Munnar
Munnar is a typical hill station, and was the summer resort of the
British. Tourists come here to see the vast tea plantations of the area. The
town itself is typically Indian with the usual shops, guest houses and is
really beautiful and traditional. It is a good place to stay to see the surrounding
countryside. It is also a popular place for Indian honeymooners.
The town is divided into two parts, Old Munnar, where the tourist
information office is, and Munnar, where the bus station and most guest houses
are located.
Munnar is 1,600 m (5,400 ft) above sea level. It is pronounced
"Moon-aar" short for "moonu aar" meaning 3 rivers. Three
rivers - Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru which flow through this town, but
join some distance away from Munnar.
Munnar is famous for its tea plantations, many of them started by
the British. The "Kannan Devan" brand of Tea from the Tata is
cultivated and processed here.
The strobilanthus ("neelakurinji" in Malayalam, the
local language), a blue flower which blooms only every 12 years, is found in
this region. It bloomed last in December 2006. Munnar also has the highest peak
in South India, Anamudi, at 2,695 m.
Eravikulam national park is one of the main tourist attraction,
where you can find the endagered species of Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat called
"varayadu" in Malayalam). A treck to Rajamala ("King of
hills" in Malayalam), in the morning is sure to spot a few friendly
mountain goats. You can also fond Gaur, Langur, Lion-tailed macaque, and
Elephants depending on the season and time of travel. The altitude is 1,600-1.800
m above sea level. Temperature ranges from a minimum of 0⁰C to a maximum of 28⁰C. Warm clothes and rain gear is recommended.
The tourist season is from Aug-Mar.
Malayalam and Tamil are main languages spoken here. You can manage
with Hindi or English.
Cochin International airport (IATA: COK, ICAO: VOCI), also known as Nedumbassery Airport and CIAL is the
nearest airport. It is around 135 km from the Munnar by car.
The nearest railway station is Aluva, 120 km. Ernakulam is 140 km and may be more comfortable if you are
coming from the south. You can get the direct buses to Munnar, just outside of
Railway station. First Bus starts at 6 am.
§ From Kochi: Munnar is 140 km (about 3 hr) from Kochi. Allow 6 hr traveling
time if you are driving up or down, since the road is blind in some places and
there are a lot of trucks and buses that seem to drive as if they own the road.
Although the road is smooth (NH 49), it is narrow, twisty and curvy. Kothamangalamis
on the way and is 80 km away from Munnar. Between Kothamangalam and next town
"Adimali", you can experience a beautiful cool drive through a
natural forest. Alongside, you can see many refreshing waterfalls. Once you
reach Adimali, Munnar is just 30 kilometers away - but it will take almost an
hour to reach. This is the last place where you can spot a decent restaurant
before Munnar. Around 22 km from Adimali, you can start seeing the tea
plantations on both sides of the road and a panoramic view of the western
ghats. The view is extremely beautiful during the early mornings.
§ From Aluva: Aluva is nearly 120 km from Munnar. Just outside Aluva
railway station you can hire a taxi for Munnar for Rs 1,400-1,600. There is a
bus stand nearby as well which operates frequent buses to Munnar.
§ From Coimbatore: Munnar is about 160 km from Coimbatore and 120
km from Pollachi. Coimbatore-Pollachi - Udumalpet - Chinnar - Marayoor - Munnar route is the most scenic route and though it
will take bit longer, it is generally considered worth the extra time spent.
§ From Kodaikanal: Kodaikanal is nearly 170 km from Munnar. Kodaikanal -
Perumal Malai - Mayiladum Parai - Mooliyaru - Oothu - Falls View -
Ganguvarpetty - Ghat Road - Periya Kulam - Theni - Bodi - Bodimettu - Devikulam - Munnar. This
route is also scenic.
§ For detailed report and photos of route to
Palani from Kochi thru Valparai please see Kochi-Valpara-Palani
Distances from Munnar to various cities:
Note: The road to Munnar is narrow with lots of bends and curves.
Hire a taxi or a driver with local experience if you are not familiar with
similar conditions
Munnar bus station is located on the main street, Main Bazaar.
§ Aluva - Nearest bus station to the Cochin International Airport. Around 4 hr to Munnar.
Ticket cost is around Rs 100-180 depending on the type of bus.
There are also buses from Coimbatore and Pollachi.
You can rent a manual or automatic motorbike on a daily basis for
Rs 350/day.
