the 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 tourists. Thoovanam
waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also nearby.
Getting there :
By Air : Near by airports are at Kochi (130 kms) and Madurai (142 kms).
By Train :Nearest railway stations are at Kochi and Kottayam.
By Road :The place is well connected by a well developed network of road
transport.
General Information :
Altitude: 5000-8000 Feet Above Sea Level.
Area: 26.2 sq. kms.
Rainfall: 275 cms.
Temperature: Summer: Max: 25.8°C, Min: 15.2°C, Winter: Max: 10°C, Min: 0°C
Clothing: Winter: Woollen, Summer: Cotton
Languages : Malayalam and English
Best time to visit : October–March.
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