
Those
who are looking to spend some quality time amid expansive tea plantation,
cool mists, pristine flora and scenic countryside, Munnar is just the kind
of place to be. Snuggled up in the Western Ghats in the state of Kerala,
Munnar lies at an altitude ranging between 1,600 m and 1,800 m. The exotic
hill town is positioned at a point where the three mountain streams -
Muthirappuzha, Chanduvarai and Kundala happen to merge. Munnar once
served as the summer refuge of the British Government in southern India.
Climate & Best Time to Visit
Summers are pleasantly cool while winters are cold. So, those who are
making a trip during summers need to carry light woollens while a trip in
winters asks for heavy woollens. Monsoons hit the town during June and
continue till September. Anytime is a good time to visit here; only the
monsoon months need to be avoided.
Sightseeing in Munnar
» Anaimudi Peak : The peak (2,695 m) has the
distinction of being the highest in South India. Wildlife lovers and
visitors arrive here in good numbers. Besides, the slopes of the peak also
afford incredible views of the picturesque surroundings.
» Nyayamakad : A famous picnic spot, it is located
at a distance of 10 km from the hill town of Munnar. You can also enjoy the
sight of the waterfalls where water rushes down from a height of 1,600
metres.
»
Echo Point : Moving 15 km away from Munnar, one comes across with a
place called Echo Point, which derives its name from a natural echo
phenomenon. It is situated en route as you move to Top Station from Munnar.
» Christ Church : Erected by the British in 1910,
the church is must visit for visitors to Munnar. Made up of stone, the
church is known for its stained glass windows and memorial tablets dedicated
to the tea planters of Munnar.
Activities to Do in Munnar
Trekking and nature walks are famous activities for tourists here. You can
head to the Anaimudi Peak to start some exciting hiking trails. You can also
head to Devikulam to indulge in trout fishing. Another big draw for tourists
is the tea plantation tours where they get to visit the vast tea plantations
and the tea producing factories. Boating and horse riding are the options at
the Mudapetty Dam (10 km from Munnar).
Stay Options
Munnar offers numerous star category and budget hotels to stay at. These
hotels and resorts are known for their picturesque location and world class
amenities. Some of these include Club Mahindra (5 star), the Siena Village
(3 star), Cloud9 Resort, Westwood Hotel, Hotel Munnar Inn etc.
Getting There
Kochi, which is 130 km from Munnar, is the closest airport. From the
airport, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to get to Munnar. The nearest
railhead also lies at Kochi. By road route, Munnar has links with all the
key destinations of the state and the country.