Munnar |
Surrounding Places.........
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Anayirangal (22 kms from Munnar): |
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It's a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid
reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by Tata Tea
plantations and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic spot. |
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Devikulam (7 kms from Munnar): |
This idylicc hill
station with its velvet lawns , exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air offers a
rare experience to visitors. The Sita Devi lake with its mineral waters and picturesque
surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal trout fishing.
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Valara (10 kms from Adimali on the
Kochi-Madurai highway): |
Valara has a chain of waterfalls surrounded
by thick green forests.
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Marayoor (40 kms from Munnar) |
This is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of
sandalwood trees. The sandalwood factory of the forest department, the caves(muniyaras)
with the murals and relics from the New stone age civilization and the children's park
spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single banyan tree, are of great
interest to tourists. Thoovanam waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also nearby. |
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Accomodation:
Chaithanya Tourist Home, Tel. : 91-486-552222
Marayoor Tourist Home, Tel. : 91-486-552231
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Cheeyappara: |
The Cheeyappara and
Valara waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi - Madurai
highway.
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Top Station (32 kms from Munnar): |
1700m above sea level
, this is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodiakanal road. The rare Neelakurunji
(strobilanthus) belongs to this region. Top Station (a viewing point) also offers a
panoramic view of neighbouring state of Tamil nadu.
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Meenuli: |
It is noted for 2
acres of evergreen forests upon a huge rock. The rock is more than 500 acres in area and
an ideal spot for mountaineering.
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Malankara Reservoir (6 kms from
Thodupuzha): |
Located on the
Thodupuzha - Moolamattam road, this artificial lake is accessible by road. The reservoir
is ideal for boating and fishing.
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Thommankuthu waterfalls (17 kms from
Thodupuzha): |
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The seven step waterfall here is a much loved picnic spot . At
each step there is a cascade and a pool beneath . Thommankuthu is an ideal place for
adventure tourism. (This is also a tricky spot and visitors are advised to exercise
caution !) |
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Nadukani (25 kms from Idukki): |
Moolamattam town , Malankara lake etc. can
be viewed from the high pavilion situated here.
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Kalvari mount: |
This is a famous pilgrim centre on the way
to Kattapana.
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Palkulamedu (12 kms from Idukki): |
Kochi, Allapuzha and other nearby towns can
be seen from this peak at 3125 m above sea level.
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Chithirapuram (10 kms from Munnar): |
With its sleepy little
cottages, bungalows, old play grounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old world
charm. Home of the Pallivasal Hydel power project, this hill town is also famous for its
picturesque tea plantation.
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Ramakalmedu (16 kms from Nedumkandam): |
Rolling green hills and fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an
enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages
of Bodi and Kambam on the Eastern slope of the Western ghats. One can enjoy the splendid
beauty of nature. This is an ideal place for trekkers and mountain |
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Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (60 km from
Munnar) |
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Situated on the Tamil Nadu border, the
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 90.44 sq km.
Animals: Most of the Southern Indian wild animals can be found in this
forest. These include the grizzled giant squirrel, champal squirrel, elephant, sambar
deer, gaur etc.
Birds: Jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl etc. |
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Access: |
Munnar - Udumalpetta Road |
60 km |
Coimbatore - Udumalpetta - Chinnar Road |
100 km |
Cochi - Chinnar |
190 km |
Parambikulam via Pollachi - Chinnar via Udumalpetta |
60 km |
Kottayam - Chinnar |
250 km |
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Visiting Time: |
0700 - 1800 hrs. Entry
passes are available at the office of the Assistant Conservator of Forests or the Check
Post Information Counter.
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Permitting Authority:
Wildlife Warden, Idukki Wid Division, Painav/Wildlife DFO, Munnar. Tel. : 91-486-530487.
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Trekking Routes |
Palapetty, Champakad
Karimuty - Inchapetty
Karimuty - Alampetty
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High Range Club |
Charmingly colonial in
style, this clubhouse built of wicker and teak still serves as a social centre for the far
- flung farmers of the region around Munnar. The club houses an elegant lounge and a
dining room, the obligatory gentleman's bar, a billiards room, a library etc. Entry is
limited to members only.
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Trekking Points in Munnar |
Anamudi, Rajamala, Meesapulimala, Top
Station, Kundala, Devikulam.
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Sightseeing Tours: |
Sightseeing tours are
arranged from the District Tourist Infornation Office, Thekkady Jn., Kumili. Tours cover
spice plantations, herbal gardens, tribal settlements, other places in an around Munnar
etc.
Tel. : 91-486-322620
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Tourist Circuits in Munnar: |
Munnar - Mattupetty Dam - Indo Swiss
Livestock Project - Echo Point - Kundala Dam - Top Station
(34
km).
Munnar - Pothamedu - Chitirapuram - Pallivasal - Cheyappara - Adimali - Valara (40 km).
Munnar - Rajamala - Marayoor - Chinnar (70 km).
Munnar - Devikulam - Lock Heart Gap - Power House Waterfalls - Anayirankal (32 km).
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Kodaikanal ( App. 150 kms.): |
Set among the gently sloping Palani Hills is
the charming retreat of Kodiakanal, also called Kodai. This is one of India's most
beautiful hill stations frequented by tourists. The pride of Kodaikanal is the
'Kurinji-flower', which blossoms once in 12 years. The hill - plantain fruits and plums
are known for their freshness and taste.
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Thekkady ( App. 100 kms.) : |
The most renowned destination is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
at Thekkady, one of India's major sanctuary areas. The sanctuary is now renamed as Periyar
Tiger Reserve. The drive to Thekkady itself is enchanting as the road winds through
tranquil countryside, rich plantations and thick jungles. Thekkady is on the border of
Tamil Nadu. |
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House Boats & Backwater cruises : |
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Backwaters refers to the large inland lakes
in Kerala. The waterways of Kerala have played a main role in the economy of the state. It
is an incredibly different experience to cruise in the backwaters in country boats,
absorbing the beauty of Kerala villages. Some of the beautiful backwater areas are
Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kottayam, Changanacherry and Cochin. |
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