Munnar is one of the most peaceful and
picturesque hill resorts in Kerala, and it is located in the Idukki district.
It is at an altitude of approximately 1600 meters above sea level and is
renowned for its green hills, misty valleys, tea gardens, and bracing mountain
air.
Munnar is quite famous as a dreamland. The
area is dominated by the verdure of the rolling hills and the endless tea
plants. The natural mist covering the valleys gives an otherworldly touch to
the place. Waterfalls cascade down from the mountains, and the atmosphere is
filled with the fragrance of fresh tea leaves and flowers. A painter's dream
landscape awaits at every step in Munnar.
Before the arrival of European planters,
Munnar was occupied by the Muthuvan tribe people. Much of Munnar was unoccupied
and in its natural state until the British planters arrived in the nineteenth
century. According to oral tradition, A.H. Sharp instituted the first tea
plantation on around fifty acres in 1880. There is only ever the conception of
Munnar as a place with endless tea-bushy slopes. Tea is not just a plantation
here; it is an attitude and a major aspect of the culture as well as the
economy of the region.
To see how far the relationship of Munnar
goes with tea, a trip to the Tea Museum is essential. Located at the
Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea, the museum contains old photographs, tools, and
other essentials that tell the story of tea planting taking root and growing
day by day. It is an interesting place where one learns about the journey of
the tea leaves coming into existence in the cup.
Among Munnar's most celebrated natural
sights is the flowering of the Neelakurinji flower. This exotic flower grows
once every 12 years, carpeting the hills and valleys with a beautiful blanket
of bluish-purple hues. In full bloom, it turns the entire landscape blue.
The second destination to visit in Munnar
is the Eravikulam National Park, which is located over an area of 97 square
kilometers. The park is home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered mountain
goat whose spotted form can be seen grazing on the slopes of hills. The park is
also a good source to spot other animals and witness the Western Ghats in all
its panoramas. Within this park looms Anamudi Peak, the highest point in South
India. At a height of more than 2,700 meters, it provides good trekking routes
for adventure seekers and beautiful views at the summit.
Mattupetty:
1700 meters above sea level is where Mattupetty is located, famous for its dam
and lake. Boating here amidst the tranquil waters is a peaceful experience.
There is a dairy farm close by that is operated by the Indo-Swiss Livestock
Project.
Pallivasal:
Just 3 kilometers away from Chithirapuram, this is the site of Kerala's oldest
hydroelectric project. It is great for nature and history enthusiasts.
Chinnakanal and Anayirangal. Chinnakanal features picturesque waterfalls, and Anayirangal has a
large dam surrounded by tea plantations and forests.
Top Station:
The site has one of the top panoramic views in the area and is a well-known
tourist destination, especially at sunrise and sunset.
From the quiet beauty of the tea-covered
hills to the charm of its small towns and scenic spots, everything about Munnar
invites you to relax and take life at your own pace. If you are traveling with
family, friends, or on your own, Munnar offers a kind of peace that stays with
you long after you leave.
