Munnar is situated at a distance of 70 km from Idukki is 1600 meter above the sea level. This hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.

Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.

Munnar Location
The marvelous hill resort of Munnar lays at the confluence of three mountain streams namely Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, Since the British rule Munnar has been thronged by tourists. The lovely landscape, the teagardens and the pleasant weather make it a picture perfect destination. The hill resort is situated at an altitude of 1520 meters, in the eastern part of Kerala. The Western Ghats of Kerala stand close to Munnar. The highest peak of Anaimudi is quiet close to the hill resort. The hills neighboring Munnar present a spectacular sight only once in every twelve years. The Neelakurunji plant grows on the hills and bloom to cover the entire mountain range. You may check out the flowered plants in the year 2006.

History of Munnar
The hill resort has been the place for summer retreat and tea plantations since long. Digging the past of Munnar reveals the list of tea planters that visited Munnar. With the passage of time the forested and home of wildlife- Munnar has become perfect for tea plantations. In the hill resort of Munnar you get to bask in the beauty of nature. There are the gorgeous greens that rejuvenate all the senses.

Amongst the must visits in Munnar are the lavish and splendid tea gardens. The tea producing Munnar is the right place to know the tea processing best. Right from picking of the tealeaves in the estates and the gardens to the packing in the factories, you may see it all. There are guided tours to the factories at the hill resort of Munnar. You may even pick up freshly packed tealeaves as souvenirs from the factory itself.

Best Time to Visit - Munnar
The hill resort of Munnar, experiences cool weather all through the year. In the summer months you will need to carry some light woolens for protection against the chill. Whereas in winters, you should be, completely covered in woolens. The temperature drops down to as low as five degree Celsius. Thus you may visit Munnar anytime of the year besides the monsoons that last from June to September.

Unique Tourist Attractions of Munnar

Nyayamakad - Land of Breathtaking Waterfalls
Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters. The enchanting surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.

Mattupetti - A Highly Specialised Dairy Farm
Situated at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetti is famous for its highly specialised dairy farm, the Indo-swiss live stock project. Over 100 varietes of high yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm.

The Mattupetti Lake and dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed Launch and slow speed motor boats are available on hire.

Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary
Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary, located 15 kms from Munnar is the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr. Half the world population of the rare mountain goat is concentrated in this region.

The animal is fast becoming extinct. The sanctuary is a part of the Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, and visitors are allowed only to the tourism area in the Rajamala region.

Eravikulam National Park
The 97 sq. kms park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695 m) is located in the Southern region of the park. Originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex).

The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world. The park is divided into 3 regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area.

Travel Attractions of Munnar

Devikulam
(7 kms from Munnar) This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air offers a rare experience to visitors. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.

Anayirangal
(22 kms from Munnar) It's a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic spot.

Marayoor
(40 kms from Munnar) This is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The sandalwood factory of the forest department, the caves (muniyaras) with the murals and relics from the New stone age civilization and the children's park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single banyan tree, are of great interest to tourists. Thoovanam waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also nearby.

Adventure Sports in Munnar
For the adventure seekers the hill resort of Munnar is fun. You may try fishing in the Devikulam Lake or indulge in sports like paragliding too.

One of the best options to explore the beauty of the Munnar is a bicycle ride. You can easily hire bicycles in the hill resort. In fact there are several bicycle riding routes that are popular with the tourists. At you're your pace you get to enjoy the lovely landscape of Munnar. Ride the bicycle and feast your eyes on the gorgeous greens that pass by. There are the wondrous valleys, ravishing rivers, tea estates and cardamom and sandalwood plantations that offer spectacular sights.

Shopping in Munnar
Munnar is famous for tea. Tourists may buy it straight from the numerous tea estates or from the various shops in Munnar.