Munnar Travel Guide: Things to Do - Tourist Places

Munnar is a small little town located towards the southern part of Kerala in South India. It is basically a chain of beautiful hills and mountains situated at an altitude of 6000 to 9000 feet above sea level. This by itself would give you a fair idea about how cold and popular this place could be with regards to tourism. The name Munnar meaning ‘Three rivers’ is derived from the two common languages spoken in the area, Malayalam and Tamil. As a matter of fact there are three rivers called, Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru which flow through the town and join a few kilometres away from the town. Like the many other famous hill stations in Kerala, Munnar too was the one of the most preferred summer retreat for the British government in south India. The beauty of this place is so captivating that it has inspired many a mind including poets, artists, film makers, and even honeymooners young and old. The sprawling tea gardens reaching out to the horizon, the deep winding lanes, the picture perfect landscapes and sceneries make this a place ideal for everyone who is looking for a destination to lay back and let time pass.

The history of Munnar is quite interesting if u look at it. The place originally was developed mainly to cultivate tea by the British who then ruled India. Many people from the surrounding localities were solely employed to cultivate tea mostly comprising of Malayalis and Tamilians. Between the late 1890’s and 1921 the tea cultivated here was of high export quality and was shipped across the world. Soon there were plantations for coffee too. Munnar is almost entirely occupied and owned by the Tata Group of companies. The entire landscape owned is called the high range, also known as the Kanan Devan Hills from which the company named its famous tea brand. In April 2005, the Tata group divested its holdings on the tea plantations area soon after which the employees who worked there purchased most of the land and are still running the business under the mighty Kanan Devan brand name.

Tourist Destinations (Attractions)

This beautiful place is also home to the highest peak in south India- Anamudi which stands at a majestic height of 2698 meters tall. The mountain is also a top favourite among trekkers just for the natural beauty and the pleasure it offers. Apart from the diverse fauna and flora Munnar has to offer in the grasslands and forests, there is one particular flower which blossoms only once every 12 years. The Neelakurinji, an exotic blue flower that grown in the natural surroundings. The last time it bloomed was in the year 2006, so the next time one would get to see it will only be in the year 2018. Definitely a sight you cannot afford to miss.

Lately due to the extreme commercialization most of the native fauna and flora of Munnar have disappeared. The extreme plantation is also one the main reasons that has contributed to this tragedy. However, the government has been taking appropriate action by maintaining protected parks like the new Kurinjimala sanctuary in the east, Chinnar wildlife sanctuary, Manjampatti Valley, and the Indira Gandhi wildlife sanctuary in the north east, Eravikulam national park and Anamudi shola national park to the north, Pampadum Shola national park in the south and the newly proposed Palani hills national park again in the east where most of the exotic species of plant as well as animal life can survive. These protected areas are home to the Nilgiri Thar, Nilgiri wood pigeon, The Indian Elephant, Guar, Sambar, Grizzled Giant squirrel and also the rare flower, Neelakurinji.

Munnar is an ideal treat for everyone, be it young couples, family, friends, students, or just plain nature lovers. It definitely has a fair share of beauty and joy for just about everyone. Mattupetty for example is a beautiful picnic spot with a beautiful view of the lush green tea gardens and a crystal clear lake on the background to crown its beauty. It is situated at an elevated height of about 1700 meters above sea level making this picnic spot more than just beautiful as it is covered with mist and dew most of the time. This place is also famous for the Indo Swiss Live Stock Project, which is a specialized dairy farm. One should definitely pay the farm a visit to know how the process of dairy farming works, which is a very interesting process.

A little away from Mattupetty is Rajamala which is home for the Nilgiri Thar, a rare breed of mountain got which is fast becoming extinct. It is surprising to know that half the world population of the Nilgiri Thar is found only on Munnar.

Echo Point in Munnar is fast gaining attention for the phenomena it creates by resonating sound across the mountains and plains which is so melodious almost sounding in unison with nature. One feels free after liberating all the energy through the lungs and finding it echo as if u were the only one around. Truly a great experience.

How to Reach (Getting There)

Munnar is located at a distance of about 140 kilometres from Kochi that is approximately a 5 hour drive mainly because of the Ghat sections and the narrow slippery winding roads though the NH 49 a very smooth road free of pot holes making the drive a real pleasure. The drive is very scenic due the natural forests and beautiful waterfalls alongside. Once you reach Adimali, a small town, Munnar is only 30 kilometres away from here. The panoramic views are simply mind blowing with magnificent tea plantations in every direction, the mist just rising up in the early mornings and the mild rays of the sun adding to the beauty and love Mother Nature has bestowed this place with. One can also reach Munnar by hitting the Madurai, Pollachi or the Kodai mail road. The drive through the Ghat sections is about 2 hours long making every minute a memory that would last.

Hotels and Resorts (The Stay)

It was only towards the end of the year 2000 that Munnar was finally declared as a tourist destination by the government of Kerala. Since then many residents are being employed by hotels and resorts for the tourism business. This has in turn helped in attracting more and more tourists not just from India but from around the world to this beautiful hill resort. There still are many protected wildlife sanctuaries around the vicinity which contribute to the popularity of the place among tourists. The British who was in charge lived in huge colonial bungalows. Today most of the Victorian styled bungalows have been converted into resorts and hotels for the tourists who frequent the little paradise. There are luxurious accommodation options, such as the Hotel Club Mahindra Lakeview, Fort Munnar and the Tea Country Hill Resort. There are many hill resorts in and around Munnar, such as the Blackberry Hills resort, Tall Trees Resort, Ranger Woods Hill Resort. The stay in these resorts can cost anywhere between Rs 2500 to 8500 per night, depending upon the choice of resort and room. Munnar has a number of budget hotels and small resorts, such as the Springdale and stay in these small resorts will cost approximately Rs 500 to 1500. Most of the accommodation choices in Munnar come with the food package. It is best to opt for a hotel or resort that has a package that includes breakfast and dinner.

Kerala, which is also commonly referred to as Gods own country has been voted as one of the top must see destination in a life time by the National Geographic Travellers comity. And also as one of the top 10 paradises of the world, which is a great honour. Munnar, which is a part of Kerala is one of the most beautiful and popular spots to be visited. The tranquility, environment and the scenery makes this place an ideal retreat to anyone who wants to take a break off from the hectic life in the city. The deep gorgeous valleys, mountain streams, dense forests, vast beautiful tea gardens, wildlife and the flora makes Munnar one of the most sought after hill stations in India. So, pack your bags and get prepared to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul.