Munnar (Kerala)

Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1600 m above sea level .Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m.Expansive tea plantations, meandering lanes, trekking, paragliding, rope climbing and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience.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.

District : Idukki
Distance : 135 kms, north east of Kochi
Best Time to Visit : September to May

Travel to Munnar by Air:
Munnar does not have an airport or railway station. The nearest airport and railway station is at Kochi(135 Km from munnar).

Travel to Munnar by Rail:
Munnar does not have an airport or railway station. The nearest airport and railway station is at Kochi.

Travel to Munnar by Road:
Munnar is accessible by road from most of the towns in Kerala. It can also be reached from Madurai (6 hours) and Coimbatore (6 hours), which are located in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Scenic Places to visit:

Pothamadu (6 km from Munnar)
Devikulam (7 km from Munnar)
Pallivasal (8 km from Munnar)
Attukal (9 km from Munnar)
Nyayamakad (10km from Munnar)
Chithirapuram (10 km from Munnar)
Mattupetty (13 km from Munnar)
Lock Heart Gap (13km from Munnar
Rajamala (15km from Munnar)
Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar)
Power House waterfalls (18 km from Munnar)
Kundala (20 km from Munnar)
Anayirankal (22km from Munnar)
Top station (32 km from Munnar)
Marayoor (40 km from Munnar)
Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary (60 km from Munnar)

Map of Munnar:

Pallivasal :
This is the venue of the first Hydro electric Project in Kerala and a place of immense scenic beauty.

Kundala:
Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Stations. The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction.Aruvikkad waterfalls is also near Kundala.Top station :
1700 m above sea level, this is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. The rare Nilakurinji (strobilanthus) belongs to this region. This plant blooms wants every 12 years bathing the hill sides in bright blue. Top Station also offers a panoramic view of the neighboring state of Tamilnadu.

Eravikulam National Park :
The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam taluk and is home to the Nilgiri tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695m) is located in the southern region of the park.

• See Nilgiri Thar (Hemitragas hylocres) - an endangered species of mountain goats, rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills, rare flora and fauna, Atlas moth (largest in the world), lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, The Kurichi or Neelakurinji Flowers turn the hills of Rajamalai blue every 12 years. The next bloom will be in 2018. One can actually debate if going to the high peak just to see some goats is worth all the effort or not. However, the walk along the park is very romantic and has some breath taking view.