Munnar Munnar A paradise for nature lovers, breathtakingly beautiful a haven of peace and tranquility everybody wish to come

ome again, the idyllic tourist destination in Gods own country. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft from sea level located in Idukki district, hardly 130 Km. from Cochin, bussiness capital of Kerala. It is sure that once you are in Munnar you wont have the heart to leave The literal meaning of Munnar is confluence of three rivers Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundalla. The confluence of these rivers is at the heart of the town and they fulfill all the water requirements of the town. This hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Because of the likeness with the climate of London the erst while British officers made it their summer resort and affectionately labeled it little London. Unending expanse of tea plantations The misty mountains and valleys, the whispering wilds and the refreshing drizzles are a tourists delight at any time of the year.

Climatic Conditions
Munnar enjoys a salubrious climate. The temperature of Munnar ranges between 0 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius, according to the winter. The usual temperature of summer varies from 15 degree Celsius to 25 degree Celsius & that of winter from 0 degree Celsius to 10 degree Celsius. It receives heavy rain during the months of June to September.

Places to visit
Anaimudi, Mattupatty, Devikulam, Eravikulam National Park (Rajamala), Wildlife Sanctuary (Chinnar), Lock Heart Gap, Chithirapuram, Anayirangal, Attukal, Nyayamakad, Echo Point, Top Station, Kundala, Power House Waterfalls, Malankara Reservoir, Pothamedu, Cheeyappara, Marayoor, Muniyara, Valara.

Nearby Tourist Destinations

Thekkady, Thommankuthu waterfalls, Kumarakom, Cochin (Kochi), Madurai, Coimbatore, Kodaikanal.

How to reach Munnar

By Air : The nearest airport is Nedumbassery, Cochin. By Rail : Alwaye is the nearest railway station 130 km away from Munar, which is connected to all the major cities in India. By Road : Munnar is accessible by road from most of the cities and town in Kerala. You can also reach Munnar form Coimbatore (248 kms. just 6 hrs away) and Madurai (165 kms just 5 hrs away) in TamilNadu. From cochin by 3.5 hrs. From Alleppey (Alappuzha) Amrithapuri Calicut Cheruthuruthy Kannur Cochin (Ernakulam) Kanyakumari Kottackal Kottayam Kovalam Kumarakom Madurai Mahe Malampuzha Mangalore Nedumbassery Palghat Sabarimala Route Distance Alleppey Cherthalai Aroor Vyttila (Ernakulam Byepass) Tripunithura Thiruvankulam Kolencherry Muvattupuzha 198 KM Kothamangalam Adimali Munnar. Amrithapuri Kayamkulaam Alleppey Sherthalai Aroor Vyttila Tripunithura Thiruvankulam Kolencherry 264 KM Muvattupuzha Kothamangalam Adimali Munnar. Calicut Kottackal Kuttippusram Edappal Trichur Chalakudy Angamally Perumbavoor Muvattupuzha 337 KM Kothamangalam Adimali Munnar. Cheruthuruthy Trichur Chaklakudy Angamally Perumbavoor Muvattupuzha Kothamangalam Adimali Kannur Thalassery Mahe Vadakara Quilandy Calicut Kottackal Kuttippuram Edappal Trichur Chalakudy Angamalli Perumbavoor Muvattupuzha Kothamangalam Adimali Munnar. Cochin(Ernakulam) Vytila Thrippunithura Kolencherry Muvattupuzha Kothamangalam Adimali Munnar. Kanyakumari Trivandrum Attingal Quilon Kayamkulam Alleppey sherthalai Aroor Vyttila Thrippunithura Kolencherry Muvattupuzha Kothamangalam Adimali Munnar. Kottackal Kuttippuram Edappal Trichur Chalakudy Angamalli Perumbavoor Muvattupuzha Kothamangalam Adimalli Munnar. Kottayam Ettumanoor Muvattupuzha Kothamangalam Adimalli Munnar. Kovalam Trivandrum Attingal Quilon Kayamkulam Alleppey Sherthalai Aroor Vyttila Thrippunithura Kolencherry Muvattupuzha Kothamangalam Adimalli Munnar. Kumarakom Kottayam ettumanoor Muvattupuzha Kothamangalam Adimalli Munnar. Madurai Usilampetti Theni Bodinayakkanur Devikulam Munnar. Mahe Vadakara quilandy calicut kottackal kuttippuram edappal trichur chalakudy angamalli perumbavoor muvattupuzha kothamangalam adimalli. Malampuzha palghat trichur chalakudy angamally perumbavoor muvattupuzha kothamangalam adimalli munnar. Mangalore kasargod kangangad neeleswaram payyannur thalipparambu cannanore thalassery mahe vadakara quilandy calicut kottackal kuttippuram edappal trichur chalakudy angamalli kalady perumbavoor muvattupuzha kothamangalam adimalli munnar Nedumbassery Kalady Perumbavoor Muvattupuzha Kothamangalam Adimali Munnar. Palghat trichur chalakudy angamally kalady perumbavoor muvattupuzha kothamangalam adimalli munnar. Sabarimala erumely ponkunnam palai koothattukulam muvattupuzha kothamangalam adimalli munnar. 243 KM 430 KM 130 KM 445 KM 289 KM 201 KM 371 KM 212 KM 162 KM 395 KM 295 KM 505 KM 105 KM 280 KM 316 KM

