Munnar - The most sought after tourist destination in South India

We are at Munnar

Munnar is one of the most popular hill stations in India. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala,at 1600 meters above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience. 

Besides enjoying the rolling mists and endless greenery, you can arrange a tea factory visit and a stopover at the Tea Museum. To get  close to some of the worlds last Nilgiri tahr (a variety of mountain goat or ibex), visit nearby Eravikulam National Park. Existing only in the mountain grasslands of the Western ghats at altitudes above 2,000m (6,561 ft.), the tahr is as endangered as the tiger.

Tourist Attractions

1.Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park:

Nilgiri Thar

45 mins from Munnar. Nilgiri Thar (Hemitragas hylocres) - an endangered species of mountain goats, rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills, rare flora and fauna, Atlas moth (largest in the world), lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, The Kurichi or Neelakurinji Flowers turn the hills of Rajamalai blue every 12 years. The next bloom will be in 2018. One can actually debate if going to the high peak just to see some goats is worth all the effort or not. However, the walk along the park is very romantic and has some breath taking view. 

2.Mattupetti Dam:

10km from Munnar, this popular picnic spot activities like boating and horse riding and is a great place to spend the day especially if visiting with children.

3.Echo Point:

Just near to to an Elephants

15km from Munnar, on the way to top station from Munnar is a small lake set amidst rolling hills. Every loud call made from a spot on the lake embankment is returned manifold by the echo from the surrounding hills. Young tourists throng to this place to listen to the echoes of their friendship calls. 

4.Top Station:

37km from Munnar on the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border, has great views of the Western Ghats. Top station is the "top"-tourist attraction. This place gives a real above the clouds experience. Regular buses go to Top Station (1 hr) from Munnar. A jeep costs Rs 400. The area is known for the Neelakurunji plant, which flowers only once every twelve years. The flower is violet. 

5.Kundala Lake:

This lake is very beautiful amidst lush jungles. 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.

6.Devikulam:

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. It is 7 km away from Munnar.

Must Things to do

•   Explore Tea Gardens

•   Trekking

•   Wildlife Safari

•   Go fishing

•   Absorb nature

Location/Best time to go

Location

Nearest railway stations: Theni (Tamil Nadu), about 60 km away towards the North and Ernakulam about 130 km away towards the west.

Nearest airports: Madurai (Tamil Nadu), about 140 km away towards the North and Nedumbassery International Airport, about 125 km away towards the west.

Best time to go

August - May.

Alleppy- The Venice of the East

Alleppey

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha is a beach city located on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Kerala. Alleppey is famous for its beaches, canals, streams, backwaters and lagoons and is affectionately called the Venice of the East. Alleppey is one of the most important tourist destinations in Kerala as it is famous for its boat cruises, boat races, beach resorts, backwater resorts and lake resorts. Alleppey is also the center of coir industry in Kerala and boasts of having the largest number of coir factories in Kerala. Alleppey, due to the presence of canals and backwaters it has become the center of houseboat cruises and backwater tourism in Kerala.

Tourist attractions

1.Houseboat Cruises

Myself & Husband at the Houseboat

Kerala Houseboats also called Kettuvalloms in Kerala are an important feature of Kerala tourism. These houseboats are on average over eighty feet in length and feature all the comforts of a modern day star hotel. A luxury house boat comes with clean and hygienic toilets, swimming pool on upper deck, a balcony for angling, open lounge, kitchenette, well furnished bedrooms, air conditioners, and a crew comprising of two oarsmen and a cook. The houseboats are made of Anjily, a hardwood available in Kerala.

These house boats are luxuriously furnished and a houseboat cruise along the Kerala backwaters in one of these luxuriously furnished house boats is an experience of a life time. Some of these modern day houseboats, however, are powered by outboard engines. These house boats offers the best Kerala fish delicacies and fresh fish are caught straight from the backwaters. The pearl spot fish, also called Karimeen is one of the most important fish delicacies in Kerala and this forms a part of the menu in the houseboat apart from lobsters, crabs etc. A house boat cruise along the Kerala backwaters in Alleppey is a must for all tourists visiting Kerala and is an experience of a life time.

