Munnar: The hills far away.
Introduction (A Glance)
Munnar is a small little town located towards the southern part of Kerala in
The history of Munnar is quite interesting if u look at it. The place originally was developed mainly to cultivate tea by the British who then ruled
How to Reach (Getting There)
Munnar is located at a distance of about 140 kilometres from
approximately a 5 hour drive mainly because of the ghat sections and the narrow slippery winding roads though the NH 49 a very smooth road free of pot holes making the drive a real pleasure. The drive is very scenic due the natural forests and beautiful waterfalls alongside. Once you reach Adimali, a small town, Munnar is only 30 kilometres away from here. The panoramic views are simply mind blowing with magnificent tea plantations in every direction, the mist just rising up in the early mornings and the mild rays of the sun adding to the beauty and love Mother Nature has bestowed this place with. One can also reach Munnar by hitting the Mudurai, Pollachi or the Kodai mail road. The drive through the ghat sections is about 2 hours long making every minute a memory that would last.
Tourist Destinations (Attractions)
This beautiful place is also home to the highest peak in south India- Anamudi which stands at a majestic height of 2698 meters tall. The mountain is also a top favourite among trekkers just for the natural beauty and the pleasure it offers. Apart from the diverse fauna and flora Munnar has to offer in the grasslands and forests, there is one particular flower which blossoms only once every 12 years. The Neelakurinji, an exotic blue flower that grown in the natural surroundings. The last time it bloomed was in the year 2006, so the next time one would get to see it will only be in the year 2018. Definitely a sight you cannot afford to miss.
Lately due to the extreme commercialization most of the native fauna and flora of Munnar have disappeared. The extreme plantation is also one the main reasons that has contributed to this tragedy. However, the government has been taking appropriate action by maintaining protected parks like the new Kurinjimala sanctuary in the east, Chinnar wildlife sanctuary, Manjampatti Valley, and the Indira Gandhi wildlife sanctuary in the north east, Eravikulam national park and Anamudi shola national park to the north, PampadumShola national park in the south and the newly proposed Palani hills national park again in the east where most of the exotic species of plant as well as animal life can survive. These protected areas are home to the Nilgiri Thar, Nilgiri wood pigeon, The Indian Elephant, Guar, Sambar, Grizzled Giant squirrel and also the rare flower, Neelakurinji.
Munnar is an ideal treat for everyone, be it young couples, family, friends, students, or just plain nature lovers. It definitely has a fair share of beauty and joy for just about everyone. Mattupetty for example is a beautiful picnic spot with a beautiful view of the lush green tea gardens and a crystal clear lake on the background to crown its beauty. It is situated at an elevated height of about 1700 meters above sea level making this picnic spot more than just beautiful as it is covered with mist and dew most of the time. This place is also famous for the Indo Swiss Live Stock Project, which is a specialized dairy farm. One should definitely pay the farm a visit to know how the process of dairy farming works, which is a very interesting process.
A little away from Mattupetty is Rajamala which is home for the Nilgiri Thar, a rare breed of mountain got which is fast becoming extinct. It is surprising to know that half the world population of the Nilgiri Thar is found only on Munnar.
Echo Point in Munnar is fast gaining attention for the phenomena it creates by resonating sound across the mountains and plains which is so melodious almost sounding in unison with nature. One feels free after liberating all the energy through the lungs and finding it echo as if u were the only one around. Truly a great experience.
Hotels and Resorts (The Stay)
It was only towards the end of the year 2000 that Munnar was finally declared as a tourist destination by the government of Kerala. Since then many residents are being employed by hotels and resorts for the tourism business. This has in turn helped in attracting more and more tourists not just from
Kerala, which is also commonly referred to as Gods own country has been voted as one of the top must see destination in a life time by the National Geographic Travellers comity. And also as one of the top 10 paradises of the world, which is a great honour. Munnar, which is a part of Kerala is one of the most beautiful and popular spots to be visited. The tranquillity, environment and the scenery makes this place an ideal retreat to anyone who wants to take a break off from the hectic life in the city. The deep gorgeous valleys, mountain streams, dense forests, vast beautiful tea gardens, wildlife and the flora makes Munnar one of the most sought after hill stations in India. So, pack your bags and get prepared to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul.