Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams namely Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. This hill station, located at an altitude of 1600 m above sea level, was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands is the ‘Neelakurinji‘.
About Munnar :
The name Munnar (which means ‘Three Rivers’ in Tamil) is derived from its location at the confluence of three mountain streams – Kundala, Mudrapuzha and Nallathanni. Munnar was once a summer resort for the British government in South India. Tucked into the Western Ghats, surrounded by tea and spice plantations, soaked in atmosphere, Munnar is heart-stopping beautiful. Munnar is also known as the Kashmir of South India. The main cultivation crops in Munnar are Tea and Coffee.
Attraction of Munnar :
- Mattupetty: Mattupetty is situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level. Mattupetty Lake and Dam is a beautiful picnic spot with the panoramic view of the tea plantations and the lake. Boating facilities are available in the reservoir. Mattupetty is also well known for its highly specialized dairy
- Rajamala: Rajamala is the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr. Half the world population of this rare mountain goat is found here, which is fast becoming extinct.
- Eravikulam National Park: A sanctuary for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr ( Hemitragus hylocrious), the Eravikulam National Park stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills.
- Anamudi : The highest peak (2695 m) south of the Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary in majestic pride. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park. Other rare species of fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, etc.
Munnar Geography and Climate :
The climate in Munnar is basically cool, partly because of the altitude and green ambience and partly due to the very heavy monsoons from June to September.
Best time to visit Munnar :
The best time to visit Munnar is between the months of October to March. Travellers must avoid the monsoon season while visiting Munnar.
Munnar Orientation :
Munnar isknown as the Kashmir of South India. The tea plantations in Munnar are a result of the British government’s discovey the possibility to grow tea in the pleasant climate of Munnar. There are many varieties of plants grown in the forests and plantations of Munnar, which have medicinal properties. These plants are collected by practitioners of Ayurveda, the traditional system of Medicine in Kerala and their extracts are added to the oils used in Ayurvedic massage therapy. Munnar is the best known of Kerala’s hill stations. You can see the scenic attractions of Munnar ,on your Kerala tours with the Backwaters of Kerala.
Weather :
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.
Languages : Malayalam and English
STD Code : 0486
Best Time to visit : October-March