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India --» Nature Tour Destination in India --» Munnar
Munnar

One of the most popular hill stations in India, Munnar is situated at the
confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.
Located at 1600 Mts above sea level, this was once the summer resort of
the erstwhile British Government in South India.
Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and
holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience. 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. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands
here is the Neelakurinji a flower which bathes the hills in blue colour
once in twelve years. The Neelakurinji, will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar
also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi - which towers over 2695
Mts and is an ideal spot for campers who like to do some trekking.
The Duke of Wellington is reputed to have been the first European visitor
to Munnar, in 1790, but this is unlikely. In the early 19th century, the
headman of the villages of Anchanad, just to the North of the high ranges
was named Kanan Thevar. It is said that travelers from Madurai to the West
coast passed through these villages and named these hills after him.
Places of Interest
Mattupetty (13 km from Munnar)
Situated at a height of 1700 Mts , Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialised
dairy farm, the Indo-swiss live stock project. Over 100 varietes of high
yielding cattle are reared here.Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven
cattle sheds at the farm
The Mattupetty lake and dam , just a short distance from the farm, is
a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and
the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides
boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed Launch and slow speed
motor boats are available on hire.
Pothamedu (6 km from Munnar)
Pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations
in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery
here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.
Devikulam (7 km from Munnar)
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 (8 km from Munnar) 
This is the venue of the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala and a place
of immence scenic beauty.
Attukal (9 km from Munnar)
A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar
and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long
treks.
Nyayamakad (10 km from Munnar)
Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking
waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600
meters. The enchanting surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and
trekking point.
Chithirapuram (10 km from Munnar)
With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts,
Chithirapuram still exudes an old world charm. Home of the Pallivasal
Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque
tea plantations.
Lock Heart Gap (13 km from Munnar)
This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain
air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.
Rajamala (15 km from Munnar)
The natural habitat of the Niligiri tahr , Rajamala is 2695 Mts above sea
level. Half the world's population of the rare mountain goat or tahr which
is fast becoming extinct, is now found here.The Niligiri tahr in Rajamala
are now to be found in small herds found in Eravikulam-Rajamala region.
The total number of Niligiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated to be over 1300.