Fast Facts
District : Idukki
Distance : 135 kms, north east of Kochi
Attractions : Mattupetty, Devikulam, Eravakulam
Best Time to Visit : September to May
Location
Munnar
is a very famous hill station located some 130 kms from Kochi in the state
of Kerala. The place lies towards the east, in central Kerala and its
borders coincide with that of Tamil Nadu state. The hill station is situated
mainly in one of the taluks of Idukki district. One more famous hill
station, Kodaikanal, lies nearby, around 90 kms from Munnar.
Introducing Munnar
The undulating terrain of Munnar are enchanting, with the low lying hills
covered with bright flower meadows and the spread out tea plantations. The
place is essentially a resort town. The beauty of the place had long
fascinated the Europeans and the place used to serve as summer resort for
the Britishers during their occupation of the lands. The place is located at
an average altitude of about 1600 metres and contains one of the highest
peaks in South India, Anamudi. The altitude and the nearby Arabian Sea
accounts for the pleasant climate that prevails throughout the year.
Munnar valley was developed by the Scottish planters in the early 20th
century. The tea plantations is an important feature of Munnar. The
plantations stand at heights from 4300 ft to 6100 ft above sea level. The
Nilgiris, famous for the cultivation of tea, was responsible for the
introduction of the plantations at Munnar, on hills popularly called Kanan
Devan Hills.
Tourist Attractions in Munnar
Mattupetty : The place is situated at a distance of about
13 kms from Munnar. Mattupetty is famous for its cattle rearing farm and
quality bred live stock. The farm is located at a height of about 1700
metres and is further provided with a dam and a beautiful lake. The place is
a popular picnic spot.
Devikulam
: Some 7 kms from Munnar is Devikulam, a popular hill station. The hill
station features satin green lawns and rare species of flora and fauna. The
mountain side is pleasant and with some exquisite scenes of nature
surrounding the place. There is a mineral water lake at Devikulam called
Sita Devi Lake, famous for trout fishing.
Eravikulam National Park : Eravikulam National Park that
provides home to Nilgiri Tahr, is located about 15 kms from Munnar. This 97
sq kms stretch was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1975 and later on in
1978 as a national park. The place withholds great beauty, with grasslands
and hill tops dominating the landscape. The treks along these hillsides are
filled with action and adventure. One can go up to Anamudi Peak, on foot
from here.
Lock Heart Gap : Some 13 kms from Munnar is present the
Lock Heart Gap, a place known for trekking. The Lock Heart Gap provides for
a pass in the mountain with some enticing treks and routes. The mountain
view is splendid and one can feel on top of the world.
Chithirapuram : Chithirapuram is a small resort town with
sprawling tea plantations all around. The place is provided with tourist
cottages and bungalows that make a visit worth it.
Attukal : Attukal is yet another attraction located at
Munnar, some 9 kms from it. The place features cascaded waterfalls and hills
and a fantastic trekking routes.
Echo Point : The place is very popular for the natural
phenomenon. The echo that reverberates after hitting the distant hills is
fascinating. Echo Point is about 15 kms from Munnar.
Places Where You Can Stay
Accommodation at Munnar is provided by a range of hotels including
expensive hotels and low budget lodges. Some known accommodation providers
in Munnar include :
Expensive Hotels and Resorts - Windermere Resort, Mahindra
Resorts, Sterling Resorts, Hi-range Club.
Budget hotels and lodges - Issac's Residency, Edassery
Eastend Hotel, Holiday Inn, Hill View, Marthoma Rest House.
How to Reach
The nearest railway station and airport to Munnar are situated at Kochi,
about 130 kms from the place. The bus stations nearest to the place are the
ones located at Pothmedu (3 kms), Pallivasal (6kms), Mattupety (13 kms). The
long distance bus services are available from many regions like Kodaikanal,
Thekkady, Alappuzha, Kochi, etc.
