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Travel Destination of the Month
Munnar – Nature’s Special Craft Painted in Green
Few places in the world enjoy the nature’s special artistic fervour and Munnar is certainly one among them. Located in the Idukki District of Kerala, this picturesque hill station portrays the invaluable beauty of the Western Ghats. Once a popular summer resort of the British, the place is beyond one’s imagination and deserves to be your holiday resort while enjoying the monsoon showers in August.
What’s Special about Munnar?
A spectator to the confluence of three rivers, Munnar dons the emerald-green carpet and is surrounded by immense tropical beauty. With an altitude of about 1,700 m., the place allows the visitors to literally walk over the clouds, enjoy the freshest mountain breeze and admire the exceptionally engaging biodiversity. Munnar is a popular resort not just for the nature lovers, but also for the honeymoon couples, adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Top Attractions of Munnar
Plantations: Adding to the exquisite beauty of Munnar are the tea and coffee plantations that turn it a shade greener. Cardamom plantations add to the breathtaking sceneries.
Waterfalls: In the close vicinity are numerous waterfalls that extend the place’s scenic worth. Some popular ones include waterfalls at Atukkad, Nyayamakad and Lakkam.
Lakes: Amidst the heart-warming greenery, several lakes emerge as beautiful pearls near Munnar. Don’t miss visiting Kundala Lake, Mattupetty Lake (popular for speed boating) and Sita Devi Lake.
Wildlife Reserves: Eravikulam National Park, Pampadum Shola National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary are among many wildlife reserves around Munnar. They are home to the majestic Nilgiri thar, elephants, giant squirrels, gaur, sambar and many other fabulous species.
Vantage Points: Admiring the spectacular magnificence of forested mountains and valleys veiled in mist is possible from popular vantage points like Top Station, Echo Point, Photo Point and Pothamedu View Point.
Colonial Charm: Bungalows, cottages and old buildings and playgrounds are worth visiting at Chithirapuram.
Other Sites: Mattupetty Indo-Swiss Farm, Floriculture Centre, Tata Tea Museum, Blossom Park, Anamudi Peak (highest in South India) and many others.
Activities: Nature walks, trekking, rock climbing, rappelling, elephant riding, boating and several other wonderful activities are possible at Munnar.
How to Reach: Aluva, about 110 km. away, has the closest railway station while Cochin International Airport (about 106 km. away) is the closest airport to Munnar. National Highway 49 from Cochin or Madurai offers a remarkably scenic journey to Munnar which makes one instantly fall in love with the whole region.
Don’t forget to buy locally grown tea, coffee and spices as well as delicious homemade chocolates from Munnar. It is one place you would love to return again and again.
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