Munnar Tourist Places
Munnar is an incredibly spectacular and irresistibly enthralling hill station located in the district of Idukki in the Indian state of Kerala, Munnar is most popular Tourist Destination in India. Munnar is also on the list of Top 10 Indian Tourist Destinations. Without visiting Munnar Kerala, no tour is worthy in India for a travel lover. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams. The name ‘Munnar’ means ‘Three Rivers’ and indicates the place’s peculiar setting at the convergence of the Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1600 m above sea level, this hill station 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 this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower that 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.MUNNAR PLACES TO VISIT
Pothanmedu -6Km from Munnar
Pothanmedu is a scenic spot offering majestic views of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The undulating hills, the lush mountain and the incredible scenery here is ideal for trekking and extensive mountain walks. Pothanmedu View is a very comely place, extremely scenic and extremely pleasing to eyes. Inhabited by tea estate workers, Pothanmedu View is a small village some km away in Idukki. At a high point of Munnar, from where the town of Munnar seem to a toy, Pothanmedu provides a bird`s eye view of the entire Munnar and adjoining areas to the town. Pothanmedu is quiet famous with trekkers and adventure junkies. Pothanmedu is catapulted to fame for its lush and green cardamom and tea plantations through which the trekkers make their way. It is an excellent place for a revamping oneself and taking nature walk in to the mountains. Sights of green Cardamom Valleys, the Muthirapuzha River and the near by valleys is really awesome.
Poopara
Poopara
Poopara is a traveller's spot in Idukki, which is less affected by changing seasons. Sceneries, cool climate and large areas of protected forest with cardamom plantations are sure to attract any city-dwelling traveler.Seasonal change is a factor to be reckoned before setting out on a journey to enjoy and learn nature's creative moods. A waterfall never remains the same when one visits it after a few months of his previous visit. Though we do not normally experience the four seasons in their full strength, variations in climatic conditions make on all life forms. A dense forest turn thin during summer, taking away much of its greenery.A view from Bodymettu, near here, to the plains bordering Tamil Nadu, is clear. Fast spreading fogs that affect vision are a rare phenomenon, thanks to the presence of large rocky barren grasslands on the north-eastern side. During December and January for appears, but not to any great extent.Going on a visit to Poopara during summer is a real pleasure.
Devikulam-7Km from Munnar
Devikulam is an idyllic hill station and the most sought-after among the tourist attractions of Munnar featuring sprawling lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cold mountain air. The most famous spot of Devikulam is the Sita Devi Lake which is ideal for trout fishing. It is believed that the lake at Devikulam is the same place where Lord Rama and Goddess Sita had took bath and thus consecrating the waters with curative powers. Pallivasal Waterfalls and the bluish as well as reddish gum and rubber trees are situated near the lake.
Mattupetty Indo Swiss Project -13Km from Munnar
Indo-Swiss Project site in Mattupetty is a Cattle and Research Centre set in Munnar established by Government of India in collaboration with Switzerland government. The Project site is located at the middle of vast grassland which stretches miles like carpet and green-fluffy rug. Cattle of high-yielding cattle are bred in the vicinity of this area and long stretching gardens at the site is really scenic to take a ramble around.Mattupetty Lake and dam is a short distance from the farm and is a beautiful picnic spot.
Devikulam-7Km from Munnar
Devikulam is an idyllic hill station and the most sought-after among the tourist attractions of Munnar featuring sprawling lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cold mountain air. The most famous spot of Devikulam is the Sita Devi Lake which is ideal for trout fishing. It is believed that the lake at Devikulam is the same place where Lord Rama and Goddess Sita had took bath and thus consecrating the waters with curative powers. Pallivasal Waterfalls and the bluish as well as reddish gum and rubber trees are situated near the lake.
Mattupetty Indo Swiss Project -13Km from Munnar
Indo-Swiss Project site in Mattupetty is a Cattle and Research Centre set in Munnar established by Government of India in collaboration with Switzerland government. The Project site is located at the middle of vast grassland which stretches miles like carpet and green-fluffy rug. Cattle of high-yielding cattle are bred in the vicinity of this area and long stretching gardens at the site is really scenic to take a ramble around.Mattupetty Lake and dam is a short distance from the farm and is a beautiful picnic spot.
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 motorboats are available on hire.
time: 0900-1100 hrs and 1400-1530 hrs. Rate Rs.5 per head. Telephone:0486-530389.
EravikulamNational Park-15Km from Munnar
Eravikulam National Park is home of the Nilgiri Tahr and the Anamudi Peak. The park was initially established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex) and was recognized as a national park in the year 1978. It is spread over an area of 97 sq kms and is one of the most sought-after among the tourist attractions in Munnar. This park is remarkably beautiful and is a gem to the crown of Munnar.