Trivandrum Thekkady Varkala

Trivandrum attingal quilon kayamkulam alleppey sherthalai aroor vyttila trippunithura kolencherry muvattupuzha kothamangalam adimali munnar. Thekkady devikulam munnar. Varkala attingal quilon kayamkulam alleppey sherthalai aroor vyttila trippunithura kolencherry muvattupuzha kothamangalam adimalli munnar

357 KM 110 KM 322 KM

Travel in Munnar :
Local transport available in Munnar includes taxis, autorickshaws, bicycles and buses. There are frequent buses run by the State Transport Corporation. Hired cycles are also a fun way to explore Munnar. The places in and around Munnar are basically divided in four roads or directions :

1) Mattupetty : In this direction you have the following places to visit

a) Photo Point : Good places to take snaps in the tea garden (4 km) b) Mattupetty Dam (11 km) c) Indo-Swiss Project : This place is a must visit (13 km) d) Shooting Point : Film Directors dream place to shoot song scenes, here many south Indian movies have been shorted (14 km) e) Echo Point (17 km) : where you can here the echo of your voice. f) Elephant Arrival Spot (20 km) : you can have an elephant drive here g) Kundale Lake : Dont miss the Boat ride here (25 km) i) Kundale Golf Course (28 km) j) Top Station (about 6300 ft above the sea level) : This is in the border of Kerala and tamil nadu, there is a way to Kodaikanal from this palce. We need to walk down for about a 1 km to reach this stop from the road, it is a terrific sight, and you can also see the worlds highest tea plant from this place. (32 km)

2) Coimbatore : In this direction you have these places to visit

a) Anaimudi, Highest Peak in South India (about 8853 ft above the sea level, 20 km) b) Nyamakad Waterfalls : Samll but a beautiful falls (8 km) c) Eravikulam National Park : You get great view of munar from this national park, you have to walk about 1.5 km and will also find a rare and endangered wild goat which can walk on mountains, we were privileged that we could see them (13 km) d) Lakkam Falls (26 km) e) Sandal Wood Forest : This drive is just too good (35 km) f) Childrens Park (43 km) g) Wildlife Sanctuary (Chinnar) : You can also go trekking here to a falls which is flows through the jungle , the falls is about 8 kms from the road.Pls take care not to honk or make noise when going through the forest since there are good chances you may miss out some wild life (63 km) h) Amaravathy Dam (78 km) i) Crocodile Dam: You can find crocodiles at different ages here , entry fee is 50p per head (can u believe this) (79 km)

