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Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams-Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, and perched 1,600 m above sea level, this hill station was the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in South India .
The British resident,JD Munro, recongnised the agricultural potential of the region, and on a hunting expedition, acquired about 581.12 sq km of land on concession from the Poonjar Raja. |
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After experimenting with various crops such as coffee, cinchona, sisal and cardamom, he discovered that tea was best suited for the climate and topography of this area. Now overrun with tea plantations, Munnar nevertheless retains its old colonial charm. With its sprawling estates, rolling hills, sparkling waterfalls, picture-postcard hamlets and undulating valleys, Munnar has the makings of an idyllic holiday destination.
Nature walks and photography, golfing, trekking, boating and angling are some of the attractions. Kolukkumalai , India ’s highest tea estate, and Eravikulam National Park , home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr, are located nearby. |
TEA MUSEUM |
The Kannan Devan Hills Produce Company houses India ’s only tea museum in a century-old tea estate. The memorabilia preserved include a burial urn, tea roller, a rotor vane, the old CTC-type tea processing machine), the Pelton wheel used in the power generation plant and a rail engine wheel of the Kundala Valley Railway that shuttled between Munnar and Top Station during the first half of the last century. Other exhibits include photographs, curios and century-old relics. |
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The tea tasting, processing and picking demonstrations are really interesting to watch. |
| CSI CHURCH |
Located on a hill in the centre of Old Munnar is the CSI Church , a black basalt building with a prominent nave and bell tower. It has an unimpressive exterior, but is charming once you step inside. the church still has its original 14 rows of polished rosewood pews and antique chandeliers, not to mention the brass plaques commemorating early tea planters. The adjoining cemetery predates the church. |
MOUNT CARMEL CHURCH |
Established in 1898, this was the first Roman Catholic Church in the High Ranges . Like all places of worship, this one is also located at a vantage point. Records reveal that the church sheltered refugees during the 1924 floods that devastated the area. There is a chapel below, dedicated to St Anthony. Legend has it that the floodwaters miraculously receded when they tourched the basement of the capital of the church. |
BLOSSOM INTERNATIONAL PARK |
This park sprawls over 16 acres and boasts a garden with a profusion of flowers. There are many leisure activities for both adults and children. Boat rides along Munnar’s waterways is a must-do. There are also facilities for cycling, roller-skating, campfires and games. |
AROUND MUNNAR |
MATTUPPETTY |
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It is 13 km from Munnar, and the favourite haunt of weekend picnickers. The Mattupetty Lake (created by the small hydroelectric dam), flanked by steep wooden hills, is a tranquil picnic spot where boating is the big draw. A speedboat cruise to the far end of the lake invariably ensures a glimpse of wild elephants. Other nearby attractions is Echo Point and Kundala Lake . |
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KUNDALA |
| The Sethuparvathipuram Dam and the stunning views around it make Kundala a must-visit. Boating in the lake and a visit to the Kundala Club for a game of golf or a cup of tea is highly recommended. |
TOP STATION |
Top Station derives its name from a ropeway that once connected it, the highest point, through Middle Station to Lower Station in the valley. It is also the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road and the 34-km drive through verdant tea plantations on the High Ranges , offering panoramic views of the countryside, is truly unforgettable. |
MARAYOOR |
This fenced patch of dense greenery amid hilly terrain holds the only natural sandal-wood forest in Kerala. Marayoor not only grows the finest sandalwood in the world, but is also famous archaeological site. The caves found here, home to tribals, are also considered holy as sages are said to have meditated here in the distant past. Hence, the name, ‘Muniyaras’. |
DEVIKULAM LAKE |
The drive along the winding road to Devikulam is a real treat. The lake here is said to be the highest in the region and is ideal for trout fishing. According to local folklore, Sita is believed to have taken a dip in the pond close by.
A small temple has been built here in her honour. In the middle of the lake is an island with a fishing lodge. |
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KOLUKKUMALAI |
| This is said to be the highest tea plantation in the country. Located in the upper reaches of Tamil Nadu’s Theni district, it is close to the Kerala border. The drive to the top along a narrow winding road past sprawling tea plantations is an adventure in itself. A treacherousserpentine route, once used by estate workers to carry tea chests to the plains, is today a big hit with trekkers. A visit to the tea factory here is especially interesting, and offers an opportunity to savour the special flavour of the famous Kolukkumalai tea. |
VIEWPOINTS |
Stunning vistas are a plenty in Munnar. The Lockhart Gap, offers a bird’s eye-view of Bison Valley and the surrounding hills extending up to Thekkady. It is also an ideal place for rock climbing. The view from Pothamedu, 6 km from Munnar, is equally spectacular. It has an exotic ambience with lush mountains and plantations all around. Vehicles on NH 49, creeping up the hills appear like toy cars. From the Nyamakad Gap on the Munnar-Coimbatore Road , there are great views of the Thalayar Valley on one side and the Munnar Valley on the other. |
WATERFALLS OF MUNNAR |
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Munnar and its surrounding environs abound in waterfalls that are especially spectacular just after the rains. Located 18 km from Munnar, on the way to Thekkady, the Power House waterfalls cascade down a steep rock. Attukal, located between Munnar and pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. It is also ideal for trekking. Nyayamakad is another fabulous location. The enchanting surroundings make this an excellent picnic spot and trekking point. The Valara and Cheeyappara falls, located close to the national highway on the Adimali-Munnar route, are also delightfully scenic. |
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PEERMEDE |
Sprawling estates of tea, coffee, cardamom, rubber and eucalyptus surround this charming hill station, once famous as the summer retreat of the Travancore kings. Peermede’s history is also closely linked to that of the Sufi saint, Peer Mohammad, believed to be the first trader of spices in the region. Natural grasslands, pine forests and a salubrious climate make Peermede an enchanting and picturesque destination. The legacy of the Raj can still be seen in colonial buildings such as Ashley, Henwoods, and Greenwoods. |
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| SIGHTS |
| EAGLE ROCK OR PARUNTHUMPARA |
Eagle Rock is actually a large, nearly circular piece of rock spread across half a kilometer. From its height, it offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside – rocky plains, lush hillsides and verdant forests. |
| CSI CHURCH ( St GEORGE'S CHURCH ) |
This was built in 1867 and is believed to be the first church of the High Ranges . It is situated on a 17-acre land in Pallikkunnu, surrounded by groves of cypress and pine trees. Embellished with decorative arches and carved teakwood beams, it is an architectural marvel. |
THRISANGU HILLS |
Fiery sunsets and superb views beckon nature lovers to these hills, just half a kilometer from Kuttikkanam junction |
| SUMMER PALACE |
| The huge but now dilapidated palace where the maharajas of Travancore once spent their summers is surrounded by lush greenery. The smoke-stained hearths, endless corridors, underground passages, durbar halls, stables and prison cells recall the grandeur and glory of a bygone era |
| PANCHALIMEDU |
The ancient granite edicts found on these hills near the Mundakayam Valley link this region to the great epic, the Mahabharata. During their exile, the five Pandava brothers are believed to have spent some time here. The name, ‘Panchalimedu’ itself is derived from ‘Panchali’,another name for Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas. |
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