Munnar is located at the Idukki district of Kerala State in South India. Munnar's mesmerising greenery, mountain scenery, calmness and cool refreshing air attracts honeymooners and tourists throughout the year. It is a weekend hideout location for domestic tourists during summer season. Foreign travelers likes watching the natural beauty of Kerala while the journey from Thekkady to Munnar.
Munnar is at the confluence of three rivers. The 3 mountain streams joining together here are Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. In Tamil, the word 'munnu' means "three" and 'aar' means "river". Hence "Munnar" is a shortened version of 'Munnu Aar'.
Munnar is a commercial centre with one of the world's best tea estates. There are about 30 tea plantations in and around Munnar. Among these, majority of the plantations are owned by Tata Group's Kannan Devan Tea Estate. A visit to Munnar can witness the nurturing of tea in plantation to the process of manufacturing and packing.
The tea estates, hills, lakes and forests inside Munnar area exposes it's beauty. The tea plants covered Munnar hills makes the feeling of seeing a wide green carpet.
Attractions
Lock Heart Gap (13 km from Munnar) : This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.
Rajamala (15 km from Munnar) : The natural habitat of the Niligiri tahr, Rajamala, is 2695 m above sea level. Half the world's population of the rare mountain goat or tahr which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here. The Niligiri tahr in Rajamala are now to be found in small herds found in Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Niligiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated to be over 1300.
Visiting Time : 0700 - 1800 hrs.
Visitors are not allowed during the monsoon.
Entry Pass : Rs. 10 for adults, Rs. 5 for children below 12 years, Rs. 50 for foreigners.(liable to change)
Permitting Authority : Wild Life DFO, Munnar.
Power House Waterfalls (18 km from Munnar) : The waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock 2000 m 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 Station. The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction. Aruvikkad Waterfall is also near Kundala.
CSI Christ Church : The British built the Christ Church in 1910 AD. Built of stone, the church is known for its stained glass windows. There are several brass plaques in the church placed in the memory of the tea planters.
Pothanadu: (6 km from Munnar (Pothanmedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills and the lush mountains here ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.
Devikulam: (7 km from Munnar) This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air ia 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: (8 km from Munnar) This is the site of the Hydro-Electric Project in Kerala and a place of immense scenic beauty.
Attukad: (9 km from Munnar) A panorama of water falls and rolling hills, Attukad, located between Munnar and Pallivasal , is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treks.
Nyayamakad: (10 km from Munnar) Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from height of about 1600 matres. The enchanting surroundings make an excellent picnic spot and trekking point. Gravel banks, the delightful trout dishing site is tucked away in a remove corner of Nyayamakad estate.
Chithirapuram: (10 km from Munnar) Whith its sleepy little cottaes, 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.
Mattupetty: ( 13 km from Munnar) Situated at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetty is known for its specialised dairy farm - the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100 cattle sheds at the farm. Visitng time: 0900-1100 hrs and 1400 - 1530 hrs. Entrance fee. 5 per head. The Mattupettu Dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are the other attractions nearby. Dtpc Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed launch, slow speedboat and motorboats are available on hire.
Mount Carmel Church: Established in 1898, this was the Roman Catholic church in the high ranges.
Blossom international park: Sprawled over 16 acres, this park has a garden with a profusion of blooms and a plethora of activities for adults and children including boating, cycling, roller skating, games etc.
Echo Point: (15 km from Munnar) The scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to top station from Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park: (15km from) The 97 sq.km park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (1695 m) is located in the southern region of the park.
Sanctuary Visit: The park is divided in to three regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism are. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area which is in the Rajamal region. The Nilgiri tahr can be obsered at close quarters here.
Visitng time: 0800-1700. Visitors are not allowed during the monsoon. Entrance fee: Rs.10 for adults, Rs.2 for children below 12 years, Rs. 50 for foreigners. Permitting authority: Wildlife warden, Munnar Ph: 231587
Trekking facilities are available here. Tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi. This is also a place for adventure tourism. Trekking area: Anamudi, Rajamala
Anayirankal: (22 Km from Munnaar) This place is a lush green carpet of tea plants. The Anayirankal dam is surrounded by the rata Tea plantation and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic spot and a boat ride on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience
Top station: (32 Km from Munnar) 1700 m above sea level, this is the highest pont on the Munnar - Kodaikanal road. The rare Neelakurinji (Strobilantbus) belongs to this region. This plant blooms once in every twelve years bathing the the hillsides in bright blue. Top station also offers a panoramic view of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.
