Munnar

The hill station of Munnar is situated in the Idukki District in the eastern part of Kerala, bordering the state of Tamil Nadu. Popularly known as Kashmir of the South, Munnar is well connected to all the cities in Kerala.

The nearest airport is at Kochi which is a little over 130 km away from the west of Munnar. A popular hideaway destination in South India, Munnar is at a distance of 160 km from Coimbatore and over 500 km from Mangalore.

Munnar is located amidst mist-covered mountain ranges and evergreen forests of the Western Ghats, at a varying altitude of 1,600 m (5,249 ft) to 1,800 m (5,906 ft) above mean sea level, at the foot hills of Anamudi, the highest peak of the Western Ghats (2,695 m).

The name Munnar was aptly given to this place since it is located at the convergence of three rivers, which are Mudrapuzha, Nallathani and Kundala. The vast tea estates and coffee plantations are the primary base for the flourishing economy of Munnar, besides tourism.

The recorded history of Munnar can be dated back to the 10th century, though many pre-historic relics linking Munnar to the Stone Age has been discovered. During the 17th century, a group of people of Tamil origin, known by the name ‘Muthuvans’ migrated to Munnar and they settled at Munnar and nearby areas. By the 19th century, Munnar had become a part of Anchunadu, a small tribal kingdom believed to be one among the earliest tribal settlements of South India.

The fertile soil of Munnar was used for the cultivation of cardamom, ginger, etc. in those days. It was the Spanish planters who brought Munnar to the limelight and the first notable personality to visit this place was the Duke of Wellington. John Daniel Munro from the British East India Company visited Munnar around the middle of the 19th century and he gathered permission to acquire 588 sq. km. of land from the Maharaja of Poonjar. With the assistance from Kannan Thevar, the tribal chief of Anchunadu, Mr. Manro and his companions took over some of the mountains and hills of Munnar. In 1895 Messrs Finlay Muir & Company procured Munro’s land and in 1976 Tata-Finlay Ltd. procured it.

Munnar is an idyllic tourist destination with rolling hills, grasslands, dense forests, brooks and rivulets, diverse flora and fauna, numerous waterfalls, lakes, tea plantations and walking trails. Some of the major attractions of the region are CSI Church – the landmark of Munnar, Eravikulam National Park, Attukal Waterfalls, Elephant Lake etc. Because of its scenic beauty and pleasant climate Munnar has become a popular destination for honeymoons as well as weekend getaways.

The nearest airport to Munnar is at Kochi, about 125 km away. The Kochi International Airport is not only well connected to the rest of the country but also to different parts of the world. From the airport taxi services are available which might cost around INR3000.

The nearest railway station is at Angamaly, which is at a distance of 120 km. Angamaly lies on the Ernakulam – Thrissur route and is well connected to other major cities in India. Taxis can be availed from the rail station to Munnar.

Munnar is also well connected by road. Bus services are available from different parts within the state as well as neighbouring states. These are operated by the state governments but private operators abound. Most of these buses stop at the Town bus stand in the main bazaar area near the confluence of the river and the Tata headquarters.

The best time to visit Munnar is from the months of August to March. The summer months of April and May are also pleasant with temperatures ranging from 15⁰ – 25⁰ Celsius. During the winter season the temperatures are lower with crisp mornings and bright blue skies and the nights being chilly. Heavy woollens and adequate protection should be taken against the cold. For those who love the rains, Munnar would be an ideal place in the monsoons with lush greenery and rolling mists everywhere.

Tourist places in Munnar

Munnar has a lot of sightseeing attractions and is also an idyllic getaway for tourists from the neighbouring states such as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Munnar, located about 1600 m above sea level, has a varying topography consisting of rolling grasslands, Shola forests, plains, lakes, waterfalls, etc., which has given a quaint beauty to this hill station.

CSI Church, the landmark of the town of Munnar, remains as the remnant of the British era. Mattupetty, Devikulam, Chithirapuram, Kundala and Marayoor are the popular destinations nearby Munnar. Kundala and Mattupetty are known for the lakes and Dams in the area. Marayoor is the natural habitat of sandalwood trees.

A panoramic view of Munnar is available from Pothamedu View Point, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate and Top Station or Top Slip. Kalvari Mount, situated towards Idukki, is known for the clear view of Idukki Reservoir and the surrounding areas.

Echo Point, Photo Point, Lock Heart Gap and Elephant Lake are known for the scenic locations which are perfect for photography. The landscaped gardens of Blossom Hydel Park and Rose Garden situated within Munnar make beautiful picnic spots.

Power House Falls, Attukal Waterfalls, Nyayamkadu Waterfalls, Lakkam Waterfalls and Cheeyappara Waterfalls are some of the most visited waterfalls in Munnar.
Tata Tea Museum and Kolukkumalai Tea Estate are visited by many to know the different processes of tea making.

Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary are the wildlife preserves in Munnar which are the natural habitat of many endangered and rare species like Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur, Stobilanthus, etc.