Munnar

Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Mudrapuzha, Nalathanni and Kundala. 1600m 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. Amount the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. The flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years.

Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.

Way To Munnar

• Important Places to Visit
• Combined Daily Conducted Tours
• Adventure Activates in Munnar

Way To Munnar

By Road – Munnar is accessible by frequent buses from Ernakulam (near Kochi), Kottayam, Thekkedy. Interstate buses runs between Bangalore, Coimbatore, Maduri, Theni, Palani to Munnar frequently.

By Rail – Munnar is not connected with Rail. Ernakulam 130kms, Kottayam 147km, Madurai 162kms, Coimbatore 158kms.

By Air – Nearest Airport Kochi / Cochin 130 kms 4hrs by road. Madurai – 142kms . Coimbatore – 167km. Trivandrum 302km.

Places To Visit

Pothanmedu – (6 km from Munnar) Pothanmedu offers an gives you an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, lush mountain and breathtaking scenery are ideal for long treks and mountain walks.

Devikulam – (7 km from Munnar). This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.

Pallivasal – (8km from Munnar) This is the venue of the first Hydro Electric project in Kerala and a place of immense scenic beauty.

Attukad – (9 km from Munnar). A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, this place between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes and ideal for long treks.

Valara Water Fall – (10km from Munnar). Valara has a chain of waterfalls surrounded by thick green forests.

Kallar Water Fall – (16km from Munnar ). Kallar water fall on the way to Munnar is a beautiful place.

Cheeyappara Water Fall – This is located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi Maduri highway. Cheeyappara water fall falling in seven steps, is a real feast for the eyes.

Rajamala – (15km from Munnar).This is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr. Half the world population of the rare mountain goat which is an endangered spices, is now found here.

Eravikulam National Park – (15km from Munnar). The 97sq.km park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri tahr.

Sanctuary VisitThe park is divided in to three regions. The core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area which is in the Rajamala Region. The Nilgiri tahr can be observed at close quarters here.

Visiting time 0800 hrs – 1700hrs.
Entrance Fee – Rs 25 per person.
Permitting Authority – Wildlife Warden, Munnar

Anamudi Peak – (15kms from Munnar). Anamudi peak is located southern region of the Eravikulam National Park. 2695m above sea level. Trekking facilities are available. Tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi. This is also a place of adventure tourism.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary – 60km from Munnar). Situated on the Tamil Nadu border, the sanctuary spread across 90.44km. Most of the south Indian wild animals which includes grizzled giant squirrel, champak squirrel, sambar deer, gaur etc.

Visiting time – 0700hrs – 1800hrs
Entry pass available at the check post

Marayoor – (40kms from Munnar). This is the place where a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The Govt Sandal Wood factory of the Forest Department, the ancient caves with murals and all relics from the Neolithic Age and the childrens park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single banyan tree are of great interest to tourists. Thoovanam waterfall is nearby.

Lockhart Gap – (13km from Munnar). This is an idle place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.

Anayirankal Dam – (22km from Munnar). This place is a lush green carpet of tea plantations. It is an ideal picnic spot and a boat ride on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience.

Kollukkumallay – (38 km from Munnar). Located in steep, rugged terrain, Kollukkumallay is the highest tea garden in the country at 7900ft. Accessible only by jeep, a visit to the estate includes a drive around tea fields and a tour of its factor. What gives Kollukkumallay tea its special flavour is presumably the high altitude.

Ramakalmedu – (17km from Munnar. 16kms inside from the main road). Cool, green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats.

Mattupetty Dam – 14kms from Munnar. Situated at a height of 1700m, Mattupetty is known for its highly specialized dairy farm – Indio Swiss live stock project. Now it is closed down and visitors are not allowed to enter.

It is a picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala Tea Plantations and the Kundala Lake are the other attractions nearby. Boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam available.

Echo Point – 17kms from Munnar. The scenic place gets it name from the natural echo phenomenon here.

Kundala Lake – (22km from Munnar). Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Station. Kundala Artificial Dam is another attraction and is also known as Sethuparvathipuram Dam. Aruvikkad Water fall is also near Kundala.

TopStation– (34km from Munnar). 1700m above sea level, this is the highest point on the Munnar – Kodaikanal road. The rare Neelakurunji (Strobilantbus) belongs to this region. This plant blooms one in every twelve years bathing the hillside on bright blue. Top station also offers a panoramic view of the neighbouring State of Tamil Nadu.

Neelakurinji – Neelakurunji (strobilantbus), which bloom once in 12yrs is usually found in Munnar. The flower which bathes the hills in blue will bloom next in 2018AD.

Combined Daily Conducted Tours

District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Munnar conducting daily sightseeing trips of Munnar.

Daily Sightseeing Tour – Departure at 1000hrs to 1600hrs. @Rs 250 per person.

Tea Valley Tour – Departure 1000hrs to 1800hrs. @ Rs 250 per person. Covers Mattupetty Dam, Echo point, Kundala lake, Top Station, Rajamala ( Eravikulam National Park ).

SandalValley Tour – Departure 0900hrs to 1600hrs. @ Rs 300 per person. Nyamakkadu View point, Lukkom waterfalls, Vaguvarai View point, Chinnar Wild life Sanctuary.

Adventure Activates in Munnar

Experience the ultimate thrill in flying. Paragliding above the Rocky Mountains will provide you a whole new experience. Professional and licensed pilots are available for your assistance. If you are pilot do not forget to bring your license.

Paragliding

Tandem Paragliding is available with professional gliders.

Trekking and Camping
You can explore Munnar on food, which include trekking in thick forest, cliff tops, look out living forms that you have seen only in books especially the rain dears, wild plants & rare birds etc. You can hike with guide all western ghats[south india] highest peaks.

You can choose full day trekking, half day etc according to the time you can spend.

Rock Climbing and Rappelling.
Rock climbing is the ultimate test in stamina, endurance, strength and determination. You need 30mins training and guided instructions to do Rock Climbing. Instructors are available for this.

River Crossing
Safety gears and instructors are available for river crossing.

Trout Fishing in Munnar
Trout is a freshwater fish known for its ability to survive in high altitudes and low temperatures.
Britishers introduced trout fish to Munnar. It continues to be major attraction for foreigners who prefer to go for angling in the streams near Anaimudy.