Kollukkumallay: (38 Km from Munnar) located in steep, rugged terrain, Kollukkumallay is the highest tea garden in the country at 7900 ft. Accessible only by jeep, a visit to the estate includes a drive around the tea fields and a tour of its factory. What gives Kollukkumallay tea its special flavour is presumbly the high altitude.
Marayoor: (40 Km from Munnar)This is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood. The sandalwood of the forest department, the ancient caves (muniyaras) with murals and relics from the Neolithic age and the children's park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single banyan tree are of great interest to tourists. Thoovanam waterfall and the Rajiv gandhi national park are also nearby.
Cheeyappara: The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Neiamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi-Madurai highway. The CHeeyappara waterfall falling in seven steps, is a feat for the eyes. This is also a great place for trekking.
Meenuli: It is noted for the two acres of evergreen forest upon a huge rock. The rock is more tha 500 acres in ares spot for mountaineering.
Malankara Reservoir: ( 6km from Thodupuzha) located in the Thodupuzha-Moolamattam road, this artificial lake is accessible by road. The reservoir is idea for boating and fishing.
Thommankuthu: (17 km from Thodupuzha) Famous for its seven-step waterfall, Thommankuthu is an ideal place for adventure tourism. Other attractions: Pedal boating, forest trekking, night camping, bathing in the waterfall etc.
Keezharkuth: (25km from Thodupuzha) The Rainbow waterfalls which cascades dwon a rock from a height of about 1500 m in a wonderful attraction of this spot . It can be seen throughout the year in all its splendour. The forest around this spot is home to various medicinal plantts. It is an ideal place for rock clmbing, mountaineering, camping and trekking.
Palkulamedu: (12 km from Idukki) Kochi, Alappuzha and other nearbly towns can be seen from this peak which is located 3125 m above sea level.
Ramakalmedu: (16 km from Nedumkandam, Thekkady-Munnar road) Cool, green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villges of Bodi and Cumbum on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats. DIstance: 45 km from Idukki, 40km from Thekkady and 75 km from Munnar, Bus timings: 0930 hrs Munnar, 1030 hrs Kottayam, 0930 hrs Ernakulam.
Chinnar Wildlife Sancturary: (60 km from Munnar) Situated on the Tamil Nadu border, the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is spread across 90.44 sq.km, Animals: Most of the South Indian wild animals can be found in this forest. These include the grazzled giant squirrel, champal squirel, elephant, sambar deer, gaur etc. Birds: Jungle fowl, myna, laghing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl etc.
Access:Munnar - Udumalpetta road: 60km. Coimbatore-Udumalpetta-Chinnar road: 100km Kochi-Chinnar: 190km. Parambikulam via Pollachi-Chinnar.Pollachi-Chinnar via Udumalpetta: 60km. Kottayam-Chinnar: 208 km.
Visiting time: 0700-1800 hrs. Entry passes are available at the office of the ACF or the check post information counter.
Valara: (10 km from Adimali on the Kochi-Madurai highway) Valara has a chain of waerfalls surrounded by thick green forests.
High Range Club: Charmingly colonial in style, this clubhouse built of wicker and treak still as a social centre for the far-flung farmers for the region around Munnar. The club houses an elegant lounge and dining room, the obligatory gentlemen's bar, a billiards room, a library etc. ENtry is limited to members only.
Blossom international park: Sprawled over 16 acres, this park has a garden with a profusion of blooms and a plethora of activities for adults and children including boating, cycling, roller skating, games etc.
Echo Point: (15 km from Munnar) The scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to top station from Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park: (15km from) The 97 sq.km park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (1695 m) is located in the southern region of the park.
Sanctuary Visit:The park is divided in to three regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism are. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area which is in the Rajamal region. The Nilgiri tahr can be obsered at close quarters here.
Visitng time: 0800-1700. Visitors are not allowed during the monsoon. Entrance fee: Rs.10 for adults, Rs.2 for children below 12 years, Rs. 50 for foreigners. Permitting authority: Wildlife warden, Munnar Ph: 231587
Trekking facilities are available here. Tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi. This is also a place for adventure tourism. Trekking area: Anamudi, Rajamala
Anayirankal: (22 Km from Munnaar) This place is a lush green carpet of tea plants. The Anayirankal dam is surrounded by the rata Tea plantation and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic spot and a boat ride on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience
Top station: (32 Km from Munnar) 1700 m above sea level, this is the highest pont on the Munnar - Kodaikanal road. The rare Neelakurinji (Strobilantbus) belongs to this region. This plant blooms once in every twelve years bathing the the hillsides in bright blue. Top station also offers a panoramic view of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.
