Munnar
is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha,
Nallathanni and Kundala. 1600 m above sea level, this hill station was
once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South
India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and
holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic
flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This
flower that bathes the hills in blue every twelve years, will bloom next
in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi,
which towers over 2695 m.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Pothamadu
Pothaamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom
plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the
breathtaking scenary here are ideal for trekking and long mountain walks
Devikulam
This idyllic hill stations with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and
fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake
with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic
spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.
Pallivasal
This is the venue of the first Hydro electric Project in Kerala and a
place of immense scenic beauty
Attukal
A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between
Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal
for long treaks.
Nyayamakad
Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of
breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of
about 1600 metres. The enchanting surroundings make an excellent picnic
spot and trekking point.
Chithirapuram
With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts,
Chithirapuram still exudes an old-world charm.Home of the Pallivasal
Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque
tea plantations.
Mattupetty
Situated at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetty is known for its highly
specialised dairy farm-the Indo Swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100
varieties of high-yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed
into 3 of the 11 cattle sheds at the farm.
Visiting time: 0900-1100 hrs and 1400-1530 hrs.
The Mattupetty lake and dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a
very beautiful picnic spot.The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the
Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides
boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam.Speed launch and motorboats are
available on hire.
Lock Heart Gap
This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh
mountain air, the mistclad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of
visit.
Rajamala
This is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri tahr. Half the world
population of the rare mountain goat (Hemitragas bylocres) which is fast
becoming extinct, is now found here. The Nilgiri tahrs are today redused
to small herds found in the Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number
of Nilgiri tahrs in Rajamala is estimated at 1317.
Echo Point
This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here.
Echo Point is on the way to Top Stations from Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park
The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam taluk and is home to
the Nilgiri tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695m) is located in the southern
region of the park.
Power House waterfalls
This waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep
rock, 2000m 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.
Kundala
Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Stations. The Golf
Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is located here. The Kundala
artificial dam is another attraction.Aruvikkad waterfalls is also near
Kundala.