Attukal Waterfalls-9Km from Munnar
Attukal Waterfalls offer uninterrupted panoramic view of waterfalls and verdant hills and is located between Munnar and Pallivasal. This place is an ideal choice if you plan to go for long trekks.
Top Station -32Kms from Munnar
Top station is located amidst scenic surroundings on the border of Kerala (Idukki) and Tamil Nadu (Theni), at an elevation of 1,700 mts. Top Station was a transshipment point for delivery of tea from Munnar to Bodinayakkanur. Top Station derived its name from its being the uppermost located railway station on the Kundala Valley Railway, built in 1902 between Munnar, Kundalai and this hilltop location. A monorail goods carriage system was soon installed along this cart route. In 1908 the monorail was replaced by a 24 inch gauge railway. Middle Station (Kundalai) is 12 kilometers west from Top Station on the way from Lower Station Munnar.Some remains of Kundala Valley Railway can be seen at the Munnar Tea Museum.Tea chests arriving at Top Station from the Kundalai Valley were transported by a ropeway from Top Station 5 km down hill to the south to Kottagudi, Tamilnadu. The tea was then shipped 15 km by cart to Bodinayakkanur, then by rail to other places in India and ship to England.[1] Remains of the ropeway station at Top Station are still visible. Elevation at top of Bodi ropeway was 1,911 meters (6,270 ft)
Marayoor (Nearest town to Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary.)
Marayoor terrain is specked with wave like mountains, rain and deciduous forests, riverbank forests, paddy fields, waterfalls, rugged rocky hills, shoals, hamlets, brooks and hamlets and so on and so forth. Marayoor, meaning ``hidden land`` has its roots in Tamil and Malayalam language. According to the legend, Marayoor is supposed to be the same place where Pandavas stationed for short span during their exile. The Pandavas used Marayoor as a hidden closet to remain away from the comforts of their palace and Kingdom. Many historians date the account to Stone Age and period near, according to the dolmen and paintings found in the area.
Nyayamakad(10km 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 metres. The enchanting surroundings make 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 Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.
Lock Heart Gap (13km from Munnar):
This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mistclad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of visit.
Rajamala (15km from Munnar):
This is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri tahr. Half the world population of the rare mountain goat (Hemitragas bylocres) which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here. The Nilgiri tahrs are today redused to small herds found in the Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Nilgiri tahrs in Rajamala is estimated at 1317.
Echo Point (15 km from Munnar)
This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Stations from Munnar.
Power House waterfalls (18 km from Munnar)
This waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock, 2000m 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 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.
Pallivasal
Pallivasal, located at about 3 km from Chithirapuram in Munnar is the venue of the first Hydro-electric project in Kerala. It is a place of immense scenic beauty and is often favoured by visitors as a picnic spot.
Chinnakanal & Anayirangal
Near the town of Munnar is Chinnakanal and the waterfalls here, popularly known as Power House Waterfalls, cascade down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic view of the Western Ghat ranges. When you have traveled about seven kilometers from Chinnakanal, you reach Anayirangal. Anayirangal, 22 km from Munnar, is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by tea plantations and evergreen forests.
Tea Museum
Munnar has a legacy of its own when it comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantations in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit.
Excursions From Munnar
Anayirankal (22km from Munnar)
It is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirankal Dam is surrounded by the Tata Tea Plantations and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic spot.
Top station (32 km from Munnar)
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.
Cheeyappara
The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Nariamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi Madurai highway. The Cheeyappara waterfalls cascade down in seven steps. It is a real feast for the eyes. This is also a great place for trekking.
Meenuli
It is noted for two acres of evergreen forests upon a huge Rock. The rock is more than 500 acres in area and is an ideal spot for mountaineering
Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary (60 km from Munnar)
Situated on the Tamilnadu Boarder, The Chinnar wild life sanctuary is spread across 90.44 Sq.km.
Accessing Munnar:
Munnar is connected only by road. By road: Distance from Munnar to some tourist centres- Cochin: 150 km, Thekkady: 110 km, Alleppey: 180 km, Kodaikkanal: 195 km, Kumarakom: 160 km, Trinavdrum: 360 km, Anamudi: 20 km.
EravikulamNational Park-15Km from Munnar
Eravikulam National Park is home of the Nilgiri Tahr and the Anamudi Peak. The park was initially established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex) and was recognized as a national park in the year 1978. It is spread over an area of 97 sq kms and is one of the most sought-after among the tourist attractions in Munnar. This park is remarkably beautiful and is a gem to the crown of Munnar.