2.Kuttanad

Kuttanad is famous for its inland waterways and is full of canals, streams and backwaters. Kuttanad is a favored tourist destination for tourists in Kerala as the place boasts of having several fully furnished houseboats and tourists are seen cruising along the backwaters in these house boats. Kuttanad is also called the rice bowel of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where cultivation is done below sea level. A visit to Kuttanad offers the tourists a chance to mingle with the local population and learn their customs and traditions. Kuttanad is home to some of the best fish delicacies in Kerala, especially the Karimeen (pearl spot fish) that are available in abundance.  Fishing facilities along the Kerala backwaters are also available to the tourists during their houseboat cruises in the Kerala backwaters.

3.Vijaya Beach Park

Vijaya Beach Park is another well known tourist attraction in Alleppey situated on the Alleppey beach. Vijaya Park is also a favorite picnic spot in Alleppey and families can be seen taking their children along and spending leisure moments in this park. Vijaya park also offers boating facilities and the park is open from 1500 hours to 2000 hours. There is an entrance fee of Rupees. 2 per person and children below the age of 5 are given free admission to the park.  Charges for boating facilities in the park are Rs. 10 for 10 minutes.

4.Sea View Park

Sea View Park is also another important tourist place in Alleppey to visit. The park offers boating facilities and a swimming pool and is also a one of the major picnic spots in Alleppey as it is located on the beach. 

5.Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna temple

The Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in Kerala and is built in the typical Kerala temple architectural style. The temple is located at a distance of 15 km from Alleppey and this Hindu temple in Alleppey is famous for the paintings that are on display in the inner walls of the temple. Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple is also famous for its Palpayasam, a deliciously sweet milk porridge.

6.Coir Factories in Alleppey

Alleppey is famous for its coir industry and there are several coir factories in Alleppey that manufacture coir for the domestic and international market. Many tourists arriving in Alleppey visit coir factories to learn about coir manufacturing process. Most coir factories allow free entrance to tourists. Coir factories are an important tourist attraction in Alleppey and a “must see” destination for all tourists visiting Alleppey.

 Must Things to do

•     House Boat Cruises

•     Boat races in Alleppy

•     Enjoy beauty of backwaters

•     Visit to Coir factory

•     Enjoy ayurveda

Location/Best time to go

Location:

The nearest airport is Cochin, about 65 km to the north and Trivandrum airport is approx 225 km to the south. Nearest Railway Station is Alleppy.

Best time to go

January - March and September - December.

Kerala Tourism at a Glance

The  pristine backwaters, palm fringed beaches, tranquil villages ,lush green hill stations , exotic wildlife, waterfalls, sprawling plantations and paddy fields make Kerala- the God’s own country, a Natures Paradise and an amazing tourist destination. It is unique rich traditions and customs are popular all around the world.

A much sought-after destination for tourists in India and abroad, Kerala is named as one of the ‘Ten Paradises of the World’ and ‘Fifty Places of a Lifetime’ by the National Geographic Traveler Magazine. The alluring serenity of this place leaves every tourist spell bound, making them come back year after year.

The timeless beauty of the palm fringed beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, the majesty of the greeny hills of Munnar and Vagamon, the serenity of the pristine backwaters of Kumarakom & Alleppy and the enchanting  forests of Thekkady and Silent Valley will have you bowled over.

Here is some quick information on Kerala which will be useful for travellers visiting the State. 


Location           : Southwestern tip of India. 
Capital              : Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)    
Language          : Malayalam. English is widely spoken.  
Religion            : Hinduism, Christianity, Islam   
Time                 : GMT +5:30     
Currency          :  Indian Rupee      
Summer            : February - May (24 - 34°C)      
Monsoon          : June - September (20 - 30°C)      
Winter              : October - January (18 - 28°C)
Major airports  : Cochin, Trivandrum, Calicut.

EXPERIENCE KERALA IN 21 DAYS

20 nights / 21 days KERALA package

 Day 01: ARRIVAL MANGALORE/ BEKAL

Arrival at Mangalore airport. Meet our representative and  transfer to Kasaragod- the Northern most district of Kerala is renowned as the land of gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. The imposing fort at Bekal is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala. Shaped like a giant keyhole, the historic Bekal Fort offers a superb view of the Arabian Sea from its tall observation towers, which were occupied by huge cannons, couple of centuries ago.

