The phrase “Gods own country” for Kerala, is incomplete without MUNNAR.
Located about 1600 m above sea level and in an area of 26.2 sq. km., Munnar lies in the Western Ghats of South India joining the borders of Tamil Nadu and eastern parts of Central Kerala.
Munnar lies in the amalgamation of Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala mountains. Munnar is a hill station located in the Idukki district of Kerala; India. It beckons the famous Kannan Devan Hills.
With several tea bushes in its pocket, Munnar is world famous for its exotic tea plantation. Breathtaking landscape of gentle slopes, with twisty and winding water course, all dappled with fertile, blossoming flora and fauna, is what Munnar well-known for. Its majestic structural design amalgamates with nature, enclosed by mammoth trees, captivating mountains, exclusive plants and cool climate.
Munnar has rare species of herbs, flowers and animals which do not exist in any part of the world. Example: Neelakurinji. This flower blossoms every 12 years and paints the mountain in blue. It will blossom again in 2018.
ACCESSIBILITY
Munnar is easily accessible by air, roads and rails.
Road => Munnar is easily reachable from all major towns and cities like Tiruvanthapuram, Kochi, Thekaddy in Kerala and Palani, Madurai and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu through KSRTC and private buses.
Railway => Munnar is connected through all major railway stations. It is just 4 hours away from Ernakulum Railway Station.
Airways => Munnar is 4 hours 30 minutes away from Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (130 km).
CLIMATE
Best time to visit Munnar would be September to March. The climate is pleasant throughout except for June, July and August due to heavy rains.
Temperature in Munnar is always between 0°C - 25° C
Summer: 15.2°C - 25°C
Winter: 0°C - 10°C
PLACES TO VISIT
Anaimudi: Highest peak in southern India.
Eravikulam National Park: Located in Devikulam Taluk is home to the Nilgiri Tahr, one of the rare species of mountain goat that is slowing getting extinct.
Marayoor: You will find serene ambience and splendor of a sandalwood forest
Kundala Dam- Famous for pedal boats and Kashmiri Shikara, Kundala Dam is an artificial reservoir which is an arc shaped dam. The top of the dam gives an incredible view of the area.
Tea Museum: Situated at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea, Tea museum is a respectable accolade to the heritage of the place. This tea museum has a rare and exquisite collection of photographs, mechanism and other relic that have been utilized since olden times. It’s because of the uphill struggle, devotion and commitment of the people in Munnar that has made this museum a massive accomplishment.
Mattupetty Dam: Positioned at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level and 13 km drive from Munnar, Mattupetty Dam is a spectacular hill station with scenic beauty enclosed by hills and tea estates. You will find wide range of high yield cattle fostered here. Tourist can enjoy the picturesque beauty along with boating facility that includes speed, row and pedal boats.
Top Station: The name says it all. At the highest point and around 1 hour drive from Munnar, Top station lies at the peak and has the highest tea plantation. Located at the borders of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Top Station is well known for the rare flower Neelakurinji that blossoms once every twelve years.
Attukadu Waterfalls: A perfect picnic spot, Attukadu Waterfalls is surrounded amidst beautiful countryside tea plantation and hills. Ideal for trekking, it is located between Munnar and Pallivasal
Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary: Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary is one of twelve Wildlife Sanctuaries that are considered protected areas by Kerala. Located 60 kms from Munnar, you will find wide variety of reptiles, animals like tigers, elephants, deers, monkeys etc and extensive vegetation. It is situated in the Western Ghats of Kerala and obtains rains for only 48 days in a year, predominantly during the months of October and November.
