WhatToSee

What to See in Devikulam Munnar – Main Attraction Lake and Hill Station

2011-08-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

Devikulam is a small hill station which about 16Km away from Munnar. Main attraction of Devikulam is Lake with natural mineral water. Sita Devi Lake and its surrounding will give you a good picnic spot experience. This lake is good for fishing too. According to legend, the goddess Sita Devi of the Ramayana epic bathed in the beautiful Devikulam lake waters surrounded by lush, green hills, now named Sita Devi Lake. People from this place speak in Tamil. A Pallivasal waterfall is near to this place.

This lovely hill station located in Munnar is famous for its breath-taking locales and scenic spots. The uneven bends and undulating hills provide adventurous moments as one can go trekking, rock climbing or simply take a long walk along the narrow roads of the hills.

Devikulam hill station is famous for its own unique flora and fauna. It is a very good experience of taking a morning walk in the early morning mist along the softly gushing waterfalls that cascade from steep heights. I bet you it would be a wonderful romantic experience by visiting the Devikulam Hill Station.

Place to Visit In Munnar:

1. Tata Team Museum 2. Rajamalai National Park 3. Thattekkad Salim Ali Bird Sanctury 4. Attukal waterfalls 5. Chithirapuram Hill Station 6. Blossom International Park 7. Mattupetty 8. Top Station 9. Marayoor 10. Pothamedu 11. Chinnar 12. Devikulam 13. Ramakkalmedu

What to See in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Munnar – Main Attraction Watch Tower

2011-08-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

Chinnar is about 50Km from Devikulam and 18Kms north of Marayoor in Idukki district. The Famous Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located here. This beautiful wildlife sanctuary is rated amongst the finest wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala. Sanctuary covers an area of about 90 sq Kms. The entire wildlife park is covered with thorny scrub forests, wet grasslands, shoals and dry deciduous forests that provide a natural habitat for Giant Grizzled Squirrel that has been declared as an endangered species.

Chinnar wildlife Sanctuary is one of the twelve protected wildlife sanctuaries of the state. It is set along with the splendid backwaters of Devikulam. Over 900 species of flowering plants identified in this wildlife sanctuary. Major species are Xerophytic as Acacia arabica, Acacia concinna and Opuntia stricta. Over 240 species of birds are identified in this Sanctuary. Chinnar Wildlife Park is raised to a wildlife sanctuary in the year of 1984. You can see wild animals like Panthers, Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Rusty-Spotted Cats, Nilgiri Thar, Elephant, Gaur, etc. Over 50 species of reptiles and 40 speicies of fish 150 species of butterflies are identified in this Sanctuary. It has the largest population of Mugger Crocodiles. This wildlife sanctuary is located close to Anamalai wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and the Eravikulam National Park. Grizzled Giant Squirrel is the main attraction of this wildlife sanctuary.

You can see the bird-eye view of the entire park from the watch tower located in this park. The watch tower is accessible to the public with the permission of the forest department. The watchtower is a 20-minute walk from the Chinnar check post. A fee of Rs. 15 per person is collected at the tower. A Forest guard and tourist guide accompanies visitors. The guide charges Rs. 100 a day. This is an amazing place for the trekkers also. They can enjoy the scenic beauty of the nature by moving towards Thooyanam Waterfalls. Tourists can enjoy camping here.

Place to Visit In Munnar:

What to See in Pothamedu Munnar – Main Attraction Trekking and View Point

2011-08-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

Pothamedu is a good tourist spot just near (apporx 5 Km) to Munnar. It is on the NH49 road. Pothamedu View Point is the place to sit and see the panoramic view of the Munnar. It is abundant rich with lush green plants of coffee, tea and cardamom.

It is a very good location for trekking and mountaineering. Look for Zigzag roads and high altitude viewpoints.

Place to Visit In Munnar:

What to See in Marayoor Munnar – Main Attraction Sandal Wood Forest & Muniyara (Cave)

2011-08-16T03:02:00.000-07:00

Marayoor is about 40 Kms from the Munnar town and it is a rain-shadow village located in Munnar-Udumalpet road. It falls in the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. Marayoor is famous for the ancient caves – Muniyara, sandalwood trees and souvenirs from ancient civilization. A sandalwood factory owned by the department of forest is located in this place. Precious sandalwood crafts are manufactured from this factory. You can pick up some authentic sandalwood souvenirs for your friends back home. You can enjoy the real sandalwood fragrance in Marayoor.