Attukal Waterfalls-9Km from Munnar
Attukal Waterfalls offer uninterrupted panoramic view of waterfalls and verdant hills and is located between Munnar and Pallivasal. This place is an ideal choice if you plan to go for long trekks.
Top Station -32Kms from Munnar
Top station is located amidst scenic surroundings on the border of Kerala (Idukki) and Tamil Nadu (Theni), at an elevation of 1,700 mts. Top Station was a transshipment point for delivery of tea from Munnar to Bodinayakkanur. Top Station derived its name from its being the uppermost located railway station on the Kundala Valley Railway, built in 1902 between Munnar, Kundalai and this hilltop location. A monorail goods carriage system was soon installed along this cart route. In 1908 the monorail was replaced by a 24 inch gauge railway. Middle Station (Kundalai) is 12 kilometers west from Top Station on the way from Lower Station Munnar.Some remains of Kundala Valley Railway can be seen at the Munnar Tea Museum.Tea chests arriving at Top Station from the Kundalai Valley were transported by a ropeway from Top Station 5 km down hill to the south to Kottagudi, Tamilnadu. The tea was then shipped 15 km by cart to Bodinayakkanur, then by rail to other places in India and ship to England.[1] Remains of the ropeway station at Top Station are still visible. Elevation at top of Bodi ropeway was 1,911 meters (6,270 ft)
Marayoor (Nearest town to Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary.)
Marayoor terrain is specked with wave like mountains, rain and deciduous forests, riverbank forests, paddy fields, waterfalls, rugged rocky hills, shoals, hamlets, brooks and hamlets and so on and so forth. Marayoor, meaning ``hidden land`` has its roots in Tamil and Malayalam language. According to the legend, Marayoor is supposed to be the same place where Pandavas stationed for short span during their exile. The Pandavas used Marayoor as a hidden closet to remain away from the comforts of their palace and Kingdom. Many historians date the account to Stone Age and period near, according to the dolmen and paintings found in the area.
Nyayamakad(10km 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 metres. The enchanting surroundings make 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 Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.
Lock Heart Gap (13km from Munnar):
This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mistclad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of visit.
Rajamala (15km from Munnar):
This is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri tahr. Half the world population of the rare mountain goat (Hemitragas bylocres) which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here. The Nilgiri tahrs are today redused to small herds found in the Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Nilgiri tahrs in Rajamala is estimated at 1317.
Echo Point (15 km from Munnar)
This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Stations from Munnar.
Power House waterfalls (18 km from Munnar)
This waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock, 2000m 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 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.
Pallivasal
Pallivasal, located at about 3 km from Chithirapuram in Munnar is the venue of the first Hydro-electric project in Kerala. It is a place of immense scenic beauty and is often favoured by visitors as a picnic spot.
Chinnakanal & Anayirangal
Near the town of Munnar is Chinnakanal and the waterfalls here, popularly known as Power House Waterfalls, cascade down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic view of the Western Ghat ranges. When you have traveled about seven kilometers from Chinnakanal, you reach Anayirangal. Anayirangal, 22 km from Munnar, is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by tea plantations and evergreen forests.
Tea Museum
Munnar has a legacy of its own when it comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantations in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit.
Excursions From Munnar
Anayirankal (22km from Munnar)
It is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirankal Dam is surrounded by the Tata Tea Plantations and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic spot.
Top station (32 km from Munnar)
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.
Cheeyappara
The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Nariamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi Madurai highway. The Cheeyappara waterfalls cascade down in seven steps. It is a real feast for the eyes. This is also a great place for trekking.
Meenuli
It is noted for two acres of evergreen forests upon a huge Rock. The rock is more than 500 acres in area and is an ideal spot for mountaineering
Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary (60 km from Munnar)
Situated on the Tamilnadu Boarder, The Chinnar wild life sanctuary is spread across 90.44 Sq.km.
Accessing Munnar:
Munnar is connected only by road. By road: Distance from Munnar to some tourist centres- Cochin: 150 km, Thekkady: 110 km, Alleppey: 180 km, Kodaikkanal: 195 km, Kumarakom: 160 km, Trinavdrum: 360 km, Anamudi: 20 km.
Nearest railway station: Kottayam railway station, 142 km away & Cochin railway station, 150Km away
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, 130 km away and in neighboring Tamil Nadu, Madhurai Airport, 142 km away.
Munnar, Munnar Kerala, Munnar Tourist Places, Munnar Tourist
Attractions, Munnar Tourist Destinations, Munnar Hill Station Kerala
