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.