You can enjoy the old rock painting in the caves which has considerable archeological significance, also part of the pre-historic excavations at Marayoor, are solenoid burial chambers consisting of four erect stones covered by a horizontal capstone. Thoovanam waterfall and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are close to this place. Marayoor is famous for its hand-woven silk Sarees. Another attraction of Marayoor is the children’s park which constructed under the banyan trees over a wide area of land.

Place to Visit In Munnar:

What to See in Top Station Munnar – Main Attraction Enjoy Neelakurinji Bloom

2011-08-16T02:07:00.001-07:00

Top Station is a place above 1700m from the sea level. It is the top most place in the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. Top Station is 32 Kms away from Munnar town. This place offers you the panoramic view of Western Ghats. Also you can see the best view of Neelakurinji during the blooming season. It blooms once in 12 years and next will be in 2018. Top station is the highest tea plantation in India. This place falls near to the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border and commands a panoramic view of rolling green hills. Top Station is notable as the historic transshipment location for tea delivered up here from Munnar and Mattupetty by railway and then down by rope-way to Kottagudi. The Kurinjimala Sanctuary is close to this place.

Founded by the British, you can still spot pack ponies and mules trot up and down the steep slopes carrying merchandise as they did some 125 years ago. Endless views of the deep misty valley stretching below make Top Station an ‘above the clouds’ experience. Regular buses to this vantage point from Munnar (an hour’s drive), in addition to jeep services costing Rs. 400.

Place to Visit In Munnar:

What to See in Mattupetty Munnar – Main Attraction Indo-Swiss Livestock Project

2011-08-12T04:15:00.000-07:00

Mattupetty means Cattle Village. Mattupetty is located 13 Kms away from Munnar and it is lies 1700 Mts above from the sea level. Outside of scenic beauty, travelers have another reason to visit Mattupetty. The main importance of the place is the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project is situated here. This firm is working towards the improvement of the cattle breed functions. Over 100 varieties of yielding cattle are available here. You can see as many as three of eleven cattle sheds at the farm. It is worth noting that there is a definite visit time and entrance fee to this highly-specialized dairy farm. The project was established in 1961 by Kerala Livestock Development Board (KLDB).

The Shola forests in and around Mattupetty are ideal for trekking and are habitat to a variety of birds. Rivulets and cascades crisscross the terrain here, which again adds more attraction to the place Mattupetty dam has an agriculture garden on its banks.

One of the main attractions in Mattupetty is the beautiful lake, and the Mattupetty Dam, which are ideal picnic spots. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Idukki provides boating facilities in the Mattupetty Dam. Speed launch, slow speedboat and motorboats are available on hire. Other nearby places of interest includes the picturesque Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake. Mattupetty Dam was built in the late 1940’s

Road: 13 km from Munnar.
Railway station: Ernakulam, about 130 km from Munnar.
Airport: Cochin International Airport, about 110 km from Munnar.

Place to Visit In Munnar:

What to See in The Blossom International Park Munnar – Main Attractions

2011-08-12T02:49:00.000-07:00

Blossom International Park is covering 16 Sq. Km area of gardens with lots of flowers and plants. A lake is located in the park with boating. You can spend few hours in Blossom International Park with boating, cycling etc. It is 3Kms away from Munnar on the way to Cochin. Beautiful gardens with rare varieties of plants and flowers, shady trees, facilities for water cycling, boating cycling for kids, roller skating etc are amusing.

In addition Tree houses, ropeways and swings are arranged. Entrance Fees - Rs.10.00/ for adult and Rs.2.00/- for Kids

What to See in Chithirapuram Hill Station, Munnar – Main Attractions

2011-08-12T01:58:00.000-07:00

Chithirapuram is 10 Km away from Munnar, small town with cottages and old bungalows. Chithirapuram has an added charm of picturesque tea plantation and spice nurseries owned by Kerala Spice Board. This place is abundantly rich with tea plantations, mountain background and tea & spice. The Pallivasal Hydro-electrical project is located in this place. This small takes you to past old playgrounds, courts, little cottages, spice nurseries and mansions during the British Kingdom with narrow winding road. Explore this part of Munnar on foot while taking in the fresh mountain air, and stopping along the way for photographs. Walk through the tea gardens, enjoy a cup of steaming coffee in a shack, meet the locals and simply watch the world stand still.

