Munnar Tourism

Location	Idukki District of Kerala
Main Attraction	Tea and Coffee gardens, Eravikulam National Park,
Temperature	Summer: 15.2°C - 25°C, Winter: 0°C - 10°C
Best Time To Visit	September to May

Munnar is a breathtakingly beautiful and an idyllic tourist destination in Kerala. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favourite summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. It's famous for tea plantations- pristine valleys and mountains. One can see the exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests. Munnar is located 130 km from Kochi.

Munnar is the confluence of the three mountain river systems mudrapuzha, Nallathani, Kundala. It is dotted with lakes, reservoirs, mountains streams, scabrous rocks, wooded valleys and wavy green hills, which make it a fascinating holiday destination. The unending dominance of the tea plantations and the mountain flower Neelakkurinji that bloom once in 12 years are both synonymous landmarks of Munnar. It is one of the top tea production centres in all of India.

Munnar and the region around it varies in altitude from 2,000 m to 2,600m above mean sea level. Covering an area of 557 sq km, Munnar is blessed with pleasant climate.

History of Munnar

The history of Munnar dates back to the Stone Age civilization. However, the written history starts from the 10th century. At one point of time Munnar was the summer capital of the British in South India. Tea plantation in Munnar was initiated by Scottish planters and was later continued by the British.

Flora and Fauna of Munnar

Munnar is rich in bio-diversity. Its wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks house a variety of flora and fauna, including some of the endangered species.

Munnar Attractions

Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park is located in the Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala. The park holds the largest viable population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. It lures the travellers with its irresistible grace and beauty. This park was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr, which is also Known as Nilgiri Ibex. The Park has the largest known population of Tahr exists in the world.

The park is spread across an area of 97 sq kms. The park exhibits the breathtaking natural splendour of grasslands and exotic flowers. The Atlas Moth, largest of its kind in the world, is a unique possession of the park. Besides the Nilgiri Tahr other fauna are elephant, tiger Malabar civet, leopard barking deer. Grasslands Shrub lands and forests are the main plant communities found in the park.

Anamudi, the highest peak of South India is located in the Park. A variety of birds are also spotted in the Park. The best time to visit is from September to February. The Park is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.

Tea and Coffee Plantations

Munnar is famed the world over for its aromatic and refreshing tea and coffee plantations. Sprawling over acres of land, these gardens offer picturesque views and a rejuvenating experience. There is also a Tea Museum in Munnar.

The place is worth seeing for tea, coffee and cardamom farms. The place is surrounded by mountains. It's an ideal place to walk through lush green mountains. This place attracts trekkers. This place is very beautiful and rich in scenery. Visitors who visit this place begin their journey in a secluded coffee plantation, high in the hills, and then travel deep into the jungle.

Devikulam

Devikulam is nestled in the lush green lap of nature. This idyllic hill station with its exotic lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. There is a lake, which is ideal for trout fishing. Devikulam is an ancient hill station, 6000 meter above the sea level, around the place, ravishing tea gardens. It is away from the madding crowd. In these calm and serene surroundings one finds peace and solace.

Devikulam offers numerous adventures, comprising of trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing, skiing and paragliding. It is also visited to escape from the unbearable heat of the summers in the plains.

How To Reach

By Air: The nearest airport is located at Cochin.

By Rail: The two nearest railway stations are Cochin and Kottayam, which connect Munnar with the various cities of India.

By Road: Munnar is well connected to the main cities of South India by road.

Accommodation

Being a famous tourist destination, Munnar offers a variety of accommodation options catering to different needs and tastes of tourists. Whether you wish to stay at a luxury hotel or budget hotel, Munnar has it all. Most of the hotels are ideally located at picturesque locations.

Shopping

Well known for its tea, coffee and spice plantations, Munnar offers aromatic tea, coffee and spices as souvenirs.