26 Places to Visit In Munnar
List of top 26 Places to visit in munnar:
Munnar is an exquisitely beautiful destination of South India. Its exuberant greenery, breathtaking waterfalls and sprawling plantations are a feast to the eyes. The hue and fragrance of flowers, the vast jungle cover and spectacular boating lends you a pristine experience. Points of interest of sightseeing in Munnar are listed below. We must visit this places in munnar at least once in our life time.
1. Cochin Direction
When we move from Cochin to Munnar (or Munnar -Cochin) you can visit this places.
- Hydral park
- Pothamedu view point
- karadippara view point
- Cardamom, Coffee & Pepper Plantations
- Attukad waterfalls
HYDRAL PARK
Immerse yourself in the gift of nature at the Blossom Hydral Park, located around 3 km away from the Munnar Town, towards the old Munnar. This exotic piece of land has fresh flowers, Muthirappuzha river, lush green landscape, embracing migratory waterbirds, and mountain butterflies, that attracts tourists from distant cities and abroad. This park is a part of the Sylvan hill resort of Munnar and is located nearby beautiful Muthirappuzha river and misty Kannan Devan hill Tea Estates. It has a vast stretch of landscaped mounts, gardens, artificial waterfalls & lawns, that offer a wide range of facilities to make visitors feel relaxed and rejuvenated all at a same time.
Facilities Offered:
- Adventure trails
- Boating
- Nature walks
- Bird watching
- Roller skating
- Badminton
- Camp fire with music playing in the background
The best time to visit this beautiful place is between the months of December and February, when the surroundings become more beautiful with a blanket of greenery layering every part of the hill station.
POTHAMEDU VIEW POINT
Located around 6 km away from Munnar on NH 49, the Pothamedu Viewpoint is set amidst tea and coffee plantations and undulating hills. The vantage point offers a panoramic view of Munnar and adjoining valleys. It is a popular spot among trekkers, hikers and nature lovers for its pleasing scenic environs. If the atmosphere is clear, one can catch a glimpse of the Muthirapuzha River and Idukki Arch Dam, which is around 60 km away from Munnar.
Adventure lovers can trek through the beautiful cardamom, tea and coffee plantations to reach this point. Pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar.
KARADIPPARA VIEW POINT
Karadippara view point is a great place to capture the beauty of Munnar. It is on the way to Munnar and you can enjoy the long view of mountains and tea plantations from this viewpoint. The breath taking view of Munnar mountains fills our minds. There are a few park benches for those who prefer to quietly take in the magnificent scenery.
How to reach Karadippara:
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, 95 km
Nearest Railway Station: Aluva, 90 km
It takes 3 hours, 4 minutes to travel from Cheeyappara Waterfalls to Karadippara View Point. Approximate driving distance between Cheeyappara Waterfalls and Karadippara View Point is 154 kms or 95.7 miles or 83.2 nautical miles . Travel time refers to the time taken if the distance is covered by a car.
CARDAMOM,COFFEE AND PEPPER PLANTATIONS.
High-income commercial crops are widely cultivated in the High ranges, where the terrain, soil and climate are ideal for such cultivation. Large tracts of hill-slopes are covered with tea gardens, cardamom plantations, pepper vines, coffee cultivation, etc. Of these, cardamom, coffee and pepper are cultivated inside the resort property itself, and tea and other plantations can be visited in the neighborhood.
Cardamom: The dried mature fruit of cardamom (Elettaria Cardamomum) is the most popular spice in the world. Its oil is used for flavoring foods and beverages and in perfumes. The warm and slightly pungent aroma of cardamom is appetizing and pleasing in almost all food and bakery items. It is also a costly spice as the demand for it is ever on the increase, while the production is fluctuating and is limited to very little area in India and Guatemala and few other countries in a still smaller scale.
The visitors have a chance to see a typical plantation area of the most popular variety of the cardamom in the High ranges. As the harvesting season is spread throughout the year for the modern varieties of cardamom, various stages of maturing of the cardamom capsule can be observed and studied.
Pepper: Pepper is hot, pungent and highly aromatic. It is used in foods, beverages, medicines and preservatives. Its annual production in India is over 50,000 metric tonnes from 1,58,000 hectares. The High ranges of Kerala is the greatest source of pepper in India. From ancient times, pepper was used in India not only as a spice or condiment, but also as a medicinal ingredient in hundreds of Ayurvedic preparations.
