MUNNAR – THE QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS

A verdant little strip of land sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the mighty mountains of the Western Ghats, Kerala is an ancient and enchanting land. Her beauty pampers you into an external trance. National Geographic has hailed Kerala as ‘One of 10 paradises of the world’.

Natured by tradition. That is Kerala. The land laced by an endless stretch of white surf. A tapestry of intricate waterscape in myriad forms. A palette of rainbow hues. The lullaby of a million gurgling steams in artist. The Orchestra of a Zillion dancing green palms. A theatre of spell binding folk lore and festivals. A symphony of wind – kissed mountains. Kerala is a delightful Cocktail of experiences.

The history of Munnar begins in the middle of the 19th Century. She owes her tribute to Mr. John Daniel Manro, an adventurous Englishmen and Kannan Thevar, the tribal chief of Anchunadu (a small tribal kingdom including Marayoor, Kanthaloor, Kovilkadavu etc. which is considered to be one of the earliest human settlements in the whole of South India). After getting the permission from his Highness, Maharaja of Poonjar for acquiring 588 square kilometers of land, with the assistance of Kannan Thevar, Mr. Manro and his companions visited the misty mountains and hills of Munnar. Immediately they understood that the place is best suited for plantations.

Cardamom, coffee and Cinchona were cultivated first. Later the Thalayar, Pannier, Suryanelly and Anglo American companies bought the land from Manro. They started the tea plantations which slowly covered the area completely. In honor of the tribal chief whose assistance was invaluable, the Englishmen named the tea plantations Kannan Devan hills and the company, the Kannan Devan Tea Company. The plantation was sold to Tata Finlay Company later now it is Kannan Devan Hill Producers Company.  Kannan Devan Company is really instrumental in moulding Munnar in their present form. Munnar is not a ranged spot with artificial additions like parks, concrete creation . This is really a gift of nature – a gift from Almighty. Those who admire genuine natural beauty really find Munnar a splendid and invaluable place.

Munnar is the right place for a pleasure trip any time except during monsoons. Mainly months: June, July and August constitute the rainy season in Munnar. In December and January, Munnar is quite chilly and cold. Temperature drops significantly. In March, April and May the climate here is quite comfortable, so this will be the right time for a trip to Munnar.  The greenish heaven awaits you, like a virgin land untouched by artificial creations. So come and enjoy all the comforts offered by these beautiful hills and valleys which are rightly called the Kashmir of South India.

Nestled among the mystical mountains and serene evergreen forest of the Western Ghats of Kerala is the confluence of three rivers- Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala called Munnar. She is really a jewel in the crown of Kerala, ‘God’s Own Country’.  The enchanting calm of mother nature with the exhilarating mountains, ‘the charming exotica of wild life, the tranquility of the verdant grasslands on the rolling hills, the rambling streams and rivulets with innumerable dazzling waterfalls, the blanket of emerald green tea plantations and the placid lakes, all display nature’s finest offering. The spicy fragrance of the wind, virgin beauty of the wooded valleys and seductive landscape makes her a lovers’ paradise.

Munnar was the summer resort of the British India. Rising more than 1600 meters above sea level, the mountain peaks remain covered by a misty gown most of the year. She stretches unendingly at the foot hill of Anamudy, the tallest mountain in the Western Ghats.

The place is a paradise for nature lovers and provides them the best ambience, the honeymooners require for their dream honeymoon tour. Its beauty never misses to captivate people’s mind and soul with its very first glimpse. Rambling tea plantations, rising and falling hills swathe in bright green beauty of flourishing valleys are big attractions for families. Various adventure sports like rock climbing, trekking, paragliding make this heavenly place a perfect holiday spot for you and your family.

Kerala tourism has made this place easily reachable from various parts of the country through railways, road and even airways. Driving to Munnar can be adventurous but you can even go for the air travel, the nearest airport is Cochin airport. A  Munnar travel guide can make you visit each and every exotic place in the city. The main attractions of the place are “Eravikulam national park “- jungle safari in Eravikulam Park can give an astonishing sight of Tigers, Leopard, Langur, Elephants, Sambars, Nilgiri tahr and many other rare species.

Munnar also has the highest peak in South India – Anamudi – which towers over 2695 meters above sea level. Anamudi peaks which is known to be the best place for trekking and other adventure sports is located within Eravikulam national park and is also said to be the highest peak in South India. Chinnar wildlife sanctuary, Pothamedu, Devikulam and Kuthumkal waterfalls are some of the main visiting places inKerala.

Munnar is today a cynosure of tourists worldwide. Munnar is essentially a tea town and the visitor is greeted with miles and miles of unending tea plantations.

There is much more about Munnar that simply cannot be put in words. Be totally informed about this magnificent hill retreat before embarking on a tour.

Munnar in the present days is a perfect holiday destination and is famous for various adventure pursuits such as trekking, paragliding, rope climbing and mountaineering. The enchanting atmosphere and friendly people of this place are simply going to win your heart.