Munnar – the Queen of Hill Stations in Kerala
Munnar Hill Station, popularly known as the ‘Kashmir of the South’, is a beautiful hill station and a perfect honeymoon destination in Kerala. Munnar is located on the Western Ghats, at an elevation ranging from 1500 meters to 2695 meters above Mean Sea Level, in Idukki district of Kerala. The word ‘Munnar’ literally means “three rivers”. Yes; Munnar is situated at the confluence of three streams Mudhirapuzha, Kundala and Nallathanni. With a vast expanse of tea plantations, misty valleys and mountains, spectacular waterfalls, lush green vegetation, romantic climate and the mesmerizing fragrance of tea and spices, Munnar Hill Station lures thousands of tourists from across the world. A rare blue-colored flower known as Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus) blossoms here once in every twelve years and bathes the hills in bluish hue. Last time it happened in 2006, and the next turn is in 2018.
Munnar was popular as the favorite summer resort of erstwhile British Empire. Subsequently, with the cultivation of tea plants, Munnar became one of the largest tea producers in the country. The famous ‘Kanan Devan Tea’ is produced and processed here. You can spend a wonderful time during your short vacation in this spectacular hill station. If you are an adventure tourist, you can go for a trekking, rock climbing or paragliding on Anamudi Peak, which is the highest peak in South India. You can enjoy an amusing boat journey in paddle boats, speed boats or even Kashmiri Shikara. You can get immersed in the beautiful nature of Munnar by riding a bicycle or enjoying a nature walk with your soulmate along the endless tea estates. The pleasant weather and the awe inspiring views of the surroundings will undoubtedly take you to a dream world.
How to Reach There
Munnar, located in Idukki district of Kerala, is well connected from major cities by road, rail and air. Nearest airport is Cochin International airport at about 130 km from Munnar by road. Nearest railway station is Aluva at 110 km and Ernakulam at about 130 km. From Ernakulam regular bus services are available, or you can hire a taxi to reach Munnar. It will take about 3 to 3 ½ hours by car and about 4 hours by bus, through the smooth NH 49. It will be a cool journey experiencing the panoramic view of green vegetation and tea plantations on both sides.
Attractions near Munnar Hill Station
Whether you are a nature lover, adventure traveller or have come with your partner, Munnar Hill Station provides you a plethora of attractions. Some of the popular attractions near Munnar, that you should never miss, are highlighted below.
Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park is the main attraction of Munnar Hill Station, which is famous for the endangered mountain goat called Nilgiri Tahr. This sanctuary is spread over 97 square kilometers in Rajamala hills. Besides, this place is a habitat for several rare birds and animals that will fascinate you with their diversity. Rajamalai Hill is a spot where you can view the blossoming of the rare blue flowers Neelakurinji once in 12 years, which is a mesmerizing feast to the eyes and a rare experience in your life.
Anamudi Peak
Anamudi Peak stands here at 2695 meters above sea level, along with several other mountain ranges. Anamudi Peak is the highest peak in South India and its valleys are populated with a variety of flora and fauna. The peak is a home for several rare species like Nilgiri Langur, tigers, leopards, etc. Adventurous tourists can enjoy the thrill of trekking with permission. If you reach the top of the peak you will feel that you are in a different world, closer to sky.
Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty dam, located at a distance of about 10 kilometers from Munnar at an elevation of 1700 m above sea level, is famous for its beautiful lake, a picnic spot where the tourists carry on boat rides enjoying the thrilling beauty of the surrounding landscape and hills. Also there is a dairy farm with more than 100 varieties of high yielding cattle, run by Indo-Swiss Livestock project. Adventure tourists can do trekking in the Shola forests near the dam area and watch rare species of birds.
Top Station
Located at 32 km from Munnar at a height of 1700 meters above sea level, is the Top Station, the highest spot in the Munnar-Kodaikanal road, from where you can enjoy the panoramic views of Western Ghats and neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. It is another spot to view the spectacular blooming of Neelakurinji flowers.
Echo Point
On the way to Top Station, there is a wonderful spot called Echo Point, where you can scream aloud and experience the natural echo phenomenon from the surrounding hills. Echo Point also offers a spectacular view of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Tata Tea Museum
Tata Tea has opened a museum at Nallathanni Estate, around 2 km from Munnar to preserve the interesting aspects of origin, history and development of tree cultivation in Munnar. After showing a short film, the visitors will be taken inside the factory to understand the different stages of tea processing. The photographs, machinery and exhibits will tell us amazing stories of history. The museum is open from 10 am to 4 pm on all days except Monday. A nominal entrance fee is charged here.
Pallivasal
Located at 3 km from Munnar is Pallivasal, which is the venue of the first Hydro-electric project of Kerala. It is a famous picnic spot with immense beauty.
In addition to the above, there are many other attractions like Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, one of the highest tea factories in the world, located at 2175 meters above sea level; Marayur Sandalwood forests; Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary; waterfalls like Attukal, Chinnakkal, Kuthukal, Lakkam, etc.,…and many more breath-taking locations. Munnar is also a best place for shopping tea, coffee, homemade chocolates, and spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon and cloves.
Accommodation
Being a popular tourist and honeymoon destination, Munnar offers you a variety of accommodation starting from affordable hotels to luxurious hotels as well as comfortable resorts to suit your budget. Hotels and resorts offer clean and comfortable accommodation and food, and most of them offer attractive tourist packages for family as well as honeymoon.
Food
In Munnar you can get delicious foods as per your choice at reasonable prices. There are a number of restaurants offering varieties of dishes in Vegetarian or Non-vegetarian categories including typical Kerala dishes, South Indian, North Indian, Gujarati, Punjabi, or any type of food of your preference.
Best time to Visit
Due to its location in high elevation, the average temperature during summer, from March to June, will not exceed 25 degrees. June to September is the rainy season. Even though you can enjoy a pleasant climate throughout the year, the best tourist season is found to be from August to March.
Munnar Hill Station is a heavenly abode in earth and will definitely conquer your heart. The unrivaled beauty of Munnar has a mesmerizing power to create an everlasting attachment in every traveller who loves nature and worship beauty. Whenever you plan a vacation in Kerala, you should not miss Munnar from your travel itinerary.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Like it on Facebook, Tweet it or share this article on other bookmarking websites.