Some of these site would be more popular to Indian tourists than
to Western tourists.
Near Munnar Town
§ Atukkad Waterfalls, A scenic waterfalls amidst hills and jungles.
You can find a road leading to Atukkad Waterfalls on Kochi road (just about 5
km from Munnar). This road is very narrow and needs a lot of experience to
drive on.
§ Chithirapuram is located at a distance of around 10 km from Munnar.
Chithirapuram has old playgrounds and courts, bungalows and sleepy little
cottages which all give this place an old world charm. This town is also famous
for its tea plantations in the world.
§ Blossam Park, (1 km from Munnar).
§ Pothamedu View Point
Towards Mattuppetty
§ Photo Point, (2 km from Munnar). It is a small place filled with woods
and a small stream. Good location to take photos.
§ Mattupetti Dam, (10 km from Munnar), this popular picnic spot activities
like boating and horse riding and is a great place to spend the day e specially
if visiting with children. You could take the speed boat ride which is
fantastic. It costs Rs 300 if you have to hire a boat for you alone. The ride
is for 15 min. The maximum capacity is 5 persons and you could save some money
if you are a group of 4-5.
§ Mattupetti Indo-Swiss Farm, Better known as Mattupetti (cattle village),
Tamil migrant labourers had once upon a time reared cattle here. The cool
climate and abundance of fodder made it the ideal location for the Indo-Swiss
dairy farm. Established in 1961, the Kerala Livestock Development Board (KLDB)
manages this highly specialised dairy farm. The dairy farm is a unique one of
its kind with more than 100 varieties of high-yielding cattle being reared.
Tourists are not allowed to enter the farm.
Echo Point
§ Echo Point, (15 km from Munnar), on the way to top station from
Munnar is a small lake set amidst rolling hills. Every loud call made from a
spot on the lake embankment is returned manifold by the echo from the
surrounding hills. Young tourists throng to this place to listen to the echoes
of their friendship calls.
§ Elephant Arrival Spot, (18 km from Munnar), Here you can board
an elephant for a ride. It costs approximately Rs 350 per person.
§ Kundala Lake, (23 km from Munnar). This lake is very beautiful amidst
lush jungles. Hiring a pedal boat and exploring the lake and its surroundings
is an awesome experience. Except at the place you hired the boat, don't expect
to find humans around the lake as it is surrounded by scenic jungles and hills.
Unless you know how to row a boat, prefer a pedal boat, each trip lasts around
30 min and will be closed at 4:30PM
§ Top Station, [1]. (37 km from
Munnar on the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border). Great views of the Western
Ghats. Top station is the "top"-tourist attraction. This place gives
a real 'above the clouds' experience. Regular buses go to Top Station (1 hr)
from Munnar. A jeep costs Rs 400. The area is known for the Neelakurunji plant,
which flowers only once every 12 years. The flower is violet.
Towards Marayoor
§ Tata Tea Museum', (Around 2 km on the Nallathany road, from
Munnar). Tourists can see pieces of colonial era and old bits collection.
Videography and photography is strictly prohibited here. This museum remains
open from 10AM-4PM every day, closed on Mon. There is a Rs 50 ticket fee for
adults and Rs 25 ticket for children.
§ Naimakkadu Water Falls
§ Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park, [2] (45 min from Munnar).
See Nilgiri Thar (Hemitragas hylocres) - an endangered species of mountain
goats, rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97² km in the Rajamalai
hills, rare flora and fauna, Atlas moth (largest in the world), lion-tailed
macaque, leopards, tigers, The Kurichi or Neelakurinji Flowers turn the hills
of Rajamalai blue every 12 years. The next bloom will be in 2018. One can
actually debate if going to the high peak just to see some goats is worth all
the effort or not. However, the walk along the park is very romantic and has
some breath taking view.
§ Anamudi Peak inside Eravikulam National Park, The highest peak (2,695 m) south of the
Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary in majestic pride. The slopes of the hills
abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. The Atlas moth, the largest of its
kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park. Other rare species of
fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards,
tigers. An ideal place for trekking, facilities are provided here and tourists
are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi.
§ Lakkam Water Falls. (24 km from Munnar). A small waterfall.