3) Cochin : In this direction you have these places to visit

a) Blossom Park (2.5 km) b) Pothemedu View Point : A beautiful view spot for Sunset, there are couple of resorts near by this view point,you can also see coffee and cardamom plantations here. (5 km) c) Attukkadu Water Falls (10 km)

4) Thekkady : In this direction you have these places to visit

a) Sita Devi Lake : Cannot miss this beautiful lake and scape (22 km) b) Lock Heart Gap View : You can imagine the beauty of the place from its name itself (14 km) c) Power House Waterfalls (17 km) d) Resorts Village View (18 km) e) Anaiyirankal Dam View (18 km)

Bus timings from Munnar :

Thekkady 0630, 1200, 1430, 1500 hrs (4 hours) Thiruvananthapu 0840 hrs via Alappuzha, 1030 hrs via Kottayam, 1140 hrs via Alappuzha, 1215 hrs via Kottayam, 1530 hrs via Kottayam (8 ram hours time) Thrissur 1330 hrs Palakkad 1500 hrs Theni Frequent Buses Palani 0715, 0930, 1130, 1415 hrs. Top Station Daily 8 buses First trip 0730, Last trip 1830 hrs (1 hour) Ernakulam Daily 8 buses First trip 0530, Last trip 2150 hrs (4 hours) Madurai 1430 hrs (6 hours) Marayoor Frequent Buses Coimbatore 0630, 1545 hrs (6 hours) Kodaikanal No direct buses. Frequent buses from Theni. Chinnar Daily 8 buses (3 hours). First trip : 0630 hrs, Last trip : 1800 hrs Devikulam Frequent Buses (30 mts) * Please confirm these details with KSRTC Enquiry Phone : 91-4865-230201