The beautiful expanse of the shallow beach near the Bekal fort known as Bekal Fort Beach has been developed as an exotic beach location. Overnight stay at the Hotel/resort.

Day 02: BEKAL

After breakfast visit some ancient temples and important forts and Churches which is highlighting the old glory of this place. Some important of this kind are Chandragiri Fort, Cheruvathur Kotta Palli, means a mosque with in a fort. Kanwatheertha Beach, like a large swimming pool like formation of the sea on the vast beach is the main attraction.Day at leisure at the Beach.  Overnight stay at the Hotel/Resort.

Day 03: BEKAL-THALASSERY

Drive to Thalassery a beautiful fishing town in the north of Calicut. The Place is famous for Kerala's only Muslim royal family 'Arakkal', they ruled this part of coast even the Lakshwadeep Islands. The quest for spices and lure several European powers this place. The fortification at Thalassery and Fort St. Angelo attest to their arrival. Solemn Churches surrounded by mildewed grave stones also silently speak of the European presents.

In the evening witness a colorful Theyyam dance, one of the most popular ritualistic dances of north Kerala.  Rest and relax at the at the hotel/ resort

 

Day 04: THALASSERY

After breakfast day trip to Kannur . Kannur enjoys the credit of having been the cradle of many a colorful art and folk music of Kerala. The ships of King Soloman are believed to anchored here at one time.  Some important places there to see Parasinikadavu Temple, Kannur Fort and Muzhipilagadi Beach,  Kerala's only drive in beach.Evening visits some temples to see the colorful cultural shows. Overnight at the hotel/ resort

Day 05: THALASSERY -WAYANAD

Check out from the hotel and proceed to Wayanad. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxurious forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to wayanad, the land of spices and hills. The towering mountain peaks, the rushing stream, verdant vegetation and a deep valley all welcomes you to Wayanad. Visit Soochipara waterfalls, It is a three-step waterfall of more than 200 ms in height with a fantastic scenery  Leave to Edakkal caves -Edakkal caves are pre-historic caves located at a height of 1000 m. The New Stone Age pictorical writings on the walls of these natural caves at Edakkal are evidence of the civilisation that existed in these regions in prehistorical times.   Overnight stay at the hotel/ resort. 

Day 06: WAYANAD

After breakfast, leave for Kuruwa Island - Kuruva Island is a vast island of 950 acres abundantly rich with green forest. It is very far from the turbulence of city life making it an exotic place for visitors to relax and enjoy the beauty of the nature. After that leave for Tholpetty wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary has a wide variety of animals. Have a nice Jeep safari in this sanctuary.

Return to the hotel. Relax at the hotel/Resort.

Day 07: WAYANAD- CALICUT

Check out from the hotel and drive to Calicut - the northern most part of Kerala. This beautiful district of Kerala even called as Land of Gods, really its gifted with many forts, rivers, hills, beautiful beaches and mineral resources.

Visit  Kappad- the place where Vasco da Gama set foot for the first time when he came to India, Dolphin's Point, The Science Planetarium and Mananchira- palace tank of King Mana Vikrama.  Evening at shopping. Rest and relax at the Hotel/resort.

 

Day 08: CALICUT- KOTTAKKAL-PALAKKAD

Transfer to Palakkad. Enroute visit Kottakkal Aryavaidhyasala. Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala (AVS) is a century old Charitable Institution engaged in the practice and propagation of Ayurveda, the ancient health care system of India. AVS offers classical Ayurvedic medicines and authentic Ayurvedic treatments and therapies to patients from all over India and abroad. Evening visit Palakkad Fort-The old granite fort situated in the very heart of Palakkad town is one of the best preserved in Kerala. It was built by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1766.Overnight stay at the hotel/ resort.

