Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala are three mountains, they enjoin to form Munnar, 1,600 m above sea level, formerly summer quarters for British in South India. Tea plantations, cute little towns, curling roads and exquisite accommodation compliments exotic flora of forests and grasslands.
Neelakurinji, a flower of unique beauty, their color painting the hills in blue, but blooming only once in every twelve years, will bloom next in 2018.
Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2,695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
Let us now explore in and around Munnar to discover opportunities to enjoy this enchanting hill station quite comprehensively.
An important destination in Munnar is Eravikulam National Park, famous for an endangered inhabitant - the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over 97 sq. km., the park houses species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. The Park is excellent for trekking and provides a nice view of the equal cut tea plants unanimously sprawling along with a transparent layer of fog along the top. If it's the flowering time of Neelakurinji then the whole view bathes in blue.
Within the Eravikulam National Park is Anamudi Peak. The highest peak in South India having a height of over 2700 m. Treks to the peak are allowed with permission from Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam.
A destination 13 km from Munnar Town is Mattupetty. At a height of 1700 m above sea level, Mattupetty have a storage masonry dam and a beautiful lake, offering boat rides with hills and beautiful landscape along sides. Mattupetty have a dairy farm by Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, where various breeds of cows are seen.
Pallivasal, at 3 km from Chithirapuram in Munnar is where the first Hydro-electric project in Kerala commissioned. Since a place of scenic beauty is favored by visitors as picnic spot.
Chinnakanal waterfalls near Munnar is a cascade down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot provides a scenic view of Western Ghats ranges. Seven kilometers from Chinnakanal is Anayirangal dam which is surrounded by a lush green carpet of tea plants and thick green forest.
Top Station, is 32 km from Munnar,at height of 1700 m above sea level and highest point on Munnar-Kodaikanal road offers a panoramic and one of the spots in Munnar to enjoy Neelakurinji flowers blooming.
Munnar enjoys a legacy when it comes to origins and evolution of tea plantations. This legacy along with certain unique aspects on genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's high ranges is showcased in a museum which was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses photographs and machineries which have stories to tell on origins and growth of tea plantations in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar.
Nearest railway station: Aluva about 108 km and Angamali, about 109 km
nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, via Aluva - Munnar Rd, about 108 km
East Nada, Guruvayoor
Thrissur : 680 101, Kerala
