A lush carpet of rolling green, interrupted by low rises of mountains of the gorgeous Western Ghats, Munnar, in Kerala, is dotted with huge emerald plantations and pristine waterfalls. regardless of where you enter Munnar, a mixed scent of tea, coffee and cardamom will follow you everywhere. With a bountiful of natural treasures, Munnar leaves one rapt with its spectacular and awe-inspiring views. Such is that the great thing about the myriad reminder green of the landscape that Munnar is usually called the Kashmir of South India.
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Nestled at the confluence of three gushing rivers- Mudrapuzha, Nallathanbi and Kundala-Munnar literally means three rivers. During the blooming season, every 12 years, the town of Munnar is transmogrified into an artist’s canvas, when the gorgeous and vibrant Neelakurinji flower carpets the land in hues of purple and blue. it’s truly a sight to behold because the town acquires a paradisiacal setting.
Replete with picturesque greenery, valleys and mountains along side a plethora of flora and fauna in its teeming national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, Munnar is an exhilarating and peaceful travel destination. It offers a respite from the chaos of lifestyle and every one its stress with cloudy skies, constantly pleasant weather, delectable cuisine and hillocks and greenery.
Munnar is additionally home to the very best peak of South India, Anamudi, at a height of two ,695 m. This peak features a number of trails that make it a must-visit for trekkers and backpackers. Given its tourist appeal, the government has guaranteed that access to the present hill town is straightforward – it’s well-connected to Bengaluru, Kochi, Mysore and other larger cities, ensuring an influx of travellers all year round, including the season , when the Munnar is its most vibrant and fragrant self.
The region around Munnar was once the summer retreat of the erstwhile British Government and a number of other maharajas of the Travancore Kingdom. it had been once referred to as the High Range of Travancore.
Read MoreThe nearest airport is in Cochin, about 110 km away. One can easily avail cab services from there.
Munnar has good, motorable roads connecting it to various cities and points in South India.
The nearest railway stations are Aluva and Ernakulum, 110 and 125 km away respectively. Ernakulum is well-connected to the rest of network in India.
Munnar may be a excellent spot for adventure lovers and bamboo rafting is one among the foremost thrilling experiences one can have here. What makes it far more interesting than usual rafting is that the incontrovertible fact that tourists get to create their own bamboo rafts with the assistance of bamboo poles, coir ropes and inflated rubber tyres. one among the simplest places to experience bamboo rafting near Munnar is that the Periyar lake in Thekkady. to succeed in the boarding point for bamboo rafting, tourists first got to trek through dense forests for 4 km. Rafting through the serene Periyar river, surrounded by verdant hills makes for a very memorable and refreshing experience. Bamboo rafting can get physically demanding since it requires far more strength than usual rafting.
The sanctuary is home to a good sort of wildlife species. It spans a huge area and features a thriving animal life. Chinnar is well-guarded and holds a treasure of flora too, nearly thousand species of flowering plants, also as dry deciduous forests and grasslands. From birds and butterflies to mammals and moths, one can witness nature altogether its beauty and glory here. Chinnar Sanctuary also has the most important number of reptiles within the state, including the rare mugger crocodile. it’s also home to the grizzled giant squirrel; numbering but 200, it’s one among the foremost species within the world. the opposite animals which will be found include spotted deer, sambar deer, Hanuman langur and peacock.
Another attraction for tourists within the sanctuary is that the Thoovanam Waterfalls. For a bird’s eye view of the whole area, including a sight of the falls, climb to the highest of the watchtower here; vast expanses of green forests extending to the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu and much away mountains will all get on offer for you. The sanctuary is additionally a trekker’s paradise, and lies about 60 km from Munnar.
A paradise filled with rare sorts of flora and fauna, the Eravikulam park is home to Nilgiri tahr, a species of Rocky Mountain goat currently listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Around one-third of the goat’s population within the entire world resides here. the opposite animals found are the Indian fruit bat , Asiatic jackal, Melursus ursinus , small Indian civet etc. The land is roofed in shola forests, concentrated within the valleys of the jungle. Turner’s Valley, which sits about halfway into the park, is that the deepest point. The Neelakurinji plant, which is again an uncommon sight, grows here once every 12 years. Put this place on your must-visit list because Anamudi, the very best peak in South India also lies here. Eravikulam lies 13 km faraway from Munnar. Remember, the park is closed for the general public during January-February thanks to calving season.
Spread over a huge area, Eravikulam was declared a park in 1978, given the many mammals, amphibians and birds that were found here.
Established by Tata Tea, the museum traces the legacy of tea plantations in Munnar. Munnar features a fascinating history intertwined with the expansion of tea plantations and therefore the museum shows off interesting aspects of this evolution in Kerala’s high ranges. The museum houses artefacts, photographs and machineries used for processing tea, and is found within the Nallathanni Estate.
The plantation has seven huge tea gardens, namely Chundavurrai, Guderale, Gundumally, Letchmi, Madupatty, Nullatanni, and Nyamakad, cover a neighborhood of 24,000 hectare, with 16 manufacturing units and almost 12,000 employees, making it one among the most important tea manufacturing centers within the country. Visitors can buy numerous sorts of tea from the premises of the plantation.
