Explore While You’re Here!
The hair-pin bends, the misty clouds and the tea estates on either side of the winding roads welcome you home – to Munnar! With picturesque sceneries, cool climate, misty hills, serene lakes, and roaring waterfalls Munnar has her own charm that attracts the eyes of a thousand. The hill station ranks high among the must-see destinations in India and has tourists pouring-in from all over the world to witness some of the unique events like the blossom of the Neelakurinji flowers that occur once every 12 years! The place is also famous for the presence of the endangered mountain goat, the Nilgiri Tahr.
With ravishing beauty, Munnar has captured the attention of many and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in India. With scenic natural beauty, this town is situated on the Western Ghats at an altitude of about 1,600 metres. Munnar lies in the Idukki district of Kerala and is a hill station that is famous as one of the most romantic honeymoon destinations in India. The place is rich in flora and fauna. With picturesque views of the mist-clad hills, green valleys and cool climate, Munnar has the element of nature’s beauty untouched and unspoiled.
Anayirankal Dam
Anayirankal dam, now a major attraction at Munnar is a place that is so abundantly blessed by nature that it now ranks high among the places that are unavoidable on one’s visit to Munnar. Anayirankal dam wears the prime colour of nature all around attracting many nature lovers. Those travelling on either direction on the Munnar-Thekkady route are sure to spend some time in the place.
A portion of the banks of the Anayirankal borders with the evergreen forests, the dam is also a major source of water for the wildlife living within the forests. And so, tourists can watch herds of elephants on the banks of the Anayirankal as they arrive to quench their thirst. In fact, this activity won Anayirankal its name! The place also shelters some rare species of seasonal birds and so attracts a large number of bird lovers. The tea plantations surrounding the place at one look makes one feel as if a green carpet has been spread all over. The majority of the tea plantation in the place is owned by Tata Tea group.
The Anayirankal is the different fun-filled thrilling activities organised at the place; the major activity being boating. Introducing the boating activity at Anayirankal was the visionary idea of the Kerala Hydel Tourism Centre (KHTC). The boating activity was introduced as a part of the Anayirankal Hydel Tourism project to promote the development of the place on seeing its potential to be a major tourist destination. Registered during the year 1999, the Kerala Hydel Tourism Centre (KHTC) is a unit of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) whose main objective is to ensure the effective utilization of water based tourism potential in the natural surroundings of the hydel projects while conserving the ecology of the area.
Cruise through the serene waters.
Magic of The Wind Touch to Your Holiday
Kolukkumalai
Kolukkumalai is renowned for the tantalizing views it provides and is well-known as one of the best viewpoints in Munnar, Situated at an altitude of about 7,130 feet, kolukkumalai is the second highest peak in South India. The altitude of Kolukkumalai provides favourable conditions for the cultivation of tea and so, Kolukkumalai is home to some of the highest tea plantations in the world. The tea cultivated here imparts a special rich flavour to the tea making it even more refreshing.
The major attractions at Kolukkumalami are endless. Once atop the hill, one will be greeted with breath-taking sights of the green valleys and villages and the fresh cool air all around. The Jaguar Rock – a rock in the shape of the head of a jaguar, here is a major attraction. Either on the way to kolukkumalai or while returning back, one can visit the Harrisons Malayalam Tea Factory (entry fee to the tea factory is applicable). Watch up close how tea, the refreshing drink is processed to the way we see it in commercialised packets; right from plucking the tea leaves to packing! Taste the fresh tea right when it’s ready and purchase some to take back home and add up its freshness in your daily life.
It’s a bumpy ride
Enjoy the cool breeze, fresh air and breath-taking views
Witness the making of fresh tea
Power House Waterfalls | Chinnakanal waterfalls
The waterfalls, named after an old power house situated adjacent to it, Located on the Munnar – Thekkady route, The water in this waterfall cascades from a height of about 2,000 metres rolling over the steep rocks. The place is rich in picturesque natural beauty with tea estates and thick vegetation of tall trees surrounding the place. The waterfall is believed to originate from the ‘Sita Devi Kulam’ a lake at Devikulam.
