Munnar, one of the finest hill stations in India, on the Western Ghats is the Nature-Lover’s Paradise. Munnar was the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. A drive through the extensive tea and spice gardens is exciting. The tallest peak in peninsular India is Anamudi (2694 m) can be viewed from Munnar town. Munnar offers great possibility for nature walks. It is a birdwatcher delight with a variety of birds seen in evergreen vegetation. Nearby Lockhart Gap provides a panoramic view of the valley and plantation down below.
What makes this an ideal tourist destination is the sprawling tea plantations, mist-clad hills, exotic wildlife, placid lakes, winding wild streams, waterfalls and much more. Among the rare flora are the Neelakurinji plants which blossom once in every twelve years .
As for wildlife, you can spot the Nilgiris Tahr, a rare mountain goat and an endangered species, Nilgiris Langur, Sambhar, Gaur, Elephant, Lion-tailed macaques.
Munnar has a temperate climate round the year. It is the climatic peculiarities that make Munnar one of the most captivating tourist-spots in India
Exciting attractions in and around Munnar
Devikulam
Seven kilometers away from Munnar. There is a historical pond here ideal for trout fishing.
Marayoor
Situated 40 kms. from Munnar, it is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood trees. Nearby is the Thoovanam waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park.
Rajamala
The place is situated, 2695m above sea level and 15 kms. away from Munnar. The rare mountain goat, Nilgiris Tahr can be spotted here.
Eravikulam National Park
The park, which has an area of 97 sq kilometer, is situated 15 kilometers away from Munnar The tallest peak in peninsular India, Anamudi (2695 m) is located in the Southern region of the park. The park is divided into 3 regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area, which is in the Rajamala region. The Nilgiris Tahr can be observed at close quarters here. Trekking facilities are available here. Tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi.
Top Station
The place is Situated 40 km away from Munnar. Here the visitor would get a spectacular view of the plains of the neighbouring state, Tamil Nadu.
Kundala
It is a picturesque town on the way to Top Station and is just 20 kilometers away from Munnar. Tata Tea Ltd. has a Golf Course here. The artificial dam near here is another attraction. Aruvikkad Waterfall is also near the place.
Mattupetti
The place is famous for the highly specialized dairy farm which is an Indo-Swiss venture. Near the dairy is a beautiful Mattupetty lake and dam which are favorites with most of the tourists. DTPC provides boating facilities on the dam.
Echo Point
On the way to Top Station from Munnar is this scenic place which gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. It is about 15 kms from Munnar.
Chithirapuram
Situated 10 kms away from Munnar retains an old world charm. Near here is the Pallyvasal Hydel Power Project.
