Munnar

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.

Best of Kerala (11 Days) Features : The tour provides an excellent opportunity to trail along the Western Ghats, in the southern state of India, Kerala. It provides for events and activities like trekking expedition at Munnar hills, backwater trips at Kumarakom, ride at Periyar and city tour of Cochin. A lot of local attractions are covered which makes the tour one sure way of knowing the place better.

Kerala Spice Trail (16 Days) Features : Kerala Spice Trail features a tour through the famous hills of Kerala, backwater leisure, tour through plantation lands, beach leisure and more. A trip to the famous hill station Munnar is provided, besides other events organized and arranged. The package takes into account both the leisure and the adventure and intends to cover some of the prized attractions of Kerala. Places to be reached include Trivandrum, Munnar, Madurai, Thekkady, Cochin, Alleppey and Kovalam.

India and the Tropical South (15 Days) Features : India and the Tropical South tour package provides a guided tour through various destinations of Kerala, including the famous hill station Munnar. A hike through this beautiful place and like provides great excitement and adventure. Apart from that there is a boat ride at Periyar Lake, bird watching at Kumarakom and leisure to be had at Kovalam beach. The destinations covered include Quilon, Alleppey, Cochin, Munnar, Madurai, Periyar, Kumarakom and Kovalam.