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MUNNAR, KERALA (INDIA)- Things need to know before visiting

Kerala is a state located on the southwestern coast of India, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and unique traditions. It’s often called “God’s Own Country” due to its natural beauty, which includes lush backwaters, pristine beaches, dense forests, and hill stations like Munnar.

Munnar is a beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. It’s famous for its tea plantations, lush green landscapes, and pleasant weather. The town is situated at an altitude of about 1,600 meters above sea level and is a popular tourist destination for nature lovers, honeymooners, and trekkers.

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    ( LOCATION– Ideal for tourists) Bellmount Resorts Munnar

1.Eravikulam National Park (location)

Eravikulam National Park is a protected area located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India, renowned for its rich biodiversity, scenic beauty, and ecological significance. The park is situated in the Idukki district and covers an area of approximately 97 square kilometers. It is part of the Anamalai Hills and is known for its lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and cool, misty climateThe park is also a part of the Western Ghats, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its ecological importance and biodiversity

Tourist Activities:

  • Trekking: The park offers trekking opportunities, with trails leading up to Anamudi Peak and other scenic spots. The trek to Anamudi is especially popular, though it requires special permission as it is a protected area.
  • Wildlife Watching: Visitors can enjoy spotting wildlife like Nilgiri Tahr, elephants, and other endemic species. The park is also home to a variety of birds, making it a great destination for birdwatching.
  • Eravikulam Peak: A popular spot within the park offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
  • Tea Gardens: The area around the park is known for its tea plantations, which visitors can explore, giving the area a unique cultural touch.

 

CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

2.Munnar tea gardens (Location)

Overall, Munnar’s tea gardens are a must-visit for anyone traveling to Kerala. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply someone looking to escape to a peaceful hill station, Munnar’s tea plantations offer a tranquil and immersive experience.

Key Features of Tea Gardens in Munnar:

  1. Vast Scenic Beauty: Munnar is dotted with sprawling tea plantations that stretch across rolling hills and valleys. The rows of neatly manicured tea bushes create a stunning visual contrast against the backdrop of misty mountains. The sight of these plantations is truly breathtaking, especially during sunrise or sunset.

  2. The Process of Tea Making: Visitors can often tour the tea gardens and learn about the process of tea cultivation, from plucking the leaves to processing them. Some of the more famous estates even offer guided tours where you can witness the machinery in action and understand how the different types of tea are produced.

  3. Popular Tea Estates:

    • Tata Tea Museum: Located near the town of Munnar, this museum provides a historical perspective on the evolution of tea in the region. It’s housed in a former tea factory and showcases old machinery, photographs, and artifacts.
    • Kolukkumalai Tea Estate: This estate is renowned for being one of the highest tea plantations in the world, located at about 7,900 feet above sea level. The views from here are stunning, and you can also sample some of the finest tea.
    • Chillies Tea Gardens: Known for both its quality tea and panoramic views, Chillies is another place to visit if you want to experience the culture of tea-making in Munnar.

  4. Tea Tasting: Many tea estates offer the chance to sample different varieties of tea, such as black, green, and white tea, all produced locally. The tasting sessions give a unique opportunity to understand the nuances of the tea and learn about the region’s tea culture.

  5. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Munnar’s tea gardens is from September to March. During this period, the weather is cooler and more pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor activities. The tea gardens look especially beautiful during the monsoon months (June to August), although it can get a bit wet.

  6. Eco-Tourism: Many tea estates in Munnar are involved in eco-tourism, promoting sustainable practices and preserving the local environment. Staying in or near these estates can give you a chance to experience the region’s natural beauty while supporting environmentally conscious initiatives.

  7. Tea-based Souvenirs: You can buy high-quality fresh tea from the estates as souvenirs, or purchase tea-related products like tea infusers, pots, and tea blends. The Munnar tea has a distinctive aroma, and it’s often considered a premium product.

3.Mattupetty Dam and Lake ( Location)

Mattupetty Dam is a concrete gravity dam located in the Idukki district of Kerala, India, in the hill station town of Munnar. It is built across the Periavaru River, a tributary of the River Muthirapuzha. The dam is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) above sea level, making it a scenic location surrounded by lush green landscapes and tea plantationsThe Mattupetty Dam is an excellent place to visit if you’re looking for both natural beauty and a glimpse of engineering ingenuity amidst the verdant hills of Kerala.

1. Purpose:

  • Water Supply: Primarily used for providing water to the Munnar region.
  • Hydroelectric Power Generation: It is part of the power generation system of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), contributing to the region’s electricity supply.
  • Irrigation: Helps in irrigation for the surrounding agricultural areas.