There are several varieties of pepper, of which the most popular traditional Indian varieties are Alleppey black pepper and Tellicherry black pepper. Black pepper varieties like Lampong, Sarawak, Brazilian and Sri Lankan and white pepper varieties such as Muntok, Sarawak and Brazilian compete with modern Indian black and white pepper varieties in the world market.
Coffee: Coffee is one of the most popular homely refresher drinks in the world. It grows on bushes and has hard beans of semi-globular shape, which are husked, dried and powdered to get coffee powder. The whole bush turns white with aromatic flowers on every twig, and vies with any garden flower in beauty and fragrance.
Kerala and Karnataka are the largest coffee producing states in India. The price of coffee fluctuates according to European demand, which was not very steady during the recent years. However the worst is over according to agriculture experts.
There are coffee plants of Arabica and Robusta varieties inside the premises. These are well cared for. The white flowers and green and red berries are themselves a pleasing sight. The harvesting and processing can also be observed.
ATTUKAD WATERFALLS
A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukad, located between Munnar and Pallivasal in Idukki district, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treks. Attukad Waterfalls are one of the most captivating tourists’ attractions. The waterfall is surrounded by dark jungles and rolling terrains and is reachable only through wooden bridge. Monsoon is the best season to enjoy the pleasing beauty of waterfall. The place is also famous for its scenic beauty and trekking through the green forests. Tourists also take a stopover at this place as a picnic spot during their visit at Munnar.
Getting There:
Nearest railway station: Aluva, about 102 km
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 101 km ; Madurai (Tamil Nadu), about 163 km
2. Mattupetty Direction
When we move from Mattupetty to munnar direction we can visit this places.
- Forest flower garden
- Photo point
- Jungle honeybee nest
- Mattupetty dam & boating
- Film shooting point
- Echo point
- Kundale lake
- Top station view
FOREST FLOWER GARDEN
Flower Garden is a popular destination located in Mattuppetty which is about 13 km away from Munnar town at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level.
Flower Garden is one of the chief attractions of Mattuppetty for its beautiful garden where different varieties and colors of roses can be found.
Flower Garden, besides being a feast to the eye, also is a place for bird watching and trekking. Different varieties of birds can be spotted here.
Tourists also visit the rivulets and waterfalls in and around Mattuppetty while paying a visit to Flower Garden.
PHOTO POINT
Photo point is situated at a distance of 3 kms from Munnar on the way to Mattupetty. Dense tea plantations, woods and small rivulets and rolling hills make this spot ideal for leisure travelers and nature lovers. Photo point as the name states is the most photogenic place situated near Munnar.
Photo point is also known as “Shooting Point” because of its ideal scenic beauty created by silver oak trees and green tea plantations. Photo point is an ideal spot for amateur as well as professional photographers. Surrounded by gardens, tea plantations and streams Photo point in itself appeals to be heavenly.
Being located in a heavy rainfall area the Photo point also has an atmospheric charm to it. Tea, coffee, spices, cloves, cardamom and pepper and homemade chocolates are a few things one can buy near the Photo point. Being such a mesmerizing spot the Photo Point is also an ideal spot for picnics.
Timings:- 10.00 am to 8.00 pm (on all days)
Getting There:
Nearby- Bus Station:- Munnar Bus Station
Railway Station:- Kodaikanal Road Railway Station
Airport:- Cochin International Airport
JUNGLE HONEYBEE NEST
Honey Bee Nest is located at 4 Km away from Munnar on the way to Mattupetty. Around 25 honeybee nest occupied in a single tree is a unforgettable scene. If you are planning a vacation in Munnar, then you must go visit Jungle Honey Bee Nest. It is an intrinsic part of the socio-cultural landscape and hence, offers an insightful peek into life, as it exists in Munnar .
MATTUPETTY DAM AND BOATING
Mattupetty Dam is located near Munnar in Idukki District, it is a storage Concrete Gravity dam built in the mountains of Kerala to conserve water for hydroelectricity. It has been a vital source of power, yielding along with other such dams, huge revenue to the states. The large amount of perennially available water allows wild animals and birds to flourish. However salinity caused by irrigation and water-logging are of concern to environmentalists.
Munnar is located near the confluence of the mountain streams of Muthirappuzha River, Chanduvarai River and Kundale River.
