Munnar Hillstation

Munnar is a haven of peace and harmony. This incredibly beautiful hill town is positioned at a height of 6000ft in the Idukki district, and is the most privileged summer resort. Munnar was a significant resort even during the British monarchs in those colonial days.
Munnar is a beautiful hill station, and was the summer resort of the British. Tourists come here to see the vast tea plantations of the area. The town itself is typically Indian with the usual shops, guest houses and is really beautiful and traditional. It is a good place to stay to see the surrounding countryside. It is also a popular place for Indian honeymooners.
The town is divided into two parts, Old Munnar, where the tourist information office is, and Munnar, where the bus station and most guest houses are located. It is pronounced "Moon-aar" short for "moonu aar" meaning 3 rivers. Three rivers - Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers which flow through this town, but join some distance away from Munnar.
Munnar is famous for its tea plantations, many of them started by the British. The "Kannan Devan" brand of Tea from the Tata is cultivated and processed here.
The strobilanthus ("neelakurinji" in Malayalam, the local language), a blue flower which blooms only every 12 years, is found in this region. It bloomed last in December 2006. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, at 2,695 m.
Eravikulam national park is one of the main tourist attraction, where you can find the endagered species of Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat called "varayadu" in Malayalam). A treck to Rajamala ("King of hills" in Malayalam), in the morning is sure to spot a few friendly mountain goats. You can also find Gaur, Langur, Lion-tailed macaque, and Elephants depending on the season and time of travel.

Opulent with unique species of flora and fauna, the place also has an extensive stretch of tea plantations amidst the high mountains and unspoiled valleys, giving a pleasant feeling. The scented cool air is filled with the aroma of spices. The rising and falling terrain of Munnar is covered with forests and grasslands.

The undulated topography offers a breathtaking vision of craggy rocks, adding to the picturesque scenery the town captivates many tourists with its scenic beauty. Some of the trees found in the region are teak, red sandalwood, rose wood, jungle jack, etc. Munnar is also paradise for bird watchers as rare species of birds are found in abundance.

Cocooned in the State of Kerala, Munnar poses breathtaking scenery amidst the thriving green tea plantations with the combination of valleys, streams, cliffs, bubbling brooks, exotic wildlife and clear trout streams making it an irresistible place.

Munnar is a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts, honeymoon couples, wildlife and nature lovers. Accommodation facilities and tourist guides are available easily suiting the budgets. It is ideal for tourist to spend at least 2 nights so as to enjoy all that Munnar has to offer!

History

Munnar, the beautiful hill station of Kerala, has been a favourite place of summer retreat of the British. The history of this place can be traced back to pre historic ages, although not much written records are available about the city, before the 10th century.

The town was established by Mr. John Daniel Manro with the assistance of Kannan Thevar (who belonged to the tribe that is said to have been the first inhabitants of South India). It was only after the permission of the then ruling king, Maharaja of poonjar, that the British adventurer was allowed to possess 588 sq. kms of the land in the town.

The first plantations on the land of Munnar were that of Cardamom, Coffee and Zinchona. It was A.H. Sharp, who planted the first tea sapling at Munnar in the early 19th century. He planted the sapling at Parvathi, which now form a part of the Sevenmullay estate.

The city of Munnar was declared as the summer capital of the British and Duke of Wellington is said to have visited the city. In the year 1895, Munro’s land was bought by the Messrs Finlay Muir and Company. In1976, Tata Finlay purchased the tea estate and a little later James Finlay Group sold all their shares to Tata, thus paving way for the birth of Tata Tea Ltd, the largest integrated tea company in the world.


Geography and Climate
The region in and around Munnar varies in height from 1,450 meters (4,760 ft) to 2,695 meters (8,842 ft) above mean sea level. Munnar enjoys a salubrious climate. The temperature ranges between 5 °C (41 °F) and 25 °C (77 °F) in winter and 15 °C (59 °F) and 25 °C (77 °F) in summer. Temperatures as low as −4 °C (25 °F) have been recorded in the Sevenmallay region of Munnar.The mean maximum daily temperature is at its lowest during the monsoon months with the highest temperature being 19 C.

