"Munnar" meaning three rivers is one of the most popular hill stations in India and is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 metre above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience. Munnar is one of the major centers of tea trade in Kerala. It is the highest peak in south India and is home to animals like elephants and the rare Nilgiri Tahrs. Among the exotic flora, there is the Neelakurinji, which blooms every 12 years. It bloomed last in December 2006.

The region in and around Munnar varies in height from 1,600 meters (5,249 ft) to 1,800 meters (5,906 ft) above mean sea level. Munnar enjoys a salubrious climate. The temperature ranges between −5 °C (23 °F) and 10 °C (50 °F) in winter and 15 °C (59 °F) and 25 °C (77 °F) in summer. The tourist season in Munnar is from August to May. However, even the monsoons are lovely with many streams and rivulets in the area and post drizzle the dew drenched tea gardens looking majestic and heavenly enshrouded in light mist .
Clothing : Warm Clothes and Rain Gear. Tourist Season : August to March
Getting There


By Car

Munnar is 140 km (about 4.5 hours) from Kochi. Remember to budget a good 6 hours if you are driving up or down, since the road is blind in some places and there are a lot of trucks and buses that seem to drive as if they own the road. Although the road is smooth (NH 49), it is narrow, twisty and curvy. Make sure you have a little meal before you drive to Munnar. Kothamangalam is on the way and is 80 km away from Munnar. Between Kothamangalam and next town "Adimali", you can experience a beautiful cool drive through a natural forest. Alongside, you can see many refreshing waterfalls.

Once you reach Adimali, Munnar is just 30 kilometers away - but it will take almost an hour to reach. Around 22 kilometers from Adimali, you can start seeing the tea plantations on both sides of the road and a panoramic view of the western ghats. The view is extremely beautiful during the early mornings.

Munnar can also be reached from Kodai Road, Madurai, Udumalpet. The drive to Munnar involves about 3 hours on the ghat section. There are 17 hair pin bends and traversing them can make you feel nauseated. However if you eat light while travelling you can enjoy the scenery during the drive.

Munnar is about 150 km from Coimbatore. Coimbatore-Munnar route is a very scenic route and though a bit longer,  is generally considered worth the extra time spent.

Kodaikanal is nearly 170 KM away from Munnar.  Kodaikanal - Perumal Malai - Mayiladum Parai - Mooliyaru - Oothu - Falls View - Ganguvarpetty - Ghat Road - Periya Kulam - Theni - Bodi - Bodimettu - Devikulam - Munnar.  This route is a highly scenic one.

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (145 KM)
                             Coimbatore Airport     (160 KM)

Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Town- 140 KM

Kottayam : 180 KM




By Bus

Munnar bus station is located on the main street in Munnar.

From Kochi it  takes about 5 1/2 hours. Buses are available from Ernakulam KSRTC  bust station from  6 AM onwards . Approximate bus fare Rs 150

Buses are available from Kottayam KSRTC bus station as well. Buses are available from 4 AM onwards. Approximate bus fare RS 180

Munnar is also reachable from Coimbatore.


Places To See

Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park

Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park  is about 12 KM from Munnar.  It is the abode of  Nilgiri Thar - an endangered species of mountain goats.The Kurichi or Neelakurinji Flowers turn the hills of Rajamalai blue every 12 years. The next bloom will be in 2018. The natioanl park is an enriching view of  rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills. It is also the abode of rare flora and fauna, Atlas moth said to be the largest in the world , lion-tailed macaque, leopards and tigers. Possibility of sighting a leopard or a tiger is very rare. Early morning or the evening is the best time to visit the national park. The walk along the park is very romantic and has some breath taking view.


Anamudi Peak Inside Eravikulam National Park

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. However, you have take special permission from the forest department officials.

Mattupetti Dam

 10 km from Munnar, this popular picnic spot has activities like boating and horse riding and is a great place to spend the day especially if visiting with children. You could take the speed boat ride which is fantastic. It costs RS 300    for 15 minutes ride. The maximum capacity is 5 persons and you could save some money if you are a group of 4 to 5.

