Munnar: Kerala’s Verdant Hill Station
Munnar is a beautiful town and picture-perfect hill resort in Kerala’s Western Ghats. 5000 feet above sea level and located in the Idukki area, Munnar was once the summer retreat of the British monarchy. It is renowned for its endless stretch of tea farms, the green belt of dense woods, and home to certain critically endangered biological species including the Neelakurinji and Nilgiri Tahr. Due to its beautiful valleys, mountains, and unusual species of flora and wildlife, it is regarded as one of South India’s most popular tourist attractions.
The Malayalam term Moonu Aaru, which translates to “three rivers,” is how Munnar received its name. The hill town is located where the Kundaly, Nallathanni, and Madhurapuzha rivers converge. You can take a cool break from the humid weather in the state’s coastal region at this location. You will be mesmerized by the ethereal beauty of the picturesque valley, rolling hills, unspoiled forest, and waterfalls. Munnar is one of the locations in India with a wealth of biodiversity. The Old Munnar and Munnar are the two distinct areas.
ATTRACTIONS IN MUNNAR
Visitors from all over the world come to this location to see some of the local attractions, including the elusive Nilgiri Tahr and the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Atukkad Waterfall, a magnificent falling stream, is tucked away between Munnar’s picturesque hills and is a great place to go on a date. Another beautiful location in Munnar is called Photopoint, which is a great place for capturing pictures because of the still trees and glittering stream there.
1. Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty Dam is one of Munnar’s most well-known attractions, located 1700 meters above sea level. Since it was developed as an Indo-Swiss livestock project, this village has become a highly well-liked picnic destination for both locals and visitors. The dam, which has a lovely lake in the middle, looks out over Anamudi Mountain. Often, visitors come here to engage in outdoor pursuits including boating, camping, hiking, and trekking. This location will allow you to enjoy a variety of activities depending on whether you’re traveling with family or on a romantic getaway with your sweetheart. It is a very popular location for photographers and environment lovers because of the scenery of the lake with a mountain standing watch behind it.
2. Eravikulam National Park
The Eravikulam National Park is home to a wide variety of regional flora and fauna as well as several wildlife species. The lion-tailed macaque, motor monkeys, tigers, and leopards are among the endangered animals that have made this national park a UNESCO World Heritage Site their home. This is where the Nilgiri Tahr species of mountain goat makes its home. The Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom every 12 years, are the most well-known feature of this national park.
3. Kanan Devan tea museum
The first tea museum in the country, the Kanan Devan tea museum is situated in Nullatanni Estate in Munnar. The museum documents the development and heritage of this lovely district. This tourist-accessible location in Kerala is on the tea plantation. Kanan Devan Hill Plantations is currently the most prominent tea enterprise in South India, producing 22 million kilograms of tea annually from its seven tea plantations and 16 tea manufacturing facilities.
4. Echo Point – a scenic view, a famous camping area, it is a favorite among both tourists and locals. This spot offers visitors a stunning view of the skies as they look out over the lush meadows and low-lying terrain. To stare into the crimson sun, people typically come here during sunset and morning. One may readily discover hiking routes near Echo Point. The most well-known aspect of this location is that it is away from city noises, offering peace and quiet to nature lovers and adventure seekers.
5. Top Station
Top station is one such place that is situated on the highest grounds in Munnar. The place presents some of the most picturesque and panoramic views of the Western Ghats, It is placed at a height of 6000 ft above sea level. As you arrive here, you can enjoy the most sweeping and unhindered views of the Theni district. Low-lying clouds and an abundance of natural beauty will be all around you. The Top Station is well-known for giving nature lovers and peace seekers serenity far from the city’s noise and bustle. Here, you can organize a camping trip and spend the night under a starry sky.
6. Attukad Waterfalls
The Attukad waterfalls, which have multiple tiers, are a well-liked tourist attraction in Munnar. This waterfall is nestled in the center of rolling hills and is perfect for hiking and picnics. Getting there is an experience of its own. Here, one may gaze into numerous cascading streams that come together at a point to form a sizable pool of foam. It truly is a feast for the eyes. The waterfall is at its peak during the monsoons, and swimming is also possible at that time. It is a romantic adventure and the ideal location to spend time with your loved ones away from the bustle of the city because of the surrounding lush green jungles.
7. Anamundi
A stunning mountain called Anamudi can be seen in Munnar’s Western Ghats. This mountain summit is renowned among adventure seekers and nature lovers for its beautiful green surroundings and vibrant vegetation. The peak’s pathway is well-known for providing hiking and trekking trails. People come here from all across the nation to scale its heights and have an exhilarating experience.
Munnar Cuisines
Munnar’s top delicate cuisines promise an everlasting imprint on your mind and soul. It provides travelers with delightful meals thanks to its abundance of well-known street food choices. Appam with stew, puttu & kadala curry, nadan kozhi varuthathu aka spicy chicken fry, idiyappam with egg curry and beef fry, and Malabar parotta are some of the most liked cuisines in Munnar.
THINGS TO DO IN MUNNAR
For a tranquil and revitalizing escape in the Western Ghats, Munnar is the ideal location. In and around Munnar, there is no shortage of places to visit and activities to engage in. To spend the entire vacation with your friends and family, this place is ideal. You can stroll through tea gardens in Munnar, enjoy the waterfall of the Western Ghats, take a visit to Top Station Viewpoint, visit the Eravikulam National Park, and explore the range of thrilling activities such as rock climbing, rappelling, paragliding and even cycling at Munnar.
Overall, Munnar is the most ideal vacation spot because there is so much to see there. Munnar experiences year-round good weather, but in the summer, many people flock here particularly to escape the oppressive heat in other areas of the nation. Munnar experiences severe rains during monsoon season, which could interfere with your vacation plans since most activities are banned at this time of year. Munnar is best visited between September and March when the weather is at its best.
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