Munnar

Munnar, located at an altitude of 1,600 m, is one of the most beautiful hill stations of Kerala. Munnar has the highest peak in south India, Anamundi, which rises to a height of 2695 m. Munnar was the most favored summer destination of European settlers for centuries. Munnar actually means the 'Three Rivers' and derives its name from the three-mountain stream, Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. The confluence of these rivers is at the heart of the town and they fulfill all the water requirements of the town.

Munnar is an ideal destination for a peaceful vacation. It offers a variety to the visitors in terms of sight seeing as there are lots of tourist attractions including the lakes, dams, wild life sanctuaries and tea and spice plantations.

Devikulam, 7 km from Munnar, is another hill station known for its green meadows, exotic flora and fauna and the pristine mountains. The Sita Devi Lake is good option for picnic. The water of the lake has minerals, which contains curative properties. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.

Pallivasal, 8 km from Munnar, is the venue of the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala. The place is also famous for its immense scenic beauty.

Chithirapuram, 10 km from Munnar, reflects the colonial charm with the presence of the cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts. One can see the Pallyvasal Hydel Power Project and the tea plantations.

Attukal, 9 km from Munnar, must be visited for its charming sceneries, waterfalls and rolling hills. Attukal is located between Munnar and Pallivasal and is also for long treks.

Nyayamakad, 10 km from Munnar, is placed between Munnar and Rajamala. The place is famous for several splendid waterfalls. The waters come down a hill from a height of almost 1600 m. The enchanting surroundings make an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.

Mattupetty, situated at a height of 1700 m, is at a distance of 13 km from Munnar. It is famous for its highly specialized dairy farm of the Indo-Swiss Live Stock Project. More than 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. The Mattupetty lake and dam are at a short distance from the farm is a popular picnic spot. The visitors should visit the Kundala Tea Plantations and the Kundala Lake while on a visit to Mattupetty.

While at Munnar, something that is not to be missed is the Eravikulam National Park. The park, at a distance of 15 km from Munnar, was originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex). The park covers an area of 97 sq km and is divided into 3 regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. The tourists are allowed to visit only till the tourism area which is in the Rajamala region.