Area 26.2 sq km
Altitude 1520 meters
Religion Hinduism, Islam, Christianity
Languages Malayalam, Tamil, English
Annual Mean Rainfall 2750 mm
Maximum Temperature 20°C
Minimum Temperature 5°C
STD Code 0486
Munnar's sprawling tea plantations, pristine valleys and mountains and cool air have long been a favourite with both Indian honeymooners and foreign tourists. In recent years, this beautiful landscaped hill station has been attracting adventure travellers, who are enamoured by the area's stunning topography, which is ideal for paragliding, trekking and rock climbing. Also known as the Kashmir of South India, it is a peaceful hill station with its impeccable beauty. Munnar was the erstwhile 'Summer Capital' of the British Government in South India.
It is the luxuriant gift of nature to the Western Ghats, the eastern border of Kerala and an adjoining parts of Tamilnadu. The very name 'Munnar' means three rivers and there are actually three of them, confluence of three mountain streams-Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala 5000ft above sea level. Munnar consists of vast sloping areas of tea, most of which mostly are owned by Tata Tea. Coffee and cardamom plantations give it a simplistic and smooth appearance. Munnar is a perennial favourite of Indian honeymooners.
Dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries and major cash crop plantations cover most of the region. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. At that time, the hill side will appear bluish in colour. This flower bathes the hills in blue once every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India-Anamudi, which towers over 2695m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking. Munnar abounds in animals like elephants and Nilgiri langurs. Traditions of the British Tea Plantation town are still preserved in this heavenly and un-spoilt hill station.
Places to Visit
Potheamedu (6km from Munnar)
Pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the cool mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.
This small hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air . It is a beautiful place with lot of tea plantations. The Sta Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.
Pallivasal (8km from Munnar)
This is the venue of the first Hydro Electric project in Kerala. It is place of immense scenic beauty. On working days it is possible to visit Hydro Electric project. (Permission should be taken from the electricity department)
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