§ Marayoor - (Around 40 km from Munnar). It is the only place in
Kerala with natural growth of sandalwood trees, natural caves with murals, and
relics from late Stone Age civilisation. There is a sandalwood factory of the
Forestry department of Kerala and a children's park extending across one hectare
of land under the canopy of a single Banyan tree, all of which attract tourists
in large numbers.
§ Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, [3].Chinnar wildlife
sanctuary is located in the Wester Ghats of Kerala. This
wildlife sanctuary has a large number of plants and animals. This wildlife
sanctuary is spread in around 90² km of area. This sanctuary is one of the
protected areas in the western ghats because of the significance of its flora,
geomorphologic features, ecology and local cultural.
Other places to visit:
§ Salim Ali (Thattekkad) Bird Sanctuary, [4]. There are woodpeckers, Malabar gray
hornbills, Ceylon frogmouths, parakeets, and rose-billed rollers. This
sanctuary is located 20 km from Kothamangalam on the road between Ernakulam and
Munnar. There are basic and mid-range hotels in Kothamangalam and an Inspection
Bungalow in Boothathankettu. You can take a boat cruise from Boothathankettu to
Thattekkad. Admission foreigners: Rs 40, Indian Rs 10.
water fall near rajmala
§ Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, At a height of about 2,175 m (7,130 ft), this
orthodox tea factory lays claim to being one of the highest in the world. The
view of the Western Ghats is absolutely enchanting.
§ Waterfalls, Check out several natural waterfalls on the way to Munnar. They
provide an excellent place for photography.
§ Kalvarimount
§ Walk in the Clouds, Trek to your heart's content while the clouds
slowly descend upon you.
§ Rock Climbing and Rappelling, Munnar has a steep rock face about 30 m (100
ft).
§ Munnar Carmelagiri
Elephant Park (Munnar Elephant Safari),Mattupetty Road, Munnar (On
the way to Mattupetty Dam), ☎ +91 94 4782 7696, +91 94 4737 9376(info@munnarelephantpark.com), [5]. The
elephant safari takes you through the misty forests, deep valleys and the
rugged hill paths of the Munnar forests. One hour package, half day and one day
tours. Features are, elephant bath, elephant shower, elephant feeding, timber
dragging demonstrations and displays of elephant commands and communication. edit
§ Boating, There are several places to go out for boating in Munnar. One
can choose among paddle boats and speed boats to Kashmiri-Shikara. Young
couples who travel to Munnar should not miss out on the beautiful
'Kashmiri-Shikara' boat ride. It is one of the most romantic experiences.
§ Bicycle. Experience the
natural beauty of Munnar by riding a bicycle through beautiful paths of Munnar
and pass through a tea state called Madupatty, around 14 km form Munnar. edit
§ Yoga @Kaivalyam Retreat, Moolakada,
Pallivasal (7 km from Munnar towards Cochin), [6]."Kaivalyam"
a holistic health retreat in midst of natural surrounding of tea valleys of
Munnar. Year round destination to indulge in learning experience of holistic
lifestyle with traditional form of Yoga and organic way of dining. edit
§ The Christ Church, in Old Munnar. The exteriors have worn out
with time though the charming interiors still have a very nice ambiance. It was
consecrated way back in 1910 and still has 14 original rows of pews. The first
Catholic Church in the High Ranges was Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church.
§ The High Range Club, has a charming colonial style. The club house
is built of wicker and teak and is the social hub for the tea
"Planters" of the region. Members enjoy lounging in the bar over
Planter's Punch followed by a good meal, a game of billiards or reading a book
in the library.
§ Munnar Supply Association (MSA), Set up in 1900, this is another nostalgic
landmark worth visiting in Munnar. It is the oldest department store in the
area and has been re-inventing itself to stay relevant and popular after almost
102 years. The store was run by "planters" who still manage its
affairs. The MSA is a red brick, red tiled building with gables, buttresses and
a porch and is now a heritage site.
The best things to buy are tea, coffee, spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and pepper and definitelyhome
made chocolates.
§ Abbas & Co. Tea
Merchants, 25, Bazaar, Munnar. Abbas & Co is wholesaler but
also sells to visitors. Really good price for tea, green tea, coffee, cashew -
nuts, home made chocolates, spices, aloe vera gel.Budget. edit
§ Fresh tea from a factory
outlet, Kannimallay Estate, Munnar (On the way to
Eravikulam National Park, 5 km from Munnar town). Several varities of
tea fresh from factory. edit
§ State Bank of Travancore. ☎ +91 4865 2530274.
