Munnar Holidays

Kerala, popularly known and believed as God's Own Country, is an ideal destination for business traveler as well as holidaymaker. One of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia , Kerala is India's only tropical paradise. The state is blessed with myriad features like dense tropical forests, beautiful beaches, cliffs, rocky coasts, an intricate maze of backwaters, still bays and astounding 44 radiant rivers. One such mesmerizing place in Kerala is Munnar, also known as the Kashmir of South India.

About Munnar

A small hill station nestled at the Kannan Devan hills , Munnar is famed for its emerald green surroundings, lakes, reservoirs, forests, spice gardens, and tea estates. Popularly known as the tea town of Kerala , it has some of the highest tea estates in the world.

If you are interested in paragliding, then Munnar is the place to be. Situated at a height of 1600 meters above sea level, it lies at the confluence of three mountain streams of Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala.

Climate

Best time to visit Munnar is between the months of October and March.

How to reach

To reach Munnar, the nearest Airport and Railway Station are at Kochi (130 km). A well-built network of roads connects Munnar to most of the towns in Kerala.

Tourist attractions

Some of the famous tourist attractions in Munnar are the :

Pallivasal, Munnar:Pallivasal is located at a distance of 3 kilometers from Chithirapuram in Munnar. This major tourist destination is the main venue of the first Hydro-electric project in Kerala. Pallivasal is a place of picturesque beauty and is often preferential by visitors as a picnic spot.

Tea Museum, Munnar:The Tea Museum was inaugurated by Tata Tea which is a major producer of packaged tea so as to keep the history of tea plantation in India intact. The museum showcases production of tea and some of its finest methods of production. Photographs of tea plantations and the curios and machineries used in tea production have been put on display.

Chinnakanal, Munnar:Located near the town of Munnar, Chinnakanal is a beautiful tourist destination which is famous for its waterfalls popularly known as Power House Waterfalls. The spot is enriched with the picturesque sight of the Western Ghat ranges.

Eravikulam National Park, Munnar:The Eravikulam National Park is located along the crest of western ghats in Idukki. It extends along 97 sq.kms of land and has the largest population of endangered (IUCN) Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius). The Eravikulam National Park has an elevated plateau which is 2000 metres above sea level. The highest peak of the region, Anamudi (2690 m) is situated in the Eravikulam National Park.

Anamudi Peak, Munnar:The literal meaning of Anamudi is “Elephants Foreheads” arising from the fact that the peak is home to largest surviving population of Asian elephants, Gaurs and Nilgiri Tahrs. Anamudi is also known as Anai Mudi and has a topographic prominence of 2,479 metres.
The Anamudi peak is famous for trekking expedition in Munnar. The peak is 2,695 metres elevated above the ground. Anamudi is the highest peak in Western Ghats and South India and is situated in Eravikulam National Park. Anamudi Peak is the highest peak outside the Himalayan mountain ranges.

Devikulam, Munnar:The town of Devikulam is situated 1800 metres above sea level and lies approximately 9 kms from Munnar. It offers a picturesque view of Pallivasal waterfalls surrounded by the Sita Devi Lake. Legend has it that Goddess Sita bathed in the lake of Devikulam and hence the place was named after her.

Photo Point, Munnar:Photo point is situated at a distance of 3 kms from Munnar on the way to Mattupetty. Dense tea plantations, woods and small rivulets and rolling hills make this spot ideal for leisure travellers and nature lovers. Photo point as the name states is the most photogenic place situated near Munnar.

Attukal Waterfalls, Munnar:Located at a distance of 9 kms from Munnar, the Attukal Waterfalls has an enticing view of pearly white water flowing, streaming and gushing all its way. Located around places like the Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary, the Cheeyappara Waterfalls and Rose Garden situated near Munnar, Attukal Waterfalls finds a convenient location.

Echo Point , Munnar:Located at a distance of 13 kms from Munnar the Echo Point is an exquisite place to visit. Visitors can hear their voice echoing through the reservoir and coming back reverberated at the Echo Point. It also lies on the banks of a beautiful river and is surrounded by lush green hills and evergreen trees.