Flora and Fauna

Nilgiri Thar

Neelakurinji

Most of the native flora and fauna of Munnar have disappeared due to severe habitat fragmentation resultant from the creation of the plantations. However, some species continue to survive and thrive in several protected areas nearby, including the new Kurinjimala Sanctuary to the east, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Manjampatti Valley and the Amaravati reserve forest of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary to the north east, the Eravikulam National Park and Anamudi Shola National Park to the north, the Pampadum Shola          National Park to the south and the proposed Palani Hills National Park to the east. These protected areas are especially known for several threatened and endemic species including Nilgiri Thar, the Grizzled Giant Squirrel, the Nilgiri Wood-pigeon, Elephant, the Gaur, the Nilgiri langur, the Sambar, and the Neelakurinji (that blossoms only once in twelve years).


Local Language
The local people here speaks Malayalam (the official language of Kerala) and Tamil (the official language of Tamil Nadu). English is taught in schools from the primary level and even common people can read and speak English.


Best Time to Visit Munnar
You can visit Munnar throughout the year except the Kerala monsoon in June/July. Munnar experiences a moderate climate throughout the year. Summers (March to May) are pleasant and the temperature ranges a maximum of 25°C to minimum of 15°C. Winters during December to February are cool and temperature comes down to 10°C during this period. Monsoons (June to September) are lovely with pouring rainfalls. The weather is extremely cold during winter (December/January). Take extra woolen garments during heavy winter season. Warm clothes and rain gear is recommended. The tourist season is from Aug-Mar. A visit to the tea garden during summers is enjoyable.

Popular Tourist Attractions

Near Munnar Town

Atukkad Waterfalls 

Atukkad Waterfalls

A scenic waterfalls amidst hills and jungles. You can find a road leading to Atukkad Waterfalls on Kochi road (just about 5 km from Munnar). This road is very narrow and needs a lot of experience to drive on.

Chithirapuram

Chithirapuram is located at a distance of around 10 km from Munnar. Chithirapuram has old playgrounds and courts, bungalows and sleepy little cottages which all give this place an old world charm. This town is also famous for its tea plantations in the world.

Blossom  International Park

Blossom Park

Blossom Park at Munnar has an adventure track, 1000-feet long fountain, roller skates, underground mediation centre and a beautiful garden. 1 km from Munnar

Pothamedu View Point

Pothanmedu is famous for tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. This is among the favorite tourist places in Munnar for trekkers because they get a roughed mountain for climbing and trekking.

Towards Mattuppetty

Floriculture Centre

It is run by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation. An extremely well-kept garden with a large variety of flowers and some herbal/ foliage plants, all against the backdrop of the tea plantations. Definitely worth a visit.

Photo Point

It is a small place filled with woods and a small stream. Good location to take photos. 2 km from Munnar

Mattupetti Dam

Mattupetti Dam

This popular picnic spot activities like boating and horse riding and is a great place to spend the day e specially if visiting with children. You could take the speed boat ride which is fantastic. It costs Rs 300 if you have to hire a boat for you alone. The ride is for 15 min. The maximum capacity is 5 persons and you could save some money if you are a group of 4-5. 10 km from Munnar

Mattupetti Indo-Swiss Farm

Better known as Mattupetti (cattle village), Tamil migrant labourers had once upon a time reared cattle here. The cool climate and abundance of fodder made it the ideal location for the Indo-Swiss dairy farm. Established in 1961, the Kerala Livestock Development Board (KLDB) manages this highly specialised dairy farm. The dairy farm is a unique one of its kind with more than 100 varieties of high-yielding cattle being reared. Tourists are not allowed to enter the farm.

Echo Point

Echo Point

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. 15 km from Munnar

Elephant Arrival Spot

Here you can board an elephant for a ride. It costs approximately Rs 350 per person. 18 km from Munnar

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, don't expect to find humans around the lake as it is surrounded by scenic jungles and hills. Unless you know how to row a boat, prefer a pedal boat, each trip lasts around 30 min and will be closed at 4:30PM.23 km from Munnar

Top Station

Top Station, which is about 35 km from Munnar is at a height of 1700 m above sea level. It is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. Top station is the "top"-tourist attraction. This place gives a real 'above the clouds' experience.  Travellers to Munnar make it a point to visit Top Station to enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the spots in Munnar to enjoy the Neelakurinji flowers blooming over a vast area. . Regular buses go to Top Station (1 hr) from Munnar. A jeep costs Rs 400.

