Munnar

Munnar is a picturesque scope of the lofty Western Ghats. Located at the Idukki district of Kerala State in India. The word "Munnar" means three rivers. 3 mountain streams (Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala) are joining together here. Situated at 1600 meter above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India.

Sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in the blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi , which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.

Tea Estate
Munnar is essentially a tea town. The tea plantations have now been taken over by the TATA tea company. The visitor is greeted with miles and miles of unending tea plantations on entry into Munnar. In Munnar we can see the Assam variety of tea plants.

Wildlife
The varied habitat in the sanctuary supports a number of species of terrestrial, aquatic and arboreal animals. The major tourist activities that can be undertaken in the wild life parks are wild life tours. Staying at jungle lodges, tree houses, fishing camps etc. are other facilities available there. Most of the Southern Indian wild animals and birds are found in Munnar and surroundings. These include the grizzled giant squirrel, champak squirrel, elephant, sambar deer, gaur etc

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
(60 km from Munnar) It is located in Devikulam Taluks on the Tamilnadu border. The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. The sanctuary is also haven for two highly endangered species-the grizzled giant squirrel and the star tortoise. Another attraction is Thoovanam falls on the river Chinnar.

Eravikulam National Park
(15 km from Munnar) The Nilgiri Tahr can be observed at close quarters here. The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world. The park is divided into 3 regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Trekking facilities are available here.

Places Of Interest
Mattupetty
Situated at a height of 1700 m , Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialized dairy farm, the Indo-Swiss live stock project. Over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. The Mattupetty lake and dam , just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot.

Devikulam
This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.

Pallivasal
This is the venue of the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala and a place of immense scenic beauty

Power House Waterfalls
The waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic Western mountain ranges, and is an ideal place for a break on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.

Malankara Reservoir
Located on the Thodupuzha - Moolavattom road, this artificial lake is accessible by road. The reservoir is ideal for boating and fishing.