| |
|
| |
^Munnar^ |
| |
|
| |
Altitude: 5000 to 8000ft. above sea level. Temperature 0 degree to 30 degree( Summer : 15.2 degree – 25.8degree. Winder: 0 degree – 10 degree). Rainfall: 275 cm. |
| |
|
| |
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain stream – Madrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resorts of the erstwhile British Government in south India . Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resorts town. Among the exotic flora found in the forest and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower, which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2018 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in south India , Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking. |
| |
|
| |
^Mattupetty^ - 13 km from Munnar |
| |
|
| |
Situated at a height of 1700 m. Mattupetty is known for its highly specialized dairy farm – the Indo Swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100 varieties of high yielding carrel are reared here. Visitors are allowed into 3 of the 11 cattle sheds at the farm. Visiting time: 0900 – 1100 hrs and 1400 – 1730 hrs. Rate Rs. 5 per head.
The Mattupetty lake and dam, just a shot distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed launch, slow speedboat and motorboats are available on hire. |
| |
|
| |
^Echo Point^ - 15 km from Munnar |
| |
|
| |
This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar. |
| |
|
| |
^Kundala^ - 20 km from Munnar |
| |
|
| |
Kundala is a picturesque town on the ay to Top Station. The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. Is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction. Aruvikkad Waterfall is also near Kundala. |
| |
|
| |
^Top Station^ - 32 km from Munnar |
| |
|
| |
1700 m above sea level, this is the highest point on the Munnar – Kodaikanal road. The rare Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus) belongs to this region. This plant blooms once every twelve tear bathing the hillsides in bright blue. Top Station also offers a panoramic view of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. |
| |
|
| |
^Rajamala^ - 15 km from Munnar |
| |
|
| |
This is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr. Half the world population of the rare mountain goat (Hemitragas hylocres) which is fast becoming extinct is now found here. The Nilgiri Tahrs are today reduced to small herds found in the Eravikulam – Rajamala region. The total number of Nilgiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated at 1371. |
| |
|
| |
^Eravikulam National Park^ - 15km from Munnar |
| |
|
| |
The 97 sq.km. Park is situated in the Devikulam taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695) is located in the southern region of the park.
Sanctuary visit: The park is divided into three regions – the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area which is in the Rajamala region. The Nilgiri Tahr can be observed at close quarters here.
Visiting time: - 0800 – 1700 hrs. Visitors are not allowed during the monsoon.
Entry pass:- Rs.10 for adults Rs. 2 for children below 12 years. Rs.50 For foreigners
Permitting authority: - Wildlife Warden, Munnar Ph: 231587
Trekking facilities are available here. Tourists are allowed to go on foot up Anamudi. This is also a place for adventure tourism.
Trekking areas: - Anamudi, Rajamala |
| |
|
| |
^Marayu^: - 40 km 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 nurals and relics from the New Stone Age civilization and the children's park speads across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single Banyan tree are of great interest to tourists. Thoovanam waterfall and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also nearby.
|
| |
|
| |
^Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary^ - 60 km from Munnar |
| |
|
| |
Situated on the Tamil Nadu border, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 90.44 sq. km.
Animals: - Most of the South Indian wild animals can be found in this forest. These include the grizzled giant squirrel, champal, elephant, sambar deer, gaur etc.
Birds: - Jungle Fowl, myna, Laughing Thrush, Black Bulbul, Peafowl etc. |
| |
|
| |
^Devikulam^– 7 km from Munnar |
| |
|
| |
This idyllic hill station with its 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.
|
| |
|
| |
^Lock Heart Gap^ - 13 km from Munnar |
| |
|
| |
This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of visit. |
| |
|
| |
^Attukadu^ - 9 km from Munnar |
| |
|
| |
A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukadu, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treks.
|
| |
|
| |
^Cheeyappara^ |
| |
|
| |
The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi – Munnar highway. The Cheeyappare waterfalls cascade down in seven steps. It is a real feast for the eyes. This is also a great place for trekking. |
