Munnar
is one of the most popular hill stations in South India. It is nestled in
Western Ghats at an altitude of 6000 ft and is located in Idukki district of
Kerala. This picturesque hill station beckons nature lovers from far and
near.
Large
tea plantations, forests, hill ranges, valleys and wildlife makes anyone fall
in love with this place. I am going to share 13 places that you should visit
(or try to) when you are in Munnar. And if you already visited Munnar recently,
then I hope these will make you want to do another trip very soon!
1. Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty
dam and its reservoir is located 13 km away from
Munnar. This concrete gravity dam is built between the hill ranges and it
is used mainly for water storage for hydroelectric projects. Its reservoir is
an idyllic place to enjoy the serene nature. It is also said to be one of the
waterholes where the elephants in the region often visit..
2. Mattupedi Dairy Farm
Mattupetty
is also famous for the Indo-Swiss Farm. This is a highly specialized dairy
farm which comes under Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. Hundreds of high
quality cattle are reared here and new varieties are scientifically developed.
3. Kundala Lake
Kundala
Lake is an artificial reservoir of a minor arch shaped dam huddled between the
mountain ranges. It is about a 20 km drive from Munnar. There is boating
facility there..and don’t forget to go for a Shikara boat ride while you are there!
4. Top Station
It is about 40 km from Munnar
and it is 1,880 meters above sea level. The panoramic view of the Western Ghats
and the valley of Theni from Top station is simply breathtaking. Top station
got this name from it’s being the uppermost located railway station on the
Kundala Valley Railway.
5. Echo Point
Echo
Point is about 15 km from Munnar. Go there and scream as loud as you
can..and wait for a minute. You can hear your echo back! Its quite interesting.
If you have kids with you..they will love it. They can experience this natural
phenomenon firsthand.
6. Rajamalai (Part of
Eravikulam National Park)
Rajamala,
part of Eravikulam national park, is located at about 15 kms from Munnar.
This region is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas hylocres).
It was converted to a national park to provide a safe sanctuary for the
already endangered species of Nilgiri Tahr.
7. Marayoor Sandalwood Forests
This is located at around 42
kms north of Munnar through the Udumalppetta route. Marayoor is famous of the
natural sandalwood forest. Not only that, this place is said to be part of the
ancient stone age civilization dated back to 10,000 B.C. Stone age paintings,
rock edicts and dolmens found there vouch for this rich heritage.
8. Attukad Waterfalls
Now
this is a scenic waterfalls located between Munnar and Pallivasal. It is just 9
km away from Munnar. But this waterfalls will be in its full glory only after
the monsoon (Rainy season). During other seasons, it is just a trickling
mountain stream.
9. Blossom Park
Blossom
International Park is about 3 km away from Munnar town and it spreads over 16
acres. It is a peaceful location to enjoy a calm and relaxing nature walk
admiring flowers and surrounding green hillside. The park offer many activities
for tourists like boating, cycling, roller skating etc.
10. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is about 60 kms from Munnar. It is situated on SH 17 in the Marayoor and Kanthalloor Panchayats of Idukki district. It is an ideal spot for trekking and enjoying wildlife closely. It is the habitat for endangered Grizzled giant squirrel in India. Almost 34 species of mammals including panthers, spotted deers, elephants, tigers can be found here. It is also a bird watchers paradise. 245 species of birds live here!
11. Lakkom Water Falls
This waterfalls is about 25 kms from Munnar on the way to Udumalaipettai. Lakkom waterfalls is part of Eravikulam National Park. The cascading waterfalls and the scenic surroundings makes it tourists favorite hideout in Munnar.
This waterfalls is about 25 kms from Munnar on the way to Udumalaipettai. Lakkom waterfalls is part of Eravikulam National Park. The cascading waterfalls and the scenic surroundings makes it tourists favorite hideout in Munnar.
Reference
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