§ State Bank of India, Munnar. ☎ +91 4865 2530381.
§ State Bank of Travancore, Devikulam. ☎ +91 4865 2565441.
Kerala is famous for Fish Curry. For snacks, one should try local
spicy cashew nut, chilly bhaji with hot tea as they are a traditional snack and
makes good combination in cold weather.
§ Bamboo Hut, G.H. Road. Wide range of food for reasonable prices, although
service can be a bit slow. On the upside, the place usually has good
music (from Bob Dylan to electronic chill-out sound), which is normally quite
hard to find in India.
§ Saravana Bhavan, Right at the heart of town and one of the most
inexpensive places to eat. The service here is quick and the food is absolutely
delicious. You might have to share your table with others. This place provides
South Indian dishes, served on a banana leaf.
§ Silverspoon Restaurant, Munnarinn, Main
Bazaar (Right beside the bus station). Breakfast until 11AM.This
place does a great value buffet breakfast of cornflakes, toast, omelet plus
Indian breakfast food for Rs 95. edit
§ TreeTop Restaurant, ☎ +91 48 6526 4273 (+91 48 6526 4399), [8]. Multi-cuisine
restaurant. 70 person seating capacity providing vegetarian and non-vegetarian
food. edit
Munnar has some amazing street food (try the Gobi noodles), so if
you are after a cheap and delicious meal check the area around the bus stand in
Munnar (not the KSRTC bus stand in
Old Munnar).
§ CampNoel, Pazhathottam,
Munnar (15 km from Top Station), ☎ +91 48 6521 4095, [9]. 7AM-10PM.Multi
cuisine restaurant at 2075 m (6,800 ft) above sea level and possibly the
highest altitude restaurant in Kerala. If coming from Top station, turn right
at 19 mile. Road is bad so make sure you have a suitably robust vehicle or
inform them and they will pick you up.The journey is worth it. Please inform
them early if you are going there for only for food. edit
§ Sri velavan stores, G.H.road, Munnar, ☎ +91 48 6523 2379. All provisions
available at reasonable prices. edit
§ Purohit Restaurant, Inside Hotel
Dhanyasree, Dhanyasree Jn. Chilling Plant Road, Munnar (Nr Tea County
Resorts), ☎ +91 48 6523 2552 (+91
48 6523 2553, +91 99 4623 9251). 6AM-10:30PM. Bombay, Jain,
Gujarati, Rajasthani, Punjabi and South Indian food. Good Gujarati, unlimited
Thali at Rs 85. Budget. edit
§ Mahaveer Veg Restaurant, Kalinivas
Building, Main Road, Munnar, ☎ +91 48 6523 1677 (+91 99 4629 2907). Provides
authentic North-Indian food with style ranging from Gujarati to Punjabi and
delicious rotis. Meals start from Rs 75/-. Only vegetarian food served. The
downside to the place is cleanliness at the tables. edit
§ Kaivalyam Retreat, Moolakada,
Pallivasal Estate P.O. Munnar (7.5 km towards Cochin direction), ☎ +91 48 6523 2628 (+91 94 9582
1617, +91 95 2647 7838), [10]. 24x7. Kaivalyam retreat has a
100% pure vegetarian restaurant which serves organic and healthy yogic food. As
it is a yoga retreat more emphasis is given to food quality and hygiene. Serves
North Indian, South Indian and a few continental dishes. Their desserts are
good. Set in the midst of cardamom and pepper plantation. Rs 200. edit
Fresh Tea, Coffee and Milk is available at most places. Hard and
soft drink are also available at fair number of shops. Packed Grapes and Mix
fruit juice is also available at few places.
§ Eightlands Holidays, Colony Rd, ☎ +91 48 6523 2986, +91 48 6523 0938,
Mob:+91 94 9581 2364,[11]. Service and the rooms are a bit
average. Nothing great, just cheap. Rs 700-900. edit
§ Theresian Cottages
(Homestay), Munnar (near Tea County Resorts), ☎ +91 48 6523 0351, +91 94 4739 7720, +91 94
9587 9748. checkin: anytime; checkout: 12 noon. Good location
with nice views. Nearby to many restaurants. Tea and coffee is available.
