The Munnar panchayat in the Devikulam block is the largest panchayat in the Idukki district having an area measuring nearly 557 km².
The nearest major railway stations are at Ernakulam and Aluva (approximately 110 km by road). The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is 105 km away.
A drive from Udumalpet to Munnar hill station gives one unforgettable views of the Western Ghats. Chinnar is 25 km from Udumalpet and is home to the Indra Gandhi wildlife sanctuary which is famous for known for the elephants that inhabit the area. Chinnar is also the border between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. As you cross the Tamil Nadu border and enter Kerala, you can see a distinct change in the vegetation. While the Tamil Nadu areas have vegetation dominated by shrubs and thorny trees, the vegetation in Kerala is lush green with tall trees. Marayur is 20 km from Chinnar, famous for its sandalwood forests which often fall prey to poachers.
How to Reach Munnar
By Air: Cochin International airport is the nearest air port from the Munnar which is about 125 km away. Private taxies are easily available form here to reach Munnar. Cochin airport is well connected with all major cities in India and many cities abroad.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Alwaye located 130 km from Munnar & well connected to all major cities in India.
By Road: Munnar is well connected by road to the major cities of India. Coimbatore is 248 km from Munnar & Madurai is 165 km from Munnar.
Best Time to Visit Munnar
Best time to visit Munnar is except June/July.
Map of Munnar
Munnar Weather
Places to Visit in Munnar
Eravikulam National Park
Located about 15 km from Munnar, The Park holds the largest viable population of the endangered (IUCN) Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius). Spread over an area of 97 km2., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mists. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years. The last time it bloomed was in 2006.
Anamudi Peak
Situated about 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) from Munnar town, Anamudi (2,695 metres (8,842 ft)) is Kerala's highest mountain and the highest Indian mountain south of the Himalayan range. Treks to the peak are allowed with permission from Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam.
Mattupetty
Another place of interest, located about 13 km from Munnar Town, is Mattupetty. Lying at a height of 1700 m above sea level, Mattupetty is known for its storage masonry dam and the lake, which offers boat rides, enabling one to enjoy the surrounding hills and landscape. Mattupetty's fame is also attributed to the dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, where one would come across different high yielding breeds of cows. Mattupetty with its lush green tea plantations, rolling grasslands and the Shola forests is also ideal for trekking and is home to a variety of birds.
Pallivasal
Pallivasal, located at about 3 km from Chithirapuram in Munnar is the venue of the first hydro-electric project in Kerala. It is a place of immense scenic beauty and is often favoured by visitors as a picnic spot.
Chinnakanal
Near the town of Munnar is Chinnakanal and the waterfalls here, popularly known as Power House Waterfalls, cascade down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic view of the Western Ghat ranges.
Anayirangal
When you have traveled about seven kilometers from Chinnakanal, you reach Anayirangal. Anayirangal, 22 km from Munnar, is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by tea plantations and evergreen forests.
Rajamala
Rajamala is a wildlife sanctuary located about 15 kms from Munnar. It is the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr, a rare Mountain goat. Half the world population of this rare species is concentrated in this region. The animal is fast becoming extinct. The total number of Nilgiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated at 1317. This sanctuary is part of the Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, and visitors are allowed to certain tourism areas in the Rajamala region.
Echo Point
Echo Point is another scenic place which is located 15 km from Munnar. It is on the way to Top Station. This place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. It is an excellent tourism spot with panoramic views.
Top Station
Top Station, which is about 27 km from Munnar is at a height of 1700 m above sea level. It is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. Travellers to Munnar make it a point to visit Top Station to enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the spots in Munnar to enjoy the Neelakurunji flowers blooming over a vast area.
Tea Museum
Munnar has a legacy of its own when to comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantation in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit.
Hotels in Munnar
Tea Castle Resort
Ayur County Resort
Grand Plaza
Mist Land
Ambadys Falling Waters
Spice Garden Resort
Albarad Hotels
Mountain Club
Sisiram Cottage
Forest Haven Resort
Deshadan The Mountain Resort
Munnar Photos
very well written... a comprehensive guide of Munnar... i am bookmarking it...Munnar is full of incredible destinations...
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