Mattupetti Indo-Swiss Farm

  Mattupetti literally translates as Madupetti (cattle village). Tamil migrant labourers  used to rear cattle here. The cool climate and abundance of fodder made it the ideal location for the Indo-Swiss dairy farm. Established in 1961, the Kerala Livestock Development Board (KLDB) manages this highly specialised dairy farm. The dairy farm is a unique one of its kind with more than 100 varieties of high-yielding cattle being reared. Visitors are allowed inside the farm from 9 AM to 5 PM
 
Echo Point

 On the way to top station from Munnar is a small lake set amidst rolling hills. Every loud call made from a spot on the lake embankment is returned manifold by the echo from the surrounding hills. Young tourists throng to this place to listen to the echoes of their friendship calls. Echo point is about 15 km from Munnar.


Top Station

37 km from Munnar on the Kerala- Tamil Nadu border Top Station has great views of the Western Ghats. This place gives a real 'above the clouds' experience. Regular buses go to Top Station from Munnar. A jeep ride costs Rs 400.  

Kundala Lake

Kundala Lake is the reservoir of the Kundala Dam. Set among rolling hills, a boat ride in this lake is an awesome experience. Pedal boats and Shikaras are provided. Kundala is about 20 km from Munnar on the Top Station road. Kundala is a dont miss experice of Munnar.

Attukad Waterfalls

 Attukad waterfalls is near Pallivasal on  Munnar- Kochi road about 5 km from Munnar. The waterfalls is set amidst two rising  hills and surrounded by tropical forest.  

Marayoor

 Around 40km from Munnar. 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.


Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar is located about 60 km from Munnar. Chinnar is a wild life sanctuary with an area of 90 sq.Km.  Recognized as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984, it lies in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. As a result, Chinnar gets only about 48 rainy days in a year during the months of October and November when Northeast monsoons are at work.
Chinnar is located 60 km from Munnar in the direction of Udumalpetta. From Marayur jeeps, scooter rickshaws or buses can be boarded for the sanctuary visit. Once past Marayur, the organised neat looking plantations give way to more wild and natural surroundings.
A wide range of wild life is housed in its sanctuary. Elephant, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, tiger, panther, wild dog etc. inhabit in this sanctuary. Kerala Forest Department has a doormitory inside the sanctuary. Bookings are available on first come  first basis.

 Kanthalloor

Situated about 50 km from Munnar, Kanthalloor is a never miss place for a visitor to Munnar. Kanthallur is known as the apple orchard of Kerala. Surrounded by high mountains this peaceful farming village will give you an out of the world experience. Kanthalloor is one of those rare places in Kerala where terraced paddy cultivation is done. The irrigation system for these paddy field is a centuries old indigenously done engineering marvel. Take a stroll throug these fields, the peace, calm and quiet of the nature will captivate you.
Kanthalloor also has farms full of ripe apples, plums, pomegranates etc. not commonly seen in Kerala.
At 5000 ft above sea level, Kanthalloor offers congenial atmosphere for the cultivation of apples. Although its skin is a bit thick, the Kanthalloor apples are rather sweet. The cultivation is done with minimum use of chemical fertilizers. Guava, gooseberry, orange, eggfruits, peach, passion fruit etc are grown a plenty here.
Non-Kerala vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, carrot, beans, potato, beetroot, garlic etc are also cultivated here.  


Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

At a height of about 7130 ft, this orthodox tea factory lays claim to being one of the highest in the world. The view of the Western Ghats is absolutely enchanting.

Blossom Garden

 Houses many different varities of flowers. Tourist will definitely take away good memories from this place.

The Christ Church, in Old Munnar. The exteriors have worn out with time though the charming interiors still have a very nice ambiance. It was consecrated way back in 1910 and still has 14 original rows of pews. The first Catholic Church in the High Ranges was Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church.

The High Range Club has a charming colonial style. The club house is built of wicker and teak and is the social hub for the tea "Planters" of the region. Members enjoy lounging in the bar over Planter's Punch followed by a good meal, a game of billiards or reading a book in the library.

Munnar Supply Association (MSA) Set up in 1900, this is another nostalgic landmark worth visiting in Munnar. It is the oldest department store in the area and has been re-inventing itself to stay relevant and popular after almost 102 years. The store was run by "planters" who still manage its affairs. The MSA is a red brick, red tiled building with gables, buttresses and a porch and is now a heritage site.

Boating There are several places to go out for boating in Munnar. One can choose among paddle boats and speed boats to Kashmiri-Shikara. Young couples who travel to Munnar should not miss out on the beautiful 'Kashmiri-Shikara' boat ride. It is one of the most romantic experiences.

The best things to buy are Tea, coffee, spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and pepper and definitely home made chocolates.

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