Towards Marayoor

Tata Tea Museum

Tata Tea Museum also known as the KDHP Tea Museum, around 2 km on the Nallathany road, from Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar.A must-see. Tourists can see a collection of odd bits from the colonial era. Photography is allowed on payment of Rs. 20; videography is strictly prohibited here. A very interesting 30-minute film is screened, and visitors are then taken around the factory to understand how tea is processed. This museum remains open from 10AM-4PM every day, closed on Mon. There is a Rs. 75 ticket fee for adults & Rs 25 for child. Monday holiday.

Naimakkadu Water Falls

Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 metres. The enchanting surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and trekking point. 10 km from Munnar.

Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park

Rajamalai is situated 13 Km away from Munnar on Udumalpet road (SH17). See Nilgiri Thar (Hemitragas hylocres) - an endangered species of mountain goats, rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97² 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. Working Time: 7.00AM to 6.00PM (September to May) Ticket Charge: Rs 10 for adults, Rs 5 for children. Photography / Videography permitted for fee.

Anamudi Peak inside Eravikulam National Park

The highest peak (2,695 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. The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park. Other rare species of fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers. An ideal place for trekking, facilities are provided here and tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi.

Lakkam Water Falls

A small waterfall. 24 km from Munnar

Marayoor

It is the only place in Kerala with natural growth of sandalwood trees, natural caves with murals, and relics from late Stone Age civilisation. There is a sandalwood factory of the Forestry department of Kerala and a children's park extending across one hectare of land under the canopy of a single Banyan tree, all of which attract tourists in large numbers. Around 40 km from Munnar

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is in the Wester Ghats of Kerala. This wildlife sanctuary has a large number of plants and animals. This wildlife sanctuary is spread in around 90² km of area. This sanctuary is one of the protected areas in the western ghats because of the significance of its flora, geomorphologic features, ecology and local cultural.

Other places to visit

Salim Ali (Thattekkad) Bird Sanctuary

There are woodpeckers, Malabar gray hornbills, Ceylon frogmouths, parakeets, and rose-billed rollers. This sanctuary is located 20 km from Kothamangalam on the road between Ernakulam and Munnar. There are basic and mid-range hotels in Kothamangalam and an Inspection Bungalow in Boothathankettu. You can take a boat cruise from Boothathankettu to Thattekkad. Admission foreigners: Rs 40, Indian Rs 10.

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

At a height of about 2,175 m (7,130 ft), this orthodox tea factory lays claim to being one of the highest in the world. The view of the Western Ghats is absolutely enchanting.

Pallivasal

Pallivasal, located at about 3 km from Chithirapuram in Munnar is the venue of the first Hydro-electric project in Kerala. It is a place of immense scenic beauty and is often favoured by visitors as a picnic spot.

Chinnakanal

Near the town of Munnar is Chinnakanal and the waterfalls here, popularly known as Power House Waterfalls, cascade down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic view of the Western Ghat ranges.

Anayirangal

When you have traveled about seven kilometers from Chinnakanal, you reach Anayirangal. Anayirangal, 22 km from Munnar, is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by tea plantations and evergreen forests.

Devikulam

Devikulam is an another hill station located within a distance of 7km from Munnar. The emerald green carpeted lawns, misty mountain breeze, gushing rivers flowing across and verdant flora and fauna make it one of the most captivating Munnar sightseeing places. This place is famous round the world for its vivacious lawns, mountains and the scenic views.

Travel within city

Munnar is hill station located in Kerala and is very popular tourist destination among Indians and foreigners. The modes of travel within the city are not numerous; however it is easy to find a method of transportation. Some of the modes of transportation are taxis, government buses, auto rickshaws and package tours. Cochin is around 150 km from Munnar and Cochin also has the nearest airport.

Bus

Government buses are an easy way to get around the town and they are easy to find. They usually stop if the traveler uses a signal. They are inexpensive with tickets costing around Rs 5 to 25. They are not usually crowded. However, the buses are usually old and the hilly roads make for a bumpy ride.

Auto Rickshaw

Auto rickshaws are another way of getting around the city. Most of them have meters and are relatively cheaper than taxis. They are fast and easy to find. Some autos may not have meters and the prices have to be negotiated in advance.

Local Tour Operators

There are many tour operators that offer packaged tours to the places around Munnar. They are a good option as they cover all the interesting places with an approximate cost of around Rs 500 per person per day.


