Munnar : One of the most sought after tourist destination in Kerala, this hill station is named after the three rivers that are flowing through Munnar. Located at a height of 1600 metres above sea level, tourists from all over the world are attracted by extraordinary natural beauty of this place. The mist covered hills, tea plantations, waterfalls, lakes and wild life combined with a pleasant weather is a fascinating experience for visitors. There are Kerala Honeymoon Packages to Munnar, that can take tourists to most of the tourist spots here.
Munnar rose to prominence when British tea planters arrived by the end of nineteenth century. They started cultivating tea on land taken by lease. Several tea estates were established during this period. The bungalows built by the British in the past can still be seen. Tourism became widespread with the arrival of tourists by the end of the twentieth century.
Accommodation facilities with all modern amenities are now available. Cottages, Hotels and home stay facilities are common here. Newlywed couples spending their honeymoon, tourists who love trekking or wild life enthusiasts they all find this an ideal place for spending their vacations. The popular tourist spots extend several kilometers around Munnar. During a tour one can view the mist cladded mountains, deep valleys and lush green tea plantations. Occasionally during the drive one may sometimes see wild elephants grazing at a distance. There are also several places suitable for trekking.
Some of the major attractions are listed below
Mattupetty : There is an artificial lake surrounded by mountains and forests. This is a popular tourist spot. Boating services are open for tourists seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There is an entry fee to the boat land facility, which is ten Rs. per person. Speed Boat rate is 500 Rs. per boat and the boating duration is for 15 minutes. Seating capacity is for maximum five persons.
Kundala dam : This arch dam is also frequently visited by tourists visiting Munnar. This water reservoir is located in a spot full of mountains and the splendid view from this reservoir leaves a lasting memory for tourists. The timing is from 9 a.m. to 5p.m. There is no entry fee to the dam. Pedal boats are available here. The charge is Rs.100 for half an hour and they can carry two people at a time.
Eravikulam National Park : is one of the favorite destination for tourists. This park is home to the endangered species called the Niligiri Tahr. Private vehicles are not allowed inside the sanctuary. Special vehicles that belongs to the park carries tourists inside the sanctuary. The park timing is from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30p.m. and it remains open seven days a week. The entry fee is Rs.65 per person for Indian nationals. For foreign nationals the entry fee is Rs.245 per person. There is also extra charge for cameras. The park remains closed every year from the first week of February to the first week of April every year. Anamudi the highest peak in South India can be seen from Eravikulam national park.
Lakkom waterfalls. Travelling another 18km. further after Eravikulam national park it is possible to see water cascading down rocks. The waterfalls are one of the best waterfalls close to Munnar. The route to this water fall itself passes through places of unmatched natural beauty and during the drive itself one can see the tea estates and scenic beauty around. There is an entry fee of Rs.10 per person and it is open from 10:00am to 7:00pm on all days.
Lockhart view point : This place is located on the route to Chinnakkanal. This view point is located on the road side. Most tourists stop here and it is possible to get a spectacular view of Bison valley below.
Chinnakkanal : There is a small waterfalls on the way to Chinnakkanal. Anayirangal dam is also situated close to Chinnakkanal.
Tea Museum : This is located in Munnar town itself. There are old photographs displaying the history of Munnar. A documentary about the history of tea plantations here is shown here. There is also a model of tea factory and the various process involved in producing tea can be seen here. There is an entry fee of Rs.75 for adults and Rs.35 for children. Separate fee for Rs.20 for camera
The temperature in Munnar is approximately cool and pleasant. In winter temperature may come down to 5°C and summer the maximum temperature is 25°C. For people intending to visit all the major tourist spots here, it is highly recommended to spend at least two nights in Munnar.