| Munnar,
located at an altitude of 1,600 m, is one of the most
beautiful hill stations of Kerala. Munnar has the highest
peak in south India, Anamundi, which rises to a height
of 2695 m. Munnar was the most favored summer destination
of European settlers for centuries. Munnar actually means
the 'Three Rivers' and derives its name from the three-mountain
stream, Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. The confluence
of these rivers is at the heart of the town and they fulfill
all the water requirements of the town.
Munnar is an ideal destination for a peaceful vacation.
It offers a variety to the visitors in terms of sight
seeing as there are lots of tourist attractions including
the lakes, dams, wild life sanctuaries and tea and spice
plantations.
Devikulam, 7 km from Munnar, is another hill station
known for its green meadows, exotic flora and fauna
and the pristine mountains. The Sita Devi Lake is good
option for picnic. The water of the lake has minerals,
which contains curative properties. The lake is also
ideal for trout fishing.
Pallivasal, 8 km from Munnar, is the venue of the first
Hydro Electric Project in Kerala. The place is also
famous for its immense scenic beauty.
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Chithirapuram,
10 km from Munnar, reflects the colonial charm with
the presence of the cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds
and courts. One can see the Pallyvasal Hydel Power
Project and the tea plantations.
Attukal,
9 km from Munnar, must be visited for its charming
sceneries, waterfalls and rolling hills. Attukal is
located between Munnar and Pallivasal and is also
for long treks.
Nyayamakad,
10 km from Munnar, is placed between Munnar and Rajamala.
The place is famous for several splendid waterfalls.
The waters come down a hill from a height of almost
1600 m. The enchanting surroundings make an excellent
picnic spot and trekking point.
Mattupetty,
situated at a height of 1700 m, is at a distance of
13 km from Munnar. It is famous for its highly specialized
dairy farm of the Indo-Swiss Live Stock Project. More
than 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared
here. The Mattupetty lake and dam are at a short distance
from the farm is a popular picnic spot. The visitors
should visit the Kundala Tea Plantations and the Kundala
Lake while on a visit to Mattupetty.
While
at Munnar, something that is not to be missed is the
Eravikulam National Park. The park, at a distance
of 15 km from Munnar, was originally established to
protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex). The park
covers an area of 97 sq km and is divided into 3 regions
- the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area.
The tourists are allowed to visit only till the tourism
area which is in the Rajamala region.
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