Munnar -
breathtakingly beautiful - a
haven of peace
and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country.
Set at an altitude of 1980 from sea level located in Idukki district,
Munnar
was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the
colonial
days. Unending expanse of tea plantations - The misty mountains and
valleys,
the whispering wilds and the refreshing drizzles are a tourists'
delight
at any time of the year. The mountain slopes are a nicely laden green
carpet
of evergreen tea plantations interspaced by murmuring jungle streams,
winding
roads and Pathways.
The
misty nights and the sound of silence of this high altitude mountains
and
valleys blessed with mother nature's riches flora and fauna make it a
true
paradise on earth. The satin smooth grass lands which are the abode of
the rare species of wild goats known as Nilgiri Tahrs and herds of wild
elephants grazing elegantly across the jungle slopes add to the
splendour
of this mesmerizing landscape.
Nestling
in the very lap of this enchanting terrain is one of our prime
properties
pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in
its
wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air - yes !
Munnar
has all these and more. It's the place you would love to visit - it's
the
place you would wish never to leave- so welcome. Just four hours drive
from the city of Kochi is the tea town of Munnar.
Anaimudi
At
a
height of around 2,695m it is the highest peak in southern India and
can
be viewed from Munnar.
Chithirapuram
This
small hill station exudes an old-world charm with its old playgrounds
and
courts, bungalows, and sleepy little cottages that point to its
colonial
past. Situated at a distance of around 10km from Munnar, Chithirapuram
is home to Pallivasal hydel power project.
Devikulam
Devikulam
is an out-of-the-world experience among exotic flora and fauna, cool
mountain
air, and velvet lawns. An idyllic hill station, Devikulam is located at
a distance of around 7km from Munnar. The Sita Devi Lake situated here
is an ideal picnic spot with its picturesque surroundings, mineral
water,
and trout-fishing facilities.
Kundale
Tea Plantation
Kundale
Tea Plantation offers an opportunity to see the tea plantations, to
watch
tea being picked, learn how tea is processed and to buy the tea
directly
from the gardens. It is an area surrounding a picturesque lake that
offers
stunning views of the region. If you arrive on a Sunday, make sure to
drop
in at the small Kundale Club in the afternoon, where the local planters
gather with their families.
Nyayamakad
An
excellent
picnic and trekking point, Nyayamakad is situated at a distance of 10km
from Munnar near Rajamala. Nyayamakad is a land of scintillating
waterfalls
with water cascading down from a height of around 1,600 metres.
Pothamedu
One
of the major plantation hubs of Munnar, Pothamedu is situated at a
distance
of around 6km from the town. Views of coffee, tee, and cardamom
plantations
are excellent from here and it’s an ideal spot for trekking and hiking
amidst lush mountains, rolling hills and breathtaking scenery.
Cheeyappara
Located
between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi-Madurai Highway,
Cheeyappara
and Valara waterfalls are a treat to the eyes. The fall cascades down
in
seven steps making it unique.
Eravikulam
National Park
By
driving
north from Munnar for 30 minutes and then hiking a few kilometres, you
reach this sanctuary which is home to over three thousand free-roaming
ibex, elephants, lion-tailed macaque, and the Nilgiri tahr (an
endangered
mountain goat). Declared as a National Park in 1978 it covers 97km of
rolling
grass hills forested valleys and is one of the ‘must do' activities in
the area.
Marayoor
Around
40km from Munnar, Marayoor has many firsts to its credit. It is the
only
place in Kerala with natural growth of sandalwood trees, natural caves
with murals, and relics from Later Stone Age civilisation. There is a
sandalwood
factory of the Forest Department of Kerala and a children's park
extending
across one hectare of land under the canopy of a single Banyan tree,
all
of which attract tourists in large numbers. Some nearby destinations
such
as Thoovanam and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also of great interest.
Nadukani
Situated
at an altitude of 1000m. above sea level, Nadukani offers excellent
views
of the Moolamattam town, Malankara lake, etc. It is a natural dream
heaven
covered with green-clad hills, silvery streams, valleys and paddy
fields.
You will encounter many rare species here like the hornbill, wild
rabbits,
spotted sambhar, jungle mainah and elephants, to name a few.
Top
Station
Situated
at an altitude of between 1700 and 2,200m, Top Station offers wonderful
views of the valley down below and panoramic landscape. The hilltop is
situated at a distance of around 41km north from Munnar town on the
Tamil
Nadu-Kerala border. According to a local belief, the place derived its
name from Middle Station and Lower Station, both lying down the valley,
which were once connected
to this place via a ropeway.