Munnar places to visit : Munnar is one of the most beautiful locations of God’s own country, Kerala. The Munnar resort is very popular a tourist destination and is surrounded by lush green hills of the Western Ghats. Apart from being one of the popular hill resort, Munnar is also famous for its tea trade. Munnar lies at the confluence of three mountain streams, Mudraphuza, Kundala and Nallanthanni. The word ‘Munnar” literally means three rivers in Tamil. This place is situated at the Eastern part of Kerala and at an altitude of 1520 meters. The highest peak of the Western Ghats, the Anaimudi lays closely. Once in twelve years the spectacular view of the Neelakurunji plant is seen when the entire hills get covered with it. The places to visit in Munnar are as follows-
Eravikulam National Park –
this place is situated at a distance of 25 km from Munnar. The entire park is spread over 97 sq km in the hilly region of Rajmalai. The national park has a collection of certain endangered species of animals like, the Nilgiri Thar, a type of mountain goats, altas moth, leopards, tigers, lion tailed macaque and varieties of flora fauna. The entire view while walking down the hill side is completely breathtaking.
Anaimudi peak –
the majestic peak, rises as high as 2695 meters, is also the highest peak of the Western Ghats. The slopes of the mountain are covered with green grassland descending to wards to downward valley. This place is an ideal place for trekking and the authorities provide facilities to tourists to reach up to the peak on foot.
Top Station –
this station lies on the Kerala – Tamil Nadu border and at distance of 37 km from the main center of Munnar. This place literally gives an “above cloud experience” when reached up to the top of it. The Western Ghats too look really fascinating when seen from the Top Station. This place is attracts tourists also for the reason that the Neelakunji Flower blossoms here, once in twelve years.
Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Station. The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction. Aruvikkad Waterfall is also near Kundala.
Marayoor–
this place is situated 40 km away from Munnar. It has historical importance because the relics are found here of the Later Stone Age Civilization. The original sandalwood trees, several natural caves and murals are found here. There lies the popular children’s park here which is also a tourist destination. The park extends over one hectare of land which rests below one gigantic banyan tree.
Water Falls – the water falls en route to Munnar create a spectacular view for the tourists. People interested in photography get a good click here. The water falls descend down the hills carrying fresh rain water.
Echo Point –
this place is situated at a distance of 15 km from Munnar. There lies a small lake in between the undulating hills. When one stands on the lake embankment and makes a loud call, the sound is returned from the surrounding hills. This is a craze amongst many young tourists.
Lock Heart Gap:
Located at a distance of 13 km from Munnar, this magnificent vantage point lies close to Mattupetty. The place offers some amazing views of the mist clad endless blue hills covered with lush greenery, winding roads and silver brooks splashing the emerald greenery with white streaks. The place is a perfect venue for adventure tourism and trekking expeditions. The salubrious climate and picturesque surroundings make it one of the most preferred locations to visit in Munnar.
Devikulam is a hill station located 7 km from Munnar which is known for its scenic beauty and flora and fauna. The Sita Devi Lake is ideal for picnic and fishing. The Sita Devi Lake is surrounded by lush green hills and attracts tourists not only because of its sacredness but also for the curative powers in its waters.
Sita Devi Lake: also known as Devikulum Lake is a must see tourist spot near Munnar. A thermal water spring is what attracts picnickers. The lake has some religious importance and is also revered by the locals.
Pothamedu:
This amazing viewpoint is located at a distance of 6 km from Munnar. This vantage point offers astounding views of breathtaking grandeur of the nearby tea, coffee and spice plantations. You can feast your eyes on the misty hills, green meadows and ravines crisscrossed with white streaks of gurgling rivulets. This is also an ideal spot to enjoy a casual ramble through the green mountains and to indulge in serious trekking activities. If you are into nature photography, this is a must visit spot to capture the real essence of Kerala’s natural splendor.
Mattupetty Indo-Swiss Farm – Better known as Mattupetty (cattle village), Tamil migrant labourers had once upon a time reared 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.
Chithirapuram: Lying at a distance of 10 km from Munnar is the idyllic town of Chithirapuram. The place is steeped in its rich colonial past with numerous English cottages, grand colonial bungalows, old playgrounds et cetera dotting the landscape. This less explored land of timeless beauty is a true trump card for experiencing colonial remnants preserved in its original splendor. This town is home to a number of tea plantations and lies in close proximity to the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project.
