Munnar is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala. Popularly called the Kashmir the south Munnar is a mesmerising paradise is located in Idukki district at an altitude of 1600 meter. Marked by beautiful valleys, lush green fields and forests, streams, captivating waterfalls, wild sanctuary, palm-fringed backwaters, sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, misty mountains and cliffs Munnar was the favoured summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in in the colonial days.
Munnar is at the confluence of three rivers Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers. In Tamil, the word 'munnu' means "three" and 'aar' means "river". Hence the name "Munnar”. Munnar experiences a temperature of maximum of 25°C to minimum of 15°C during summer and during winter temperature comes down to 10°C.
Top Tourist Places to Visit in Munnar (Kerala)
Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park is 15 km from Munnar. Spread over 97 sq. km in the Kannan devan hills this is a sanctuary for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrious). Other little known species of fauna like Nilgiri marten, ruddy mongoose, small clawed otter, dusky striped squirrel etc. can be found here.
Mattupetty
Mattupetty is situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level. It is at a distance of about 13 km from Munnar Town. This is a storage masonry dam to conserve water for hydroelectricity. The beautiful lake here is a popular picnic spot with activities like boating and horse riding. The place is also known for dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project.
Anamudi Peak
Anamudi Peak is located in the southern region of Eravikulam National Park. It is the highest peak in the Western Ghats in India at a height of 2,695 metres. Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world can be found here. This serves as an ideal place for trekking.
Pallivasal
Pallivasal is the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala. Located at about 3 km from Munnar this place is favourite picnic spot because of its scenic beauty.
Tea Museum
Located in the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea is a museum exclusively for tea. Tea Museum was opened by Tata Tea. The museum houses many curios, photographs and machineries each of which depict the growth of tea plantations in Munnar. One can also learn about tea production and get Information on machineries and tea processing along with tea tasting.
Top Station
This place is about 40 Km away from Munnar and is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. It is home to some of the highest tea plantations in India. Top station offers a panoramic view of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.
Marayoor
Situated around 40 km away from Munnar Marayoor it is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood trees. Ancient dolmens and rock paintings in Marayoor belonging to the megalithic age is a must watch. Pre historic cave paintings can be seen in Ezhuthupara, located inside the Marayoor Forest Range.
Chinnar wildlife sanctuary
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at a distance of 60km and is paradise for the trekkers. It is home for nearly a thousand species of flowering plants and to a wide variety of animal and bird species. It has the largest number of reptile fauna including the mugger crocodile. Thoovanam waterfall is also located inside the sanctuary.
Apart from these places there are many other sightseeing locations like Devikulam, CSI Church, Anamudi, Kundala, Cheeyappara, Nyayamakad, Lock Heart Gap etc. which are worth visiting.
Munnar is well connected and the nearest cities are Cochin, Coimbatore and Madurai which are well connected by Rail and Air from rest of the country. The nearest airport to Munnar is the Cochin International Airport at a distance of around 119 km. Nearest railway station is Ernakulam Junction which is about 120 km from Munnar. Munnar has 4 major roads namely Kochi road, Thekkady road, Top Station road and Marayoor road. Bus services are available from all major bus stations in the state offered by KSRTC and other private authorities.
From government approved to private run resorts and hotels Munnar offers a wide range of accommodation options in all categories. You can find resorts, five star, three star as well as budget hotels in Munnar that provide quality accommodation to tourists. Many also offer online booking facility as well as tourist packages.