What to Do
Walk in the Clouds, Trek to your heart's content while the clouds slowly descend upon you.
Rock Climbing and Rappelling, Munnar has a steep rock face about 30 m (100 ft).
Munnar Carmelagiri Elephant Park (Munnar Elephant Safari), Mattupetty Road, Munnar (On the way to Mattupetty Dam), ☎ +91 94 4782 7696, +91 94 4737 9376. The elephant safari takes you through the misty forests, deep valleys and the rugged hill paths of the Munnar forests. One hour package, half day and one day tours. Features are, elephant bath, elephant shower, elephant feeding, timber dragging demonstrations and displays of elephant commands and communication.
Boating, There are several places to go out for boating in Munnar. One can choose among paddle boats and speed boats to Kashmiri-Shikara. 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.
Bicycle. Experience the natural beauty of Munnar by riding a bicycle through beautiful paths of Munnar and pass through a tea state called Madupatty, around 14 km from Munnar.  
Yoga @Kaivalyam Retreat, Moolakada, Pallivasal (7 km from Munnar towards Cochin). "Kaivalyam" a holistic health retreat in midst of natural surrounding of tea valleys of Munnar. Year round destination to indulge in learning experience of holistic lifestyle with traditional form of Yoga and organic way of dining.
The Christ Church, in Old Munnar. The exteriors have worn out with time though the charming interiors still have a very nice ambiance. It was consecrated way back in 1910 and still has 14 original rows of pews. The first Catholic Church in the High Ranges was Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church.
The High Range Club, has a charming colonial style. The club house is built of wicker and teak and is the social hub for the tea "Planters" of the region. Members enjoy lounging in the bar over Planter's Punch followed by a good meal, a game of billiards or reading a book in the library.
Munnar Supply Association (MSA), Set up in 1900, this is another nostalgic landmark worth visiting in Munnar. It is the oldest department store in the area and has been re-inventing itself to stay relevant and popular after almost 102 years. The store was run by "planters" who still manage its affairs. The MSA is a red brick, red tiled building with gables, buttresses and a porch and is now a heritage site.

Buy from Munnar

The best things to buy are tea, coffee, spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and pepper and definitely home made chocolates.
Abbas & Co. Tea Merchants, 25, Bazaar, Munnar. Abbas &amp Co is wholesaler but also sells to visitors. Really good price for tea, green tea, coffee, cashew - nuts, home made chocolates, spices, aloe vera gel. Budget.
Fresh tea from a factory outlet, Kannimallay Estate, Munnar (On the way to Eravikulam National Park, 5 km from Munnar town). Several varities of tea fresh from factory.  


What to Eat
Kerala is famous for Fish Curry. For snacks, one should try local spicy cashew nut, chilly bhaji with hot tea as they are a traditional snack and makes good combination in cold weather.
Bamboo Hut, G.H. Road. Wide range of food for reasonable prices, although service can be a bit slow. Also, the place usually has Western music (from Bob Dylan to electronic chill-out sound).
Saravana Bhavan, Right at the heart of town and one of the most inexpensive places to eat. The service here is quick and the food is absolutely delicious. You might have to share your table with others. This place provides South Indian dishes, served on a banana leaf.
Silverspoon Restaurant, Munnarinn, Main Bazaar (Right beside the bus station). Breakfast until 11AM. This place does a great value buffet breakfast of cornflakes, toast, omelet plus Indian breakfast food for Rs 95.
TreeTop Restaurant, Multi-cuisine restaurant. 70 person seating capacity providing vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.  
Munnar has some amazing street food (try the Gobi noodles), so if you are after a cheap and delicious meal check the area around the bus stand in Munnar (not the KSRTC bus stand in Old Munnar).
CampNoel, Pazhathottam, Munnar (15 km from Top Station), 7AM-10PM. Multi cuisine restaurant at 2075 m (6,800 ft) above sea level and possibly the highest altitude restaurant in Kerala. If coming from Top station, turn right at 19 mile. Road is bad so make sure you have a suitably robust vehicle or inform them and they will pick you up. The journey is worth it. Please inform them early if you are going there for only for food.  
Patel Gujarati Restraunt, (Near Post Office). Gujarati and Marwari meals. Under Rs 100.  
Purohit Restaurant, Inside Hotel Dhanyasree, Dhanyasree Jn. Chilling Plant Road, Munnar (Nr Tea County Resorts), 6AM-10:30PM. Bombay, Jain, Gujarati, Rajasthani, Punjabi and South Indian food. Good Gujarati, unlimited Thali at Rs 85. Budget.  
Mahaveer Veg Restaurant, Kalinivas Building, Main Road, Munnar, Provides authentic North-Indian food with style ranging from Gujarati to Punjabi and delicious rotis. Meals start from Rs 105/-. Only vegetarian food served. The downside to the place is cleanliness at the tables. Mahaveer has a branch near Purohit restaurant; this one is larger and cleaner.
Kaivalyam Retreat, Moolakada, Pallivasal Estate P.O. Munnar (7.5 km towards Cochin direction),24x7. Kaivalyam retreat has a 100% pure vegetarian restaurant which serves organic and healthy yogic food. As it is a yoga retreat more emphasis is given to food quality and hygiene. Serves North Indian, South Indian and a few continental dishes. Their desserts are good. Set in the midst of cardamom and pepper plantation. Rs 200.