Chithirapuram takes you the world of experiences in outdoor activities such as hiking and trekking. Cast your blues away as you travel to Chithirapuram Kerala. You can enjoy the nature walks, treks and hikes in Chithirapuram tour. This place is located in Idukki district near to Munnar. Treat your eyes to an unending stretch of tea plantation. Take a trip to Mattupetty Reservoir to enjoy speedboat racing. Local transport like includes taxis, auto-rickshaws, bicycles and buses are available from Munnar to reach this place.

What to See in Attukal Waterfalls, Munnar – Main Attractions

2011-08-12T00:48:00.000-07:00

It is a beautiful waterfall amidst hills and jungles. It is located between Munnar and Pallivasal. This place is good for who enjoys trekking. Attukal Falls usually presents a panoramic view but assumes a cascading and roaring beauty during the monsoons. Two more waterfalls – Cheeyappara and Valara located near to this. It is just 9Kms away from the Munnar.

This place renowned for its beautiful locales, glittering waterfalls, and rolling hills.

What to See in Thattekkad Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary – Munnar - Main Attractions

2011-08-12T00:04:00.000-07:00

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located Ernakulam district. It is about 13Kms away from the Kothamangalam along the Pooyamkutty Road in Kerala. Sanctuary located on the banks of the Periyar River. It lies at a height of 525M above the sea level and covers an area of 25Sq.Kms. Thattekkad is made up of dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forest and grassland patches, housing a population of over 500 species of exotic birds. It was established in 1983 and occupies the Boothathankettu Dam. This is the first recognized bird sanctuary in Kerala was designed by Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist. He identified about 167 bird species and his student, Dr. Sugathan, identified about 207 species of birds. The Bombay Natural History Society has also identified about 253 species of birds here. The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary attracts nature lovers from all over the world.

The vegetation in the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary comprises of tropical evergreen forest of Vellapine, Karanjili, Palai Kunthirikam, Bhadraksham, Kanala and Kurangatti; tropical semi evergreen forest of Anjili, Kambacom; tropical deciduous forest; trees of commercial value like Teak, Rosewood, Venteak, Venga, Maruthau and patches of grasslands.

It is a paradise for passionate bird watchers and is also a lovely abode to many animals and reptiles. You can see wild life animals like Leopard, bear and Porcupine in this sanctuary. The main bird varieties are found in Sanctuary are Indian roller, cuckoo, common snipe, crow pheasant, jungle nightjar, kite, grey drongo, Malabar trogon, woodpecker, large pied wagtail, baya, sparrow, grey jungle fowl, Indian hill myna, robin, jungle babbler and darter. Some of the birds which are found very rare are Crimson – throated barbet, bee-eater, rose-billed rollers, sunbirds, shrike, fairy bluebird, grey-headed fishing eagle, black winged kite, night heron, grey heron, grey hornbill, Malabar shama, Malabar grey hornbill, Malayan night herons, and rusty – tailed flycatchers. There is also a rich variety of butterflies at the sanctuary. The best months for visiting this sanctuary are November to June as migratory birds arrive from the north.

How to Reach

Bus route was Ernakulam South -> Edappally -> Kalamassery -> Perumbavoor -> Kothamangalam.

The nearest airport is located at Kochi (Cochin) which is about 71 kms.

The nearest railway station is located at Aluva, about 48 kms.

What to See in Rajamalai National Park (Eravikulam) Munnar – Famous for Nilgiri Tahr

2011-08-11T20:48:00.000-07:00

This wide life national park is located Eravikulam-Munnar in the Idukki district (border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu). It is about 45-50 Mins travel from Munnar. National Park was created to preserve the Nilgiri Tahr (Varayaadu), a rare species of the wild goats found only in the south of the Himalayas. Also you can see rolling grasslands and shola forests spread over 97 Square Km in Rajamalai hills. It is yet fairly new as it was after construction in 1978.

During the British kingdom, the place was owned by Rajamalai and Eravikulam, and later on it was given to Kannan Deven Hills for tea plantation. Later it was declared as sanctuary and was founded in 1975 and upgraded as national park in 1978.

In this park you can see Elephant, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri marten, Atlas moth (Largest in the world), lion-tailed macaque, small-clawed otter and a rare tiger or leopard and the Nilgiri wood pigeon. The Kurichi or Neelakurinji Flowers turn the hills of Rajamalai blue every 12 years. The next bloom will be in 2018. One can actually debate if going to the high peak just to see some goats is worth all the effort or not.

