Munnar – Explore the Heaven on Earth
Munnar, one of the most visited hill resorts in Kerala is situated in Idukki district, on the Western Ghats. The beauty of nature is at its best in Munnar with the green lush tea plantations, undulating hills, serene waterfalls, gorgeous clouds, rich flora and fauna, moderate climate and much more. The best time to visit the popular summer destination is from August to May. Even winters during December to February are really cool and Monsoons are ravishing with pouring rainfalls. The spot ensures a mental refreshment and rejuvenation of your soul. Reasons for opting Munnar as the most feasible tourist spot is its utility for being the best option for all category of tourists including Honeymooners, Families, corporate meetings, and even for trekkers.
Munnar does not have a railway station or airport and ‘Aluva’ is the nearest railway station at a distance of 90 kilometres from Munnar. Airports near Munnar include Kochi, Coimbatore, Madurai and Calicut. Direct buses are available to Munnar from all major towns in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
Munnar Tourist Spots
TATA Tea Museum: Located at the Nallathanni estate has curios and photographs which trace the growth and evolution of tea plantations in Munnar.
Hydel / Blossom Park: Situated near the Pallivasal hydro-electric project, offers Cycling, boating and roller skating as well as Hammocks& meditation caves. This is an excellent picnic spot for families.
Kundala Lake: On the way to top station, about 20 Km from Munnar lies the charming Kundala Lake, with Boating and Horse riding. The place is good for photography lovers.
Rajamalai (Eravikulam) National Park: located in the Western Ghats on the folds of Anamudi Hills, is a ‘must watch’ attraction in Munnar. It is home to the famous ‘Nilgiri Tahr’ and the special ‘Neelakurinji’ a wonderful blue flower which blooms only once in 12 years. The National park is amazingly beautiful and easily comparable to the best mountain ranges anywhere in the world.
Tea Graden: Savor the tea garden views along with the light green color and partial clouds in morning light gifts you an unforgettable experience.
Top Station: The panoramic views of Tamil Nadu can be enjoyed from the top station, which is at a height of 1700m from sea level. Here, Neelakurunji flowers bloom over a vast area, seasonally.
Mattuppetty Dam: Being an artificial dam, nestled inside the Munnar hills, is yet another addition to the several sightseeing places in and around Munnar. Speedboats and paddle boats are available for boating in the dam. The marketplace on the right bank side of the dam with shops selling local goods and handicraft products captures attention.
Rose Garden: have well-maintained flowers that are very rare to see in normal life. You can click lots of photos and can have a very nice time with your dear ones.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary: The 90 km sq spread sanctuary is rich with its floral, ecological, geomorphologic and cultural significance. It is a unique, thorny scrub forest with xerophyte species and is one of the 12 protected areas of Kerala. The area hosts 225 recorded species of birds and endangered species of Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India. Other important mammals seen are the elephant, tiger, leopard, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, Nilgiri Tahr etc.
Other tourist locations nearby include Marayoor, Attukad waterfalls, Pothamedu View Point, Indo Swiss Diary Farm, Lock hart Gap, Cheeyapara Waterfalls, Life of Pi Church, and Meesapulimala.
Accomodation in Munnar: A lot of accommodation facilities ranging from luxurious resorts to five-star hotels and low-cost lodging are available in plenty in Munnar.
A properly planned trip to Munnar obviously makes you feel and enjoy the Heaven on earth!!
