Munnar - Kashmir of South India OR Kashmir of Kerala OR tea trade centres of India

STATE - KERALA
 
DISTANCE - 130 KM From Cochin, 192 KM From Alleppey, 302 KM From Trivandrum

CONNECTION

By Air : The nearest airport is Kochin, 130 km away from Munnar which is connected to all the cities in India.

By Rail : Kochin is the nearest railway station, which is connected to all the major cities in India.

By Road : Munnaris accessible by road from most of the cities and town in Kerala. You can also reach Munnar form Coimbatore (6 hrs away) and Madurai (6 hrs away) in Tamil Nadu.

ABOUT MUNNAR

Munnar is a small hill station situated at the Kannan Devan hills. It is famous for its lush green surroundings, lakes, reservoirs, forests, and tea estates. The quiet environs of Munnar attract the traveler to relax in the lap of Mother Nature. Munnar also beacons the adventure-seeking traveler, who is interested in paragliding. It has some of the highest tea estates in the world.

Munnar is located at the Idukki district of Kerala State in South India. Munnar's mesmerising greenery, mountain scenery, calmness and cool refreshing air attracts honeymooners and tourists throughout the year. It is a weekend hideout location for domestic tourists during summer season. Foreign travellers likes watching the natural beauty of Kerala while the journey from Thekkady to Munnar.

Munnar is at the meeting point of three rivers. In Tamil, the word 'munnu' means "three" and 'aar' means "river". Hence "Munnar" is a shortened version of 'Munnu Aar'. The 3 mountain streams joining together here are Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.

PLACES OF INTERESTS IN MUNNAR

Nyayamakad : It is located at a distance of 10 kms from Munnar and is a land of barely credible waterfalls. The sight of waters cascading down a hill from a height of around 1600 meters is an awe-inspiring one. The enchanting surroundings make an outstanding picnic spot and trekking point.

Eravikulam National Park : This flourishing national park is home to the Nilgiri Tahr and also to the Anamudi Peak which is located in the Southern region of the park. It was initially conventional to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex) and was recognized as a national park in the year 1978. It is spread over an area of 97 sq kms and is one of the most adored among the tourist attractions of Munnar. This park is remarkably beautiful and is a gem to the crown of Munnar.

Tata Tea Museum : It is located 2 Km from Munnar Centre on the Nallathany Road. Collection of old bits and pieces from the majestic era can be seen here. Demonstration of tea production, Information on machineries, tea processing and tea tasting.

CSI Church : A church built with stone in 1910. It has fine stained glass and brass plaques. Above all, a calm place to pray and meditate.

Matt petty : It is 14 km away from Munnar. Matt petty dam has an agriculture garden on its banks. Speed boat ride through the dam is also available.

Rajamalai : Rajamalai (Eravikulam National Park) is situated 13 Km away from Munnar on Udumalpet road (SH17). Trekking here can perhaps give you a glimpse of Nilgiri Thar, the rarely seen mountain goat.

Chinnar Wild Sanctuary : It is located 60 km away from Munnar on Udumalpet road (SH17). Elephants, deers, samba etc can be seen from the watch tower. The tall tower is about 200 meters distance from the check-post.

Blossom International Park : Blossom International Park at Munnar has an adventure track, 1000-feet long fountain, roller skates, underground mediation centre and a beautiful garden.

Anamudi : Anamudi, the highest peak of South India is close to Munnar and is a great place for adventurous trekking.

RELIGIOUS PLACES IN MUNNAR

Sree Krishna Temple of Munnar : This temple of Munnar is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is located at Peermade, 42 km from Kurnili. The annual festival here is celebrated for ten days. It starts with the hoisting of the temple flag (Kodiyettam). The last two evenings of the festival are marked by lively performances of Ottanthullal and Kavadiyattam.

Sree Dharmasastha Temple of Munnar : This temple of Munnar is dedicated to Lord Dharmasastha. The goddess is Ayyappa, son of Shiva and Vishnu in the female form of Mohini. The annual one day colourful festival is celebrated with lots of pomp and gaiety. During this festival, `Ammankudam` and `Thalappow`, `Garudanvaravu`, the folk rituals are performed, which represent the extraterrestrial bird, Garuda.