What to See in Munnar Tata Tea Museum – Main Attractions

2011-08-11T20:42:00.000-07:00

The museum located at the Nallathanni Estate of the Tata Tea in Munnar. The Tata Tea Museum shows the growth of Munnar tea estates through some unique displays like rudimentary tea roller to the modern fully automated tea factory. Visitors can see the various stages of tea processing and also can learn about the production of black tea.

A sundial, placed on a granite block, which was made in 1913 by the Art Industrial School at Nazareth, Tamil Nadu, greets a visitor to the Tea Museum. At the museum, if one is curious to locate an item with some antiquity, then the burial urn from the second century BC, which was found near Periakanal estate, tops the list.

Some of the special items on the display at the Tea museum included the original tea roller, the Rotorvane dating back to 1905, used for CTC type tea processing. The Pelton Wheel used for the power generation plant which was located at the Kanniamallay estate in the 1920s. A rail engine wheel of the Kundale Valley Light Railway which helped to shuttle men and material between Munnar and Top Station during the first half of the last century.

In the Museum, a section is allocated for the houses classic bungalow furniture, typewriters, wooden bathtub, magneto phone, iron oven, manual calculators and EPABX of the1909 telephone system.

A demonstration room for tea tasting is another attraction where one would come across different varieties of tea. Those eager to understand the nuances of tea processing can do so at the CTC and orthodox tea-manufacturing unit at the museum. The museum authorities are also contemplating on the idea of allowing tourists to pluck tea leaves themselves and have them processed in their presence.

The Tea Museum by Tata Tea would soon become yet another reason for travelers to visit the enchanting hills of Munnar, which has already become one of the prime tourist destinations in Kerala.

Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. (open 7 days a week)

Entry Fee:
Adults: Rs.50
Children below 12 years: Rs.10

Address:Tata Tea Museum
Nalluthanni Estate
Munnar, Idukki district.

Courtesy: keralatourism.org

What to See in Munnar – Tourist Spots, Hotels, How to Reach

2011-08-11T04:22:00.000-07:00

Munnar is the one of the common tourist place in God’s Own Country – Kerala. It is part of Idukki district in Kerala. If you are dreaming to travel through clouds it is the best place. In Munnar you can enjoy flower valleys, green hills, endless hills of tea and cardamom plantations, etc. etc. Munnar welcomes you with these tea plantations which will give you a pleasant mood. It was a peaceful paradise for the British rulers during the colonial rule. Munnar stays in the altitude of above 6000 feet from the sea level with pleasing chilled climate. Munnar has its own varieties of flowers and plants. Among those Neelakurinji is the popular one which blooms once in 12 years. In addition, people can see a number of wildlife sanctuaries and dense forests to visit.

Munnar is the one of the most famous hill stations in south India. The confluence of three streams namely the Kundala, Nallathanni and Mudrapuzha gives rise to this picturesque and serene holiday destination in Kerala. It is easy to reach from any point from the state of Kerala and blessed by Nature in all aspects. Munnar is the good place to spend some leisure days apart from the Kerala Backwaters.

Accommodation: Lot of resorts, hotels, home stay is available in Munnar. Anamudi – the highest peak of south India located in Munnar which is a welcome treat for the trekkers. Munnar Inn, Royal Retreat Munnar, La Palmas, Autumn Trees, Hotel Hillview and Munnar Tourist Home are the reputed budget hotels.

Best Time to Visit Munnar:

You can visit Munnar throughout the year except the Kerala monsoon in June/July. The weather is extremely cold during winter (December/January). Take extra woolen garments during heavy winter season.

Local Language:

The local people here speak Malayalam (the official language of Kerala) and Tamil (the official language of Tamil Nadu). English is taught in schools from the primary level and even common people can read and speak English.

How to Reach Munnar

Munnar can be reached from Cochin, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram, Madurai, Ernakulam, Thekkady, and Palani. From Cochin (Kochi), Munnar is situated at a distance of nearly 140 kilometers. Two places fall on the way- one is Kothamangalam and the other is Adimali. Munnar is very close to the town of Adimali, which is situated just 30 kilometers away from Munnar. From Coimbatore however, Munnar is situated at a distance of 150 kilometers.

The nearest railway station is Ernakulam is 140 km and may be more comfortable if you are coming from the south. You can get the direct buses to Munnar, just outside of Railway station. First Bus starts at 6 am

Place to Visit In Munnar: