Munnar is one of the most beautiful hill stations of Kerala. Nature blossoms and thrives in full form in Munnar. Munnar is located at the converging point of three mountain tributaries namely, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Nestled between beautiful hills and lush green valleys is the scenic locale of Munnar. Your Munnar travel will be definitely worth the time and efforts you are devoting. Anyone visiting India must travel to Munnar, Kerala. This place was a favorite among the British when they ruled India. In fact, the bungalows they lived in so many years back are still maintained properly and people still live in them.
Munnar is famous for its tea gardens and plantations. So much that it has an entire tea museum dedicated just to the refreshing beverage, tea. This museum houses some fascinating antiques and artifacts related to the growth and evolution of the tea plantations in Munnar. The highest peak of south India lies in Munnar and is called Anaimudi. It goes upto a height of approximately 2700 meters. This lovely peak is a favorite place of those interested in trekking and rock climbing. Also, one can go for long walks on the undulating pathways of the hills.
A popular hill station in Munnar is the Devikulam hill station. The name literally means "pond of Goddess". The place has some breath taking locales and the scenery is enough to make you miss a heartbeat. Munnar is often referred to as "Switzerland of India" because of the beautiful locales and scenic landscape. Make it a point that you visit Munnar while your travel to Kerala, India. We assure you it will be worth every minute you spend there.
Munnar has an ancient history and prehistoric relics that can be dated back to Stone Age civilization. The written history begins only from 10th century. In the early 19th century, the headman of the villages of Anchanad, Kannan Thevar, held lands to the north of the high ranges, which belonged to the local Rajah of Poojar.
According to record history, the first tea sapling was planted by A.H. Sharp at Parvathi, part of the present Sevenmullay estate, consisted of 50 acres of land in the surrounding jungle.
J D Munro, a British lawyer and tea planter leased close to 600 sq. km of land around Munnar, which was then covered with thick jungle, from the Poonjar chief, a subordinate of the Maharaja of Travancore. He then cleared the jungle for Tea plantations. This land was later known as Kannan Devan (Kannan Thevar) Concession Land.
Later in 1895, Messrs Finlay Muir & Company bought Munro’s land and in 1976 Tata-Finlay Ltd. purchased it. Then in 1983 James Finlay Group sold their remaining share holdings and the company became known as Tata Tea Ltd., the largest integrated tea company in the world.
Attukal Pongala, celebrated in the month of February is one and the only temple festival in the world where women assemble together to make offerings by cooking a pudding for the goddess in the Attukal temple. It is taken home after the chief priest of the temple will come and sprinkle the holy water and will shower the flowers. Another most celebrated festival is the Thrissur Pooram Festival, which takes place in the month of May/June. It is a massive show with about thirty caparisoned elephants bedecked with gold ornaments. Mahouts holding objects symbolizing royalty ride each elephant. The most popular amongst all the festivals of Munnar is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race held in the month of August. Pavilions are set up for the spectators on the banks and in the middle of Punnamada Lake the venue of the race. There are separate races for women and the race begins with a colorful pageant of floats performing arts and decorated boats and goes on late into the evening. The festival of Onam in Munnar brings more life to the city. This festival lasts for ten days and involves singing, dancing, and feasting with religious ceremonies. This harvest festival is celebrated to welcome the legendary king Mahabali.
Places to visit :
Pothamedu -
pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.
Devikulam -
this idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The sita devi lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.
Nyayamakad -
located between munnar and rajamala, nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 metres. The enchanting surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.
Rajamala -
this is the natural habitat of the nilgiri tahr. Half the world population of the rare mountain goat which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here.
Eravikulam National Park -
the 97 sq. Km park is situated in the devikulam taluk and is home to the nilgiri tahr. The anamudi peak (2695 m ) is located in the southern region of the park.
