| It is one of the attractions that contributed to
Kerala's popularity as a travel destination among domestic and foreign
travellers. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams -
Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, and perched about 1600 m above
sea level, the hill station of Munnar once used to be the summer resort
of the erstwhile British administration in south India. |
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This hill station is marked by vast expanses of tea
plantations, colonial bungalows, rivulets, waterfalls and cool weather.
It is also an ideal destination for trekking and mountain biking. |
Eravikulam National Park
One of the main attractions near Munnar is the Eravikulam National Park.
Located about 15 km from Munnar, this park is famous for its endangered
inhabitant - the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this
park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and
birds. |
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A great place for trekking, the park offers a
magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills
caressed by blankets of mists. |
| The park becomes a hot destination when the hill
slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the
flowering of Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the
Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years. The last time it
bloomed was in 2006. |
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Anamudi Peak
Located inside the Eravikulam National Park is the Anamudi Peak. This is
the highest peak in south India standing at a height of over 2700 m.
Treks to the peak are allowed with permission from the Forest and
Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam. |
Mattupetty
Another place of interest, located about 13 km from Munnar Town, is
Mattupetty. Situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level, Mattupetty
is known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake, which
offers pleasurable boat rides, enabling one to enjoy the surrounding
hills and landscape. |
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Mattupetty's fame is also attributed to the dairy
farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, where one would come
across different high yielding breeds of cows. Mattupetty with its lush
green tea plantations, rolling grasslands and the Shola forests is also
ideal for trekking and is home to a variety of birds. |
Pallivasal
Pallivasal, located at about 3 km from Chithirapuram in Munnar is the
venue of the first Hydro-electric project in Kerala. It is a place of
immense scenic beauty and is often favoured by visitors as a picnic
spot. |
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Chinnakanal
Near the town of Munnar is Chinnakanal and the waterfalls here,
popularly known as Power House Waterfalls, cascade down a steep rock
2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic view of the
Western Ghat ranges. |
Anayirangal
When you have traveled about seven kilometers from Chinnakanal, you
reach Anayirangal. Anayirangal, 22 km from Munnar, is a lush green
carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an
unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by tea
plantations and evergreen forests. |
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Top Station
Top Station, which is about 32 km from Munnar is at a height of 1700 m
above sea level. It is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road.
Travellers to Munnar make it a point to visit Top Station to enjoy the
panoramic view it offers of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. It is
one of the spots in Munnar to enjoy the Neelakurinji flowers blooming
over a vast area. |
Tea Museum
Munnar has a legacy of its own when it comes to the origins and
evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to
preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on
the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's high ranges, a
museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in
Munnar. |
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This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and
machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth
of tea plantations in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni
Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit. |
Birds in Munnar
Butterflies in Munnar
Wild flowers in Munnar
Hotels in Munnar |
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