Day 09: PALAKKAD

After breakfast Visit  Malampuzha Garden, a famous picnic spot which comprises a dam and beautifully landscaped gardens, is situated on the lower hills of the Western Ghats. Visit Silent valley National Park is a unique preserve of natural rainforests. Within an area of 237. 52 Sq.km, it houses a rich mosaic of varied habitats. A new frog genus supposed to be of the Jurassic era was discovered in the year 2003. It is no wonder then that scientists have described Silent Valley as ‘the richest expression of life on Earth’. Enjoy Jeep safari and absorb the beauty of nature. Overnight stay at the hotel/Resort

Day 10: PALAKKAD-TRISSUR

After breakfast visit Kalamandalam is undoubtedly the best institution in India imparting training and conducting performance of Kathakali,  Mohiniyattam, Panchavadyam and Thullal. Experience the Short demonstration of various art performance and traditional Lunch offered by Kerala Kala Mandalam. This programme is called “A day with the master”.

Evening village walk.  Visit Thriprayar Temple, located south of Trichur is one of the important temples dedicated to Lord Rama. The exquisite wood carvings, sculptures and Mural Paintings are an interesting sight. Overnight at Hotel/Resort.. 

Day 11: TRISSUR-MUNNAR

After breakfast check out from the hotel , Visit Peechi Dam and drive to Munnar – “Nature lovers paradise” drive through the picturesque countryside of Munnar, a popular getaway retreat. Surrounded by lush green tea estates, this picturesque hill station boasts of exotic flora and fauna.  

Enroute visit  vallara and cheeyappara waterfalls and Blossom Garden. The Evening is at leisure to absorb the beauty of this hill station. Over Night stay at Hotel/Resort.

 

Day 12: MUNNAR

After Breakfast, start to explore the different regions of Munnar with local English Speaking Guide. Visit Eravikulam National Park to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Endemic goat-antelope). Later visit Tea Museum (to witness the tea processing). Later walk through the lush green tea plantations. Over Night stay at Hotel/Resort.

Day 13: MUNNAR – THEKKADY

After breakfast transfer to Thekkady, one of the best-known wild life Centers in India and spread across the entire district are picturesque with unending Chains of hills and spice-scented plantations.  Local visits – spice plantations – Kerala history is closely linked with its commerce, which in turn was wholly dependent until recent times on its spice trade. It is believed that the spice trade dates back three thousand years. Pepper still remains the king of Kerala’s spices, but the state also has a very rich produce in cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, garlic, vanilla, coffee, tea etc.Enjoy elephant ride and evening at shopping. Overnight stay at the hotel/Resort.

Day 14: THEKKADY – KUMARAKOM

After Breakfast transfer to Kumarakom: When nature is all you need to recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala, God's own country. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. That is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom.

The backwater houses a variety of species of both fauna and flora. They are rich with marine life namely the exclusive 'Kumarakom Karimeen' (pearl spotted fish), Konju (tiger prawns), Njandu (crabs), Chemeen (prawns) and many more. Evening, enjoy cooking demonstration. Overnight stay at Hotel/ resort.

Day 15: KUMARAKOM – KOVALAM

Check out from the Hotel, drive to Kovalam-a picture perfect tropical beach; a traditional fishing village providing fresh fish, fruits and toddy (coconut beer). Today this tiny beach is the focus of a multi-million dollar business, drawing thousands of tourists for a week dose of ozone, UV and a refreshing Indian Experience. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. Today Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South".  

Enroute Visit Konni Elephant cage, St. Mary’s Orthodox Church etc. Overnight stay at the hotel/Resort.

  

Day 16: KOVALAM

After breakfast, day trip to Kanyakumari- located at the southern tip of peninsular India, it offers a unique experience of sunrise & sunset. Visit rock memorial dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, the Gandhi Memorial, Suchidram Temple with exquisite sculpture & musical pillars dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva. Evening enjoy Sunset and back to Kovalam. Overnight stay at the hotel/Resort.

Day 17: KOVALAM

After breakfast sightseeing of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of God's own country Kerala is famous for its golden beaches and rich cultural heritage. The city is replete with historical monuments which has preserved the history of Kerala. Exquisite artwork, age old palaces and sun kissed beaches make Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum the idyllic retreat of tourists.

