Overview

Munnar was a summer resort of British Government in South India at around 5400 ft above sea level. It is pronounced “Moon-aar” meaning “Three rivers” in Tamil and Malayalam. There are in fact three rivers – Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru which flow through this town, but join some distance away from Munnar.

‘Munnar’ comprises of Munnar and surrounding Panchayats of Kanthalloor, Vattavada, Chinnakkanal, Marayoor and Pallivasal and forms a sub region rich in resources for tourism development. This hill station, situated in the Western Ghats, is famous for its salubrious climate throughout the year, green carpeted tea plantations, deep valleys and rugged mountains, oceanic reservoirs, mythic ponds and lakes, numerous water falls as well as thick forests and adventurous remote areas.

Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands in Munnar is the Neelakurinji, a blue flower which blooms only every twelve years, is found in this region. It bloomed last in December 2006. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India – Anamudi, 2695m.

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.

Half the world population of the rare species of mountain goat (Hermitragus hylocrius) Nilgiri Tahr, is now found in the highlands and rocky regions. They have become a species which is fast becoming extinct. Small herds of Nilgiri Tahr are found in the Eravikulam Rajamala region.

The organic landscape, and all its overwhelming colossuses, has been left untouched with the magnificent stretch of wilderness of tall trees where cardamom covered tufts of land beckons one into an aromatic and dreamy landscape. Beautiful landscape, cool climate and wonderfully scented tea leaves are some of the other aspects that make this place a much sought after tourist destination. One can almost feel the divine vibrations of the past history echoing alive in every tree. And in the silence, hear one’s own thoughts taking shape. In this virginal remoteness, even time moves at a different pace.

Places to See

Mattupetty Dam:
Mattupetty is situated at a height of 1700m above sea level, 14 km from Munnar. Mattupetty Lake and Dam is a beautiful picnic spot with the panoramic view of the tea plantations and the lake. Boating facilities especially speed boat ride through the dam is available. Mattupetty is also well known for its highly specialized dairy farm – Indo-Swiss Live Stock project. The Shola forests in and around Mattupetty are ideal for trekking and are habitat to a variety of birds. Rivulets and cascades crisscross the terrain here, which again adds more attraction to the place.

Eravikulam National Park
Situated 13 Km away from Munnar, a sanctuary for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr ( Hemitragus hylocrious), the Eravikulam National Park stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and shola, spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills.

Nyayamakad
Located between Munnar and Rajamalai, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters. The enchanting surroundings make an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.

Kundala
Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Station at a distance of 23 km from Munnar. The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is located here. The Kundala artificial arch dam is another attraction. Aruvikkad Waterfall is also near Kundala.

Tata Tea Museum
Located 2 Km from Munnar Center on the Nallathany Road. Collection of old bits and pieces from the colonial era can be seen here. Demonstration of tea production. Information on machineries, tea processing and tea tasting.

CSI Church
A church built with stone in 1910. It has fine stained glass and brass plaques. Above all, a calm place to pray and meditate.

Devikulam
Located 7 Km away, tourists are attracted to this lake town which has hills after hills covered with tea plantations.

Top Station
30 Km away from Munnar. From here you can get a spectacular view of the plains of Tamilnadu. Kundala Dam is on the Munnar-Top Station road. Good trekking route to another famous hill station – Kodaikanal.

Marayoor
30 Km away, where Sandalwood forest, Muniyaras (ancient caves) and water falls (Thoovanam) are located. The only place in Kerala where one gets to see natural sandal forest. The sandal wood factory of the Forest Department, the caves (Muniyaras) with murals and relics from the new stone Age and the children’s park are the major attractions. Sugarcane is largely cultivated here and handmade sharkara (Treacle/jaggery) is another Marayoor exclusive.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
60 Km away from Munnar on Udumalpet road (SH17). Elephants, deer, samba etc can be seen from the watch tower. The tall tower is about 200 meters distance from the check-post. Tree house stay can be enjoyed for night watching.

Blossom International Park
Near Munnar town it has an adventure track, 1000-feet long fountain, roller skates, underground mediation center and a beautiful garden.

Anamudi
The highest peak of South India is close to Munnar and is a great place for adventurous trekking.

Lock Heart Gap
13 km from Munnar, it provides a panoramic view of Bison valley and other sleepy little villages thousands of feet below, wrapped in mist most of the time, on one side and steep rocky slopes with abundant wild flowers on the other side make this stretch of Kochi-Madurai National Highway an unforgettable experience.

Attukadu
(9 km from Munnar)-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.

Pothamedu
(6 km from Munnar) offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.

Echo Point
Has a natural echo phenomenon and offers panoramic views along the road to Top Station.

Power House Waterfalls
(18 km from Munnar) – The waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock 2000 mtrs 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.

Anayirankal
(22 kms from Munnar) – It’s a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirankal dam is surrounded by Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic spot.

Valara
(10 kms from Adimali on the Kochi-Madurai highway) has a chain of waterfalls surrounded by thick green forests.

Trekking Points in Munnar

Anamudi, Rajamalai, Meesapulimala, Top Station, Kundala, and Devikulam.

Tourist Circuits in Munnar

1. Photo view point – Mattupetty Dam – Echo Point – Kundala Dam – Top Station (34 kms).
2. Pothamedu – Chitrapuram – Atukal waterfall – Adimali – Cheyappara – Valara (40 kms).
3. Tea Museum – Rajamalai – Marayoor – Chinnar (60 kms).
4. Devikulam – Lock Heart Gap – Power House Waterfalls – Anayirankal (32 kms).
5. Kallar waterfall – Viripara waterfall- Letchmi Tea Estate (40 kms)