MUNNAR
Munnar, a heaven of Peace, a misty lush green hill station up in the Annamalai range of kerala. Munnar is located in the eastern part of the state of Kerala, in the southern region of India, amongst the craggy hills of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 1524 m above sea level. It is 130 km east of Kochi and borders the state of Tamil Nadu. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji a flower which bathes the hills in blue color once in twelve years .Munnar's mesmerising greenery, mountain scenery, calmness and cool refreshing air attracts honeymooners and tourists throughout the year.
The Main Attractions of Munnar
Munnar Tea Plantations: Munnar is a commercial centre with one of the world's best tea estates. There are about 30 tea plantations in and around Munnar.Tata tea opened a tea museum for tourist who visits in Munnar. Some of the unique items on display at the museum are the original tea roller, dating back to 1905, the 'Pelton Wheel' used in the power generation plant in the 1920s; a rail engine wheel of the Kundale Valley Light Railway, classic bungalow furniture, wooden bathtub, typewriters, iron oven, magneto phone, manual calculators etc of the yester years and also know the various stages of tea processing. The tea estates, hills, lakes and forests inside Munnar area expose its beauty. The tea plants covered Munnar hills makes the feeling of seeing a wide green carpet.
Eravikulam National Park: is 16 km away from Munnar. Eravikulam National Park is 97 sq. km. in extent, situated along the crest of the Western Ghats in the High Ranges of Idukki district of Kerala. The Park holds the largest viable population of the endangered (IUCN) Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius). Apart from tahr, the Park is the abode of other little known fauna such as Nilgiri marten, ruddy mongoose, small clawed otter, dusky striped sqirrel etc.
Rajamala: Fifteen km from Munnar, the famous hill station of Kerala .It is the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr. Half the world population of this rare mountain goat is found here.
Eco Point: This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.
Mattupetty: is situated at a height of 1700 m and is just 13 km from Munnar. There are over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle at the specialized dairy farm. Mattupetty Lake and Dam is a beautiful picnic spot with the panoramic view of the tea plantations and the lake and also Boating facilities are available here.
Anamudi: the highest peak (2695 m) south of the Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary in majestic pride. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. It is an ideal place for trekking; all the facilities are provided here for tourists and allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi.
How to reach in Munnar
Air: The nearest airports from Munnar are at Kochi (130 km) and Madurai (142 km).
Rail: Nearest railway stations from Munnar are at Kochi and Kottayam.
Road: Munnar is well connected by a well-developed network of roads to all parts of Kerala and the neighboring states.
Local Transport: Various local modes of transportation like of buses, taxis and bicycles are available in Munnar.