Mattupetty is also known as ‘cattle village’, the name which came from the famous Indo Swiss farm project or Livestock project. We can see hundreds of varieties of high yielding cattle in this farm. The sight of the cattle grazing freely on the hills of the wide farm is a unique experience which any tourist can have ever in his life. The farm is around three kilometer away from the Mattupetty Dam and is dedicated to cattle development and research centre set up by the Government of Switzerland.
The reservoir is also known to be one of the visiting grounds of elephants in the region.
The best time to visit Mattupetty is from the month of August to May and it is very easily accessible from Munnar town.
FILM SHOOTING POINT
Munnar is a fabulous destination and it attracts number of tourists from every corner of the world every year. Located in Idukki District of Kerala, this wonderful hill station holds the charm of misty valleys, dense forest, rare flora and fauna and a seductive climate. The romantic atmosphere at Munnar invites the honeymoon couples to spend their best days of life at here. The unique charm of this high range inspired many film makers to shoot movies or song sequences from various portions of Munnar. Film crews from every language mark Munnar as a best location to portrait the charisma of nature.
Shooting point in munnar is a must place to visit in munnar.
ECHO POINT
This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point, situated on the way to Top Station from Munnar is a stop over for tourists visiting Top Station – the highest point in Munnar and the rare Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus) blooms here.
This is a very beautiful place in Munnar, which got its name from natural echo phenomenon situated at a scenic lake bank. When you scream at here, you will be hearing your voice returning to you. Placed at an altitude about 600 ft, Echo Point in munnar is located 15 km away from Munnar, on the way to Top Station.
Echo Point always has a greenish look as it is covered with abundant green sceneries. It is an adventurous destination, which will be a perfect choice for those who love to have a nature walk or trekking. The place surrounded with mist covered hills, water falls and clean air will be a visual treat.
Getting There:
Nearest railway station: Changanacherry, about 93 km and Aluva about 108 km from Munnar
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 115 km; Madurai in Tamil Nadu, about 140 km
KUNDALE LAKE
Kundala is a picturesque place to visit in munnar, Its about 20 km from Munnar on the way to Top Station. It is at a height of 1700 meters above sea level. It is located at a distance of 20 kilometers from Munnar. In Kundala, cherry blossoms appear twice in a year. The famous Neela Kurunji flowers which bloom once in twelve years, bloom in the hills and valleys around Kundala lake.
There is an artificial dam in Kundala which is another major attractive place to visit in munnar here. It is Asia’s first Arch dam. The boating experience at this dam is a wonderful experience beyond words. Boating facilities namely pedal boats, Kashmiri shikkara boats and row boats are available on rent to make your trip more enjoyable. A Golf Course is also located here which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. Aruvikkad Waterfall is also situated nearby Kundala. The Sethuparvathi dam built in 1946 as a part of Pallivasal hydroelectric project is a sight to behold.
Munnar is the nearest town to Lake Kundala and is well connected by road transport, mainly buses and taxis. The nearest railway station is either Ernakulam or Kottayam. You can get hired vehicles such as private cabs and taxis from the railway station to reach Lake Kundala.
Getting There:
Nearest railway station: Aluva, via Aluva -Munnar Rd, about 133 km; Kottayam, via Main Central Rd, about 154 km
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, via Aluva – Munnar Rd, about 132 km
TOP STATION
Top Station is tourist place in the Kannan Devan hills of Tamil Nadu. It is part of Theni District in the state of Tamil Nadu. Top Station is notable as the historic transshipment location for Kannan Devan tea delivered up here from Munnar and Mattupetty by railway and then down by ropeway to Kottagudi.This area is popular for the rare Neelakurinji flowers. The Kurinjimala Sanctuary is nearby. Top Station is the western entrance to the planned Palani Hills National Park.A trekking path is connecting Top Station via Central Station Village with Kurangani in the south.
Top Station got its name from the fact that it was the uppermost railway station located in the Kundala Valley. At this highest point, you may feel that the clouds are just a hand touch away from you. The destination is famous for the Neelakurinji flowers (Strobilanthus), which used to bloom once in twelve years. The bloom of these rare flowers will give the destination a different bluish look. The next flowering season of Neelakurinji is on 2018.
The best time to visit Top station is from April to May. Top Station is easily accessible from Munnar as there are frequent buses from there and you can also make use of the cabs available. You can also visit the Kurinjimala sanctuary very near to top Station.
Getting There:
By rail: Ernakulam, about 130 km from Munnar, is the nearest railway station.