 Visit includes Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Napier Museum, Thiruvananthapuram zoo, Priyadarshini Planetarium, Sree Chitra Art Gallery, Observatory, Sankhumugham beach and the Connemera Market.Enjoy sun set in the evening relaxing on the beach. Overnight stay at the hotel/Resort.

Day 18: KOVALAM-KOLLAM

Check out from the hotel and proceed to Kollam- the capital of the Cashew trading and processing industry of the state, known as Quilon in English. Kollam is now a major commercial center in Kerala. Bedsides of Cashew and Fishing industry, Kollam includes coir carpet trading, chemical and ceramics, minerals and seafood are the other industries that run Kollam. Kollam is the center of the Indo-Norwegian fisheries project. Visit Cashew Factory, Thangassery Light House etc.

Enroute visit Thenmala Dam, the second largest irrigation project in Kerala (India). You can do boating in the reservoir. Overnight stay at the hotel/Resort.

Day 19: KOLLAM – ALLEPPY

After breakfast check out from the hotel and board to house boat around 1200 hrs. Enjoy the backwater cruise. This journey is considered to be one of the best attractions. The houseboat is fully furnished with single / double bedrooms, sundeck, private balcony and a kitchen. It also comprises a chef, Oarsmen  & cabin assistant. The materials that go into the making are all local and Eco friendly bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc. Enjoy the panoramic views of paddy fields, narrow canal, cruise through Vembanad Lake, Visiting Rani Chithira Marthanda R Block, Pallikayal, Irumbanam Narrow canal, Pallathuruhty River. Experience the Village life at Alleppy. Overnight stay at the House Boat.

 

Day 20: ALLEPPY- COCHIN

Disembark from the House boat and transfer to Cochin - known as "Queen of Arabian Sea" due to the long maritime history; Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese followed the sea routes to cochin.  The fascinating Chinese Fishing nets are typical of kochi. Visit Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis church, Santa Cruz basilica, Chinese Fishing Nets as time permits.

Evening –Witness Kathakali Dance Drama the traditional and popular art form of Kerala which has been referred as“the first theatre of imagination” with its elaborate costumes, ornaments and facial make-up. Overnight stay at hotel /resort.

DAY 21: DEPARTURE TRANSFER

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Cochin international airport for onward flight to the next destination.

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About Me

I'm just a Wayanadan girl trying to balance a "normal" life of job, friends and family with an unquenchable lust for travel. Travel, it’s what I love; it’s what I’m passionate about. And I hope to keep nurturing that passion.

My name is Sini. I write about the Tourist destinations in south India and provide advice and recommend places to travelers to find their ideal holiday.Whether you're looking for a brief, local get-away or honeymoon, holy trip, I am happy to help you plan and arrange your vacation.

Here’s the brief history of my life:

I grew up in a middle class family in Wayanad, northern part of Kerala, the Gods own Country. Since my childhood I was passionate to travel and took advantage of every opportunity to travel that I came across.

It was in my intermediate studies, I decided to graduate myself in Travel and Tourism, but my quench for learning never ended. I went ahead and pursued Masters of Tourism Administration from Christ College, University of Bangalore . 

Later on I took my first job assignment as Head of Tourism department at Republic of Maldives, where sands are white as the smiles of the locals, where fish swim happily in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, where the weather is a dream, and the deep rays of the sun wait to engulf you their arms. It was a wonderful experience.

After exploring four years of Maldivian life, I sailed back to Kerala, the Gods on country. Now I am working as Sr. Project manager for  Kerala Holiday Mart, Cochin.

And of course, I am always on hand to provide suggestions and advice on your touring.

My most inspiring travel quotes of all time

 “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

“There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

“The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.” – Samuel Johnson

“He who does not travel does not know the value of men.” – Moorish proverb

“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” – Lin Yutang 

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

″A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.” – Moslih eddin saadi 

Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard

“The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land.” – G. K. Chesterton

Contact Me

Sini K Mathew

Kunjuveetil House, Goodwill Lane

Kadavanthara, Cochin

Phone: + 91 9947048989

Email: sinikmathew@gmail.com