
Places to Explore Near Munnar | How to Reach Munnar
God has been especially kind to India which has an
incredible beauty in its various regions due to diversity in climate, weather,
altitude etc. Diversity in India offers delights to tourists and travellers.
Acres and acres of lush green land bestowed with scented air, hilly landscapes
and waterfalls make southern India to boast of some of its magnificent hill
stations too.
Here, we will be exploring the magical Munnar!
The most beautiful, mesmerizing, serene, Magical Hill Station in South India is Munnar which is known as "Honeymooners Paradise".
This hill station is located in Idukki district of Kerala. Munnar derives its
name from three rivers that merge here. Decorated with lofty mountains amidst
swirls of pale mist and low flying clouds, rich green slopes and velvety
carpets of tea and spice plantations, hints of pink, yellow and sparkling blues
dotting the landscapes, pine and oak trees lightly swaying to the cool mountain
breeze, filled with refreshing aroma of tea leaves everywhere, Munnar may just
be the reason "Kerala" is open referred as "God's own
country".
Munnar is also regarded as "Kashmir of South India”.
Now let’s have a look at places to
explore in Munnar
1. Maraayoor
Hub of Sandalwood trees, Maraayoor is located 40 km from
Munnar known as a Rain Shadow village. Reduced rainfall is suitable for
abundant growth of sandalwood trees. It is heavenly unexplored tourist spot
which is excellent tracking spot for adventure seekers. Descending the hills
one can see cane crop in the valley below dancing in the wind. Tuvanam
waterfalls where one can spend endless time are romancing with nature here.
2) Kundala lake
It is about 20 km distance from Munnar on the way to top
station. The famous Neelakurinji flowers which blossoms once in 12 years bloom
in these hills and valleys around Kundla Lake. There is an artificial dam in
which pedal boats, Kashmiri Shikara boats and rowboats are available which
makes rowing a wonderful experience beyond words.
3) Nilgiri Tahr – the animal
The scientific name is Nilgiritragus hypocrisy. It is Caprine
Ungulate that is endemic to Nilgiri tails and Southern portion of Western
Ghats. It's the state animal of Tamil Nadu also known as Nilgiri Ibex. These
are actually stocky goats with short course fur. They were on verge of
extinction but now their number is increased to 2000 animals by early
intervention by Forest Department.
4) Neelakurinji flowers
Massive flowering happens once only in 12 years due to the
life cycle nature of this flower. The Nilgiri name "Blue mountains"
derived from wild neelakurinji flowers which carpets the whole of mist-clad
hill ranges in colour of blue and attracts tourists to experience the scenic
beauty.
5) Eravikulam National Park
It is evergreen stifling and subtropical moist broadleaf
forest. These are known as "shoals". The main motive behind the park
is to protect the Nilgiri Thar and Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri Wood pigeon-like
endangered species of animals and birds. The tourists are free to travel deep
into the forest to explore the hidden beauty of the environment around.
6) Top station and Echo point
It is located 32 km away from Munnar which is the highest
point 1700 metres above the sea level. One can enjoy panoramic view of Western
Ghats and valleys of Theni district of Tamilnadu. It got its name from the fact
that it was uppermost railway station located in Kundla Valley.
Echo Point: It is situated at Lake Bank and got it's name
from the natural Echo phenomenon. If you scream here, you will get to hear your
own voice returning to you. It is located 15 km away from Munnar on the way to
top station. This place is surrounded with mist covered hills, waterfalls and
clean air.
7) Mattuputty
It is located 13 km away from Munnar. The main attraction
is dam and lake which is the vital source of electricity generation. It is
heaven for many wild animals and birds due to its constant water availability.
Many water sports activities like speed boating, pedal boating, row boating,
motor boating can be done here. Amidst the hills surrounded by tea gardens,
there is a beautiful lake where you can go for boating and enjoy the
tranquility.
How
to reach Munnar?
1.
By Air
Nearest airport is Kochin
International Airport which is 110 km away and Madurai airport which is 103
kilometres and Coimbatore is 165 kilometres.
2.
By train
Nearest railway station is
Ernakulam which is 140 km and Aluva which is also nearly 140 kilometres far.
Best time to visit Munnar is from March to May, in which
you can see the exotic flora and fauna nestled among mountains of Western
Ghats, scented air of tea, endangered species of animals and birds, Kurunjimala
Sanctuary where slopes of hills will be blossomed by Neelakurunji flowers, all
will be captured and filmed by your camera will be the best memory of your life
to feel refreshed, rejuvenated in nature, by nature and with nature.