What to Drink
Fresh tea, coffee and milk is available at most places. Hard and soft drink are also available at fair number of shops.
Packed grapes and mixed fruit juice is also available at few places.

How to reach Munnar

By Air

Cochin International airport (IATA: COK, ICAO: VOCI), also known as Nedumbassery Airport and CIAL is the nearest airport. It is 110 km away from the Munnar by road.
Madurai International Airport which is 140Km from Munnar by (National Highway 49).

By Rail

The nearest railway station is Aluva, 110 km. Ernakulam is 130 km and Madurai is 135km You can get the direct regular buses to Munnar First Bus starts at 6AM.

By Car

From Kochi: Munnar is 130 km (3.5 hr) from Kochi. The road is blind in some places and there are a lot of trucks and buses that seem to drive as if they own the road. Although the road is smooth (NH 49), it is narrow, twisty and curvy. Kothamangalam is on the way and is 80 km away from Munnar. Between Kothamangalam and next town "Adimali", you can experience a beautiful cool drive through a natural forest. Alongside, you can see many refreshing waterfalls. Once you reach Adimali, Munnar is just 30 kilometers away - but it will take almost an hour to reach. This is the last place where you can spot a decent restaurant before Munnar. Around 22 km from Adimali, you can start seeing the tea plantations on both sides of the road and a panoramic view of the western ghats. The view is extremely beautiful during the early mornings.

By Bus

Munnar bus station is on the main street, Main Bazaar.
Kochi - takes 3.5-4.5 hours. Buses leave Kochi between 6AM-6PM.
Aluva - Nearest bus station to the Cochin International Airport. About 4 hrs uphill to Munnar, and 3-3.5 hrs downhill. Ticket price is around Rs. 70 one-way for a government-operated bus, up to Rs. 150 for a privately operated bus.

Distances from Munnar to various Cities

From Aluva: Aluva is nearly 110 km from Munnar. Just outside Aluva railway station you can hire a taxi for Munnar for Rs 2000. There is a bus stand nearby as well which operates frequent buses to Munnar; ticket prices start from Rs 70 per person.

From Madurai: Munnar is about 135 km from Madurai and 80 km from Theni. Madurai- Theni - Bodi - BodiMettu-Devikulam - Munnar route is the most scenic route by National Highway 49(Via Madurai-Cochin HighWay).

From Coimbatore: Munnar is about 160 km from Coimbatore and 120 km from Pollachi. Coimbatore- Pollachi - Udumalpet - Chinnar - Marayoor - Munnar route is the most scenic route and though it will take bit longer, it is generally considered worth the extra time spent.

From Kodaikanal: Kodaikanal is nearly 170 km from Munnar. Kodaikanal - Perumal Malai - Mayiladum Parai - Mooliyaru - Oothu - Falls View - Ganguvarpetty - Ghat Road - Periya Kulam - Theni - Bodi - Bodimettu - Devikulam - Munnar. This route is also scenic.

Caution

Remember, Munnar is a busiest and most popular tourist place in India. If you have not yet booked your accommodation in advance, then you will face some difficulty in munnar because In Most cases hotels and accommodation in Munnar gets full and huge demand for hotels,resorts and other accommodation. So book your Munnar tour packages now itself from below. Thank You....

Munnar Photo Gallery