Kollukkumallay: (38 Km from Munnar) located in steep, rugged terrain, Kollukkumallay is the highest tea garden in the country at 7900 ft. Accessible only by jeep, a visit to the estate includes a drive around the tea fields and a tour of its factory. What gives Kollukkumallay tea its special flavour is presumbly the high altitude.
Marayoor: (40 Km from Munnar)This is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood. The sandalwood of the forest department, the ancient caves (muniyaras) with murals and relics from the Neolithic age and the children's park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single banyan tree are of great interest to tourists. Thoovanam waterfall and the Rajiv gandhi national park are also nearby.
Cheeyappara: The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Neiamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi-Madurai highway. The Cheeyappara waterfall falling in seven steps, is a feat for the eyes. This is also a great place for trekking.
Meenuli: It is noted for the two acres of evergreen forest upon a huge rock. The rock is more tha 500 acres in ares spot for mountaineering.
Malankara Reservoir: ( 6km from Thodupuzha) located in the Thodupuzha-Moolamattam road, this artificial lake is accessible by road. The reservoir is idea for boating and fishing.
Thommankuthu: (17 km from Thodupuzha) Famous for its seven-step waterfall, Thommankuthu is an ideal place for adventure tourism. Other attractions: Pedal boating, forest trekking, night camping, bathing in the waterfall etc.
Keezharkuth: (25km from Thodupuzha) The Rainbow waterfalls which cascades dwon a rock from a height of about 1500 m in a wonderful attraction of this spot . It can be seen throughout the year in all its splendour. The forest around this spot is home to various medicinal plantts. It is an ideal place for rock clmbing, mountaineering, camping and trekking.
Palkulamedu: (12 km from Idukki) Kochi, Alappuzha and other nearbly towns can be seen from this peak which is located 3125 m above sea level.
Ramakalmedu: (16 km from Nedumkandam, Thekkady-Munnar road) Cool, green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villges of Bodi and Cumbum on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats. DIstance: 45 km from Idukki, 40km from Thekkady and 75 km from Munnar, Bus timings: 0930 hrs Munnar, 1030 hrs Kottayam, 0930 hrs Ernakulam.
Chinnar Wildlife Sancturary: (60 km from Munnar) Situated on the Tamil Nadu border, the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is spread across 90.44 sq.km, Animals: Most of the South Indian wild animals can be found in this forest. These include the grazzled giant squirrel, champal squirel, elephant, sambar deer, gaur etc. Birds: Jungle fowl, myna, laghing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl etc.
Access:Munnar - Udumalpetta road: 60km. Coimbatore-Udumalpetta-Chinnar road: 100km Kochi-Chinnar: 190km. Parambikulam via Pollachi-Chinnar.Pollachi-Chinnar via Udumalpetta: 60km. Kottayam-Chinnar: 208 km.
Visiting time: 0700-1800 hrs. Entry passes are available at the office of the ACF or the check post information counter.
Valara: (10 km from Adimali on the Kochi-Madurai highway) Valara has a chain of waerfalls surrounded by thick green forests.
High Range Club: Charmingly colonial in style, this clubhouse built of wicker and treak still as a social centre for the far-flung farmers for the region around Munnar. The club houses an elegant lounge and dining room, the obligatory gentlemen's bar, a billiards room, a library etc. Entry is limited to members only.
Bus timings from Munnar: (KSRTC enquiry Ph: 230201). Thekkady: 0630, 1200, 1430, 1500 hrs (4 hrs), Thiruvananthapuram: 0480 hrs via Alappuzha;1030 hrs via Kottayam; 1140 hrs via Alappuzha; 1215 hrs via Kottayam; 1530 hrs via Kottayam (8 hrs), Thrissur: 1330 hrs, palakkad: 1500 hrs via, Theni: Frequent buses, palani: 0715, 0930, 1130, 1415 hrs, Top station: Daily 8 hours- Girst trip - 0730, last trip - 1830 hrs (1 hr) Ernakulam: Daily 8 buses - First trip - 0530, Last trip - 2150 hrs ( 4 hrs), Madurai: 1430 hrs (6 hrs ), Marayoor: Frequent buses, Coimbatore: 0630, 1545 hrs ( 6hrs), Kodaikanal: No direct bus; frequent buses from Theni, Chinnar: Daily 8 buses ( 3 hrs); Frist trip: 0630 hrs, Last trip: 1800 hrs, Devikulam: Frequent buses (30 min)
Tourist Information offices: District office, Kumily Ph: 222620, DTPC information centre, old Munnaar Ph: 231516
Things to do in Munnar
Daily Sightseeing tour: Timing 1000 to 1600 hrs. Tariff: Rs. 250 per head. For bookings, contact: DTPC, information centre, Munnar. Ph: 231516, Sightseeing tours are arranged by the district tourist information office, Thekkady Jn., Kumily. Tours cover spice plantatins, herbal gardens, tribal settlement and other places in an around Munnar. Ph: 222620.
