Munnar is a famous hill town in South India, a romantic place where natural beauty can be seen everywhere to visit, explore and enjoy. Munnar is located at the confluence of three mountain streams, Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, and the word Munnar means three rivers in Malayalam.
The mountain resort is located at an altitude of about 1600 meters and was the summer resort of the British government during the colonial period. In the town of Munnar, traces of colonial history are clearly visible in the form of English country houses.
Pristine forests, savannahs, rolling hills, picturesque valleys, numerous streams, gurgling huge waterfalls, vast tea gardens and winding trails are part of the magnificent holiday experience that Munnar offers to tourists.
Munnar is also famous for Neelakurinji, a rare plant that blooms only once in twelve years. The ‘Kurinji season’ in Munnar is magnificent, with hills and valleys bathed in the blue colour of Neelakurinji flowers.
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Tourist Places in Munnar
Eravikulam National Park
One of the major attractions near Munnar is the Eravikulam National Park. This park is famous for its endangered inhabitants, the Nilgiri Tahr. Covering an area of 97 square kilometers, the park is also home to several rare species of butterflies, animals, and birds.
The park is a great place for trekking and offers beautiful views of the mist-shrouded tea plantations. The park becomes a popular tourist destination when the hillsides here are covered with a blue carpet of blooming Nilakulingi flowers. It is endemic to this part of the Western Ghats and blooms once every twelve years.
Anamudi Peak
The Anamudi Peak is located within the Eravikulam National Park. At over 2,700 meters above sea level, it is the highest peak in South India. Trekking to the summit is permitted with permission from the Eravikulam Forest and Wildlife authorities.
Mattupetty
Another major attraction for tourists is Mattupetty, located about 13 km from Munnar. Located at an altitude of 1700 m, Mattupetty is famous for its dam and beautiful lake, where you can enjoy a pleasant boat ride and admire the surrounding hills and countryside. Mattupetty is also famous for the dairy farms of the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, where various high-yielding breeds of cattle are reared.
Pallivasal
Located about 3 km from Munnarchittilapuram, Palivasar is the site of Kerala’s first hydroelectric project. It is a scenic spot that is often a preferred picnic spot for tourists.
Chinnakanal & Anayirangal
Near the town of Munnar lies Chinnakanal and its waterfalls, popularly known as the Powerhouse Falls, cascading down a steep cliff 2000 meters above sea level. The place offers a beautiful view of the Western Ghats.
When you travel about seven kilometers from Chinnakanal, you reach Anyirangal. Anayirangal, 22 kilometers from Munnar, is a lush carpet of green tea trees. A visit to the beautiful reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal Dam is surrounded by tea gardens and evergreen forests.
Top Station
Top Station is about 32 kilometers from Munnar and is 1700 meters above sea level. It is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal highway.
Tourists heading to Munnar should definitely visit Top Station to enjoy the panoramic view of the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the best places in Munnar to see large expanses of blooming Neelakurinji flowers.
Tea Museum
Munnar has its own legacy in terms of the origin and development of tea gardens. To reflect this heritage and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects of the emergence and development of the high mountain tea gardens of Kerala, Tata Tea opened a museum dedicated to tea in Munnar a few years ago.
This tea museum houses artifacts, photographs and machinery; all of which tell the story of the origin and development of the tea gardens of Munnar. The museum is located in the Naratani Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit.
How to Reach Munnar?
By Air
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, via Aluva – Munnar Rd, about 108 km
Several domestic airlines operate flights to Hyderabad from major cities across India
By Train
Nearest railway station: Aluva about 108 km and Angamali, about 109 km
Once you arrive at the station, you can take a taxi to reach the temple.
By Road
Munnar is located about 130 km from Kochi, along the National Highway 49 and the road trip takes about 4.5 hours.
Munnar is roughly at a distance of 153 km from Madurai. From Coimbatore: The distance from Munnar to Coimbatore is about 160 km and the journey can take up to 4 hours.
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