Muniyara Dolmens, Munnar:Located a few kilometres from Munnar, the Muniyara Dolmens are magnificent prehistoric dolmens. Dolmens are ideally three or more stone place atop each other and a huge capstone. The Muniyara dolmens were a burial ground for the earliest inhabitants of prehistoric period. All the structures of dolmens point that they were made either during the nomadic period or even earlier.

Nyayamakad Waterfalls, Munnar:The Nyayamakad waterfalls are situated between Munnar and Rajamala and lie about 10 kms from Munnar. The water here cascades down from a height of 1600 metres. The sober yet gushing Nyayamakad waterfalls give a mesmerizing experience.
This blissful natural beauty is clustered around a 97 square km long park, flora and fauna. One can view plantations, verdant greenery and eye catching view of women picking up tea on their way to the falls. The picturesque view rejuvenates ecstasy of heaven on earth.

Pothamedu View Point, Munnar:Located at a distance of 4.5 kms from Munnar, the Pothamedu View Point has a majestic beauty attached to it. The coffee, tea and cardamom plantation located at the Pothamedu View Point appears like a bouquet of natures scenic beauty.
For those who love adventure sports, the Pothamedu View Point offers hiking and trekking opportunities. One can also view the Idukki Arch Dam which is situated 60 kms from Pothamedu View Point when sky is clear.

Munnar Festivals and culture

Munnar Festivals
Festivals of Munnar are the occasions of mirth and excitement. Attukal Pongala, Thrissur Pooram Festival, Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Onam are few of the popular celebrations.

Attukal Pongala (February): Is the one and the only temple festival in the world where women assemble together to make offerings by cooking a pudding for the goddess in the Attukal temple. It is taken home after the chief priest of the temple will come and sprinkle the holy water and will shower the flowers.

The Pongala Festival: It is celebrated during the Malayalam month 'Kumbha' ( Feb-March) in the Makam Nakshathram. The ten-day long celebration commences in the Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham (Feb - March) on the Karthika Nakshathram.

Munnar Culture
The local people here speak Malayalam, which is also the official language of Kerala, whereas the second language is Tamil. T-Shirts, Woolen clothes are ideal dresses  to wear  in Munnar.

Munnar Religious Places
The Christ Church: It Is an important place to visit in Munnar. This Christ church of Munnar is divine even today. It was built by the British tea planters in 1910. This church is known for its stain glass windows. It has a number of brass plaques in memory of the tea planters. It looks magnificent with stain glass windows and is very beautiful amidst the thronging natural beauty. The sanctity of the Christ church is unspoiled as it is far away from the busy city life and visitors love to admire the church and its peaceful atmosphere.

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple: This Temple is located at Attukal, 2 km away from the city. 'Pongala' is the favourite offering to Attukal Bhagavathy. This temple is considered as the Sabarimala of the Women. The Goddess is worshipped here as the Supreme Mother. The pilgrims who visit the Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple also visit Attukalamma without which their pilgrimage is not considered as complete. The Pongala festival is celebrated during the Malayalam month 'Kumbha' ( Feb-March) in the 'Makam Nakshathram'. The ten-day long celebration commences in the Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham (Feb - March) on the 'Karthika Nakshathram'. The temple structure is a blend of Kerala and Tamil styles of architecture. There are beautiful carved figures of Mahishasuramarddini, Goddess Kali, Rajarajeswari, Sree Parvathy with Lord Paramasiva and various other depictions of the Goddess in and around the temple.

Munnar Monuments
Marayoor (42 km): The relics and remnants of a new stone-age culture (caves, paintings and under ground tunnels) and places connected with the legendary wanderings of 'Rama and Sita' (Ramayana) and the 'Pandavas' (the Mahabharata) make this place important historically and archaeologically. The largest concentration of high-quality natural sandal wood trees and a sandal wood factory are the present day attractions.

Munnar Entertainment and Night Life

Munnar Adventure
Trekking spots in Munnar are Anamudi, Rajamala, Meesapulimala, Top Station, Kundala, Devikulam.

Anaimudi Peak (Adventure sports) : This is the highest peak in south India. You can have wonderful views from this peak, which are in a way is a breathtaking holiday experience. This peak is a hub for various adventure sports like trekking, rock climbing and camping.

