One of the most popular hill stations in India, Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 Mts 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 essentially a tea town. The tea plantations have now been taken over by the Tata Tea Company. The visitor is greeted with miles and miles of unending tea plantations on entry into Munnar.
Tea Museum & Processing Unit :
Since Munnar has earned its fame due to tea, it is quiet obvious that a Tea Museum in Munnar attracts a whole lot visitors. The Tea Museum, run by the prestigious Tata Tea, takes you back into the time when tea industry had just begun to make its presence felt in Munnar in the 1880s. On display are interesting relics and artefacts from the bygone era. Also, nearby is a tea processing unit which gives you a detailed knowledge of how tea is made.
Pothanmedu :
Just 3 km before Munnar, while you are travelling on NH 49, is Pothanmedu, sitting comfortably on a high cliff. The place is perfect to enjoy the spectacular beauty of the coffee, tea, and cardamom plantations. Also, when you watch the cars and others vehicles approaching up through the winding road, you feel the height you are standing at, for these cars seem no more like a toy to you. For adventure lovers, Pothanmedu offers excellent opportunities for trekking and hiking.
Pallivasal :
This place has earned its fame after it became the venue for the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala. Situated at a distance of around 8 km from Munnar town, Pallivasal revels in its natural beauty.
Attukal :
Located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is Attukal Falls that usually presents a panoramic view but assumes a cascading and roaring beauty during the monsoons. It is one of the most attractive scenes that you can look at during your stay at Munnar. Two other waterfalls by the name of Cheeyapara Falls and Valara Falls also lure tourists by their bewitching beauty. The first of these two falls is highly frequented by those who wish to take a splash in the cool water.
Devikulam :
Devikulam is a pastoral beauty located just 7 km from Munnar. The air of Devikulam, like Munnar is extremely refreshing and is therefore perfect to relax. The Sita Devi Lake here is a good picnic spot and attracts a large number of tourists and locals. Moreover, trout fishing in Sita Devi Lake is great opportunity for anglers. However, do not expect live baits since only artificial flies, spinners and lures are allowed. Also, the anglers need to obtain a permit from the Hon Secretary, High Range Angling Association for this purpose.
Nyayamakad :
Nyayamkad falls in between Munnar and Rajamala and offers splendid views of water dropping from a height of 1600 m. The place is ideal for both peace and adventure lovers since they can either walk around and soak in the beauty of the surroundings or enjoy trekking. The Nyayamakad gap provides excellent views of the Munnar valley. You can also come across some tea pickers at work.
Rajamala :
This is place that gives shelter to the extremely endangered species of Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas bylocres). Infact, the place is home to nearly half the population of this mountain goat species in the entire world. Rajamala is situated at a distance of 15 km from Munnar and at a height of 2695 m above sea level.
Ervikulam National Park :
This park along with Rajamala is the precious habitat of the Niligiri Tahr in Kerala. The park occupies an area of 97 sq km and was initially a hunting preserve of the British planters. In 1950s, an NGO realized the importance of protecting the tahrs and stepped in to demand the declaration of area as a sanctuary. In 1975, the area became a Wildlife Sanctuary and in 1978 it was designated a National Park. The tahrs here are so used to the human beings that they do not shy away from even blocking the road. The park is open from 7 am to 5 pm and also offers some breathtaking views of its flora.
Mattupetty :
Mattupetty is famous for its cattle breeding farm, an artificial lake and a dam. The farm, which is a joint project of India and Switzerland, rears more than 100 varieties of cattles. Out of total eleven sheds, tourists are allowed to visit only three and that also between 9 to 11 am and then from 2 to 3.30 pm. The dam is surrounded by hills and woods on all sides and presents a picturesque view. Cruising in the waters of the lake is one of the most exciting experiences that you can enjoy here. For this purpose five seater speed boats and 20 seaters launches are available between 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. Mattupetty is 13 km from Munnar.
Echo Point :
Echo Point falls in the way to the Top Station and gives you the pleasure of hearing your voice returning to you again and again.
Kundala :
This small town at a distance of around 20 km from Munnar is famous for its artificial dam and a Golf Course owned by the Tata Tea. There are two nine hole courses for the delight of golf lovers.
Anayirankal :
This place is beautified by the verdant greenery of tea plantations and evergreen forests. There is also a reservoir and a dam to serve as a picnic spot. Anayirankal is at a distance of 22 km from Munnar.
Top Station :
This is a wonderful place to catch some fantastic view of the valley below. Located at a height of 2200 m and at a distance of 41 km north of Munnar, Top Station got its name courtesy the Middle Station and the Lower Station that were once linked to it by a ropeway. Both these stations were situated below the Top Station.
Marayoor :
Around 40 km from Munnar, the rain shadow Marayoor village has earned its fame because of the natural growth of sandalwood trees, natural caves with murals and relics from later stone age civilization. There is also a sandalwood factory managed by the forest department as well as a children's park spread over an area of one hectare. The park is shaded by a single banyan tree. The rare neelakurunji flowers that blooms once in every 12 years is native to this place.
Meenuli :
Meenuli is a heaven for adventure lovers. Its massive rocks extending over an area of 500 acres shelters 2 acres of evergreen forests. From atop, you can catch some fascinating views of the lower Periyar Area, Bhoothathankettu and even Ernakulam (provided the weather is good). The place is ideal for trekking.
Nadukani :
This one is a wonderful location situated atop a hill at the height of 3000 feet above the sea level. From here you can enjoy some scenic views of green hills, rushing streams, valley, and paddy fields. The Moolamattam town, Malankara lake also make for a pleasant view from here. To give you a bit of company will be birds like hornbill, wild rabbits, spotted sambhar, jungle mainah
