Munnar

Munnar, was the most popular summer resorts during the British reign and is still a very well known hill station. Located at an altitude of 1800m above sea level, this ‘Kashmir of the East’ is the first hill resort in the State. The chilly climate here is ideal for cultivating tea. It is home to one of the biggest tea plantations in the world- the Kannan Devan Tea Plantations. The sight of mist topped tea plantations spread across acres of Munnar, is indeed soothing to the eye. The most splendid sight would definitely be that of thousands of the exotic blue flower- Neelakurinji, that inundate the hills every 12 years (the next bloom will be in the year 2006). There are many lovely spots that are ideal for rock climbing and trekking as well. The noisy waterfalls, gurgling streams and rows of tiny cottages add more life and colour to the vivid picturesque location that Munnar already is.

Munnar is a town located at 10°09’N 77°06’E of the southern state of Kerala in India. The name is most often used to refer to the whole tourist area, of which the town forms a part. The etymology of Muannar is believed to be derived from the Malayalam words Muunu (three) and aaru (river), referring to the town’s strategic location at the confluence of the mountain streams of Muthirappuzha, Chanduvarai and Kundala. Situated at nearly 1,600 to 1,800 meters above sea level, the region is surrounded by vast jungles and remains wet and cold during most of the year.

The people of Munnar share in the culture and traditions of Kerala. Tamil immigrants from the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu also figure significantly in the population.

The area is between 1,600 and 1,800 meters above sea level and typically stays between 22 °C and 34 °C. The tourist season is from August to March but is especially lovely during the monsoons, with little streams and rivulets all over the place.

Places for visit.

Mattupetty: Situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level, Mattuppetty lake and dam is a beautiful picnic spot.Well known for diary farm – The Indo – Swiss Live Stock Project, it’s ideal for trekkin and boating.
One of the main attractions in Mattupetty is the beautiful lake, and the Mattupetty Dam, which are ideal picnic spots. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Idukki provides boating facilities in the Mattupetty Dam. Speed launch, slow speedboat and motorboats are available on hire. Other nearby places of interest includes the picturesque Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake.

Anamudi: The highest peak (2695) situated in the south of Himalayas is an ideal place for adventure tourism. Rare species like Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, etc.

Rajamala: A natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr. Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary -located 15 Km from Munnar is the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr. Half the world population of the rare mountain goat is concentrated in this region.

Echo Point: Echo Point has a natural echo phenomenon and offers panoramic views. This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.