Home > India at a Glance > South India > Kerala > Munnar

State Kerala
District(s) Periyar
Coordinates  
Area  
Elevation  
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
Population (2001)  
Density  
Districts  
Codes  
Postal  
Telephone  
Vehicle  

Munnar is a beautiful hill station covered with endless stretches of tea plantations and is 133 kms from Cochin, with an altitude ranging between 1600 & 1800 mtrs above sea level. Munnar boasts of the highest peak in south India 'Anamundi' rising about 2695 mtrs high. Munnar was the favourite summer resort of European settlers for centuries. The name 'Munnar' means 'Three Rivers' and they are actually three mountain stream, Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, confluence at the heart of the town, meeting all the water requirements of the settlers and visitors.

Dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and major cash crop plantations dominate most of this region. Munnar abounds in animals like elephants and Nilgiri Tahrs and rich biodiversity teeming with flora and fauna. Among the exotic flora found in the forests here is the "Neela Kurinji", a flower which bathes the hills in blue every 12 years, will bloom next in 2006 A.D.

Munnar is a small town located at 10.09° North and 77.06° East in Idukki district, of the southern state of Kerala in India. The name is most often used to refer to the whole tourist area, of which the town forms a part.

It is located at the confluence of the mountain streams Muthirappuzha, Chanduvarai and Kundala. It is surrounded by wild jungles and is wet and cold for most of the season.Though part of Kerala state, Tamil workers brought from Tamilnadu and their successors are now majority in Munnar.

 

house boat, munnar

History  

During the British rule of India, Munnar was developed to cultivate tea plants. At that time, most of the people around the area were employed as labourers for the various plantations. In the early stages of development, only Tamilians and a few Malayalis were present there.

Most of the top positions were occupied by the British, proudly called 'Managers' in Kundaly. A few bungalows were built for them and these are still used. It is also believed that Munnar was a favourite place for those of the British who were in the know and it is sometimes referred to as the 'Switzerland of India' for its natural surroundings and Old World architecture.

In 2000, the Government of Kerala declared Munnar as a tourist spot. This has helped in attracting more tourists to the place.

 

munnar

Geography  

The area is between 1600 and 1800 meters above sea level and typically stays between 22 °C and 38 °C. The tourist season is from August to March but is especially lovely during the monsoons, with little streams and rivulets all over the place. Though the temperature is moderate, the relatively high altitude makes one prone to sun-burn.

 
Tourism  

Overlooking the refreshing surroundings of the Anayirangal Lake, the luxury hotel Fort Munnar offers a fantastic panorama of gentle slopes and sheer drops and a spectacular view of the coffee, tea and cardamom plantations. The hotel is conceived under the concept of eco-friendly holidaying. In the shape of a colonial architecture, the Fort Munnar is finely tuned with enormous trees, enchanting hills and foliages surrounding it. The forests surrounding Fort Munnar are home to exotic spices that have been reaching all parts of the world from time immemorial.

Rajmalai

This is about 15 kms from Munnar. The natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr.

Eravikulam National Park is 15 km from Munnar. This is a 97 sq km park situated in the Devikulam Taluk. Anaimudi peak, the highest mountain peak in South India is situated in the Southern region of the park.

Devikulam

Devikulam is about 7 km from Munnar. It is a hill-station lake town and is a major tourist attraction.

36 km from Munnar. It is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The place has left glimpses of the ancient caves (muniyaras). Thoovanam Waterfalls is situated near Marayoor.

Mattupetty Dam

13 km from Munnar. It has an Indo-Swiss Livestock project and has rose gardens. It has boating facilities too. The famous Echo point is very near and offers beautiful picnic spots.

Kundalay Dam

20 km from Munnar. Is on the way to Top station. The Golf course of Tata Tea is located here.


rajamalai, munnar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

devikulam, munnar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

tea plantation, munnar

Reaching Munnar  

Nearest Airport Cochin International Airport (115 kms 3 hours)

Nearest Railway stations Kochi - 130 km (3.5 hours)

Well connected to all the major cities of South India. Kottayam 147 km, Madurai 142 km.

 
Shopping  

Leo Gift House, Munnar; DMS Shopping Centre, Munnar; Marakkar Shopping Centre, Munnar are few of the shopping areas where you can find various useful and decorative items.

 
SUGGESTED TOURS
     
   
KERLA TOURS
YOGA ,MEDIATION & REJUVENATION TOURS
BEACHES TOURS
WILDLIF TOURS
SOUTH INDIA TOURS
ADVENTURE & TREKKING TOURS
       
       
India at a Glance
South India
Kerala
Other State of South India
Tamilnadu, Karnataka,
Pondhicherry,Andhra Pradesh,
North India
Central and west India
East India
TAJ MAHAL TOURS
GOLDEN TRIANGLE TOURS
RAJASTHAN TOURS
CULTURAL TOURS
GOA TOURS
KERALA TOURS
WILDLIFE TOURS
BUDDHIST TOURS
HILL STATIONS TOURS
BEACHES TOURS
SOUTH INDIA TOURS
LUXURY TRAIN TOURS
TEMPLE TOURS
PILGRIMAGE TOURS
ADVENTURES/TREKKING TOURS
FAIR & FESTIVALS
LEH LADDAKH TOUR
MUMBAI TOURS
BANGALORE TOURS
CITY OF JOY CALCUTTA TOURS
HONEY MOON TOURS
GOLF TOURS
AGRICULTURE & PLANTATION
TOURS
NEPAL TOURS
SRILANKA TOURS
MALDIVES TOURS
  Explore India !
Agra
Khajuraho
Delhi
Mumbai
Goa
Banglore
Udaipur
Varanasi
   
Forts & Palaces
Wildlife