MunnarTravel Guide
General Information
Munnar with its impeccable beauty is the most famous holiday destination in South India. In the green and serene Kamman Devan Hills lies the quiet and restful resort of Munnar. Munnar is located in the Idukki district in Kerala. Munnar, the queen of hill stations is located at the confluence of three mountain streams namely, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Munnar is located about 6,500 feet above the sea level along the western ghats on the eastern border of Kerala. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.
There are various tropical plantations of tea, coffee, cardamom and other spices, dense forests and wildlife sanctuaries full with various types of flora and fauna. The major wildlife animals which are found in Munnar are the Nilgiri Tahrs (Mountain Goats), Langurs and Elephants. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here, is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006 AD.
How to reach Munnar
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By Air
The nearest airports are located at Madurai and Cochin which are about 140 kms and 190 kms respectively.
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By Rail
The nearest railway station is located at Madurai which is about 136 kms and at Kottayam which is about 114 kms.
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By Road
Munnar is connected to various cities like Madurai, Cochin, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Trivandrum, Chennai and various other cities of South India and Kerala.
Weather Overview
Munnar is a beautiful hill town in the state of Kerala. The weather and climate remains pleasant and cool throughout the year. Even during the summer months, the temperature seldom goes beyond 20º C. Therefore, when you travel to Munnar during summer months you will need to carry some light woolen clothes for protection against the cold weather. During winters, the weather and climate of Munnar becomes too cold and sometimes the temperature goes below 0º C.
It is, therefore, advised that you should carry heavy woolens to protect yourself from the biting cold. The best time to visit and explore Munnar is between the months of October and May, when the rains are not continuous. The monsoon months between June and September should be avoided as it rains quite heavily in Munnar and surrounding areas.
Places Of Interest
- Mattupetty
- Devikulam
- Pothamedu
- Rajamala Wild Life Sanctuary
- CSI Christ Church
- Eravikulam National Park
Mattupetty
Mattupetty
Mattupetty is known for its specialized diary farm which has over 100 varieties of cattle. You are allowed into three of the 11 cattle sheds of the farm. The Mattupetty lake and dam is also at a short distance from the farm and it is one of the popular picnic spots. Mattupetty is 13 km from Munnar. Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are also located close to Mattupetty .
Devikulam
Devikulam
Devikulam is a hill station located 7 km from Munnar which is known for its scenic beauty and flora and fauna. The Sita Devi Lake is ideal for picnic and fishing. The Sita Devi Lake is surrounded by lush green hills and attracts tourists not only because of its sacredness but also for the curative powers in its waters.
Pothamedu
Pothamedu
Pothamedu offers an enchanting view of tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The hills and the mountains is ideal for trekking and mountain walks. Pothamedu is 6 km from Munnar.
Rajamala Wild Life Sanctuary
Rajamala Wild Life Sanctuary
Rajamala Wild Life Sanctuary is located 15 kms from Munnar and is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr. The Nilgiri is one of the rare mountain goats which are fast becoming extinct. The sanctuary is a part of the Eravilulam Wildlife Sanctuary and the sanctuary is playing a major role in preserving these species. The number of Nilgiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated to be over 1300.
CSI Christ Church
CSI Christ Church
The CSI Christ Church was built by the British in 1910 AD. The church is known for its stained glass windows. There are many brass plaques in the church in the memory of the tea planters.
Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park is 15 kms from Munnar and has an area of 97 km². The park is located along the Western Ghats and has the largest viable population of the Nilgiri Tahr. The park also has other animals such as Nilgiri marten, ruddy mongoose, small clawed otter, dusky striped squirrel, Sambar Deer, Golden Jackal, Wild Dog, Indian Porcupine, Funambulus etc. There are many species of birds too such as Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, White Bellied Shortwing, Black-and-orange Flycatcher etc
Shopping
Munnar is essentially a hill station. Hence, there is hardly any scope for shopping in Munnar as such. In Munnar, shopping areas are limited to just small markets and shops that sell small items as souvenirs. You may not find information on where to shop in Munnar. So the question of what to buy in Munnar doesn't quite have an answer.
Munnar is famous for its tea and spices plantations. So if you want, you can buy different varieties of spices and different varieties of tea. You can get the spices packed in small transparent pouches and take them home. Better still, visit a factory and they will be all the more glad to give you free samples of their spices and tea leaves. Apart from that, you can always shop for small handicrafts and other knick-knacks that are easily available in the roadside shacks. While in Munnar, it is better if you look out for the small items that can be given as souvenirs than hunt for branded stuff that are available all around the world.
Eating Out
The city of misty mountains and meandering roadways Munnar is also famous for its exotic food. There are a number of restaurants in Munnar which will pamper your taste buds with authentic South Indian cuisine. Indian Holiday offers you details on the restaurants in Munnar. Restaurants in Munnar in Kerala:
Munnar is not only famous for its mountains, waterfalls and plantations but even mouthwatering cuisines which will surely pamper your taste buds. From the spicy and fried delicacies to the delicious South Indian cuisines there are a number of restaurants in Munnar. There are two restaurants in Munnar which belongs to the Eastend Group:
The Greens and the Blues is a multicuisine restaurant in Munnar which offers mouthwatering food to satiate the gastronomic desires of foodies. From the spicy North Indian to the exquisite south Indian along with Oriental, the restaurant offers the best of delicacies. Gurus is another famous restaurant in Munnar which will serve you with authentic South Indian snacks. So if you have some idle hours then drop in this restaurant in Munnar to have some coffee with snacks.
Amongst the other restaurants in Munnar, Poopada is also quite popular while the Sarvana Restaurant is famous for the vegetarian meals.
Apart from these there are a number of restaurants in Munnar which serves vegetarian and non vegetarian food.
Indian Holiday.com gives you online information on Restaurants in Munnar or other places in India. We offer travel packages to many popular and special tourist destinations in India. Take advantage of the best rates for tour packages to these travel destinations.
Indian Holiday.com offers online information on Restaurants in Munnar and other tourist attractions of India. To avail of this facility or for more information, please, enter your queries in the form.
Nightlife
Perhaps the best way to spend evenings in Munnar is staying indoors enjoying a drink and probably going to a club to play a game of pool or billiards (if you happen to know someone to get you access).
