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FACTS & FIGURES
Languages : Malayalam
and English
Best time to visit : October–March
STD Code : 0486
A HILL STATION
CALLED MUNNAR
Munnar is a small hill station set amongst
the Kannan Devan hills. It is famous for its lush green
surroundings, lakes, reservoirs, forests, and tea estates.
The quiet environs of Munnar attract the traveler to
relax in the lap of Mother Nature. Munnar also beacons
the adventure-seeking traveler, who is interested in
paragliding. It has some of the highest tea estates
in the world.
LOCATION
Munnar is located in the eastern part of the state of
Kerala, in the southern region of India, amongst the
craggy hills of the Western Ghats at an altitude of
1524 m above sea level. It is 130 km east of Kochi and
borders the state of Tamil Nadu. The weather in Munnar
is pleasant. Summers (April–June) are mild, while
winters (November–February) are cool. It experiences
heavy southwestern monsoon rains in June–August.
VISITING TIME
The best time to visit Munnar is between
the months of October to March. Travelers must avoid
the monsoon season while visiting Munnar.
TOURIST SPOTS
Travelers can have panoramic view of
the verdant surroundings and forested hills from Munnar.
Walks and hiking around this small town offer an exhilarating
experience. Travelers can also enjoy walking amongst
the numerous tea estates of Munnar and view the entire
process of making tea, right from plucking of tealeaves
to their processing at the Kundale tea plantation.
Anaimudi (2,695 m), the highest peak in southern India,
can be viewed from Munnar.
The Christ Church is an important place to visit in
Munnar. Built of stone, it was constructed by the British
in 1910. This church is known for its stain glass windows.
It has a number of brass plaques in memory of the tea
planters.
The National Adventure Foundation conducts a course
on paragliding in Munnar. Travelers can also enjoy boating
in the lakes in Munnar.
SITES NEARBY
The Evarikulam National Park is 16 km
from Munnar. This national park is the home of elephants,
lion-tailed macaque, and the Nilgiri tahr (a rare mountain
goat). Travelers can also explore the Rajamala Hills
adjoining the national park.
Marayoor is 42 km from Munnar to east of the Evarikulam
National Park. Here one can experience the peaceful
ambience and beauty of a sandalwood forest.
The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is 10 km from Marayoor
and 52 km from Munnar. This sanctuary is the home of
elephants, leopards, and bear. Top Station, bordering
the state of Kerala, offers spectacular views of the
Western Ghats.
Ten kilometers from Munnar, en route to Top Station,
one can visit the Mudapetty Dam. This is a popular picnic
spot and travelers can indulge in activities like boating
and horse riding here.
SHOPPING
Munnar is famous for tea. Tourists may
buy it straight from the numerous tea estates or from
the various shops in Munnar.
HOW TO REACH
Munnar does not have an airport or railway
station. The nearest airport and railway station is
at Kochi, which is 130 km west of Munnar. Munnar is
accessible by road from most of the towns in Kerala.
It can also be reached from Madurai (6 hours) and Coimbatore
(6 hours), which are located in the state of Tamil Nadu.
Auto-rickshaws and bicycles can be hired for exploring
the town.
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