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.