Must Visit Places in Munnar

Munnar!

Munnar is a town and hill station located in the Idukki district of the south-western Indian state of Kerala. Munnar is situated at around 1,600 metres (5,200 ft.) above sea level in the Western Ghats range of mountains.

The name Munnar is believed to mean "three rivers" referring to its location at the confluence of the Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers. Munnar town is situated on the Kannan Devan Hills village in Devikulam taluk and is the largest panchayat in the Idukki district covering an area of nearly 557 square kilometres (215 sq. mi). The nearest major railway stations are at Ernakulam and Aluva (approximately 140 kilometres by road). The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is 105 kilometres away. Munnar is one of the most popular hill stations in South India.

Mattupetty Dam:

Mattupetty dam and its reservoir is located 13 km away from munnar.  This concrete gravity dam is built between the hill ranges and it is used mainly for water storage for hydroelectric projects. Its reservoir is an idyllic place to enjoy the serene nature. It is also said to be one of the waterholes where the elephants in the region often visit.

Kundala Lake:

            Kundala Lake is an artificial reservoir of a minor arch shaped dam huddled between the mountain ranges. It is about a 20 km drive from Munnar. There is boating facility there

Top Station:

It is about 40 km from Munnar and it is 1,880 meters above sea level. The panoramic view of the Western Ghats and the valley of Theni from Top station is simply breath-taking. Top station got this name from its being the uppermost located railway station on the Kundala Valley Railway.

Echo Point:

Echo Point is about 15 km from Munnar. Go there and scream as loud as you can and wait for a minute. You can hear your echo back. It’s quite interesting. If you have kids with you they will love it. They can experience this natural phenomenon first-hand.

Rajamalai-Part of Eravikulam National Park:

Rajamala part of Eravikulam national park is located at about 15 kms from Munnar.  This region is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas hylocres). It was converted to a national park to provide a safe sanctuary for the already endangered species of Nilgiri Tahr.

Marayoor Sandalwood Forests:

This is located at around 42 kms north of Munnar through the Udumalpet route. Marayoor is famous of the natural sandalwood forest. Not only that this place is said to be part of the ancient Stone Age civilization dated back to 10,000 B.C. Stone Age paintings, rock edicts and dolmens found there vouch for this rich heritage.

Attukal waterfalls:

Now this is a scenic waterfalls located between Munnar and Pallivasal. It is just 9 km away from Munnar. But this waterfalls will be in its full glory only after the monsoon (Rainy season). During other seasons, it is just a trickling mountain stream.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is about 60 kms from Munnar. It is situated on SH17 in the Marayoor and Kanthalloor Panchayats of Idukki district. It is an ideal spot for trekking and enjoying wildlife closely. It is the habitat for endangered grizzled giant squirrel in India. Almost 34 species of mammals including panthers, spotted deer’s, elephants and tigers can be found here. It is also a bird watchers paradise, 245 species of birds live here.

Tea Plantations:

How can one resist a tea garden tour when you are in Munnar, Rolling hillsides covered with tea plantations is a sight to behold. The lush greenery and the soothing cold wind with a mild aroma of tea leave totally rejuvenate you.

Tea Museum:

This tea museum is first of its kind in India. It is located at KDHP’s Nullatanni estate in Munnar. The aim of this museum according to its founders is to showcase the growth of more than a century-old tea plantations in this region. Anyone visiting this museum will get a clear picture of how laborious this tea processing really is.

Map here!!! 

Happy Visit!!!