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Munnar

''Munnar, the famed hill station of south India, is a romantic locale where natural beauty is everywhere to visit, explore and to enjoy. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala – and the word ‘Munnar’ means three rivers in Malayalam.
Munnar is also known for Neelakurinji, a rare plant which flowers only once in twelve years. The ‘kurinji season’ in Munnar is a magnificent sight when the hills and valleys get bathed in the blue of the Neelakurinji blooms. ''

If you like tea, a visit to Munnar is a must! The surrounding region is renowned for its sprawling tea plantations. The Kundale Tea Plantations, which surrounds a picturesque lake, offers the best opportunity to see the tea being picked and processed, and to try fresh tea straight from the gardens.

The area is blessed with the natural beauty of winding lanes, misty hills, and forests full of exotic plants and wildlife. Adventure enthusiasts can trek to Anamudi, the highest peak in south India, explore Eravikulam National Park, or go rock climbing and para gliding. If you want to relax away from it all, try a homestay at one of the many plantation bungalows. Mahindra Homestays have a couple of excellent homestays in Munnar.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The weather is pleasant all through the year. However, the best time to visit Munnar is between August and March.

PLACES AROUND MUNAR

Mattupetty - Mattupetty is situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level. Mattupetty Lake and Dam is a beautiful picnic spot with the panoramic view of the tea plantations and the lake. Boating facilities are available in the reservoir.

Rajamala - Rajamala is the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr. Half the world population of this rare mountain goat is found here, which is fast becoming extinct.

Echo Point - Echo Point has a natural echo phenomenon and offers panoramic views.

Eravikulam National Park - A sanctuary for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr ( Hemitragus hylocrious), the Eravikulam National Park stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills.

Anamudi - the highest peak (2695 m) south of the Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary in majestic pride. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. An ideal place for trekking, facilities are provided here and tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi.

Sree Ayappa Temple - Sree Ayyapa Temple is situated at Anachal, 15 km from Munnar. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The six day annual festival commences with the ceremonial hoisting of the temple flag (Kodiyettam).

Elephant Arrival Lake - The lake is where elephants from the forest love to get a sink and tourists who come here love to click as many memories as they can.

CLIMATE

Climate remains pleasant for most part of the year, summers being the idol receiver of the gifts of Nature in geography that facilitates the climate. Temperature rarely goes above 20°C in summers and nights can be cooler than expectation so bringing few warm clothes always works. In winters, the temperature often drops to 0°C, so being prepared for that make it comfortable to enjoy touring Munnar and immersing in the cool of its days and nights. Monsoons are often heavy and thus people avoid coming here during June to September.

HOW TO REACH THERE

Air: Cochin Airport is the nearest one to the hill station at 110 Km distance. Another one which is Madurai Airport is 140 Km away.

Rail: Aluva, Eravikulam and Madurai at 110 Km, 130 Km, and 135 Km distance respectively are opted when traveling in trains.

Road: Various cities like Kochi, Aluva, Coimbatore, Kodaikanal etc are connected with Munnar making it easier for city dwellers to take a weekend break and relax in the cool of this very popular hill town.