Tea plantations Munnar is best know as Indias tea capital, remarkable tea production of India is from this beautiful place. Most of the tea plantations are under the control of TATA Tea Company. The tourist are blesed to see the miles and miles of never ending tea plantations at Munnar. TATA Tea, the dominant player of Tea production have their main tea estate here in Munnar. Today, tea is cultivated on 24,000 hectares of land in Munnar, Peermade and Devikulam areas with an annual yield of 50,000 metric tons. With the special emphasis to Munnar, and to the delight of tourists and tea lovers, TATA Tea Company operating a Tea Museum at Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea, which houses curious, photographs and machineries, each explains the turning point that contributed to a flourishing tea industry, as seen today in Munnar and nighbouring villages. Visitors to the museum can get the demonstration of various stages of tea processing and learn about the production of black tea. A section of the museum also houses classic bungalow furniture, typewriters, wooden bathtub, magneto phone, iron oven, manual calculators and EPABX of the1909 telephone system. The Tata Tea museum is opened for all with the Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. (open 7 days a week) and an Entry Fee for Adults: Rs.50, Children below 12 years: Rs.10. Now it become a prime tourist destinations of Munnar. Over 12 varieties of spices including ginger, garlic, cardamom, vannilla, pepper, cinnamon, coffee, tea, clove and nutmeg is cultivated in Munnar and its neighbouring villages. Anaimudi Anaimudi Peak in Munnar or the Elephant Peak is the highest point in South India, also the highest point in India outside the Himalaya-Karakoram system, being several metres higher than the better-known Doddabetta near Ooty. With an elevation of over 2695 metres, it offers excellent venues for camping and trekking and is a delight for nature enthusiasts and the view of the nature from this point is said to be everlasting. Anaimudi is 13 km away from Munnar Town. The area around Anaimudi is now called as Eravikulam sanctuaty. The Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary (in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu) is contiguous to this sanctuary. Anamudi and the Eravikulam National Park surrounding it is home to the largest surviving population of Nilgiri tahr, estimated at about 750 animals. The summit of the Anamudi is vegetated with patches of stunted Arundinaria densifolia and Gaultheria fragrantissima (wintergreen), Anaphalis sp., Impatiens and some species of Eniocaulon Eravikulam National Park (Rajamala) Eravikulam Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary (15 kms from Munnar) is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District, is a sanctuary set up for the preservation of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr also known as the Nilgiri Ibex, an endangered specie of the wild goat and the only one to be found south of the Himalayas. Eravikulam National park holds the largest viable population of Tahrs (Around 1317, according to the 1991 census) existing around the world. Apart from tahr, the park is abode of other little known fauna such as Nilgiri marten, ruddy mongoose,small clawed otter,dusky striped sqirrel, Atlas Moth, Elephants, Sambhars, Gaurs, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri, Langur, Tigers and Leopards. Eravikulam National park spread across an area of 97 sq. kms, The park is divided into 3 regions the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. The mountains covered with the breathtaking natural splendor of rolling grasslands and exotic flowers. The park is administered by the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife, Munnar Wildlife Division. Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area which is in the Rajamala region. Trekking facilities are available here. The climate of this region is greatly influenced by the southwestern monsoon. So it is not advisable to visit the park during the monsoon time as the area takes a dangerous shape in the monsoon. So from the month of January to early days of March are ideal for visiting the park. Six mini-buses are operated by park staff as part of the visitor-management programme as well as a pollution-control measure. Private vehicles are not allowed within the park. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is 60 km from Munnar, located in the rain shadow region of Western Ghats of Kerala, extends over an area of over 90 sq km. Chinnar is a house of large number of plants and animals like rarest of the rare giant grizzled squirrel, which are said to be less than 200, around the world. Apart from it, this sanctuary is also shelter to tigers, spotted deer, Sambar, turtles, elephants, bonnet macaques, Peafowl, Bulbul, Flycatcher, Kingfisher, Drongo, Bushchats, Hoopoes, black eagles, vipers, Hanuman Monkey, Peacocks, little cormorants and darters. As one moves from Karimuthi to Chinnar you can see those birds and animals on either side of the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. Chinnar gets much less rain than Keralas other wildlife sanctuaries. Recently reported the famous white bison of Manjampatti at Chinnar. With 225 species of birds, Chinnar is rich in avian diversity. The sanctuary is home to some of the highest peaks including Kottakombumalai (2144 mts), Vellaikalmalai (1863 mts) and Viriyottumalai (1845 mts). The extensive sandalwood forest at Marayoor is nearby an added attraction to the place.

The sanctuary abounds in a variety of trees, including the unique thorny scrub forest with Xerophytic species. The flora of the sanctuary comprises dry deciduous forest, thorny scrub forests, high sholas and wet grasslands. The undulated landscape with craggy rocks patches adds to the scenic grandeur of the sanctuary. Best Season to visit the sanctuary is from December to April. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is also ideal for boating and trekking. The forest department does not offer any conducted safaris, however there are other options like the river trekking programme (from 6 to 11 AM & 3 to 6 PM, Rs. 50/person) and the trek to thoovanam waterfall (Rs. 35/person). Other options include the trek to the pre-historic dolmens. Bookings can be made for all these programmes from the checkpost or the Eravikulam wildlife sanctuary wardens office.

