Munnar,
also known as the Kashmir of South India is a peaceful hill station
with its impeccable beauty has become the most sought after destination
for a holiday. Munnar was the erstwhile 'Summer Capital' of the
British Government in South India. It is the luxuriant gift of
nature to the Western Ghats, the eastern border of Kerala and
an adjoining parts of Tamilnadu. Sprawling Tea plantations, picture
book towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities make this a
popular resort town
.The very name 'Munnar' means three rivers and there are actually
three of them, confluence of three mountain streams-Mudrapuzha,
Nallathanni and Kundala
Munnar consists of vast sloping areas of tea. Coffee and cardamom
plantations give it a simplistic and smooth appearance. Munnar
is a perennial favourite of Indian honeymooners.
Dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries and major cash crop plantations
cover most of the region. Among the exotic flora found in the
forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. At that time,
the hill side will appear bluish in colour. Neelakurinji bathes
the hills in blue once every twelve years, will bloom next in
2018AD. For those in Munnar, the blooming of Kurinji flower is
a reminder that their lives have gone past another twelve years,
and for those from far off; may be it is reminder to witness a
once in a life time rare sight of the Kurinji flowers covering
the slopes and ravines of Munnar in a blanket of blue.
The hill station of Ooty is known for its orchards of peaches
and plums, terraced tea plantations, eucalyptus and pine trees.
Ooty hills changes its moods in different seasons, but its different
moods provide similar hospitality to the tourists. The hill station
sprawling along a picturesque plateau, with its green valleys
and natural beauty offer a close affair with nature. Besides its
pristine charm, Ooty hills offer several adventure options like
trekking, hand-gliding and angling etc.
Ooty is famous for its Tea and Tourism festival, which is held
in the month of January. In the festival the visitors can know
much about the different flavours of their favorite drink tea.
Makar Ponagal is another important festival celebrated in the
month of January. One can notice a marvellous change in vegetation,
as one goes from Kallar to Coonoor. Lofty mountains, dense forest,
sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens greet
the passengers on most routes. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival
attracts crowds in huge numbers.
The
Main attractions in Munnar
Anamudi, the highest peak (2695 m) south of the Himalayas, towers
over the sanctuary in majestic pride. The slopes of the hills
abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. The Atlas moth, the
largest of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the
park. Other rare species of fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur,
the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, etc.
An ideal place for trekking, facilities are provided here and
tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi.
Mattupetty
Mattupetty is known for its highly specialised dairy farm. -The
Indo Livestock Project. Over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle
can be seen here. Mattupetty has a beautiful rose garden. The
Mattupetty lake and dam is just a shot distance from the farm,
is a very beautiful picnic sport. The sprawling tea plantations
and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC
Idukki provides boating facilities in the Mattupetty dam. Speed
launch, slow speed boat and motor boats are available for hire.
The famous Eco point is very near and this scenic place gets its
name from the natural echo phenomenon here. The Shola forests
in and around Mattupetty are ideal for trekking and are habitat
to a variety of birds. Rivulets and cascades crisscross the terrain
here, which again adds more attraction to the place.
Eravikulam National Park / Rajamala (15km
from Munnar)
Eravikulam National Park lures the travellers with its irresistible
grace and beauty. The 97 sq km park is situated in the Devikulam
Taluk is a home to the Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur, sambar and
the Lion-tailed Macaque. A sanctuary for the endangered mountain
goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr the Eravikulam National
Park stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands
and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills. Rajamala
is the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr. Half the world population
of this rare mountain goat is found here, which is fast becoming
extinct.
Potheamedu (6km from Munnar)
Pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee
and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills,
the cool mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is
ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.
Devikulam (7km from Munnar)
This small hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic
flora and fauna and the cool mountain air . It is a beautiful
place with lot of tea plantations. The Sta Devi Lake with
its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good
picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.
Nyayamakad, Chithiripuram and
Lock Heart Gap
Nyayamakad, Chithiripuram and Lock Heart Gap are other
most attractive places located around 10-12 Kilometers
from Munnar. Located beween Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad
is a land of scintillating waterfalls. The waters cascade
down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters. The enchanting
surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and ideal
trekking point..
A small village with sleepy little cottages, bungalows,
old playgrounds and courts. That is Chithirapuram.
Chithiripuram still reminds us of an old world charm.
Home of the Pallyvasal hydel power project, this hill
town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.
Lock Heart Gap is an ideal place for
adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air,
the mist clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy
of a visit. Anayirangal a lush green carpet of tea
plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable
experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by Tata
Tea plantations and evergreen forests
Attukal (9km from Munnar)
A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located
between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes.
The place is also ideal for long treks.