By air: Cochin International Airport, about 110 km from Munnar, is the nearest airport.
3.Coimbatore Direction
When we move from Coimbatore to munnar direction we can visit this places.
- Tea museum
- Nyamakad waterfall
- Anaimudi
- Luckom waterfall
- sandal wood&bam forest flower gardenboo forest
- muniyara
- Thoovanam waterfalls
- Green valley view
- Chinnar wildlife sanctuary
TEA MUSEUM
Munnar is perhaps the choicest of places to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala’s high ranges. With special emphasis to Munnar, and to the delight of tea lovers and tourists, Tata Tea recently opened a Tea Museum which houses curious, photographs and machineries, each depicting a turning point that contributed to a flourishing tea industry, as seen today in the region.
The Tata Tea Museum diligently portrays the growth of Munnar tea estates, veritably conveyed through some of the displays like the rudimentary tea roller to the modern fully automated tea factory. Visitors to the museum can satiate their curiosity on various stages of tea processing, and also learn a thing or two about the production of black tea.
The museum set up at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar is a fitting tribute to the toils and rigours of its pioneers, who showed utmost determination and were resolute in their efforts to transform Munnar into a major plantation centre of Kerala.
The Tea Museum by Tata Tea would soon become yet another reason for travelers to visit the enchanting hills of Munnar, which has already become one of the prime tourist destinations in Kerala.
Timings: 09:00 to 04:00 hrs. The museum is closed on Monday and on all holidays.
Getting There:
Nearest railway station: Aluva, about 112 km
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport , about 72 km away
Best Time To Visit: September to May
NYAYAMAKAD WATERFALLS
Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a breathtaking waterfall. It is placed around 10 km away from Munnar. The water cascade down from a height of about 1600m and the area is an ideal picnic and trekking spot. The beautiful waterfall is surrounded with lush green forest, which will be a perfect spot for those who love adventure and want to have a trekking experience. Visit Nyayamakad after monsoon, as the weather will be perfect during summer and winter.
If you are planning to make your trip to Nyayamakad waterfalls, than it will be better if you visit after monsoon months. The monsoon months June to September are best to avoid as during these months due to heavy rainfall it may cause problems to the visitors. Tourists can make their visit in summer and winter months as the falls never gets dry. In summer and winter months the weather conditions remains pleasant.
Getting There:
By Airways: The nearest Airport is Kochi International Airport at a distance of 105 kilometers and takes minimum 2 and half hours to reach Munnar. There are numbers of buses and taxis available outside the Airport.
By Roadways: Munnar being the nearby town, there are numbers of buses, taxis, bicycles and auto rickshaws are available from Munnar. One can take on hire and Munnar is well connected to all the major cities of the state as well as to other major states of India. Luxurious buses run by the state transport corporation (KSRTC).
By Railways: The nearest railway station is also at Kochi and is approximately 106 kilometers from the station to Munnar. Hire taxis or travel by bus to reach Munnar.
ANAMUDI
Anamudi, the 2,695-m high mountain which stands tall in the Eravikulam National Park is the pride of Kerala. It is the highest point in India outside the Himalayan Mountain Ranges. Anamudi, together with the Eravikulam Park, is home to one of the largest surviving populations of Asian elephants, Gaurs and the Nilgiri Tahrs. The mountain, covered with evergreen forests and inhabited by endemic flora and fauna and a vibrant avian life, is a paradise in the wild. The green forest is also the source of some large and scenic rivers in Kerala and the nearby State of Tamil Nadu. Take a trek to the top of the mountain and know how it would feel when you are above every human in South India!
Facts About Anamudi Peak:
- The name of the mountain literally means ‘elephant’s forehead’.
- The Anamudi Peak is a fault-block mountain, which is why it isn’t very steep.
- General Douglas Hamilton made the first recorded ascent to the mountain. However, it is very likely that the people in the local area had climbed the mountain much earlier.
Those who wish to trek should take permission from the Eravikulam National Park authorities. It is also recommended to contact the authorities for details on trekking and weather.
Getting There:
By Air:
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is about 114 km away. A car ride will take about three hours to reach the park.
By Rail:
The closest railway station is Aluva Railway Station, which is approximately 116 km away. A car ride will take about three hours to reach the park.
By Road:
The Eravikulam National Park is well-connected to Munnar, where there are many buses that ply to the major cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Best time To Visit Anamudi:
The best time to visit the peak is between November and May. The park is closed in the months of February and March due to the calving of the Nilgiri tahrs.