Kerala Tourism Department approved. Room with 2 beds~Rs 700. edit
§ Allens Cottage, allenscottages@gmail.com (10
km from the town, opposite to the KSRTC bus stand), ☎+91 97 47268095, [12]. Upscale
and standard cottages away from all the disturbences of the city. Camp fire and
inbound trekking can be arranged. edit
§ JJ Cottage, (close to the KSRTC
bus stand in old Munnar), ☎ +91 48 6523 0104(jjcottagemunnar@sancharnet.in). Nice
rooms, very friendly and helpful staff with surprisingly good cheap food.
Double rooms may be negotiated down to Rs 300 during the low season. Feels more
like a bed and breakfast than your average guest-house. edit
§ Hotel Misha, Misha Jn (close
to the main market in old Munnar. Opposite Hotel Green Ridge.), ☎ +91 48 6523 0376, +91 48 6523 2376 (mishaholidays@gmail.com), [13].
checkout: 12 noon. Can be negotiated further down to Rs 700-800/- in
peak season and lower in off season. Rs 1,200-1,700. edit
§ Greenspaces Munnar, (10 km from Munnar), [15]. Greenspaces is neither a resort nor a hotel; it
is a small guest-house/plantation-stay/homestead amid a cardamom plantation,
about 10 km away from the crowded Munnar Town. It is one of the Kerala state
tourism department approved stays.
§ Camelot, (10 km from Munnar), [17]. If you are travelling in your own vehicle then
this may be a good choice. You need to drive 2 km off road to reach the resort,
which is fun. However if you are new to driving, leave your car at the entrance
and ask the owner to pick you up from there. Pack your food in town as the
choice of food at resort is limited.
§ Kaivalyam Retreat, Moolakada, Pallivasal (7 km from Munnar), [22]. Organic living and dining with yoga
§ Marthoma Retreat, (on the way to top station, about 2 km from
Munnar Town) [23]. Has a restaurant, but food is made to
order.
§ Spice Garden Resort, (Located in the
second mile, around 8-10 km from Munnar Bus Stop), ☎ +91 48 6526 3698, +91 94 4716 3696 (contact@spicegardenresorts.com), [26]. Cheap,
clean, courteous staff and located on hill slope with a breathtaking view.
Multi cuisine restaurant providing breakfast and dinner however food is only
made to order. Hot water 24 hr, TV in all rooms, Trekking and travel
assistance, laundry. A doctor is on-call, parking spaces and driver
accommodation are provided Rs 1,500-2,500 (Indian nationals). edit
§ Bella Vista Resort, Chithirapuram
Post (20 km from Munnar town), [29]. Very
scenic with roof top restaurant. Double honeymoon cottage around Rs 1,800.
edit
§ Ayur County resort, Munnar (18
km from Munnar Town), ☎ 91 48 6568 5618 (info@ayurcounty.com,fax: +91
48 6824 9218), [30]. Ayurvedic centre, cardamom
plantation visit, fishing, trekking, camp fire, multi-cuisine restaurant and
coffee shop, childrens play area & activity room, credit card facility,
travel desk, site seeing trip 24 hr hot & cold water, STD direct dialing,
cableTV in all rooms, pick up and drop off, conference hall, doctor on call. Rs
2,500-12,500. edit
§ Club Mahindra Lakeview Resort, Chinnakkanal. (20 km from Munnar Town on
the way to Thekkady/Periyar), [34].
§ Main Post Office. ☎ +91 48 6253 0280.
§ Police control room ☎ 100
§ Fire station ☎ 101
§ Ambulance ☎ 103
§ Swatic Ayur Care Centre, ☎ +91 94 4703 1656, +91 48 6523 1656, +91 48 6523
0395.
§ Surya Ayurvedic Health Resorts, Chithirapuram. ☎ +91 48 6256 3204.
Apply sunscreen lotion while you leave Munnar because as you
descend the hills the weather gets warmer and causes sun burn.
§ Tata General Hospital, Munnar ☎ +91 48 6253 0270
§ Matha Hospital , Munnar ☎ +91 48 6253 0744
§ Arun Hospital, Munnar ☎ +91 48 6253 0410
§ Mattupetty
§ Kodaikanal Munnar - Devikulam - Bodimettu - Bodi - Theni -
Periya Kulam - Ghat Road - Ganguvarpetty - Falls View - Oothu - Mooliyaru -
Machoor - Mayiladum Parai - Perumal Malai - Kodaikanal - approx 170 km
§ Thekkady
§ Pollachi
§ Palani
§ Madurai
§ Kovalam
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