“ ALL ABOUT MUNNAR "

Munnar is a small hill station set amongst the 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. Munnar also beacons the adventure-seeking traveler, who is interested in paragliding. It has some of the highest tea estates in the world. One of the most popular hill stations in India, Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 Mts above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience. Munnar is essentially a tea town. The tea plantations have now been taken over by the Tata Tea Company. The visitor is greeted with miles and miles of unending tea plantations on entry into Munnar. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Nilakurunji a flower which bathes the hills in blue colour once in twelve years. The Neelakurinji, will bloom next in 2018 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi - which towers over 2695 Mts and is an ideal spot for campers who like to do some trekking.

Munnar is located in the eastern part of the state of Kerala, in the southern region of India, amongst the craggy hills of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 1524 m above sea level. It is 130 km east of Kochi and borders the state of Tamil Nadu. The weather in Munnar is pleasant. Summers (April-June) are mild, while winters (November-February) are cool. It experiences heavy southwestern monsoon rains in June-August. The best time to visit Munnar is between the months of October to March. Travelers must avoid the monsoon season while visiting Munnar

Travelers can have panoramic view of the verdant surroundings and forested hills from Munnar. Walks and hiking around this small town offer an exhilarating experience. Travelers can also enjoy walking amongst the numerous tea estates of Munnar and view the entire process of making tea, right from plucking of tealeaves to their processing at the Kundale tea plantation. Anaimudi (2,695 m), the highest peak in southern India, can be viewed from Munnar. The Christ Church is an important place to visit in Munnar. Built of stone, it was constructed by the British in 1910. This church is known for its stain glass windows. It has a number of brass plaques in memory of the tea planters. The National Adventure Foundation conducts a course on paragliding in Munnar. Travelers can also enjoy boating in the lakes in Munnar.

“HOW TO REACH MUNNAR"

By Air

The journey followed by the great roads, embroidered by trees all around, can be a great scenic experience while reaching Silvassa. Vapi, the nearest railway station is 18 kms away to Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Bhilad is just 12 kms away. Mumbai is 180 kms and Surat is 145 kms distant from Silvassa, via By Air

Munnar town is 115 kms from Nedumbassery international airport at Kochi, the Queen of the Arabian Sea and 170 kms from the airport at Madurai. .

By Bus

Munnar bus station is located on the main street, Main Bazaar. Kochi - takes about 4 1/2 hours. Buses leave Kochi between 06:00 - 13:00. There are also buses from Coimbatore and Pollachi. .

By Car

From Kochi: Munnar is 140 km (about 3 hours) from Kochi. Remember to budget a good 6 hours if you are driving up or down, since the road is blind in some places and there are a lot of trucks and buses that seem to drive as if they own the road. Although the road is smooth (NH 49), it is narrow, twisty and curvy. Kothamangalam is on the way and is 80 km away from Munnar. Between Kothamangalam and next town "Adimali", you can experience a beautiful cool drive through a natural forest. Alongside, you can see many refreshing waterfalls. Once you reach Adimali, Munnar is just 30 kilometers away - but it will take almost an hour to reach. Around 22 kilometers from Adimali, you can start seeing the tea plantations on both sides of the road and a panoramic view of the western ghats. The view is extremely beautiful during the early mornings. • From Coimbatore: Munnar is about 160 km from Coimbatore and 120 km from Pollachi. Coimbatore- Pollachi-Udumalpet-Chinnar-Marayur-Munnar route is the most scenic route and though it will take bit longer, it is generally considered worth the extra time spent. • From Kodaikanal: Kodaikanal is nearly 170 km from Munnar. [ Kodaikanal - Perumal Malai - Mayiladum Parai - Mooliyaru - Oothu - Falls View - Ganguvarpetty - Ghat Road - Periya Kulam - Theni - Bodi - Bodimettu - Devikulam - Munnar]. This route is also scenic. Distances from Munnar to various cities: • Thekkady - 106 km • Pollachi - 118 km • Cochin - 145 km • Coimbatore - 160 km • Alleppey - 180 km • Kumarakom - 200 km .

“ PLACES TO SEE IN  & AROUND MUNNAR "

Tourist Places in Munnar

Travelers can have panoramic view of the verdant surroundings and forested hills from Munnar. Walks and hiking around this small town offer an exhilarating experience. Travelers can also enjoy walking amongst the numerous tea estates of Munnar and view the entire process of making tea, right from plucking of tealeaves to their processing at the Kundale tea plantation.Anaimudi (2,695 m), the highest peak in southern India, can be viewed from Munnar.The Christ Church is an important place to visit in Munnar. Built of stone, it was constructed by the British in 1910. This church is known for its stain glass windows. It has a number of brass plaques in memory of the tea planters.The National Adventure Foundation conducts a course on paragliding in Munnar. Travelers can also enjoy boating in the lakes in Munnar.

Mattupetty

Situated at a height of 1700 Mts , Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialized dairy farm, the Indo-swiss live stock project. Over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm Visit Time : 0900 - 1100 hrs and 1400 - 1530 hrs. Rate : Rs. 5/- per head. ( liable to change) 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 slow speed motor boats are available on hire.

Pothamedu

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

Devikulam

Devikulam (7 km from Munnar) This idyllic hill station 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

Pallivasal (8 km from Munnar)This is the venue of the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala and a place of immence scenic beauty.Nagaon Beach is a beautiful beach situated 7 km from Alibaug on Alibaug-Revdanda route in the Raigad District of Maharashtra. The beach is surrounded by suru trees and cypress grove and is visited by number of tourists for its clean water. Water sports like boat ride, kayaking.

Attukal

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.Mandwa Beach is located 20 km north of Alibaug and is thronged by number of tourists. The village of Mandwa, which is also located nearby, attracts visitors due to the presence of dense coconut trees. Chaul is also a popular tourist spot situated near the beach

Nyayamakad

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

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.

Lock Heart Gap

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

Rajamala (15 km from Munnar)The natural habitat of the Niligiri tahr, Rajamal is 2695 Mts 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 Niligiri tahr in Rajamala are now to be found in small herds found in Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Niligiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated to be over 1300.Visiting Time : 0700 - 1800 hrs.Visitors are not allowed during the monsoon. Entry Pass : Rs. 10 for adults, Rs. 5 for children below 12 years, Rs. 50 for foreigners.( liable to change) Permitting Authority : Wild Life DFO, Munnar.

Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar)The 97 sq.km park is situated in Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695 Mts) is located in the Southern region of the park.Originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex), the Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. 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.

Anayirangal

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.

Marayoor

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

Hill Top Station

Top Station (32 kms from Munnar) 1700 Mts above sea level , this is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodiakanal road. The rare Neelakurunji (strobilanthus) belongs to this region. Top Station (a viewing point) also offers a panoramic view of neighbouring state of Tamil nadu.

Echo Point

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.

Thommankuthu Waterfalls

Thommankuthu waterfalls (17 kms from Thodupuzha) The seven step waterfall here is a much loved picnic spot . At each step there is a cascade and a pool beneath . Thommankuthu is an ideal place for adventure tourism. (This is also a tricky spot and visitors are advised to exercise caution !)

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (60 km from Munnar) Situated on the Tamil Nadu border, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 90.44 sq km.Most of the Southern Indian wild animals and birds can be found in this forest. These include the grizzled giant squirrel, champal squirrel, elephant, sambar deer, gaurJungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl etc.

Best Time to Visit Munnar

You can visit Munnar throughout the year except the Kerala monsoon in June/July. The weather is extremely cold during winter (December/January). Take extra woolen garments during heavy winter season.