‘Sita Devi Kulam’ or otherwise known as the ‘Lake of Goddess’
Sita Devi Kulam is a lake at the town of Devikulam. According to legend, goddess Sita took bath in the lake and hence the lake was named after the goddess. Devikulam is derived from two words, ‘Devi’ meaning goddess and ‘Kulam’ meaning lake; and, thus the name Lake of Goddess. The water in the lake contains large amounts of oxides and minerals and is considered to be holy and is believed to have medicinal as well as curing powers.
Kundala Dam
The Kundala dam is an artificial dam which was constructed for the Pallivasal Hydro Electric Project in the year 1946. The dam is considered to be Asia’s first arch dam and is also known by the name ‘Sethuparvathipuram Dam’. Another attraction at Kundala is the Golf Course, which is now owned by Tata Tea Ltd. Aruvikkara waterfall is also another attraction that is located near to Kundala. The Munnar railway station was stationed at kundala and this in turn earned the place its importance in history. The Kundala Valley Railway which was privately owned was the first monorail system in India. Rich in natural beauty.
The boating facilities provided here include pedal boats, row boats and the Kashmiri Shikara boats. Enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the surroundings as you pedal or row across the Kundala Lake. The Kashmiri Shikara boat ride is one which no honeymooners should miss. The Kashmiri Shikara boats are wooden boats that have paddling at the rear. These boats are usually found in Kashmir and are extensively used for transportation, fishing or even as shelters.
Mattupetty
The peaceful atmosphere at the lake will assure one moments of tranquility.
Blessed abundantly by nature Mattupetty is located 13 km from Munnar. Lying close to the Anamudi peak, Mattupetty lies at an altitude of about 1,700 metres. The hill station is surrounded by scenic views os nature that includes the hills, and greenery of thick vegetation. The major attraction at Mattupetty is the dam and lake of the same name, Mattuppetty. The Mattupetty dam was constructed in the late 1940s under the Pallivasal Hydro-electric project as a storage concrete gravity dam. Hence, the main purpose of the dam is to hold back water, conserving it and also for power generation. Today, the dam is a major source for generation of electricity in Munnar and is also a major source of water for wild animals and birds.
At Mattupetty, one can enjoy the picturesque beauty of the surroundings. To add up the beauty of the place, the serene water in the dam too reflects the surroundings. Boating is another major activity at Mattupetty that attracts the lot. Tourists can enjoy the serene waters on a low speed boat; while, adventure seekers can opt for speed boats to cruise around the dam
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Cruise through the serene waters.
Here comes the mighty beast!
Attukal Waterfalls
The roaring milky waters of the waterfalls, a visual treat for nature lovers. The mists surround all over the Attukal, that cascading waters become foggy and translucent. The pearly white water that gushes down the mountains, the rolling hills and the evergreen forests all around; the place is indeed a shutterbug’s paradise. The sights of the waters and the scenery around are more than enough for one to spend time at the Attukal without realizing how fast the hours had passed!
Lockhart Gap
The Lockhart Gap view in Munnar is one among those never-miss attractions in Munnar for all those who love to enjoy the lush greenery of the valleys below and the refreshingly cool mountain breeze. The place is one of the best viewpoints in Munnar that gives panoramic views of the unspoiled beauty of Munnar. Apart from the breathtakingly beautiful views, another attraction the place has to offer is a cave with the name ‘Malayil Kallan Guha’.
With the trails through thick forests, Lockhart Gap is a place that is ideal for activities like trekking, nature walks, etc. The forests here contain a variety of flora and fauna. The Lockhart Gap viewpoint in Munnar is a paradise for all; nature enthusiasts, honeymoon goers and shutterbugs alike. The panoramic view from the hilltop assures one a bird’s view. Any with a taste for photography will find many interesting sights and scenery that would keep one clicking his camera over and over again. The sights from Lockhart Gap viewpoint in Munnar are much prettier during the evening as the time nears towards sunset. It is then that all of the surroundings are illuminated with the orange glow of the setting sun.
Muniyara Visit
Muniyara (also known as Dolmens) are structures built up using large stones. The structure consists of several huge stones that are covered by a single large stone on top called the cap stone. Some of the Muniyaras consist of several burial chambers while some contain just a single chamber. These Dolmens belong to the Megalethic age and the site where they can be found has been a favourite spot among archaeologists from all around the globe.