2. Construction:

  • The dam was constructed between 1949 and 1953 by the Kerala State Government, and it is one of the significant engineering marvels in the region.

3. Tourism:

  • Scenic Location: The Mattupetty Dam is a popular tourist attraction due to its picturesque setting amidst rolling hills and forests.
  • Boating: Visitors can enjoy boating on the reservoir at the base of the dam. This is a major draw for tourists visiting Munnar.
  • Nearby Attractions: The dam is close to other popular spots in Munnar, such as Echo Point, Kundala Lake, and the Eravikulam National Park.

4. Wildlife and Ecology:

  • The surrounding area is rich in biodiversity, and the nearby forests are home to various species of flora and fauna, including elephants, Nilgiri tahr (a mountain goat), and a wide range of bird species.

5. Visitor Access:

  • The dam itself is not open to public entry, but visitors can view it from a designated viewpoint. The boating area is accessible to tourists with facilities for renting boats.

6. Interesting Fact:

  • Mattupetty is also known for its “Silent Valley,” a region where you can enjoy the natural serenity and hear the sounds of nature, making it an excellent spot for photography and nature walks.

4.Top Station ( Location)

Top Station is a popular tourist destination located in Munnar, a hill station in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. It is situated about 1,700 meters above sea level and is renowned for its breathtaking views, especially of the Western Ghats and the Tamil Nadu plains.

Here are some highlights of Top Station:

1. Panoramic Views

  • Top Station offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding tea gardens, valleys, and distant mountain ranges. From here, you can also get a clear view of the Tamil Nadu plains and the famous Meesapulimala Peak, one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats.

2. Neelakurinji Flowers

  • The area is famous for the rare Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once every 12 years. When they bloom (the next time will be in 2030), the entire landscape turns a vibrant shade of blue, making it a spectacle for nature lovers and photographers.

3. Trekking & Nature Walks

  • There are several trekking routes around Top Station that lead to lush forests and tea estates, where you can enjoy the cool climate and serene surroundings. One of the most popular trails is the Top Station to Echo Point Trek, which gives you an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the region up close.

4. Top Station Viewpoint

  • The Top Station Viewpoint is the highlight, offering an elevated position for capturing sweeping views of the lush hills and valleys below. It’s an ideal spot for photography and enjoying the cool mountain air.

5. Cable Car Ride

  • A recent addition to the region is the Munnar–Top Station cable car ride, which offers visitors a thrilling and scenic journey over the hills, providing a different perspective of the terrain below.

6. Cultural Significance

  • Historically, Top Station served as the highest point of the Kannan Devan Hill Produce Company’s (KDHP) tea estate railway line. It was once a transit station for transporting tea to the nearby town of Kottagudi in Tamil Nadu.

7. Weather

  • The weather at Top Station is usually cool and refreshing throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. The best time to visit is from October to May when the weather is pleasant.

Accessibility

  • It’s about 40 km from Munnar town, and the drive to Top Station is scenic, taking you through winding mountain roads and offering views of tea plantations and valleys.
  • The area is best explored by private vehicle, but taxis or guided tours are also available.

Top Station is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Munnar, especially nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and photography enthusiasts. It offers a tranquil escape and an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Kerala’s highlands.

5. Attukal Waterfalls (Location)

Attukal Waterfalls is a beautiful and serene waterfall located in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. It is situated around 9 kilometers from Munnar, a popular hill station in Kerala, known for its scenic tea plantations and lush landscapes.

Key Features of Attukal Waterfalls:

  • Scenic Beauty: The waterfall is set against a backdrop of dense forests and rolling hills, making it a picturesque destination. The water cascades down from a great height, creating a misty atmosphere that enhances the beauty of the surrounding environment.

  • Location: It is located along the Munnar – Pallivasal route, which is easily accessible by road from Munnar. The location is relatively quiet and less commercialized compared to other tourist spots in the area, making it ideal for nature lovers and those seeking peace and solitude.

  • Best Time to Visit: The monsoon season (June to September) is when the falls are at their fullest and most impressive. However, visiting during the post-monsoon period (October to March) is also great, as the weather is more pleasant for outdoor activities.

  • Trekking and Activities: While the waterfall itself is the main attraction, the surrounding region offers opportunities for trekking and exploring the natural beauty of the Western Ghats. The area is rich in flora and fauna, providing a great spot for nature walks.

  • Accessibility: Reaching Attukal Waterfalls requires a short hike through the forested area, but the effort is well worth it for the breathtaking views. The falls are located in a relatively less commercialized area, so it provides a more tranquil experience compared to more popular attractions in Munnar.

Attukal Waterfalls, with its lush greenery, natural beauty, and peaceful surroundings, is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Munnar or Kerala in general.

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