Kundala region is one among the main attractions of Munnar, particularly the Kundala Lake. Situated around 20 km from Munnar, this lake provides an exquisite view of sunlight dancing on the surface of water. Going further, one can absorb the serene view of the Setu Parvati Dam, the primary arch dam of Asia, inbuilt 1946.
One of the main tourist attractions of the place, especially for nature lovers, are the cherry blossoms that flower twice a year, and make the landscape more breathtaking. to really enjoy spectacular views and surrounding scenery, visitors are recommended to rent a pedal boat, a Kashmiri shikhara boat or a row boat and cruise across the lake.
Kundala Lake lies on the thanks to the favored Matupetty Dam and one can easily hail a taxi from Munnar.
Every 12 years, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Western Ghats are adorned with blue blankets of the legendary Neelakurinji flower, which is one among the foremost awe-inspiring sights within the world. The unique flower that grows just one occasion every 12 years has caught the flamboyant of biologists, landscape photographers and nature lovers for many years and even today, tourists from everywhere the planet await the blooming of this beautiful violet-blue flower. Areas like Mattupetty and Top Station, near Munnar, are the prime spots to witness this incredible natural wonder. to go to the plantations, tourists got to rehearse the luxurious green shola forests to succeed in a mountainous grassland covered with Neelakurinji flowers fully bloom. Witnessing the purple carpet of flowers will leave you mesmerised and can stay etched in your memory forever.
Munnar turns into a fairyland whenever the blooming season comes around and therefore the beautiful Neelakurinji flower covers the landscape in blue and purple. This rare beauty are often seen flowering during this locale once every 12 years. Thousands of travellers crowd Munnar during blooming season when the hills are all draped and appearance even prettier. Neelakurinji may be a shrub mostly found within the Western Ghats of South India. Its habitat is specifically confined to the shola grasslands within the ghats—the Nilgiri Hills , Palani hills and therefore the Eravikulam hills of Munnar.
The Government of Kerala established this park for the conservation and preservation of this unique sample of biodiversity. The initiative’s primary objective is to guard Neelakurinji. The park sprawls across 7,907 acre of land, across the villages of Kottakamboor and Vattavada. The blooming season is so widely awaited that folks make bookings to go to and stay months, even years beforehand . If you’re getting to visit at this point , do check the hotel availability well in time.
Pampadum Shola park is home to many species of flora and fauna. it’s the littlest park in Kerala and was declared intrinsically in 2003. Since then, it’s been attracting travellers for its lush forests and a spread of wildlife and trekking trails. The name of the park literally translates to the forest where the snake dances.
The ideal time to go to the park is between August-October. it’s situated about 35 km from Munnar and is rich in exotic flora with around 22 species of trees, 74 species of herbs and shrubs and 16 species of identified climbers. The important mammals residing within the park include elephant, gaur, leopard, wild boar, sambar deer and customary langur. The Nilgiri marten, the sole species of marten found in South India, also can be spotted here. Around 14 species of birds, nine species of mammals and 93 species of moths have also been recorded. the simplest surprise is that the sort of butterflies which will surround you. Around 100 species are recorded at the park. Of these, many are rare just like the Parantica nilgiriensis (Nymphalidae), which is listed threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Some notable birds found include the Nilgiri Wood-pigeon, Nilgiri flycatcher, white-bellied shortwing, etc. An exciting trekking trail takes travellers through the Munnar-Kodaikanal forest road to Vandaravu. If you would like to remain within the wild for each day or two, there are log houses situated at Kuttikadu and Neduvarpu.
Peerumedu, literally meaning a peer’s valley, is known as after the legendary sufi saint Peer Mohammad. This area within the Idukki district, with its lovely weather, aromatic spice plantations, and sanguine spirit, was once the summer retreat of several maharajas of Travancore, also as a noted principality of South India. Peerumedu lies 114 km from Munnar, and therefore the drive may be a treat in itself. The warm, sultry winds of Kerala will instantly put you comfortable as you drive past lush, green meadows, over gushing streams and pretty colonial houses.
Peerumedu is additionally home to the majestic Ammachi Kottaram, the summer residence of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai. She ruled the Travancore kingdom from 1924 to 1931. Currently, the bungalow may be a private residence. Step into Ammachi Kottaram, and obtain a glimpse of the resplendent lives of the royals of South India.
The government guest house here has played host to variety of famous names, including the primary Prime Minister of independent India, Nehru . The delightful and wild hills will assist you leave all of your worries behind.
Peerumedu is additionally a plantation town, where you’ll find vast stretches of coffee, tea, cardamom, rubber and eucalyptus. The fragrance of those spices seems to accompany you each step of the way, allowing you to lose yourself within the quiet great thing about the place.
If you’re getting to visit, it’s advisable to dedicate each day to the present sojourn; anything less wouldn’t do justice to the present infinitely stunning town. you’ll also stay overnight do you have to wish to not repel after sunset; there are several homestays and little , comfortable hotels here.
