Best time to visit : August to May
The most coveted tourist destination in South India, Munnar is yet another jewel in the crown of Kerala. Sprawling tea plantations, emerald forest, rare wildlife and bird species and unfolded lush green mountains makes Munnar the most sought after holiday spot in God’s Own Country. The gateway to the hills, a place to discover the impeccable beauty of nature, a haven of serenity and tranquility, Munnar contributes to the popularity and economy of Kerala. One of the most idyllic honeymoon spots, Munnar astounds honeymooners with its cool climate and calm surrounding – a perfect setting to start an amorous and blissful journey towards being one.
Facts
Surrounded by an ambit of beautiful mountains, Munnar is a famous hill station situated on the heavenly and blissful land of Kerala, India. It is believed that the name of the hill station means “three rivers,” relating to the town’s position at the meeting point of three important rivers – Madhurapuzha, Kundaly and Nallathanni. Munnar is popular among tourists for its wild orchid (Neelakurinchi in Malayalam), which grows once in 12 years. Munnar is renowned world over for its tea plantations. The highest peak (2695 m.) of South India – Anamudi is located in Munnar. Malayalam and English are the languages of locals in Munnar. The city guide provides comprehensive tourist information about Munnar which is a perfect destination for honeymooners, nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Munnar is paradise for foodies. Fish curry, chicken biryani, chilly bhaji and a variety of authentic South Indian cuisines like idli, sambhar and dosa are famous here. Located in the heart of the town, Saravana Bhavan serves delicious vegetarian South Indian food. A multi-cuisine restaurant, TreeTop restaurant is also a popular selection in Munnar. Other hotels include Bamboo Hut (G.H. Road), Silverspoon Restaurant (Munnarinn, Main Bazaar), Mahaveer Veg Restaurant (Kalinivas Building, Main Road) etc. You can ask your local tourist guide or a taxi driver to help you locate these places easily.
Aromatic tea leaves, of course is the primary item you should buy from Munnar. Spices like cardamom, cloves, and pepper are the best local items. Coir and metal ware and handmade soaps are two important items people do not miss on buying here. You can also buy affordable yet quality local handicrafts as a souvenir for your family back home from the well-known shops in Munnar like Deeja Gift House, Misha Jn, Johnson’s Wood Craft shop etc.
Nearby Places:
- Marayoor (about 40 km.) – Popular for its naturally grown sandalwood trees. Thoovanam waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are the nearby attractions.
- Top Station (about 35 km.) – This place provides panoramic view of its neighboring state, Tamil Nadu. Top Station is the highest point of the Munnar-Kodiakanal road.
- Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (about 50 km.) – The sanctuary houses local as well as migratory animal and bird species. Laughing Thrush, black bulbul, peafowl are the few bird species homed here apart from animals like grizzled giant squirrels, sambar deer and gaur.
- Chithirapuram (about 13 km.) – Famous for housing old little playgrounds, cottages, bungalows and courts, Pallivasal Hydel Power project is located here.
- Lock Hart Gap (about 13 km.) – A popular place for trekking and adventure tourism, it is one of the finest and beautiful spots amongst nearby tourist places in Munnar.
- Kundala (about 25 km.) – A beautiful town on the way to Top Station, Kundala artificial dam is the item of major interest here.
- Mattupetty (about 13 km.) – Located in Idukki, it is at a distance of about 13 km. from Munnar. Famous for its specialized dairy farm, farm and dam with the same name, it is the most sought after picnic spot near Munnar. Mattupetty Lake and Dam are famous among tourists for boating and horse riding. It is a great place to hangout, especially for kids.
- CSI Christ Church (about 40 km.) – Built in 1910 AD by stones, this church is popular among holidaymakers for its stained glass windows. This is one of the must visit places near Munnar.
Other places of interest nearby Munnar include, Anayirangal (about 21 km.), Lakkom Waterfalls, Thommankuthu Waterfalls (about 17 km.), Allapuzha (about 156 km.), and Devikulam (about 7 km.)