Munnar
is a hill station in South India situated at the confluence of three mountain
streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. The entire area of Munnar
belongs to the royal family of Poonjar and was given on lease by the then
Poonjar King Kerala Varma. Because of its exquisite natural beauty Munnar was
once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Centuries
later it is still horded by tourists who are mesmerized by the endless span of
tea plantations, exotic species of flora and fauna and the cool breeze of the
beautiful hills and valleys. Stretched along the Western Ghats, this ‘hill
range’ as it is widely called, has many breathtaking sights and landscape
perfect for honeymoon and even for a family vacation.
TATA
Tea Museum
The Tata
Tea Museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea just about 1.5 km
from the Munnar town. This Tea Museum consists of curios,
photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins
and growth of tea plantations in Munnar. The entry fee is Rs. 75 per person and
you can enjoy a free cardamom tea along with the demonstration of the history
of tea in Munnar.
Anamudi
Peak
Anamudi
peak is located inside the Eravikulam National Park. This is the highest peak
in south Asia and the largest peak in Kerala with a height of over 2695m. The
place is ideal for trekking. Treks to Anamudi peak are allowed with permissions
from forest authorities at Eravikulam, as the area is prohibited for tourists
by Kerala Forest Department.
Eravikulam
National Park
The
Eravikulam National Park is a sanctuary located in Munnar to protect the
endangered Nilgiri Tahr. It’s one of the main attractions of Munnar. Spread
over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare
butterflies, animals and birds. The park offers magnificent views of tea
plantations and is a great place for trekking. The park becomes a hot
destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue,
resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji.
Mattupetty
Dam
Mattupetty
(The Cattle village) is a small town located at an altitude of 1700m above sea
level at a distance of 13km from Munnar. The Mattupetty dam and lake is yet
another tourist spots in Munnar, with an excellent view to the lake and tea
plantations spread out to a wider area. The District Tourism Promotion Council
provides boating facilities and has a fleet of row boats, speed boats and pedal
boats.
Top
Station
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Top
Station is the highest point in Munnar which is at a distance of 32km from
Munnar and is at a height of 1700 meters above sea level. Here you can feel the
clouds are flying very close to you. Wild slopes and dense forests surround it.
It’s a place that falls along the border of the state of Tamil Nadu. The drive
to top station is pretty long but the drive has beautiful views of tea gardens
and dams on the way. It is better to visit the Top Station initially and visit
the dams etc on the way back if you are planning to start early from Munnar.
Echo
Point
Echo
Point is situated around 13 km from the town of Munnar. Echo Point gets its
names from the echo that is generated from the reservoir when you shout. Cool
breeze along with calm serene surroundings make Echo Point a favorite place
among trekkers. This scenic place is situated on the way to Top Station from
Munnar and the rare Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus) blooms here.
Kundala
Lake
Kundala is a
picturesque place, about 20 km from Munnar on the way to Top Station. It is at
a height of 1700 meters above sea level. Pedal Boating Kundala Lake that costs
Rs.150 per couple for each hour is a popular activity for Kerala Honeymoon packages .In Kundala, cherry blossoms appear twice in a year. The famous Neela
Kurunji flowers which bloom once in twelve years bloom in the hills and valleys
around Kundala Lake.
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