Mattupetty Dam The beautiful hill station of Mattupetty, a nature lovers paradise, is just 13 km drive away from Munnar. Boating in the calm, tranquil waters of Mattupetty dam is a not-to-miss experience for travelers to Munnar. Mattupetty is situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level. Boating options in the dam are offered by the DTPC (District Tourism Promotion Council). speed boats, row boats, pedal boats and motor boats can be hired. Nearby is a dairy farm Mattupetti (cattle village), where around 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared. The farm is part of the Indo-Swiss Project and visitors are allowed into 3 of 11 cattle sheds during fixed hours. Visit Time : 09:00 11:00 hrs and 14:00 15:30 hrs (Rupees 5 per head for pass). The project was established in 1961 by Kerala Livestock Development Board (KLDB). Trekking in the Shola forests around Mattupetty which is also home to a variety of birds, small streams and waterfalls. Nearby is the Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake. Mattupetty Dam was built in the late 1953. Echo point Echo Point is 13 km away from Munnar on the way to Top Station, Most Hillstations have a echo point, Echo point at Munnar derives from the beauty it gives out from the natural echo phenomenon. People are savoring the fantastic view and experience especially their voice echoing within the reservoir. It was a fun to hear the clear echo of anything you speak out loudly. The experience and beauty you enjoy most is found only in Munnar and not in any other destination of Kerala. If one has the time, a long walk on the side path of the lake at Echo point may be a worthwhile proposition. Echo point really cool with calm river and beautiful mountains in the back ground. Top station Top station, 41 km from Munnar is considerd as home to some of the highest tea plantations in India, 1,880 m above sea level. Top station is the top-tourist attraction. This place gives a real above the clouds experience. Top Station is just near or at the top of the mountain and would have a killer view. You can see even the Madurai District of Tamilnadu from this Top Staion. It lies on the state border of Iduki district of Kerala and Theni district of Tamilnadu and commands a panoramic view of rolling green hills. It is an old trade spot. The Kurinjimala Sanctuary is nearby. This area is popular for the rare Neelakurinji flowers. Frequent public buses operate between Munnar and Topstation. It takes one hour to reach Top Station from Munnar. No overnight lodging is available at Top Station. Kundala lake Kundala (20 km from Munnar) is a picture perfect town on the way to Top Station from Munnar. Kundala Dam is relatively a small dam having curved shape. A narrow road on the top of the dam offers a panoramic view of the catchment area of the Kundala Dam. The tranquillity of the place draws the tourists here. Young couples who travel to Munnar should not miss out on the beautiful Kashmiri-Shikara boat ride. It is one of the most romantic experiences. Hiring a pedal boat and exploring the lake and its surroundings is an awesome experience. Except at the place you hired the boat, dont expect to find humans around the lake as it is surrounded by scenic jungles and hills. The Tata Tea Golf Course is located here. Kundale Tea Plantation offers an opportunity to see the tea plantations, to watch tea being picked, learn how tea is processed and to buy the tea directly from the gardens. It is an area surrounding a picturesque lake that offers stunning views of the region. If you arrive on a Sunday, make sure to drop in at the small Kundale Club in the afternoon, where the local planters gather with their families. Aruvikkad Waterfall is also near Kundala. Kundala is well connected to Munnar by local buses and taxis. Marayoor Marayoor the The Hidden Village or a rain-shadow village on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, is 40 kms from Munnar on the Udumalapet road, half way between Munnar and Udumalpet (Tamil nadu). Marayur surrounded by tall rocky mountains (about 6000 ft above MSL). In the surrounding mountains, we saw Shola forests. All around the Marayur region, there are several wildlife santuaries: The Eravikulam National Park, The Chinnar wildlife sancturay (and the adjacent Indira Gandhi Wildlife sanctuary in Tamil nadu). The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit. Hamlets, rocky hills, rivers, brook, cave temples, sugar cane fields, waterfalls, Neolithic periods stone coffins, sandal wood and bamboo forests are the attractions of the Marayoor. The climate there is also very cool and the cold become intense during November to January. But the heat during summer goes up by 31 degrees here too. Marayur is the only place where natural sandal wood forests are found. There is a sandalwood depot under Goverment of Kerala near Marayoor town where sandalwood is processed. The slender trees seen on either sides of the road are fragrant sandalwood trees. One kilogram of first quality Marayoor sandal cost INR 1100. Sandalwood oil is used in the manufacture of perfumes, soaps, etc. All these trees belong to the government. Sarkkara(Maryur undasarkara) is dark brown sugar balls made of condensed sugarcane juice. It is also known as jaggery or gud (Hindi). The best jaggery in India is produced from Marayoor.