Tea Valley Tour: Matupetty, Echo point, Kundala, top station, Rajamal (Eravikulam Nationa Park). Timing: 1000 to 1800 hrs. Tariff: RS. 250 per head. For booking, contact: DTPC, information, centre, Munnar. Ph: 231516
Permission to visit any of the 26 factories of Tata Tea Ltd. cn be had from the regional office at Munnar. Ph: 230561 to 230565.
Sandal Valley Tour: Nyayamakad View Point, Luckkom Waterfalls, aguvarai View Pont, coffe- Tea plantations, Sandalwood forest, chinnar wildlife sanctuary
Timing: 0900 to 1600 hrs, Tariff: Rs.300
Mountain Climbing, Paragliding & Rock Climbing: Track finder Munnar Ph: 231516
Boating: Munnar-DTPC boating facilities at Old Munnar Ph: 231516
Fares: Rowboat: Rs. 30 per head per hour, Motorboat: Rs:200 for 9 for 30 min.
Pedalboat: Rs 40 for 2 seater and Rs. 80 for 4 seater for 30 min. Water cycle: Rs. 100 per head for 30 min. Surfbike: Rs. 50 for 15 min.
Mattupetty, Speed loanch: Rs 300 for 15 min (max. 5 persons). Sfatiboat: Rs. 700 for 25 seats for 30 min. Timing: 0930-1500 hrs.
Indo-Swiss project Ph: 242201
Cycle Rental: DTPC provides cycling facilities at Munnar (Rs. 10 per cycle per hour and Rs.75 per cycle per day)
Tea Museum : ( Open 1000-1630 hrs) India's only tea museum run by Tata Tea traces the evolution of the industry in Munnar from the 1880s. It houss an interesting array of relics and artefacts fromt the past. Entrance fee: Rs. 50 per head.
Tourist circuits in Munnar: Munnar-Mattupettu Dam- Indo-Swiss Livestock project- Echo point- Kundala Dam- Top station (34 km). Munnar-Pothanmedu-Chitirapuram-Pallivasal-Cheeyappara--Adimali-Valara(4okm). Munnar-Rajamala-Marayoor-Chinnar(70km(. Munnar-Devikulam-Lockhart Gap- Power house waterfall, Anayirankal(32km).
Plantations of Munnar
Tea: (Camellia sinesis) Tea plantations in South India are located on the Western Ghats, the eastern part of central and adjoining parts of Tamil Nadu, usually at an elevation of 4300 to 6200 ft above sea level. The high ranges of Munnar were earlier known as the Kanan Devan Hills, named after a certain Kanan Devan, who had been a landlord in the Anchanad vally on the eastern side of the district. Tea cultivation started in the Nilgiris in 1832 on an eastern side of the district, Tea cultivation started in the Nilgiris in 1832 omn an experimental basis, and later in 1878 was taken up on the Kanan Devan Hills in Munnar. Today, tea is clutivated in 24,000 hectares of land in Munnar, Perrmedu and Devikulam areas with an annual yield of 47568 metric tons.
Tea processinf: The tender tea leaves collected from the plantations are withered in hot air at the factory and the sent to the rollers. After beight rolled in to particles and fermented, they are fed into bfore they ready to be packed
Medicinal value of tea: Stimulates the central system. Leads to increased period of awakening. Prevents drowsiness and dullness. Keeps alert the intellectual faculties.
Coffee: Cofee cultivation in India dates back to 1600 AD when Ba Abadan, a Muslim saint from the holy city Mecca broght seven precious coffee seed and sowed them in the Chandragiri near Chikmagalore in Karnataka. The main varieties of coffee cultivated tody are Robusta and Arabica. Coffee plantaions occupy 15,400 hectares in Devikulam, Peerumedu, Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Indukki. The average yild per hectare is 320 metric tons.
Facilities
Banks/currency exchange: State bank of travancore, Munnar Ph:230274. State bank of India, Munnar Ph: 230381. State bank of travancore, Devikulam Ph: 264234
Communications: Main post office, Munnar Ph: 230280