Walk around within the museum to urge familiar with the eventful story of Munnar. The Tata Tea Museum is found within the Nallathanni Estate of Munnar; its transformation from an uninhabited stretch of forest land to a plantation town. The highlights of the museum include old machineries used for tea processing, photographs and a few other curious displays that throw light on the efforts of some adventurous planters who dared to overcome the wild with minimal equipment and tiny resource.
A treasure trove of tea, Munnar boasts patches of emerald plantations that provide ripe opportunities to experience tea tourism at its best. you’ll stroll through the picturesque vast stretches that are permeated with a spicy aroma or try an array of sorts that are locally grown. Let your senses be doused with the calming fragrance of brewing tea leaves as you sit through one among the foremost surreal experiences of your life- tea tasting.
You can also visit the Tea Museum and attend an interactive tea tasting demonstration. The visit will introduce you to the nuances of the brewing process and you’ll get recommendations on the way to become a professional tea taster. you’ll also taste as many as 15 different varieties with the assistance of an area tea tasting guide. do not forget to shop for your favourite varieties to require back home as souvenirs.
Locally referred to as erumadam, tree houses in Kerala are one among the simplest sites to enjoy the emerald and pristine great thing about the landscape. There are variety of resorts in and around Munnar that provide a cushty stay in luxurious tree houses. These houses are constructed over tall trees overlooking the encompassing lush green forests. The interesting part about raising a playhouse is that not one nail is employed in perching the house on the tree. In fact, it’s nicely tied to the tree using bamboo poles and ropes. Munnar is home to variety of imposing tree houses and staying in one is certainly a memorable and one-of-its-kind experience. These tree houses are constructed with the assistance of eco-friendly materials like coir mats, hay straws and bamboo poles. it’s said that tree houses were first employed by the tribal hunters of Munnar to urge protection from wild animals but today, they’re an exotic experience for tourists.
Kerala is home to variety of tribal communities and therefore the refore the Mannans and the Palians are among the foremost prominent tribes of Munnar. The Tribal Heritage programme of the government is aimed toward providing a glimpse of tribal life to tourists. few “> a few couple of hours long, it involves trekking through dense forests and visiting a tribal hamlet nestled at the periphery of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Tourists can take the tour a day from 8 am to 12 noon and from 2 pm to 4 pm.
You will be amid a tribal guide the character trail. Allow the guide to require you to the homes of the tribals as you walk amidst lush green surroundings, with chirping birds adding to the background music. The tribals are living in grey-thatched houses for hundreds of years and visiting one such house makes for a desirable experience together gets to interact with tribals and obtain an insight into their lifestyle. A visit to the Tribal Heritage Museum, found out within the tribal hamlet of the Mannan community, is additionally a neighborhood of the tour. The museum displays an excellent collection of tribal artefacts, which are employed by the members for special ceremonies, rituals, cultural events and agricultural practices. Visitors also get an opportunity to ascertain the dresses worn by tribals, along side other objects like traditional tackle , weapons used for hunting, cooking utensils and tribal paintings.
Running along the western coast of India, from Tapti river within the north to the southern tip of India, the Western Ghats may be a veritable treasure of biodiversity. it’s the eighth biodiversity hotspot within the world, extending into the states of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. The Western Ghats comprises several hill ranges like Cardamom Hills, Nilgiris, Anaimalai Hills and Sahyadris.
The Western Ghats shelters over 139 sorts of mammals, 508 species of birds, 5,000 sorts of flowering plants and 179 sorts of amphibians that are unique to the region. a number of the species , like Malabar large-spotted civet, Asian elephants, Black Panther , lion-tailed macaque, tiger, wild boar, Melursus ursinus , leopard, sambar and therefore the great Indian hornbill, are often spotted here. The forests of the Western Ghats include 39 reserves and 13 national parks.
Periyar may be a kingdom of wilderness. The reserve has majestic tigers roaming its grounds among the greens. Consider yourself lucky if you’ll catch sight of 1 relaxing and lazing about. The tigers with their grandeur and physique will leave you awestruck. Periyar is one among the 27 tiger reserves in India. it’s also the oldest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala, along side being renowned for having the most important protected area. The tiger reserve spans 192,001 acre of land and is blessed a picturesque landscape home to varied flora and fauna. The sanctuary also has boating facilities at its scenic lake. Travellers can see herds of elephants and grazing deer here with the sweet sound of birds chirping within the trees. The sanctuary is about 110 km faraway from Munnar.
It is home to as many as 1,965 species of flowering plants; this includes 171 grass species and 143 orchid species. The Podocarpus wallichianus, one among the sole South Indian conifers, also grows here. As for mammals, there are more 60 species found, including leopard, sambar deer, Indian bison, Indian canine , Asian elephant, and muntjac . you’ll also spot the smooth-coated otter if you’re taking a ship ride in Periyar Lake. The endangered long-tailed macaque, bonnet monkey , and Nilgiri langur are often seen playing amongst the trees. The forest has 265 species of birds, a number of which are the Malabar grey hornbill, Indian pied hornbill, white-bellied treepie, Malabar Trogon and more.
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