Munnar, Kerala

Kerala, "God's own country".

Munnar is an basically a hill station, famous for its tea estates, exotic scenery, abundance of flora and fauna and craggy peaks.

Mostly people visit Munnar after marriage as their honeymoon trip. But, it's not just a place for couples but also for bunch of friends and the folks who are tired of their daily routine.

If you are planning to visit Munnar here is a handy schedule for your 2 days visit.

DAY 1

1. Photo Point

Things To Do

Photo Point is a beautiful spot on Mattupetty road lined up with tea gardens on both sides.
As the name suggests, this place is a famous photography point in Munnar due to its breathtaking background of mountains surrounded by lush green tea gardens.

Things To Know: The tea gardens are owned by Kannan Devan Hills Plantations Limited owned by Tata Group and it is a private property. Visitors can take photographs at the entrance of garden without disturbing the plantations. 2. Mattupetty Dam

Things To Do

Mattupetty Dam is one of the most scenic along with boating experience in Munnar.
If possible, hire an exclusive speed boat because elephants from surrounding forests oftenly take bath in the waters of the lake and watching them (while boating) can be a pleasant experience.
This place is also famous for Eucalyptus Oil, which is sold near the dam.

Things To Know: Constructed in 1953, the lake and dam is surrounded by wooden hills and tea plantations, making a great view.

Note

Mattupetty Boating Timings: 9 AM to 5:30 PM, Boating Fee: Speed boat - Rs.600 for 15 min (max. 5 persons)
Mattupetty is also famous for its highly specialized dairy farm, an Indo-swiss project. It is open for visitors between 9 AM to 11 AM and 2 PM to 3:30 PM.

3. Echo Point

Things To Do

Echo point is a scenic place getting its name from the natural echo phenomenon.
Every loud call made from a spot on the lake embankment is returned manifold by the echo from the surrounding hills.
Trekking and nature walks are popular activities in this scenic destination with beautiful views of the green hills.
The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it a worthy place to visit.
This is a wonderful place for photography.
Boating is also available at Echo Point.

Things To Know: Echo point is situate on the main road towards Kundala Lake on the backwaters of Mattupetty Dam amidst rolling hills.

4. Kundala lake

Things To Do

The unique experience of boating in Kashmiri boats in this lake is a special attraction. These boats are also known as Shikara Boats.
There is also a golf course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd in Kundala village.

Things To Know: Kundala Lake is a picturesque lake. The tea estates spread across Kundala are a real feast to the eyes.The lake is formed by Kundala artificial dam, which is a small dam in cured shape. Note

Boating Timings: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
Boating Fee (30 minutes): Shikara Boat - Rs 200 for 2 persons, Row Boats - Rs 150 for 4 persons, Pedal Boat - Rs 100 for 2 persons

5. Top Station

Things To Do

Capture an amazing 360 degrees view of the Western Ghats along with a popular trail for trekking.
At an altitude of 2200 meters, a plant known as Neelakurunji Plant, flowers only once every 12 years (next flowering year is 2018). This view point is at a distance of 2 kms from the road point and has to be trekked down. The trek path is very steep with deep valleys one side. One should be very careful while trekking to the view point, which offers lifetime memories.
The viewpoint at Top Station offers breathtakingly beautiful views of Kannan Devan Hills. The valleys all around, the misty mountains and distant waterfalls all make this place a must visit spot in Munnar.
Camping is also allowed on the trail if overnight stay is preferred. This can also be done as a single day trek. This trek is of moderate difficulty with well marked path.

Things To Know: Top Station is a breathtakingly beautiful place on Kerala - Tamilnadu boarder. There are multiple trekking routes in Top Station. The most popular route starts from Kurangani, a small village in Theni district of Tamilnadu. The total distance of Kurangani to Top Station is about 9 km and it usually takes around 6 hours to complete the trek. Other trekking trails start from Top Station and run through Pambadum Shola National Park and end up at Vattavada / Koviloor in Kerala or take a diversion to Kilavari / Kavunji in Tamilnadu (known as Kerala - Tamilnadu border trail).

Note

Since, this trail is a part of protected area and taking permission at the check post at the entrance of Pambadum National Park (after Top Station) is mandatory along with payment for trekking permission.
Accommodation on this is also available at forest hut on the trekking route.
This trail is little difficult and prior trekking experience is suggested to participate in this.

