Munnar

Munnar

This hill station, located at an altitude of 1600 m above sea level, was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make Munnar a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands is the 'Neelakurinji'. This flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in south India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking By Air Near by airports are at Cochin (130 kms) and Madurai (142 kms). By Rail Nearest railway stations are at Cochin and Kottayam. By Road Munnar is well connected by a well developed network of road transport. Munnar is accessible by road from most of the towns in Kerala. It can also be reached from Madurai and Coimbatore.

• General Information - Munnar Location Idukki District, Kerala. Altitude 1600 m Above Sea Level.
• Best Time September To May.
• Languages Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi And English.
• Area 26.2 sq. kms.
• Useful Information - Munnar Tourist Information Centres District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) Information Centre, Old Munnar; District Tourism Office, Kumily.
• Banks and Money Changers: State Bank Of Travancore, State Bank Of India.
• Post Office: Main Post Office, Munnar.
• Hospitals: Tata General Hospital, Matha Hospital, Arun Hospital.
• Ayurvedic Massage Centre: Surya Ayurvedic Health Resorts.
• Spices And Fresh Strawberries: DTPC, Munnar.
• Temperature : Min. 0 c - Max. 25 c Clothing in Munnar Summer Cotton Winter Woollen

Mattupetty (13 km from Munnar)

Situated at a height of 1700 m , Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialised dairy farm, the Indo-swiss live stock project. Over 100 varietes of high yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm Visit Time : 0900 - 1100 hrs and 1400 - 1530 hrs. Rate : Rs. 5/- per head. Tel. : 91-486-530389. The Mattupetty lake and dam , just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot.The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity.DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed Launch and slow speed motor boats are available on hire.

Pothamedu (6 km from Munnar)

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.

Devikulam (7 km from Munnar)

This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.

Pallivasal (8 km from Munnar)

This is the venue of the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala and a place of immence scenic beauty.

Attukal (9 km from Munnar)

A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treks.

Nyayamakad (10 km from Munnar)

Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters. The enchanting surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.

Chithirapuram (10 km from Munnar)

With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old world charm. Home of the Pallyvasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.

Lock Heart Gap (13 km from Munnar)

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.

Rajamala (15 km from Munnar)

The natural habitat of the Niligiri tahr , Rajamala is 2695 m above sea level. Half the world's population of the rare mountain goat or tahr which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here.The Niligiri tahr in Rajamala are now to be found in small herds found in Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Niligiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated to be over 1300.

• Visiting Time : 0700 - 1800 hrs.Visitors are not allowed during the monsoon.
• Entry Pass : Rs. 10 for adults, Rs. 5 for children below 12 years, Rs. 50 for foreigners.
• Permitting Authority : Wild Life DFO, Munnar. Tel. : 91-486-530487.

Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar)

The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695 m) is located in the Southern region of the park. Originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex), the Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. It covers an area of 97 sq kms of rolling grasslands and high level sholas (evergreen forests). The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world.

Sanctuary Visit :The park is devided into 3 regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area which is in the Rajamala region. The Nilgiri Tahr can be observed at close quarters here. Trekking facilities are available here. Tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi. This is also a place for adventure tourism.

Trekking Areas : Anamudi, Rajamala.

Power House Waterfalls (18 km from Munnar)

The waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic Western mountain ranges, and is an ideal place for a break on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.

Kundala (20 km from Munnar)

Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Station. The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction. Aruvikkad Waterfall is also near Kundala.

IN AND AROUND MUNNAR

Anayirangal (22 kms from Munnar):

It's a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic spot.

Valara (10 kms from Adimali on the Cochin-Madurai highway)

Valara has a chain of waterfalls surrounded by thick green forests.

Marayoor (40 kms from Munnar)

This is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The sandalwood factory of the forest department, the caves(muniyaras) with the murals and relics from the New stone age civilization and the children's park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single banyan tree, are of great interest to tourists.

Thoovanam waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also nearby.

Cheeyappara The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Cochin - Madurai highway.

Top Station (32 kms from Munnar)

1700m above sea level , this is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodiakanal road. The rare Neelakurunji (strobilanthus) belongs to this region. Top Station (a viewing point) also offers a panoramic view of neighbouring state of Tamil nadu.

Echo Point (15 km from Munnar)

This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenominon here. Echo point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar. Meenuli It is noted for 2 acres of evergreen forests upon a huge rock. The rock is more than 500 acres in area and an ideal spot for mountaineering.

Malankara Reservoir (6 kms from Thodupuzha)

Located on the Thodupuzha - Moolamattam road, this artificial lake is accessible by road. The reservoir is ideal for boating and fishing.

Thommankuthu waterfalls (17 kms from Thodupuzha)

The seven step waterfall here is a much loved picnic spot . At each step there is a cascade and a pool beneath. Thommankuthu is an ideal place for adventure tourism. (This is also a tricky spot and visitors are advised to exercise caution !)

Nadukani (25 kms from Idukki)

Moolamattam town , Malankara lake etc. can be viewed from the high pavilion situated here. Kalvari mountThis is a famous pilgrim centre on the way to Kattapana. Palkulamedu (12 kms from Idukki) Cochin, Allapuzha and other nearby towns can be seen from this peak at 3125 m above sea level. Chithirapuram (10 kms from Munnar)With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old play grounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old world charm. Home of the Pallivasal Hydel power project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantation. Ramakalmedu (16 kms from Nedumkandam) Rolling green hills and fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of Bodi and Kambam on the Eastern slope of the Western ghats. One can enjoy the splendid beauty of nature. This is an ideal place for trekkers and mountain climbers. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (60 km from Munnar) Situated on the Tamil Nadu border, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 90.44 sq km. Animals Most of the Southern Indian wild animals can be found in this forest. These include the grizzled giant squirrel, champal squirrel, elephant, sambar deer, gaur etc. BirdsJungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl etc. Access Munnar - Udumalpetta Road 60 km Coimbatore - Udumalpetta - Chinnar Road 100 km Cochi - Chinnar 190 km Parambikulam via Pollachi - Chinnar via Udumalpetta 60 km Kottayam - Chinnar 250 km Visiting Time 0700 - 1800 hrs. Entry passes are available at the office of the Assistant Conservator of Forests or the Check Post Information Counter. Permitting Authority Wildlife Warden, Idukki Wid Division, Painav/Wildlife DFO, Munnar. Tel. : 91-486-530487. Trekking Routes Palapetty, ChampakadKarimuty - InchapettyKarimuty - Alampetty High Range Club Charmingly colonial in style, this clubhouse built of wicker and teak still serves as a social centre for the far - flung farmers of the region around Munnar. The club houses an elegant lounge and a dining room, the obligatory gentleman's bar, a billiards room, a library etc. Entry is limited to members only. Trekking Points in Munnar Anamudi, Rajamala, Meesapulimala, Top Station, Kundala, Devikulam. Tourist Circuits in Munnar Munnar - Mattupetty Dam - Indo Swiss Livestock Project - Echo Point - Kundala Dam - TopStation (34 km). Munnar - Pothamedu - Chitirapuram - Pallivasal - Cheyappara - Adimali - Valara (40 km). Munnar - Rajamala - Marayoor - Chinnar (70 km). Munnar - Devikulam - Lock Heart Gap - Power House Waterfalls - Anayirankal (32 km).