Munnar
Munnar is Kerala’s premium hill station. A hill station transcending excellence – Munnar is surrounded by gently undulating hills swathed in the soothing green of vast tea estates makes it perfect tourist destination in south India. Situated at an altitude of 1600 m above sea level, its bracing climate with the laidback atmosphere and its delightfully refreshing colonial air makes it the most sought-after destinations. Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a heaven of peace and tranquility - the ideal tourist destination in God's own country.Unending expanse of tea plantations - The misty mountains and valleys, the whispering wilds and the refreshing drizzles are a tourists' delight at any time of the year. The mountain slopes are a nicely laden green carpet of evergreen tea plantations interspaced by murmuring jungle streams, winding roads and Pathways.
The town retains its colonial British character with neat bungalows, cottage gardens filled with flowers and the smell of fresh spices, tea and roasting coffee beans that hangs heavy in the air. The surrounding hill slopes are covered with orderly rows of tea bushes, the plantations amongst the highest in the world stretch for miles only interrupted by pockets of forests teeming with local fauna and flora. Amongst the unusual flowers that grow here is the Neelakurinji that blooms once every twelve years and bathes the entire area in a beautiful blue colour. The Neelakurinji is next due to flower in 2018.
The misty nights and the sound of silence of this high altitude mountains and valleys blessed with Mother Nature’s riches flora and fauna make it a true paradise on earth. The satin smooth grass lands which are the abode of the rare species of wild goats known as Nilgiri Tahrs and herds of wild elephants grazing elegantly across the jungle slopes add to the splendor of this mesmerizing landscape.
Tourist spots in Munnar
Anamudi
At a height of around 2,695m it is the highest peak in southern India and can be viewed from Munnar. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park. Other rare species of fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, etc.
An ideal place for trekking, facilities are provided here and tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi.
Devikulam
This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. Devikulam is located at a distance of around 7km from Munnar. With verdant hills, gushing streams and pleasant climate, Devikulam draws many travelers for holidays. According to the mythology, Goddess Sita came to this place and bathed in the waters of Devikulam Lake. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings are a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing. Plan a trip to the fascinating Pallivasal Waterfalls. Amidst lush greenery, the waterfall offers a cool respite to the discerning travelers.
Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam is one of Kerala’s finest wildlife reserves, and its excellent location, a mere 16 km from Munnar, makes it an unforgettable experience for any lover of the outdoors. The park, a spread of 97 km across Rajamalai Hills, is a combination of grassland and shola forests. The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park. Other rare species of fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, etc.
Chithirapuram
This small hill station exudes an old-world charm with its old playgrounds and courts, bungalows, and sleepy little cottages that point to its colonial past. Situated at a distance of around 10km fromMunnar Chithirapuram is home to Pallivasal hydel power project. Untouched by the passage of time, Chithirapuram hill station beckons you to immerse yourself in its exotic charm and sylvan surroundings.
Chithirapuram hill station is a scenic treasure chest, full of verdant hills, tumbling mountain streams and vast tea plantations. Embark on a journey to explore the unexplored. Savor the unspoilt beauty of lofty hills and sparkling brooks on your Chithirapuram tour. Enjoy hiking along the tea plantations and savor its lush green scenic beauty.
Kundale Tea Plantation
A fascinating insight into the production of one of the world’s most popular drinks can be discovered at the Kundale Tea Plantation. Watch and learn the process of how tea is made starting from the plant you see covering the landscape all the way to the tea cup. Sundays the local planters gather together, making it an ideal time to visit. The lake located on the plantation is the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic and calming rest.
Nyayamakad
Nyayamakad Located between Munnar and Rajamala, 10km away from Munnar. The captivating surroundings make an outstanding picnic spot and trekking point. Nyayamakad is a land of scintillating waterfalls with water cascading down from a height of around 1,600 meters. Pallyvasal Hydel Power Project and the tea-plantation are other attractions.
Pothamedu
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. Pothamedu is a small village inhabited by the local people just 6 kms from munnar. Pothamedu is one of the major plantation hubs of Munnar. Being a very high place, the surrounding places can be seen clearly.
Cheeyappara
Cheeyappara is located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi-Madurai National Highway, 10km away from Ernakulam Railway station. The Cheeyappara Waterfalls is one of Kerala's most splendid waterfalls. You can see water cascading down here over seven steps, It is a real feast for the eyes. This is certainly a unique spectacle of this type. Tourist can play near the water-body, swim or just laze around. This is also a great place for trekking. A Valara waterfall is a nearby attraction. Cheeyappara waterfall is well connected with Kochi and other cities and towns of Kerala.
Marayoor
Marayoor the "The Hidden Village" or a rain-shadow village on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats is 40 kms from Munnar on the Udumalapet road, half way between Munnar and Udumalpet (Tamil nadu). Marayur surrounded by tall Rocky Mountains (about 6000 ft above MSL). In the surrounding mountains, we saw Shola forests. It is a place not to be missed for its combination of ancient caves, sandalwood trees and souvenirs from ancient civilization and more. A natural forest of fragrant sandalwood trees, Marayoor has a sandalwood factory owned by the Forest Department of Kerala, where attractive objects are d’art crafted from the precious wood.
The other important site here is a series of muniyaras (caves) dating back to the New Stone Age. The muniyaras contain rock paintings of considerable archeological significance, also part of the pre-historic excavations at Marayoor, are dolmenoid burial chambers consisting of four erect stones covered by a horizontal capstone. Other popular attractions at Marayoor include a children’s park that lies under a banayan tree extending over a hector of land, and the Thoovanam waterfall.
Nadukani
Nadukani, is a picturesque spot offers a spectacular view of the vast country side. This place is an ideal choice for one day picnic. On a sunny day you can get clear view of the areas extending to the Thodupuzha and the Muvattupuzha River that snakes it way down, joined by various tributaries. The northern side is filled with blue hills vying to touch the sky. It is about 35 kms from Thodupuzha on the way to Painvu and is in close proximity to Kulamavu. From Paramada Echo point you can get a scenic view of Thodupuzha Taluk, Thumbichi Mount, Uppukunni, Nallikani tribal village and the meandering Thodupuzha river. Situated at an altitude of 3,000 ft. above sea level, Nadukani offers excellent views of the Moolamattam town, Malankara lake, etc. It is a natural dream heaven covered with green-clad hills, silvery streams, valleys and paddy fields. You will encounter many rare species here like the hornbill, wild rabbits, spotted sambhar, jungle mainah and elephants, to name a few.
Top Station
Top station, 41 km from Munnar is considerd as home to some of the highest tea plantations in India, 1,880 m above sea level. Top station is the "top"-tourist attraction. This place gives a real "above the clouds" experience. Top Station is just near or at the top of the mountain and would have a killer view. You can see even the Madurai District of Tamilnadu from this Top Staion. It lies on the state border of Iduki district of Kerala and Theni district of Tamilnadu and commands a panoramic view of rolling green hills. It is an old trade spot. The Kurinjimala Sanctuary is nearby. This area is popular for the rare Neelakuriji flowers. Top Station Situated at an altitude of between 1700 and 2,200m, Top Station offers wonderful views of the valley down below and panoramic landscape. The hilltop is situated at a distance of around 41km north from Munnar town on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border. According to a local belief, the place derived its name from Middle Station and Lower Station, both lying down the valley, which were once connected to this place via a ropeway.
