Kerala, rightfully called God’s Own Country, is home to several beautiful towns and cities. One of them is Munnar. Munnar is tucked away in the Western Ghats mountain range and is one of the most beautiful locations in Kerala. Situated in the Idukki district, Munnar is characteristic of rolling hills, lush green valleys, and enormous tea and coffee plantations. Munnar attracts a large number of tourists every year, all the year round. Being a hill station, the temperature ranges from moderate to low throughout the year. Hence, you can travel to Munnar anytime of the year.
The hill station has a rich history of being a resort for the British elite and was again restored to its former glory by the Tatas in the post-colonial era. Munnar is home to wildlife, gushing waterfalls and has several hiking and trekking trails as well. So, if you were doubtful about where you should plan your next trip, it should be to Munnar. There are several Munnar tour packages available online.
Places to Visit In Munnar:-
- Mattupetty: This is among the compulsory things to do in Munnar. A thirteen kilometre drive from Munnar will bring you to the scenic and extremely beautiful Mattupetty hills. The drive from Munnar to Mattupetty is lined with rolling valleys, tea plantations, lush green hills and tall trees. Mattupetty, located about 1700 metre above the sea level, is the perfect scenic spot for a weekend tour. Mattupetty is characteristic of a dam, a lake and a dairy farm, which attracts a large number of tourists. You can go for boating in the lakes of Mattupetty. The lake is located along the borders of a forest. If you are lucky, you will be able to spot herds of elephants and deer crossing the forest. Situated around twenty kilometres away from Munnar is Kundala, another scenic picnic spot. It is a small town located amidst the green plantations. Kundala also has a dam and a beautiful lake, where you can go for boating. If you are in Kundala do not forget to visit the Kundala Club, which has a rich colonial past.
- Neelakurinji National Park: The pride of Kerala is the Neelakurinji flower. It is a unique flower which blooms once in every twelve years. Thus with a motive to preserve the biodiversity of Kerala, the state government made a declaration. About thirty-two square kilometres of area in Vattavada and Kottakamboor village were marked out to be turned into the Neelakurinji National Park. This unique initiative was applauded by environmentalists and conservationists all around the world.
- Peerumedu: This quaint hill station is the ideal place for you if you were looking to spend your holiday in solitude. Peer Mohammad, a Sufi saint, had lived here years ago. He mediated here for days and hence, a lot of his followers come here all the year round as well. It is because of him that the place has been named Peerumedu or the Peer’s Valley. Being a plantation area, you will find long stretches of cardamom, eucalyptus, coffee, tea and rubber plantations.
- Eravikulam National Park: Spread over ninety- seven square kilometres, if you are an animal lover, then you cannot miss going to this place. It is home to the Nilgiri Tahr, which is an endangered species of mountain goat. Approximately one-third population of the Nilgiri Tahr live here in the park. Anamudi, the highest peak in South India also lies here in the park. Neelakurinji, the plant whose flower blooms once in twelve years, is found in large numbers here in the park. During the calving season, from January to February, the park usually remains closed.
- Power House Waterfall: Situated around eighteen kilometres away from Munnar, the Power House Waterfall falls on the way from Munnar to Thekkady. The waterfall is located against the scenic Western Ghats. Water gushes down from a rock which is 2000 meters above the sea level.
Tips Before Visiting Munnar:-
- Munnar, being a hill station, there is no nearby railway station. Hence, there is no railway station in Munnar. So, you have to take a bus, car or any other mode of road transport. There are several bus and car services from Alleppey and Cochin. You should check out Munnar tour packages online to select your suitable transportation.
- Munnar, being a hill station, has moderate temperature all the year round. So, while you can plan your trip anytime of the year, the winter season is the best. The temperature ranges from five degrees Celsius to fifteen degrees Celsius.
- Munnar, is one of the most visited locations in Kerala. So, you should book your hotels beforehand. It often tends to get filled very fast. So, try not to keep your booking for the last day.
Do not forget to visit these places when you are in Munnar and keep a check on the tips!
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