Sree Murugan Kovil of Munnar : This temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya. This deity is also known as Sree Muruga, son of Lord Siva. Here, `Thrikkarthika Utsavam` festival is celebrated with lots of fun.

Sree Ayyappa Temple of Munnar : This temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. It is situated at Anachal 15 km from Munnar. The six day annual festival of the temple starts with the ceremonial hoisting of the temple flag (Kodiyettam).

Santhigiri Sree Maheswari Temple of Munnar : This temple of Munnar is dedicated to Lord Siva. It is situated at Santhigiri at the centre of Adimali town. Every year, a five day festival is celebrated in this temple. The last day of Shivaratri is considered to be the most auspicious for worship.

Sree Parthasarathy Temple of Munnar : This temple is situated at Mundakkayam and 65 km from Thekkady. It is dedicated to Lord Parthasarathy. The six-day annual festival of the temple begins with the ceremonial hoisting of the temple flag (Kodiyettam).

Sree Krishnaswamy Temple of Munnar : This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is located at the heart of Thodupuzha town. Every year, a ten day festival is celebrated in this temple. `Kathakali` performances are also held on 5th and 6th days of the festival.

WHEN TO GO MUNNAR

The best time to visit Munnar is between the months of October to March. Travelers must avoid the monsoon season while visiting Munnar.

WEATHER FORECAST

Munnar experiences a moderate climate all through the year. Summers (March to May) are pleasant and the temperature ranges a maximum of 25°C to minimum of 15°C. Winters during December to February are cool and temperature comes down to 10°C during this period. Monsoons (June to September) are lovely with pouring rainfalls.

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS IN MUNNAR

Munnar (India) offers visitors a rich array of events and festivals throughout the year that highlight its unique cultural identity and history. HotelTravel.com highlights the key events and festivals in Munnar from month to month, providing visitors with a huge choice of possible choice to play that once in a lifetime holiday around. Each one brings to life why Munnar is so representative of people from India.

Attukal Pongala : This all-female affair sees the town's womenfolk congregate to bake a pudding to be offered to the goddess of the temple, Attukal. The chief priest later comes to bless the temple by sprinkling holy water.

Thrissur Pooram Festival : This is one of the most momentous festivals to be experienced in Munnar. Towards the end of May, the local mahouts and their majestic mammals, the elephants, take to the streets carrying object symbolic of revered royalty

Nehru Trophy Boat Race : This extravagant affair takes place on the second Saturday of August each year in Kerala on the Punnamada lake, with spectator pavilions set up along the banks. The opening ceremony is a colourful spectacle of decorated floats, boats and traditional performances.

Onam : This harvest festival is celebrated in honour of King Mahabali. The 10-day celebration beginning at the end of August and lasting into early September is one of the most lively events of the year. Religious ceremonies, feasting, dancing, music performances and singing are all essential parts of the celebration.

Navarathri Festival : This 9-day celebration is held in honour of the beloved goddess of music and knowledge, mother Saraswati. Each evening a musical recital of the best local classical performers takes place at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram

Deepavali : This nationwide festival is celebrated with as much fervour in Munnar as the rest of India. It is one of the most spectacular events on the Indian festivals calendar and sees the windows of local homes lit by candle. Fireworks displays and booming firecrackers bring the area to life in a blaze of colourful light

Christmas : Although not a religious festival in India, Christmas is celebrated in the area. Firework displays and enchanting music bring the area to life, setting the perfect atmosphere for Christmas away from home.

FOOD AND RESTURANTS IN MUNNAR

Like most of Kerala, Munnar has staple diet of rice and fish. Also, there would be coconut in all the food items that are prepared here. There are also many households that make tasty homemade south Indian dishes like idli, sambhar and vada.

Most of the food is cooked in coconut oil but if you don't like its taste you can inform the management of the hotel or the cook to lessen it. The famous banana chips of Kerala are also very tasty.