What to See in Munnar Kerala?

Munnar is  called "Kashmir of Southern India" for some valid  reasons. It is one of the most beautiful regions  and a hot honeymoon destination . The town is located  on an altitude of 6000 feet above sea level and the  hill-station is located in the Idukki state of Kerala.

The verdant tea estates, the green hillocks, the rivulets and streams flowing downhill, and the unpredictable blankets of mist make Munnar a unique destination. As a tourist and a traveller, you must really know what to see in Munnar, Kerala.

What to see in Munnar, Kerala 

• Mattupetty dam: This is a beautiful water body which provides some picturesque views of the mist-clad mountains around it. A  dam with abundant water and pleasant weather  throughout the year, this place is a hot-spot!  Boating, water sports, trekking facilities etc. - all are arranged by the District Tourism  Promotion Council.

       

                                         Image: Mattupetty dam 

• Devikulam : It literally means  pond (kulam) of the Devi. It is a village located very close to  Munnar and the Sita devi pond (Devikulam) is a must-visit spot, which has references to Ramayana period. One should spend a minimum of one day to enjoy the place and feel the vegetation and climate. No entry fee is applicable.
  
                                     Image: Devikulam tea estate

What to see in Munnar, Kerala 

• Anamudi : This is one of the favourite locations of tourists and a delight for photography lovers. This peak towers up to more than 8400 feet and is an ecological hub of plant and animal species. Anamudi actually means "elephant forehead" and is the tallest peak of south India. Hiking and trekking facilities are available here.

  
                              Image: Anamudi peak on a clear day

• Eravikulam national park: Also known as Rajamala wildlife sanctuary, it is a destination which is located at a distance of 45 kms from Munnar centre. A unique biosphere with UNESCO tag, this park has wide variety of flora and fauna unique to this region like Shola grasslands and Nilgiri Tahr.

  
                      Image: A Nilgiri Tahr in Eravikulam national park

What to see in Munnar, Kerala 

•  Kundala lake: The lake is 20 kms from Munnar town and is on an altitude of above 5000 feet above sea level. The tranquil waters of the lake on the dam is a perfect boating destination. Exotic plant life like Cherry blossoms and Neelakurinji, the flower which blooms only once in twelve years, is the specialty of this place.

  
                                    Image: Kundala lake/dam

• Chinakannal Waterfalls: This waterfall 25 kms on the Munnar-Thekkady road on the right is very tempting. During rainy seasons, this looks  almost like milk gushing from atop the hills. You cannot resist a bath here, though a bit adventurous. This is a highlight of the Munnar experience.

  
                                 Image: Chinnakanal waterfalls

What to see in Munnar, Kerala 

• Mattupetty Indo-Swiss dairy farm: I highly suggest this village to be a part of Munnar itinerary for it's vast stretches of grasslands, the cattle farm and scenery. Here you can see various breeds of cattle as part of  research and development of this Indo-Swiss project. The main purpose of this project is to improve the livestock quality in the state. Entry fee is applicable.
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                      Image: Entrance of the Indo-Swiss dairy farm

• Lockhart Gap : Blue sky, cotton clouds, green tea estates, pink horizon- yes!  If you want to experience this- visit Lockhart Gap. Around 13 kms on Munnar-Mattupetty road, this is the perfect location for solitude and romance too. And yes- this is also a habitat of the Neelakurinji flowers. This gap is on the Munnar- Madurai route.

What to see in Munnar, Kerala 

• Lakkam waterfalls : A waterfall amidst thick foliage, silent forest, this could be the perfect getaway you are yearning. The rocky cliffs through which the water falls  are spectacular. The bordering Vagavurai valley must also be visited for some lasting memories. Location: Munnar- Marayoor route.
  
                                  Image: Lakkam waterfalls

• Top station : It is the top-most point of Munnar at 5,500 feet and 32 kilometres from Munnar centre. From here you can see Theni valley of Tamil Nadu. The views of western ghats  from here are just breath taking. An aerial ropeway once existed between Munnar and Bodinayakanur to transport tea, and this was a terminal-hence the name.
  
                                         Image: A view of cliffs at Top Station