28Dec
Munnar is one of the most popular hill stations in South India. It is nestled in Western Ghats at an altitude of 6000 ft and is located in Idukki district of Kerala. This picturesque hill station beckons nature lovers from far and near.
Large tea plantations, forests, hill ranges, valleys and wildlife makes anyone fall in love with this place. I am going to share 13 places that you should visit (or try to) when you are in Munnar. And if you already visited Munnar recently, then I hope these will make you want to do another trip very soon!
- Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty dam and its reservoir is located 13 km away from Munnar. This concrete gravity dam is built between the hill ranges and it is used mainly for water storage for hydroelectric projects. Its reservoir is an idyllic place to enjoy the serene nature. It is also said to be one of the waterholes where the elephants in the region often visit..
- Mattupetty Dairy Farm
Mattupetty is also famous for the Indo-Swiss Farm. This is a highly specialized dairy farm which comes under Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. Hundreds of high quality cattle are reared here and new varieties are scientifically developed.
- Kundala Lake
Kundala Lake is an artificial reservoir of a minor arch shaped dam huddled between the mountain ranges. It is about a 20 km drive from Munnar. There is boating facility there..and don’t forget to go for a Shikara boat ride while you are there!
- Top Station
It is about 40 km from Munnar and it is 1,880 meters above sea level. The panoramic view of the Western Ghats and the valley of Theni from Top station is simply breathtaking. Top station got this name from it’s being the uppermost located railway station on the Kundala Valley Railway.
- Echo Point
Echo Point is about 15 km from Munnar. Go there and scream as loud as you can..and wait for a minute. You can hear your echo back! Its quite interesting. If you have kids with you..they will love it. They can experience this natural phenomenon firsthand.
- Rajamalai (Part of Eravikulam National Park)
Rajamala, part of Eravikulam national park, is located at about 15 kms from Munnar. This region is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas hylocres). It was converted to a national park to provide a safe sanctuary for the already endangered species of Nilgiri Tahr.
- Tea Museum
This tea museum is first of its kind in India. It is located at KDHP’s Nullatanni estate in Munnar. The aim of this museum according to its founders is to showcase the growth of more-than-a-century-old tea plantations in this region. Anyone visiting this museum will get a clear picture of how laborious this tea processing really is.
- Marayoor Sandalwood Forests
This is located at around 42 kms north of Munnar through the Udumalppetta route. Marayoor is famous of the natural sandalwood forest. Not only that, this place is said to be part of the ancient stone age civilization dated back to 10,000 B.C. Stone age paintings, rock edicts and dolmens found there vouch for this rich heritage.
- Attukad Waterfalls
Now this is a scenic waterfalls located between Munnar and Pallivasal. It is just 9 km away from Munnar. But this waterfalls will be in its full glory only after the monsoon (Rainy season). During other seasons, it is just a trickling mountain stream.
- Blossom Park
Blossom International Park is about 3 km away from Munnar town and it spreads over 16 acres. It is a peaceful location to enjoy a calm and relaxing nature walk admiring flowers and surrounding green hillside. The park offer many activities for tourists like boating, cycling, roller skating etc.
- Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is about 60 kms from Munnar. It is situated on SH 17 in the Marayoor and Kanthalloor Panchayats of Idukki district. It is an ideal spot for trekking and enjoying wildlife closely. It is the habitat for endangered Grizzled giant squirrel in India. Almost 34 species of mammals including panthers, spotted deers, elephants, tigers can be found here. It is also a bird watchers paradise. 245 species of birds live here!
- Tea Plantations
How can one resist a tea garden tour when you are in Munnar? Rolling hillsides covered with tea plantations is a sight to behold. The lush greenery and the soothing cold wind with a mild aroma of tea leaves totally rejuvenates you.
- Lakkom Water Falls
This waterfalls is about 25 kms from Munnar on the way to Udumalaipettai. Lakkom waterfalls is part of Eravikulam National Park. The cascading waterfalls and the scenic surroundings makes it tourists favorite hideout in Munnar.