Rajamala: It is the natural habitat for the wild animals in Nilgiri Tahr. It is a best place for one to relax and refresh oneself. It is situated approximately 15 km from Munnar.

Munnar Nightlife
Youngsters can party at pubs and clubs with music and dance. Evening walk near the beaches gives is very relaxing.

Kidding around Munnar
Eravikulam National Park: This place is best suited for children to  visit  and see various birds, animals etc.

Munnar Shopping
Munnar is famous for tea. Tourists may buy it straight from the numerous tea estates or from the various shops in Munnar. Visit Kumily spice market to see and buy spices. Visit a factory and they will be all the more glad to give you free samples of their spices and tea leaves. You can always shop for small handicrafts and other knick-knacks that are easily available in the roadside shacks.

Marayoor (42 km): The largest concentration of high-quality natural sandal wood trees and a sandal wood factory are the present day attractions.

Famous To Eat at Munnar
South Indian and North Indian food is served in most of the restaurants. Gurus is a famous restaurant in Munnar which will serve you with authentic South Indian snacks. So if you have some idle hours , drop in this restaurant in Munnar to have some coffee with snacks.

Munnar Museum and Hill Stations
Munnar is the best known of Kerala's hill stations. You can see the scenic attractions of Munnar on your  Kerala tours.

Anaimudi Peak: It is the highest peak in South India, which is one of the major tourist attractions in Munnar. It is the best place for trekking with a height of 2600 m. The view of the nature from this point is said to be everlasting.

Devikulam Hill Station: 7 km from Munnar This hill station with carpeted lawns, exotic flora and misty air is a fascinating experience. Tea Museum Munnar : Tata Tea has opened the tea museum at Munnar. It showcases and highlights some of the fine and fascinating aspects on the evolution and growth of tea plantations in this part of Kerala. The tea museum houses photographs, curios and machineries. Each of them depicts a turning point in the flourishing tea industry in the region. The museum, set up at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar, is truly a tribute to the hard work of the pioneers and leaders in this field.

Gardens and Parks at Munnar
Among the plants found in Munnar is the Neelkurinji, which blossoms once every 12 years. It is the blue blossoms of the Neelkurinji plant that give the Nilgiri Hills or the Blue Hills their name due to their distinctive color.

Eravikulam National Park : It is located in Idukki District, Kerala. Nearest town is Munnar (15 km). Main attraction is Nilgiri Tahr situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. The 97 sq km park lies along the high ranges of the western coast in the Munnar Forest Division of Idukki district in Kerala. It lures the travellers with its irresistible grace and beauty. This park was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr also known as the Nilgiri Ibex. The Rajamala is the natural habitat of this rare mountain goat. Half the world population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas Hylocres) lives here. Besides the Nilgiri Tahr other important fauna are elephant, leopard, tiger, malabar civet, sambar, barking deer, nilgai, langur, phyhon etc. The birds found are imperial pigeon, grey jungle fowl etc. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. it was declared as a National Park in 1978.

Lake at Munnar
There are many waterfalls, lakes and streams among the green hill slopes and valleys of the Western Ghats in Munnar, Kerala, India. Three mountain rivers the Kundala, Nallathanni and Mudrapuzha come together at Munnar.

Attukal Waterfalls (9 km): 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.

The Sita Devi Lake: The Sita Devi Lake, located in Devikulam Hill Station which is 7 km from Munnar, is a good picnic spot with its mineral water and picturesque environs. The lake is also ideal for fishing.

How to Reach Munnar                                                                                                                 

By Air
Nearest airport from Munnar is Cochin International airport which is just 125 kilometers away from this beautiful place. Taxi services are also available from the airport to Munnar and usually cost Rs 3000. Cochin airport is well-linked to all the major cities in the country as well as many cities abroad.

Reach Munnar By Road
Munnar is connected to other cities of Kerala and Tamil Nadu by state government public transport buses. Many tour providers arrange packaged bus tours services to Munnar from Cochin. You can also get buses to the cities like Kochi (124 km), Thrissur (148 km), Madurai (152 km) and Thiruvananthapuram (281 km).

Reach Munnar By Train
The nearest railway station from is Kochi or Ernakulum. It is a major junction in the south from where you can get trains for the major cities of the country including Delhi, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Mangalore, Bangalore and many others. 

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