At a distance of 120 km from Kochi, 284 km from Trivandrum, 142 km from Coimbatore, 134 km from Kottayam, 153 km from Thrissur, 100 km from Athirapally Falls and 150 km from Madurai, Munnar is a fascinating hill resort located in Idukki district of Kerala. It is one of the best Tourist places in kerala and among the most popular hill stations in India. This is also one of the famous weekend getaways from Kochi, Coimbatore & Madurai cities.
Mattupetty Dam, Pothamedu Viewpoint and Tea Museum are among the must include places in your Munnar tour packages. Munnar town is situated at an altitude ranging from 5000 to 8000 feet on the Kannan Devan Hills in Devikulam taluk and is the largest town in the Idukki district covering an area of nearly 557 sq. km. It is also called as the Swiss of South India. It was once the summer resort of the British Governors of South India. Munnar is at the confluence of three rivers - Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. In Tamil, Munnar mean 'Three Rivers'. Munnar is home for some of the world's best tea estates. Majority of the plantations are owned by Tata Group's Kannan Devan Tea Estate.
Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi, which towers over 2695 meters. Trekking facilities are available to reach Anamudi on foot. The tea plants covering Munnar hills make the feeling of seeing a wide green carpet. Munnar's mesmerizing greenery, mountains, calmness, lakes and waterfalls attract honeymooners and tourists throughout the year. Mattupetty Dam, Echo point, Kundala Lake, Top Station, Anamudi peak, Devikulam, Nyayamkad falls, Thoovanam falls, Eravikulam National Park and Attukal Waterfalls are the popular Munnar tourist places.
Munnar is also known for Neelakurinji flowers, which blooms once in 12 years. The kurinji season in Munnar is a magnificent sight as the hills and valleys are blanketed by Neelakurinji blooms.
Munnar is a trekker's paradise too, which offers both soft and mountain trekking. Visit the wildlife sanctuaries around Munnar. One can watch the splendor of wildlife at the Eravikulam, Thattekad or Chinnar wildlife sanctuaries. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and the process involved in brewing tea leaves. It is also known for being the spice center of Kerala. Over twelve varieties of spices including ginger, garlic, cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, coffee, tea, clove and nutmeg are cultivated in Munnar and its neighboring villages.
The nearest airport to reach Munnar is at Kochi, about 125 km away. The Kochi International Airport is not only well connected to the rest of the country but also to different parts of the world. The nearest railway stations are Ernakulam (126 km) and Aluva (110 km). Munnar, Kerala is also well connected by road. Bus services are available from Kochi, Alleppey, Madurai, Idukki and Aluva.
Munnar offers different experience throughout the year, while March to May is the peak season. It usually takes at least two full days to explore the Munnar sightseeing places.
