Tracing the lure of picture-perfect Munnar

Munnar a picturesque hill station, called Kashmir of South India is an idyllic tourist destination. Munnar   at an altitude of 6000 feet offers the highest peak in South India –Anamudi(2695m)is an ideal spot for trekking.  If you are looking for picture-perfect landscape, sprawling tea plantations, streams, waterfalls, colonial bungalows and wildlife sanctuaries – Munnar is the place to visit.

Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, Munnar is encircled by the undulating hills of the Anamalai mountain range. Munnar is at the confluence of three rivers. In Tamil, the word ‘munnu’ means “three” and ‘aar’ means “river”. Hence “Munnar” is a shortened version of ‘Munnu Aar’.

Boating in Munnar is a lovely, romantic experience. At a height of 1700m from the ground, Mattupettydam 13 km from Munnar, is an attraction for tourists. The dam is surrounded by beautiful hills and tea plantations.The DTPC (District Tourism Promotion Council) provides boating facility and has a fleet of row boats, speed boats, and pedal boats. Rose Garden is also a popular destination near Mattuppetty Dam, an excellent place for bird watching and trekking.

 

Visit the Elephant Lake or Anayirangal a scenic location surrounded by tea plantations and is around 22 km from Munnar. The Lake is named after the herds of wild elephants which come here from the forests to drink water. It’s very common to spot a herd of elephants by the waters.

At 15kms from Munnar is the Rajamalai National Park (Eravikulam National Park) habitat of the highly endangered species of mountain goats called NilgiriTahr or Nilgiri Ibex. The park is quite rich in flora and fauna. You can also visit Kurinjimala Sanctuary, Pampadam Shola National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Thattekad Bird Sanctuary.

 

The Tata Tea Museum located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea just about 1.5 km from the Munnar town is a must visit. The museum is an homage to the pioneers by exhibiting various pieces of antiquity and describes the origin and evolution of tea plantations in Munnar.

 

 

Top Station is the highest point in Munnar and is easily accessible by tourists. It is around 32 km from Munnar and 1700 metres above sea level. The Top Station offers a panoramic and picturesque view of Munnar and its surrounding areas. The rare Neelakurunji (strobilanthus) plants belong to this region. These plants bloom only once in twelve years. The next bloom will take place in the year 2018.

Tata Tea Museum is situated around 13 km from the town of Munnar. Tourists can also trek in the nearby tea, coffee, and spice plantations. Lakkom Water Falls and Attukad Waterfalls are a must visit after the monsoon.

Let’s not forget the lip-smacking Kairali cuisine then, Munnar’s cuisine suits every taste and palate.Vegetarians have the option of going for a typical Kairali thali served on a banana leaf comprising vegetable pachadi (salad), elaneerpayasam or tender coconut kheer, mezhukkupurattai or mixed vegetable stir fry, mixed vegetable thoran, pulienji, rice with sambhar and rasam. Dishes cooked here use coconut oil and are garnished with a lot of crushed coconuts. This place is a heaven for non-vegetarian food lovers too. Bite into amazing varieties of appams, idlis and dosas along with beef and fish dishes accompanied by piping hot parottas on fast food stalls.

To reach Munnar, the nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport. The Ernakulum Railway Station and Aluva are other two major rail heads that connect Munnar to rest of India. There are many good hotels in Munnar providing cozy rooms and peaceful ambiance after a day full of sightseeing.