LAKKOM WATERFALLS
Lakkom waterfall is one of the stop by places en route to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located near Udumalpett highway (NH 17), about 35 kms from Munnar. Lakkom, although not a big waterfall, is surrounded by rolling hills and tea gardens so gorgeous that the cascade is an added plus. Refreshing greenery itself is one of the main reasons why a growing number of travellers visit here. It is a best place and waterfall to visit in munnar.
The gentle flow of water at the bottom of the fall has several shallow areas ideal to wet the feet or take a dip. Great to sit on one of the larger boulders that project from the rocky bed where crystal clear water flows.
Lakkom is just one of a string of attractions in the area. A couple of kms from the falls is Marayoor, a tourism destination famous for its natural sandal forests, ancient burial sites, jiggery making units etc. Kanthallor another village in the region is a hot bed of farm tourism, thanks to the cool climate and fertile soil.
Chinnar, one of the important wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala, is about 10 kms from Lakkom waterfall. Well known for rare inhabitants such as Giant Grizzled Squirrels and Star Tortoises, Chinnar also has sizable population of reptiles.
Nearest towns: Marayoor at 2 kms and Munnar at 35 kms.
Bus Station: Munnar at 35 Kms.
Taxi Hire: Munnar Town at 35 Kms.
Railway Station: Aluva at 147 kms and Ernakulam South at 164 Kms.
Air port: Cochin international Airport at 145 Kms.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year except April and May. The waterfall dries up during that time.
SANDAL WOOD & BAMBOO FOREST
Marayoor is located at the outskirt of Munnar at the distance of 42 Km on the way to Chinnar. The relics of new stone-age civilization have been unearthed here. Marayoor is known for its tribal culture. Visitors can see cardamom plantation, Coffee plantation and Orange grove wild greek on the way to Marayoor. This is the only place where natural sandalwood forest is seen. The sandalwood here is high quality. Sandalwood forests stretch for few kilo meters. There is a Sandalwood Depot too near the forest where we can see the sandalwood processing. In the forest there is a Children’s Park and Deer Park. A major area of Marayoor forest have been covered by Sandalwood and Bamboo forests.
Feel the enchanting beauty of nature’s blessing on a trip to Marayoor. The diversity in every aspect of the land and culture is a unique feature of Marayoor. Rocky hills, hamlets, , rivers, brooks, cave temples, sugar cane fields, waterfalls, Neolithic period stone coffins, sandal wood and bamboo forests are all in store for the visitors.
Marayoor is the only place in Kerala having a natural growth of sandal wood trees. It is also native to the rare Neelakurinji flower. This pristine, heavenly and unexplored tourist spot is comparable to Munnar almost in every aspect and has now become well known as the real beauty with adventure.
Getting There:
- By Air: Nearest Airports: Madurai (Tamil Nadu): 140 km, Cochin International Airport:: 130 km,
- By Rail: Kottayam: 114 km (4 hrs), Madurai:136 km (31/2 hrs), Changanacherry: 93 km (4 hrs), Theni: 60 km (11/2 hrs)
- By Road: Munnar: 40 km and Idukki National Highway: 55 km.
MUNIYARA
A fascinating destination for anthropologists and archaeologists from all over the world, Muniyara has remnants of Dolmenoid cists belonging to the Megalithic age. Dolmenoids were burial chambers made of four stones placed on edges and covered by a fifth one called the cap stone. Some of these Dolmenoids contain several burial chambers, others have a quadrangle scooped out in laterite and lined on the sides with granite slabs. These are also covered with cap stones.
Muniyara is part of Marayoor. Marayoor occupies a vast area on the slopes of the Western Ghats in Idukki district and is an important pre-historic site in Kerala. Apart from the Dolmenoid cists in Muniyara, Marayoor is famous for its natural sandalwood forests and pre-historic rock paintings.
Although much of the tombs present at the Muniyara Dolmens have been destroyed over time but it still is an attractive site for history lovers. Archaeologist and anthropologist are still inquisitive about the stones and the equipments used to lift them to create the dolmens.
