Munnar - Hill Station in Kerala

Munnar - The Switzerland of India

Munnar Hill StationMunnar is a small town located in Idukki district of Kerala. The name is commonly used to refer to the whole tourist area, of which Munnar only forms a part. Munnar is sometimes referred to as the 'Switzerland of India' for its natural surroudings and Old World architecture. The picturesque hill station is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams namely Nallathanni, Mudrapuzha and Kundala. The 1600 metres high hill resort is surrounded by wild forests and remains wet and cold for almost all seasons in the year. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, with a height of 2695 metre. Munnar is the most ideal tourist destination for the people looking for trekking, boating, riding, angling and much more. The sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, curved lanes and enough holiday facilities make Munnar a popular resort town.

Munnar - The British Summer Resort

Munnar was once the favourite summer resort of the erstwhile British Government. The British developed the town to cultivate tea plants and most of the people around the area were employed as labourers for the plantations. During British rule a few bungalows were developed for Tea Managers, which are still in use.

Places to Visit in and Around Munnar

Pothamedu Located at a distance of 6 Kms, Pothamedu is one of the major plantation centre of Munnar. It offers the spectacular view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. The sloppy hills, the green mountains and picturesque scenery make it an ideal spot for trekking and hiking.

Devikulam The hill station just 7 Kms from Munnar, provides a unique experience with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air. Another attraction is the picturesque Sita Devi Lake, the mineral water and the trout-fishing facilities make it an ideal picnic spot.

Pallivasal Situated at a distance of 8 Kms from Munnar, the place is known for its scenic beauty. Pallivasal is also the venue of the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala.

Waterfall, NyayamakadAttuakal Attukal just 9 Kms away from Munnar, is located between Munnar and Pallivasal. The place along with its panoramic waterfalls and rolling hills, is ideal for long trekking.

Nyayamakad Located at a distance of 10 Kms from Munnar, Nyayamakad is famous for its breathtaking waterfalls. From a 1600 metres high hill, the waters cascade down. Nyayamakad is an ideal place for picnic and trekking.

Chithirapuram The small station located 10 Kms from Munnar, is famous for its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts. Chithirapuram is home to the Pallyvasal Hydel Power Project. This hill town is also popular for its tea plantations.

Mattupetty Mattupetty is located 13 Kms from Munnar, at a height of 1700 metre. The town is renowned for its highly specialized dairy farm, the Indo- Swiss Livestock Project. More than 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. At a short distance, the Mattupetty Lake and Dam is a picturesque picnic spot. Another attractions are Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake. One can also enjoy boating on the Mattupetty Dam, provided by DTPC Idukki.

Eravikulam National Park The park located at a distance of 15 Kms from Munnar, is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Situated in the Devikulam Taluk, the park spreads over an area of 97 Sq Kms. The park was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiri Ibex) and declared a sanctuary in 1975 and a National Park in 1978. The park has the ecological, fauna, floral, geo-morphological and zoological importance.

Echo Point The point located around 15 Kms from Munnar has a natural echo phenomenon.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Situated at a distance of 52 Kms from Munnar, the Wildlife Sanctuary provides shelter to elephants, leopards,bears and several other animals.

Reaching Munnar

By Air : Nearest airports are Kochi (130 Kms) and Madurai (142 Kms). The Airlines operate flights for domestic as well as International destinations.

By Rail : The nearest railway stations from Munnar are Kochi (130 kms), Kottayam (147 kms) and Madurai (142 Kms).

By Road : Good roads connect Munnar to major cities of Kerala and South India. The distance of some famous destinations are Idukki (60 Kms), Kochi (130 kms), Kottayam (147 kms), Madurai (142 Kms), Kundala (28 Kms), Thekkady (110 Kms), Vaiga Dam (105 Kms), Devikulam (7 Kms) and Mattupetty 13 (Kms).

Accommodation at Munnar

Situated amidst the soothing climate the hotels at Munnar are the best option to spend your holidays. The hotels at Munnar offer enough accommodation options along with the modern facilities. The accommodation ranges from luxury to budget hotels provide pleasant stay and best services to tourists.