Munnar the Kashmir of South India

Munnar is always a weekend trip from where i belong to. it is 130 km from Cochin. Cochin have connectivity through rail, flight or waterways.

If i start to talk about Munnar words won't be enough but will try to explain as much as i can about my beautiful green valley.

When three mountain streams conspire to make you hold your breath on the road uphill in God’s Own Country, there is definitely a dream destination ahead. Located at an altitude of 5,200 ft above sea level, in the Idukki district of Kerala, Munnar offers an ideal getaway.

Wondering what’s the best time to visit Munnar? This hill station was once the summer retreat of the British, but it offers pleasant climate all through the year. Munnar Honeymoon packages are quite the rage during the cozy winters, while the monsoons offer solitude and the music of rains at the hillside home stays and cottages. You will cherish your stay at Munnar Tea County or munnar great escapes , and its fresh air will be one of your best memories much after you bid adieu to the place.

Here’s my pick of the places to visit in Munnar:

1.Matupetty

Located at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level, at 13 km from Munnar, Mattuppetty houses a unique Indo-Swiss Farm with over 100 varieties of high-yielding cattle, expansive grasslands and landscaped gardens.

Not too far away, there’s the Mattuppetty Lake and Dam, where there’s a boating experience to savor and the Rose Garden which is known for its shutterbug vistas.

2.Kundala

You don’t need to go all the way to Kashmir for a ‘shikara’ ride. Head to Kundala Lake, around which the hills soar to the sky and the forests are thick and secretive; this is about 27 km from Munnar. The Kundala Dam – built in 1946 for Pallivasal Hydro Electric Project – is the world’s second and Asia’s first arch dam. The golf course ground and the tea plantations in the neighborhood are must-see additions to your list.

3.Rajamalai National Park

Want to spot the Nilgiri Tahr? These highly-endangered species of mountain goats are found in abundance at the Rajamalai National Park, also known as Eravikulam National Park. Located 15 km from Munnar, the national park spreads over 97 sq km, houses Anamudi (the highest peak in South India) and is home to several protected species of flora and fauna.

4. Top Station

To feast your eyes on the Nilakurinji plants(a shrub that flowers once in 12 years), drive for about 41 km from Munnar town to the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. there’s always the panorama of the tea gardens, verdant forests, and misty valleys.

5. Devikulam

Legend has it that Sita (of the Ramayana epic), once spent time at this picturesque lake, in the tranquil hills near Munnar. That’s how it came to be known as Devikulam (the Lake of the Goddess). It’s a popular tourist hub now and known for trout fishing.

6. Atukkad Waterfalls Munnar

Nothing spells romance like fantastic waterfalls against the backdrop of rolling hills. About nine km from Munnar town, there’s a slice of heaven called Attukad which can be reached only by crossing a wooden bridge through a dark and green jungle. A touch of the cool, refreshing Attukad Waterfalls is enough to revive a weary traveler. It’s also a popular trekking route and picnic spot.

Elephant Lake Anayirangaldam Munnar

It’s the perfect wow moment. Do take out your cameras! Here you get to watch herds of wild tuskers quenching their thirst at a lake! The Elephant Lake at Anayirangal Dam is a lush green carpet of tea plants about 22 km from Munnar. This is a picnic spot with great views of the wilderness. But do remember to maintain a safe distance from the animals.

Munnar has much to offer to the tourists who arrive from every nook and corner of the world to explore the beauty of Munnar. Search for good resorts near Munnar and select the resort that best fits your budget. Munnar is totally a place for nature lovers and photography lovers!

by evening i left for my home town and reached back home by night with a fully refreshed mind that is the magic of munnar, you have see to feel it.