Munnar, Kerala, India
Munnar, Kerala, India
The hill
station of Munnar is situated in the Idukki District in the eastern part
of Kerala, bordering the state of Tamil Nadu. Popularly known as Kashmir of the
South, Munnar is well connected to all the cities in Kerala.
Munnar is located amidst mist-covered
mountain ranges and evergreen forests of the Western Ghats, at a varying
altitude of 1,600 m (5,249 ft) to 1,800 m (5,906 ft) above mean sea level, at
the foot hills of Anamudi, the highest peak of the Western Ghats (2,695 m).
History
of Munnar
The name
Munnar was aptly given to this place since it is located at the convergence of
three rivers, which are Mudrapuzha, Nallathani and Kundala. The vast tea
estates and coffee plantations are the primary base for the flourishing economy
of Munnar, besides tourism.
The
recorded history of Munnar can be dated back to the 10th century, though many
pre-historic relics linking Munnar to the Stone Age has been discovered. During
the 17th century, a group of people of Tamil origin, known by the name
‘Muthuvans’ migrated to Munnar and they settled at Munnar and nearby areas.
By the
19th century, Munnar had become a part of Anchunadu, a small tribal kingdom
believed to be one among the earliest tribal settlements of South India. The
fertile soil of Munnar was used for the cultivation of cardamom, ginger, etc.
in those days.
It was
the Spanish planters who brought Munnar to the limelight and the first notable
personality to visit this place was the Duke of Wellington. John Daniel Munro
from the British East India Company visited Munnar around the middle of the
19th century and he gathered permission to acquire 588 sq. km. of land from the
Maharaja of Poonjar.
With the
assistance from Kannan Thevar, the tribal chief of Anchunadu, Mr. Manro and his
companions took over some of the mountains and hills of Munnar. In 1895 Messrs
Finlay Muir & Company procured Munro’s land and in 1976 Tata-Finlay Ltd.
procured it.
Things
to do in Munnar
Munnar
is an idyllic tourist destination with rolling hills, grasslands, dense
forests, brooks and rivulets, diverse flora and fauna, numerous waterfalls,
lakes, tea plantations and walking trails. Some of the major attractions of the
region are CSI Church - the landmark of Munnar, Eravikulam National Park,
Attukal Waterfalls, Elephant Lake etc. Because of its scenic beauty and
pleasant climate Munnar has become a popular destination for honeymoons as well
as weekend getaways.
Food
& Shopping in Munnar
Munnar
offers all types of cuisines for the tourist. There are many restaurants and
small eateries that offer good food.
Shopping
at Munnar should include tea and spices. Tourists can buy tea sold by the KDHP
(Kannan Deven Hill Plantations)
Travelling
to Munnar
The
nearest airport to reach Munnar is at Kochi, about 125 km away. The Kochi
International Airport is not only well connected to the rest of the country but
also to different parts of the world. From the airport taxi services are
available which might cost around INR3000.
The
nearest railway station is at Angamaly, which is at a distance of 120 km.
Angamaly lies on the Ernakulam – Thrissur route and is well connected to other
major cities in India. Taxis can be availed from the rail station to Munnar.
Munnar
is also well connected by road. Bus services are available from different parts
within the state as well as neighbouring states. These are operated by the
state governments but private operators abound. Most of these buses stop at the
Town bus stand in the main bazaar area near the confluence of the river and the
Tata headquarters.
The best
time to visit Munnar is from the months of August to March. The summer months
of April and May are also pleasant with temperatures ranging from 15⁰ - 25⁰ Celsius. During the winter
season the temperatures are lower with crisp mornings and bright blue skies and
the nights being chilly. Heavy woollens and adequate protection should be taken
against the cold. For those who love the rains, Munnar would be an ideal place
in the monsoons with lush greenery and rolling mists everywhere.
Accommodation
Options in Munnar
Hotels in Munnar
range from 5 star to Budget hotels with all the facilities. Situated on the
highest peak in South India, Munnar is ideal for trekkers, honeymooners and
even family travellers
