MUNNAR
Munnar is a town in kerala, india in the western ghats . Huge tea plantations and scenic beauty have made this area famous. The south-west state of india, kerala is one of the major tourist destinations in the country with its silvery coast, serpentine backwaters , coconut grove swaying to the south-west wind and western ghats covered in aromatic spice and tea plantation. There is no dearth of places to see in kerala and munnar is one such place. Munnar got its name from its strategic location at the confluence of three rivers- Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and kundala rivers. 'Moonu' means 'three' and 'Aru' means 'river'. Located at about 5,200 ft above the sea level, Munnar is a beautiful hill station in the district of idukki, kerala. Once the summer resort for the british , Munnar is known for its pleasant climate and pristine beauty. The rolling hills covered in mist intersected by the winding road , the dark emerald green coloured plantation and the few lone houses in midst of it will instantly make you fall in love with this place. Munnar is a very popular destination among the honeymunners. It is also an ideal place for nature lovers, wildlife lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. you can indulge in boating, trekking and paragliding. Everything and anything here will make us excited.
THE KASHMIR OF SOUTH INDIA
Eravikulam National park and the nilgiri tahr is considered to be the icon of tourism in Munnar. Munnar is also known for Neelakurinji , a rare plant which flowers only once in twelve years. The 'kurinji season' in munnar is a magnificent sight when the hills and valleys get bathed in the blue of the Neelakurinji blooms. In 2006 , the place witnessed the rush of tourist both domestic and international to sight the rare flowers. Now we have to wait till 2018, to watch the same rush, to see the gorgeous blooming of the flowers after long 12 years. At this place , you can witness the highest peak in south india, anamudi. A trekking to this to this peak will no doubt energise you. When you stand yourself on the top of this peak, you will feel that you are standing very close to the sky and very soon you can touch the sky . The lovely Devikulam Lake Kolukkumalai (the highest tea plantation in the country) the Waterfalls like Lakkam , Attukad, Nyayamakad, Chinnakkanal, Kuthumakal, Cheeyapara, Valara and thoovanam the 'cattle village' or Mattupetty etc makes Munnar the abode of nature. The Mattupetty is yet another attraction in munnar that attract visitors .Located at height of 1700 m above sea level , mattupetty is well known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake in which there are facilities for boating . The dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project is also located here . pallivasal, the venue of the first hydro- electric project in kerala is situated barely 3km from chithirapuram in munnar . Chinnakanal and Anayirangal are two spots one shouldn't miss on a visit to this picture postcard hill station . While the waterfalls at Chinnakanal are mesmerising , the anayirangal dam which is surrounded by lush green tea plantation and evergreen forests is indeed a sight to behold. Top station with its panoramic view is yet another hightlight of this serene land.
Munnar is also called the kashmir of south india and is a popular honeymoon destination. Amidst the mist-clad hills, in the lush green picturesque environs of munnar, stands a winsome church and, next to it a symbol of tender and everlasting love (Evergreen love). Every love story is beautiful but the story of Eleanor isabel and Henry Mansfield knight will remain etched in your hearts once you visit munnar. Eleanor isabel was the wife of Henry Mansfield knight , an english man who served as the manager of kannan Devan tea plantation in munnar during the British rule. The couple came to munnar for their honeymoon after tying the knot in November 1894. Overawed by the magical beauty of munnar , she playfully asked to her beloved to bury her body on the hilltop after her death. Sadly , she fell ill the next day and died of cholera two days before christmas the same year, at the age of 24. With immense love and an aching heart, knight buried his wife's body on the hilltop to fulfill her wish. Oozing old world charm and standing tall, the century-old C.S.I christ church was originally built by Henry knight in memory of his wife , in front of a small hill where she was buried. Later a cemetery was constructed in the vicinity, exclusively for british planters.
Munnar also offers several vantage points that provide breathtaking views of the sunset .For example Echo point , pothamedu view point, and the Top station are some of the best places to watch sunsets. And munnar is also known for its exotic and vivid species of butterflies including the Malabar banded peacock and southern birdwing! .Kerala was known for its spices and traders travelled here to trade and to gain control over this rich land. It is believed that the spice trade dates back to three thousand years. Pepper still remains the king of kerala's spices, but the state also rich in cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and turmeric. Another well-known aspect of munnar is the homemade chocolate section. Enjoy the white, dark liqueur filled and chocolates with nuts. Munnar is blessed with lots of resorts and hotels, which will cater all your needs. Among these resorts you can also find affordable and cheap hotels, which suitsyou the most. All these hotels and resorts will offer you various packages like honeymoon packages, family packages etc and will help you to explore munnar in a perfect way.
major attractions in munnar
HOW TO REACH MUNNAR
best time to visit in munnar
The weather in munnar is most agreeable during the winter. In this season , Munnar temperature averages around 10 degrees celsius , making it ideal for getaways like weddings and honeymoons (october to February).
ADVENTURES IN MUNNAR
Trekking
You can embark on a memorable trekking experience at places such as Anamudi peak . This can be challenging yet a fulfilling experience.
Camping
If you are in Munnar , you cannot miss out on camping at some of the scenic locations, sitting by the campfire and taking in the breathtaking views.
Jeep safaris
Munnar is a popular destination for off-road safaris. A four wheel drive through the hill roads has become one of the most adventurous entertainment in Munnar. The experience involves exploring the tea estates and spice gardens to absorb every inch of natural beauty of munnar.
best things to buy in munnar
Munnar has several shopping opportunities. Locally made items, souvenirs, variety of spices , Organic tea leaves, wooden artefacts, handicrafts, fabric, Aromatic essential oils , coffee, Naturally dyed traditional kerala clothes , Fresh fruits and jams and home made chocolates etc.