Day 2

1.Rajamalai Hill Station [Eravikulam National Park]

Things To Do

Tourists can take safari and trekking tours inside the park.
The bus rides tourists into the sanctuary and stops at the base of the Eravikulam peak from where a 2 km walk will lead to the mountain peak with viewpoint which offers panoramic view of the Anamudi Peak and other peaks of the Western Ghats.
Plenty of Nilgiri Tahrs can be spotted on the peak and on trekking path.

Things To Know: Rajamalai is a tiny hill station located inside Eravikulam National Park on Munnar - Udumalpet Road. The Eravikulam National Park was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr. The park is extended into Tamil Nadu and known as Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary.

This region is famous as the natural habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Nearly half the world's population of this rare species is found in area. Other faunal species found in the park are elephant Gaur, Giant Squirrel, Leopard, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Tiger, and Sambar.

The national park is spread across an area of 97sq km and is a protected area. The park is divided into 3 regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area, which is in the Rajamalai region. Note

Private vehicles are not allowed into the park and visitors can park the vehicles at the entrance and board forest department mini bus.
The safari bus is usually crowded and it's advised to reach there early in the morning (before 7.30 AM).
Advance reservation counter is also available where Rs. 50 extra can be paid instead of standing in the long queue.
Timings: 8 AM - 4.30 PM (safari duration is 2-3 hours). Closed from 1st Feb to 31st March.
Entry Fee: Indian Rs. 90 for Adults and Rs. 65 for Children, Rs. 370 for Foreigners. Rs. 25 for Camera & Rs. 200 for Video Cam. Rs. 50 for Advance Reservation

2. Tea Museum

Things To Do

The museum exhibits different equipment used in tea manufacturing from early 20th century to late 20th century.
Some of the items exhibited in the museum include the tea leave cutting machines, power making equipment, etc.
The process of tea manufacturing is also explained in the museum.

Things To Know: Tea Museum is a wonderful place to visit in Munnar town. The museum is owned by Kannan Devan Hills Plantations Limited owned by Tata Group. The museum is situated in a scenic location on Pooyankuty Road on the outskirts of Munnar town. Note

Timings: 10 AM to 4 PM. Monday Holiday.
Entry Fee: Rs. 75 for Adults, Rs. 35 for Children below 12 years, Rs. 20 for Camera

3. Devikulam

Things To Do

The lake draws tourists not only because of its sacredness but also for the curative powers of its mineral waters.
The lake is idle for trout fishing.
The lush green open spaces and the high cliffs of Devikulam provide scope for hiking and mountaineering.
There are several tea plantations in and around Devikulam that add to the charm of the hill resort.
The gum trees in red and blue are the other major highlights of the natural vegetation at Devikulam.

Things To Know: Devikulam is a cute hill station at an altitude of 1800 meters. This is among the most visited Kerala hill resorts. The name Devikulam is a combination of two words Devi from the goddess Devi and kulam meaning pond. According to legend, the goddess Sita Devi bathed in Devikulam Lake now named as Sita Devi Lake. The scenic beauty, adventure sports, beliefs and religion come together to make the Sita Devi Lake a major tourist attraction. Note

Prior permission from Tata Tea Regional Officer (Kanan Devan Hills Plantations - at KDHP House in Munnar) is required in order to visit the lake.
Devikulam can be visited anytime of the year due to its pleasant climate.

4. LOCK HEART GAP / LOCKHARD GAP

Things To Do

Lock Heart Gap provides a panoramic views of the mountains and valleys of Munnar.
There is a great sunset point on a clear day.
The road from Munnar to Lock Heart Gap is full of tea plantations and is a nice stretch for photography.
The nearby Lockheart Tea Estate is another attraction providing wonderful opportunity to learn tea dust making process.

Things To Know: Lock Heart Gap (also known as Lockhart Gap) is situated on Munnar - Madurai (or Munnar - Thekkady) road.

5. CHINNAKANAL WATERFALLS / POWER HOUSE FALLS

Things To Do

Falling through a steep rock from a height of countless feet, this cascading waterfall is a wonderful place to spend few hours.
It is possible to reach the bottom of the falls by trekking down the hills.
Swimming in the pool at bottom of the falls is a memorable experience

Things To Know: Power House Waterfalls (also called as Chinnakanal Waterfalls) is located near Chinnakanal village after Devikulam about 1 Km from NH49 (towards Thekkady - Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary). The waterfall stream is said to be originated from scenic & sacred Devikulam Hills. Note