Munnar
Brief
Paradise of nature lovers , Munnar was the summer resort of the British government in South India. Surrounded by the Annamalai Hills, this hill station offers spectacular views of the craggy peaks, manicured tea estates, picturesque towns and winding lanes. Munnar in the wee hours of the morning is a dream, covered in mist. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands is the flower Neelakurinji, which bathes the hills in blue once every twelve years. It will bloom next in 2006 AD. Tiger, sambhar, bison, spotted deer, leopard, malabar flying squirrel, stripe-necked Mongoose etc. can also be spotted in the forest. The crisp mountain air and the serenity of the hills make Munnar an ideal getaway. It may be the commercial centre of the tea growing estates but it still retains its old world charm. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which is excellent for trekking.
History
This small hill town stands at the confluence of three rivers - the Nuthirappuzh, Nallathanni and Kundala. Thats how it gets its name - In Tamil, Moonu is three and aar is river. With Tipu Sultans defeat in the South, the British influence in Travancore increased. Munnar was formerly part of the High Range of Travancore. Towards the end of the nineteenth century, Munnar was leased to the pioneer planters, mainly Scots. The Duke of Wellington is reputed to have been the first European visitor to Munnar, in 1790. Tea became the main crop and a couple of companies now own and operate the tea estates at Munnar, Tata Tea being one of them.
Culture
With the British settlements, came the culture and lifestyle of the British. However, unlike the hill retreats of the North, Munnar has very little to offer in terms of architecture as there aren not many buildings reminiscent of the Raj. Christ Church, built in 1910, is one building worth a mention. Built in stone, it has fine stained glass work. When you enter the church, brass plaques honouring the memory of tea planters greet the eye. The rosewood pews and the ornate chandeliers are evocative of the Colonial origins. The High Range Club is a place that preserves its British traditions with pride. This colonial style wicker and old-teak club is an elite social hub.
Climate & Geogaphical Location
While summers are cool and pleasant, winters are very cold. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams in the eastern part of Kerala. 130 km east of Kochi and bordering the state of Tamil Nadu, it lies amongst the craggy hills of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 1600 mtrs above sea level.
How to Reach
Munnar is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, the nearest airports are at Kochi at 130 Km and Madurai at 142 km and are well connected to different parts of the country. By rail, the nearest railway stations are at Kochi and Kottayam. By road, Munnar is well connected by a well-developed network of road transport.
Tourist Places
Eravikulam National Park
The 97 Sq. Km park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695 m) is located in the Southern region of the park. Originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex), the Eravikulam National Park was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. It covers an area of 97 sq Km of rolling grasslands and high level sholas (evergreen forests). Breathtakingly beautiful amidst the best mountain ranges, the park is divided into 3 regions and visitors are allowed only to the Rajamala region where the Nilgiri Tahr can be observed at close quarters. A place for adventure tourism, tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi.
Mattupetti
Situated at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetti is famous for its highly specialised dairy farm, the Indo-swiss live stock project. Over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm. The Mattupetti 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 motorboats are available on hire.
Rajamala
The natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr, Rajamala is 2695 m above sea level. Half the worlds population of the rare mountain goat or tahr, which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here.
The Nilgiri Tahr in Rajamala is now to be found in small herds found in Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Nilgiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated to be over 1300. Visitors are not allowed during the monsoon.
Echo Point
This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.
Devikulam
This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air offers a rare experience to visitors. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.
Kundala
Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Station. The Golf Course, which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd., is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction. Aruvikkad Waterfall is also near Kundala.
Anayirangal
Its a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests surround the Anayirangal dam. It is an ideal picnic spot.
Marayoor
This is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The sandalwood factory of the forest department, the caves (muniyaras) with the murals and relics from the new stone age civilization and the childrens park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single banyan tree, are of great interest to tourists. Thoovanam waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also nearby.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary..
Lying close to the plantations in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the worlds most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq. km, of which 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geo-morphological diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants that come down to the lakes edge.
Others
ATTUKAL - 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. CHINNAKANAL WATERFALLS - Located on the way to Thekkady from Munnar, the Chinnakanal waterfall 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. CHITHIRAPURAM - With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old world charm. Home of the Pallyvasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations. LOCK HEART GAP - 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.
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Ashish Bhat - INDIA 25th June 2010Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.
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Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.