Open : Everyday
Visiting timings : 10:00 HRS to 05:00 HRS
Visiting duration : 20 Minutes
Visiting charges : Not Applicable
THOOVANAM WATERFALLS
Considered among important regional cascades, Thoovanam waterfalls lie within the woods of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Northern Idukki. In fact, Thoovanam waterfall visit is only a part of Chinnar experience, which includes sighting elephants, langurs and many other animals. If you are lucky, you may even get near to a Giant Grizzled Squirrel, a rare animal for which Chinnar is famous for. For the nature enthusiast, Chinnar Sanctuary offers a choice of jungle treks. One of the popular treks is to Thoovanam falls.
Of course, there is some chance to sight a few animals while walking to the waterfall with the forest guide.However, the main reason for such popularity for waterfall trek is that Thoovanam is simply a splendid fall. Even a distant view reveals her refreshing and charming self. The water flow that creates the cascade is River Pambar, one of the major sources of drinking water for animals within the sanctuary.
Thoovanam trek starts from Alampatty forest check post. It takes about an hour to reach the waterfall. Waterfall trek tickets can be purchased and a guide can be arranged at the check post. A guide is a must for this trek.
Munnar-Udumalpet road runs through Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, dividing it in almost two equal halves.
Getting There:
The nearest airport is Coimbatore at 115 kms. Cochin Airport is about 150 kms from Chinnar.
Railway Station: Ernakulam Railway Station at 130 Kms.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year except October and November. Check in advance if Sanctuary is not closed because of fire threats.
GREENVALLEY VIEW
Green Valley View, located around 5.5 km from the Kodaikanal Lake, is the point from where tourists can enjoy the beautiful view of the Vaigai Dam. The place is formerly known as Suicide Point owing to facts that it is deep, dangerous and dense. The valley is around 5,000 ft deep and the ideal time to make a visit to this valley is between 10 am and 3 pm. The major attraction of this valley is presence of plenty of monkeys.
Green valley viewpoint is just 5.5 kilometres far from the Kodaiakanl bus-stand near to the golf ground, with an exceptional panoramic view of the plains and a vertical drop of 1,500 metres downhill, overlooking the Vaigai Reservoir in the south. The pathway proceeding to it is tremendously commercialized, lined up with series of retail shops for the tourists. The hollow, deep and terrifying valley downward this point is above 5000 feet deep. It is fine to visit this place between 10 am and 3 pm to catch a excellent view from this point, since the valley would be covered by fog at dawn and dusk.
Green valley view point was formerly called as the Suicide Point, yet remaining to be a favorite point for the suicide-challengers. The name has been modified in result of the negative effects of its vicinity. On your Kodaikanal tour, you must certainly visit the Green valley view point. The large quantities of monkeys add more magnetism to this point in attracting more children’s as well as the adults touring this place. The Suicide Point is on the way towards the Pillar rocks on the brink of the Kodaikanal golf club. The Green valley view point is quite well covered by fence and it is not desirable to go past the fence. The pathway to the green valley view point is full of shops selling homemade chocolates, ornaments and preserved flowers.
CHINNAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
A unique thorny scrub forest with xerophyte species, Chinnar is the habitat for the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India. Their total number here would be less than 200. Located in the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats, unlike other sanctuaries in Kerala, Chinnar gets only less than two months of rain every year. Rich in wildlife, the mixed deciduous forests here are ideal for trekking.
An extensive Sandalwood forest nearby is an added attraction at Chinnar. This is also an ideal place for watching herds of gaur and elephants amble past. Dry deciduous forests, high sholas and some grasslands add to the diversity of the sanctuary. As one travels from Karimuthi to Chinnar, elephants, spotted deer, sambar, hanuman langur and even peacocks can be spotted on either side of the road.
Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is famous for its eco-tourism activities, jointly organized by Forest Department and the Ecodevelopment Committees of the local tribal communities. The eco-tourism facilities include river trekking, trekking to the cultural site, nature trail to the watch tower, a trek to the Thoovanam falls, interpretation activities and medicinal garden, tree house at Chinnar, trekking and camping at Vasyappara.
Chinnar is around 60 km away from Munnar and the nearest town is Marayur, which is around 16 km away from the sanctuary. You can make a visit to Marayur, which is the land of natural sandlewood and also dolmens (ancient burial chambers) and local sharkara (yellow sugar) making units.
Getting There:
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam, about 230 km
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 204 km
4. Thekkady direction
When we move from Thekkady to munnar direction we can visit this places.
