Munnar is a town in the Western Ghats mountain range in India’s Kerala state. A hill station and former resort for the British Raj elite. The town is divided into two parts, Old Munnar, where the tourist information office is, and Munnar, where the bus station and most guest houses are located. it’s surrounded by rolling hills dotted with tea plantations established in the late 19th century.. December to February, winter months are by far the best time to visit Munnar since the weather is pleasant.
Nestled in the Western Ghats at an altitude of 6000 ft in the district of Idukki, Munnar used to be the summer resort of the British rulers during colonial times Munnar aptly known as the ‘Kashmir of South India’is home to several herds of wild elephants.. It is known for its green belt of lush forests and unending expanse of tea estates and is also home to some of the endangered species of animals.
There are numerous places worth visiting in and around Munnar, these include Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and elusive Nilgiri Tahr that attract tourists from all across the world over here. Nestled between the beautiful hills of Munnar is a pristine waterfall named Atukkad Waterfall, where you can come for a romantic escapade. Trekking , boating, rock climbing and camping are the most popular activities that tourist can try in Munnar. Apart from this, tourist can stay in a treehouse or visit the tea plantations for a surreal experience. Safari tour of Eravikulam National Park and Shikara ride in Kundala lake are some of the other activities to do in Munnar.
A major attraction is the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands including Neelakurinji, a flower which bathes the hills once every 12 years, and will bloom next in 2030. Tourist can also visit the Eravikulam National Park, a habitat for the endangered mountain goat Nilgiri tahr. It is also home to the Atukkad Waterfall,, hiking trails and 2,695m-tall Anamudi Peak, the tallest peak in South India. The weather in Munnar remains quite pleasant throughout the year, making it ideal for visitors throughout the year especially honeymooners.
Tourism in Munnar is not limited to these areas, also worth touring are Mattupetty, Pallivasa, Chinnakanal Anayirangal, TataTea Museum, and Top Station. Besides winter best time to visit Munnar is between March to September when the weather stays very pleasant. Munnar is replete with hotels, resorts and lodges that provide luxurious, mid range and budget accommodation to tourist. There are also several restaurants that serve traditional Malayali cuisine as well as Chinese and international cuisine.
Well connected by rail, road and air through Cochin and Madurai the town is known for its scenic beauty Situated on the banks of three rivers- Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru, Munnar is also blessed with natural view-points like Echo Point, Photo Point,.Pothamedu View Point ideal to watch sunrise and sunset, There are also good options for shopping in Munnar for Tea, local artefacts, chocolates and spices. Overall a visit to Munnar is a best way to unwind on a extended weekend trip.