One could reach the Dolmens either by a short drive or by trekking to the place. For enjoying the journey to the Muniyara, the preferable method would be trekking during the evening at around 4:00 pm or before 5:30 pm. The place has scenic unspoiled beauty to offer to all those arriving. The sunset viewed from here is a breath-taking one (depending on the climatic conditions at the time); the beauty of which cannot just be explained but, should be experienced! Assuring 360° view, the place offers a great deal of sights for all to enjoy and loads of opportunities to a shutterbug to show-off his photographic skills. Also, the serene atmosphere of the location has also made it a favourite spot among honeymooners.
Christone Holidays
Echo Point
The Echo Point which is situated at around 15 km away from Munnar is one such place. Located at an altitude of 600 feet, this famous tourist destination is en route the Top Station. As the name indicates, Top station, located at about 32 km from Munnar at an altitude of 1,700 metres is the highest point in Munnar and is located on the Munnar – Kodaikanal road.
Echo Point is quite renowned for the natural ‘echo’ phenomenon and its picturesque views. Situated at the banks of a lake, Echo Point has nature’s prime colour – green all over the place. This famous tourist destination is one of the all-time favourites among all nature lovers and daring trekkers. The place offers the apt topography for conducting nature walks and trekking.
Here, it’s hear what you just said!
‘Echo’ is an acoustic phenomenon which is caused due to the reflection of sound waves that arrives at the listener with a small delay after the direct sound has been produced. This ‘echo’ phenomenon is what that makes the Echo Point special. Shout and scream all you want form the banks of the lake and hear what you just said in a magnified, loud and clear echo! Experience the echo phenomenon that is produced naturally, the cool breeze and scenic beauty all around the place.
Pothamedu view point
Pothamedu view point. Located just 3kms before Munnar, it is located in a high cliff. The way to the point is so beautiful as it offers real natural beauty.
Chithirapuram
A quaint hill town located around 13 km from Munnar; Chithirapuram is renowned for its picturesque tea plantations. Exuding an old world charm, visitors revel in Chithirapuram’s sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts. Home of the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, it is a veritable haven for those seeking a serene and secluded getaway.
Eravikulam National Park
A national park in the background of tea plantations? The Eravikulam National Park one such national park in the high ranges of Kerala which offers the magnificent view of hills with tea plantations - the Eravikulam National Park. Situated in the Kannan Devan Hills of the southern Western Ghats, the wildlife park with an area of 97 sq. km. can be reached via Munnar. Located in the Devikulam Taluk of Idukki district in Kerala, after reaching Munnar, you need to take the road going to Rajamala to reach this national park.
The national park is a protected area and is divided into three regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area that is in Rajamala, the region lying beyond the road entry into Eravikulam. Eravikulam is also famous for the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr, the endangered mountain goat and this park is built with the aim of conserving them.
Marayoor
Home of the natural sandalwood forests
Maintained by the Kerala Forest Department, Marayoor is the only place in Kerala where the natural sandalwood forests grow.
Kanthaloor – the tranquil hill station
With charming landscape and cool climate, this hill station favours the growth of crops that are not widely seen in other parts of Kerala.
The sweetest jaggery in the world
Containing 97% of sugar content, the Marayoor jaggery (or ‘Marayoor sarkara’) is one of the best and sweetest in the world.
Nyayamakad
Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls.The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 metres. The enchanting surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and trekking point. Gravel Banks, a delightful trout fishing site, is tucked away in a remote corner of Nyayamakad Estate.
Village Visit
Get to know the culture and traditions of a certain place by exploring the villages. Get to know the lifestyle of the people in Munnar by opting for the village visit activity. With the climatic conditions at Munnar favourable for the cultivation of tea leaves, one can find a number of tea plantations in the place. In most of the tea plantations, it is the local people that engage in the job of plucking tea leaves. This is one of the significant ways through which many of the commoners earn their livelihood. Thus, one can find the villages close-by the plantations. A visit to these villages will help one in knowing the culture and tradition of the people belonging to the place.
In order to undertake the village visit activity, tourists will be accompanied by guides. Vehicles would be arranged to cater to the travelling needs of the tourists through the villages. Enjoy the huts and the shanties of the villagers residing among the terraced tea plantations all around. Walk around the village, feel the cool breeze and enjoy the hearty warm welcome from the villagers, capture a few snaps with the local people, go fishing; these are just some of the ways to turn the beautiful day into a cherishable memory!
