Munnar

The name Munnar means three rivers. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams- Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, this is how Munnar got its name. Located 1,600 metres above sea level, this hill station was the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in South India. Now famous for its tea plantations, most of which are privately owned, Munnar Kerala retains its colonial charm. With its sprawling estates, rolling hills, sparkling waterfalls, picture postcard hamlets and undulating valleys, Munnar Kerala has all the makings of an idyllic holiday destination.

Earlier known as the Kannan Devan Hills, after a certain Kannan Devan who was a powerful and lord in the Anchanad valley, the Munnar region was also known as the High Ranges of Travancore. Munnar’s early history is vague. It is said that before the advent of British planters, the area was largely unexplored, completely underdeveloped and heavily populated with wild elephants and tigers. But it was not uninhabited.

Best time to visit

In summer temperature range from a minimum of 13°C to maximum of 24°C. In winter the temperature dips down to 9°C and the maximum goes up to 15°C.

September to May end. If you want a monsoon break, June, July and August would be ideal, however, take along a light sweater or shawl when on a tour to Munnar.

Getting There

By Air
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, 121 km away.

By Rail
The nearest railhead is Aluva, but the biggest rail station is Ernakulam Junction, which is better connected to other cities.

By Road
NH 49 links Kochi to Munnar. Aluva is about 120 km while Palakkad is 150 km away. If you are driving down from Palakkad, take the Pollachi-Udumalpetta-Marayoor-Munnar route. Munnar Kerala can be reached in an easy four hour drive from Kochi (allowing several tea-breaks and photo stops along the way), or in five hours drive north from Periyar (KSRTC bus stand).

Sights and Attractions

Falls of Munnar

Munnar and its surroundings environs abound in waterfalls. They are their glorious best immediately after the monsoons. Located 18 kms from Munnar, en route to Thekkady, Power House Waterfalls cascade down a steep rock 2,000 metres above sea level. Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is ideal for treks too. Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The enchanting surroundings make an excellent picnic spot and trekking point when on a tour to Munnar.

Kolukkumalai

Kolukkumalai is one and half hour’s journey from Munnar and is accessible only by jeep. The drive to top, past sprawling tea plantations and through a narrow treacherous track is an adventure in itself. Located in the upper reaches of Tamil Nadu’s Theni district, close to the Kerala border, at an elevation of 7,900 above sea level, Kolukkumalai offers some awesome views of the sweltering plains of Tamil Nadu. Sometimes, blankets of mist obscure the view. You can also embark on a tour to tea factory and satiate your curiosity on various aspects of tea processing.

Devikulam Lake

When on a Munnar tour one should never miss a trip to Devikulam Lake. With extensive and beautiful views over the highest ranges of the Western Ghats, the 7 km drive from Munnar to Devikulam is scenic. Devikulam Lake is said to be the highest in the region and ideal for trout fishing. In the middle of the lake is an island with a fishing lodge on it. When on a tour to Kerala take prior permission from the regional office at the Munnar to visit this place.

Mount Carmel Church

Established in 1898, this was the first Roman Catholic Church in the high ranges. Like all places of worship, this one is located at a vantage point with an axial view enabling worshippers to see and hear the church bells. Record tells us that the church sheltered refugees during the 1924 floods that devastated the area. There is a chapel below Mount Carmel church, which is dedicated to St.. Anthony. It is said that the flood water receded when it touched the basement of the chapel.

Mattupetty

Located at a height of 1700 metres, Mattupetty is a favorite haunt for any tourists on a Munnar tour and weekend picnickers. The Mattupetty Lake, created by the small hydro electricity dam, is beautiful. Flanked by steep hills and with woods all around, it makes for tranquil picnic spot. The District Tourism Promotion Council provides boating facilities in Mattupetty dam. Speedboats are available. Take a cruise glimpse of wild elephants on the far side.

Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Though lesser known in comparison with neighboring Eravikulam, this sanctuary is regarded as unique in the whole of the Western Ghats due to its ecological , floral and geographic significance. When you trek in Chinnar, you will see the grizzly giant squirrel, the star attractions of this sanctuary. If you are lucky, you will even catch a glimpse of the white bison. In terms of numbers, Chinnar has the richest reptilian fauna. It is also a treasure trove of medicinal plants and there is an entire forest of sandalwood. Treks are organized jointly by the forests department and the eco development committees of the local tribal communities.

Eravikulam National Park

Wedged between the picturesque Kannan Devan Hills and Anamudi, South India’s highest peak, this park covers 97 sq kms of virgin grasslands and wooded valleys. The park’s priceless treasure is the Nilgiri Tahr, one third of the world population of this endangered animal residing in this grassland. Eravikulam is also home to the spectacular flower called Neelakurinji, which blooms once every 12 years. Relatively free of plastic and litter, Eravikulllam is reckoned to be one of the cleanest and most well managed parks in India and is a must place to see when on a tour to Kerala.

As you hit the tarred road leading to the park, you will see number of signboards cautioning concern for the environment. All these have contributed to the success of eco tourism in the park which has earned the recognition for being the cleanest national parks in the country. Even trekking is not allowed in these areas. Visitors are allowed only up to Rajamala, the tourism zone that is approachable by vehicle and is a high altitude rocky precipice.

Activities

What to buy

Munnar Supply Association (MSA): the red brick building with a wide porch, gables buttresses and 6 arched windows is now a heritage site and houses a department store where you get all sorts of interesting things. If you are on a tour to Kerala you can also see leather bound, handwritten ledgers dating back to the early 1900s, plus a couple of antique soda making machines which survived the disastrous floods of 1924.

On a tour to Munnar visit the unit run by the Tata Tea Wives Welfare Association which stocks items like bags, envelopes and photo frames to pickles, jams and strawberry preserves to wall pictures. Their unique product is Munnar memorabilia letter pads. These pare products, made from recycled organic waste, are the creation of Athulya, a handmade paper unit run by KDHP ltd. While buying these products, you contribute to the physically and mentally challenged children of the plantation workers.

Where to Eat

Hotel Saravan Bhavan on MG Road is along the lane near the Gandhi statue. Their meals, served on leaves, are tasty and cheap. They also serve up deliciously crisp dosas. If you are looking for authentic Kerala dishes, head to the restaurants.

The a la carta restaurant at KTDC’S Tea Country has an impressive menu. The Rapsy Restaurant in the arcade of the bazaar caters to a large foreign clientele. Their Mexical Salsa, Spanish Omelettes, Israeli Salads, Nana tea (fresh mint leaf tea) and biryanis are a big hit with backpackers.

Things to do

Boating on Munnar waterways

• Cycling around
• Boating in Mattupetty and Kundala dams
• Visiting a tea estate and factory is a must on a tour to Kerala.
• Trekking to Meesapulimalai, the second highest peak in Munnar. There are great opportunities for walking, golfing, trekking, nature photography, boating and angling. The rainbow Trout was introduced here from Scotland.