- Lockhart gap and rock cave
- power house waterfall
- Anayirangal dam
- spice tea plantation
LOCKHART GAP & ROCK CAVE
Munnar is rich in natural beauty and lots of tourist spot. Malayil Kallan Cave is a small cave connected with an interesting history. This cave is an attraction which is approximately 13 kms distance from main town.
Malayil Kallan Guha
The name seems to be malayalam and the word means like this:
Malayil: Up on the mountain or one who stay in the mountain.
Kallan : Thief
Guha : Cave
Exactly we can say This cave is just opposite to Lock Heart Viewpoint. Whole area is pretty scenic and breathtaking view of deep valleys and mountains.
History: As per the gathered information there was a thief who known as malayali kallan lived inside the cave and used to loot the travellers who pass through this direction. Seems interesting..!!! Tourists now have an adventurous time exploring the cave. Even though the incident took place years ago, people still pass the cave with their fingers crossed!
Gap Road or Lock heart Gap, which connects Kochi and Dhanushkodi via Madurai. The road gives amazing views of mountains, tea gardens, forests on both sides.
Comparatively widened roads here enable enough parking spaces for vehicles. A small tea / coffee shop by the roadside opposite to the cave offers refreshment to travelers. The Periyakanal Waterfalls is also by the side of this gap. With both unspoiled beauty and adventure, Lockhart Gap has everything to offer that would turn the day into a wonderful memory that would be cherished forever.
POWERHOUSE WATERFALL
Power House waterfalls at Munnar in Idukki district of Kerala, is situated on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic western mountain ranges, and is an ideal place for a break on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.
The roar of this waterfall cascading down a steep rock about 2000 meters above sea level can be heard from a distance! The thundering Power House Waterfalls is about 18 kms from Munnar, on the way to Thekkady. The verdant Western mountain ranges add to its scenic beauty, making it an ideal stopover on the way to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The torrents of water plunging down Power House falls is said to emanate from Devikulam, a pastoral hill station few kilometers from Munnar. The waters of the fall are believed to have curative powers, and acts as a natural massage.
Getting There:
Nearest railway station: Aluva Railway Station, about 106 km away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, via Aluva -Munnar Road, about 105 km away from Munnar.
ANAYIRANKAL DAM
A lush green carpet of tea plants, Anayirankal is an ideal picnic spot for the travellers from around the world. The Anayirankal Dam is surrounded by the Tata Tea Plantation and evergreen forests. Anayirankal is located 22 km from Munnar, the popular hill station of Kerala. A boat ride on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience.
You can go boating and rafting in this reservoir created by Anayirangal Dam. As the name indicates, it is in these waterholes that elephants used to visit for quenching their thirst. Lies very closer to the Chinnakkanal of Idukki district, Anayirangal Dam Reservoir is 22 kms away from Munnar and is surrounded by a lush green carpet of Tata tea plants, cardamom plantations and evergreen forests. The serpentine roads in between makes this a perfect getaway point from our boring routines and rush.
Getting There:
Nearest railway station: Aluva, about 127 km away from Munnar.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 127 km ; Madurai (Tamil Nadu), about 141 km
SPICE TEA GARDEN PLANTATIONS
Kerala is blessed with spice gardens and tea plantations. God’s Own Country, as the state is so lovingly called is the Spice Capital of the World. Its locales on the high altitudes of Western Ghats is carpeted in acres of lush growth of tea, spices, coffee, rubber and Ayurvedic herbs. The alluring aromas and the mesmerizing views lure for a visit to the soul-soothing environs.
Thekkady is home to lush landscape of spice plantations and tea gardens. Over twelve varieties of spices comprising ginger, garlic, cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, coffee, tea, clove and nutmeg is cultivated in the blessed slopes of Western Ghats. These farms are an interesting place to visit. At these estates, tourists can enjoy blissful scenery, traditional lifestyle and the trade of these natural produces.
Kumily, a short distance from the Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the best places to stop to enjoy the spice gardens and tea plantations. Kumily is Kerala’s most important center. Enjoy a guided tour of the farms. Visit the factories to learn more about the processing of spices and tea. Munnar is more popular for tea but guided tour of factories are not provided.
Major Spices : Cardamom, clove, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, curry leaves.
Location : On the green patches of Nilgiris, in Kerala.
Best Time to Visit: After the monsoons anytime between July-September.
Duration: 2-3 Hours.
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Comments
Awesome collection. Great work
hey guys…such an informative writing about Munnar….got a clear pic about the mesmerizing misty land…surely this tym i will make a visit to this romantic venue