Nearest Towns:

Thiruvananthapuram,Kochi, Theni, Palani, Madurai, Coimbatore, Kodaikannal and Devikulam

Location info: India->Kerala->Idukki District-->Munnar

Distances: 70 km from Idukki, Idukki district, kerala and 135 kms from Kochi.
Camping Sites: Camping near Munnar to Silent Valley Plateau at over 4000ft
Trek Length: 5000 to 8000 Ft above sea level

Route Info:

Munnar is well- connected to almost all its neighboring districts by smooth roads and an efficient system of local transport. These include cities like Madurai which takes around six hours to reach as well as Coimbatore at almost the same distance.



Best Time To Visit:

December to May.

Worst Time To Visit:

Monsoon

Difficulty Level:

Difficulty

Summary:

Munnar Hills is situated in Munnar, Idukki district, Kerala.Munnar hills is siatuated at an altitude of 5000 to 8000 Ft above sea level. and is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala.The high ranges of Munnar were earlier known as Kannan Devan Hills,named after a certain Kannan Devan,who had been land lord in the Anchanad Valley on the eastern side of the district. The main cultivation crops in Munnar are Tea and Coffee.The name Munnar literally means three rivers. The nature is at its generous most in Munnar. The blue flower 'Neelakurinji', is found only in Munnar. Its specialty is that it blooms only once in twelve years and it last bloomed in December 2006. The green surroundings and the pleasant climate makes it a favorite for tourists, especially honeymooners. Munnar also has the highest peak in south India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.Munnar is sometimes referred to as the 'Switzerland of India' for its natural surroudings and Old World architecture. Munnar is the most ideal tourist destination for the people looking for trekking, boating, riding, angling and much more.

Trek and camp amidst the shola-grasslands of the Western Ghats at Munnar and among the thick evergreen canopy of the Periyar Tiger reserve. The terrain is mountainous with numerous streams criss-crossing your way and the views truly spectacular. You will also be trekking through the natural habitat of the Asiatic elephants, the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and gaur (Indian Bison) At Periyar, you will camp in the heart of the tropical rain forest, where the bio-diversity will mesmerize you and the wildlife & birds are abundant. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, picturesque towns, curved lanes and enough holiday facilities make Munnar a popular resort town.Munnar is very famous for the 'neel kurinji' flower that blossoms once in 12 years and covers the entire Munnar greens in unimaginably breathtaking blue hues. This flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years will bloom next in 2006 ADPicnic on the banks of glazed mountain lakes that lie in picture pretty depression surrounded by high Munnar hills.

Things To Look for:

Pothamedu :

It is the prime location of excellent viewing the tea, coffee and cardamom plantation of Munnar. Besides Pothmedu (6 km from Munnar) also invite trekkers and hikers to enjoy the adventurous gaiety of trekking and hiking.

Attukal :

Located between Munnar and Pallivasal, Attukal is loved mostly by nature lovers. The beautiful hills and gurgling waterfalls are delight for nature lovers. It is also an ideal place for long trekking.

Devikulam Hills Station:

Devikulam Hills Station is located at an altitude of about 1000 meters from sea level and at a distance of 13km south west of Munnar, down the Munnar-Kumily Highway, SH 19, at Idukki District, this gorgeous hill station symbolises nature in her pristine glory. The crisp and cool mountain air heavily laden with the fragrance of wild flowers and rare herbs is any nature lover's pa

Nyayamakad :

Nyayamakad is the land of beautiful waterfalls, which with its amazing picturesque has become a favourite picnic spot. For trekkers, Nyayamakad provides ideal trekking terrain.

Lock Heart Gap :

13 km from Munnar, Lock Heart Gap is famous for its panoramic beauty of its Western range of hills and its salubrious winds, and availability of splendid trekking opportunity.

Eravikulam National Park :

The famous national park of Eravilulam is just 15 km from Munnar. The park having the largest number of Nilgiri Tahr is the best abode of Nilgiri Tahr. Taking a safari tour on jeep or elephant is full of wildlife exploration, a superb delight for Eco tavellers.

Mattupetty:

Mattupetty is situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level. Mattupetty Lake and Dam is a beautiful picnic spot with the panoramic view of the tea plantations and the lake. Boating facilities are available in the reservoir. Mattupetty is also well known for its highly specialized dairy

Rajamala:

Rajamala is the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr. Half the world population of this rare mountain goat is found here, which is fast becoming extinct.

Pallivasal:

Pallivasal is situated around 8 km from Munnar. It has the distinction of being home to the first hydropower project in Kerala.It is a place of immense scenic beauty.

Echo point:

As its name suggests, the place has a natural echo phenomenon. Echo point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.

Anamudi :

Anamudi is the highest peak in the Western Ghats situated at a height of 2,695 metres (8,842 feet) above mean sea level. It is located in the southern part of Eravikulam National Park at the joint of Cardamom Hills, the Anaimalai Hills and the Palni Hills.The Nilagiri tahr in this park is a rare breed of mountain goat. Herds of tahrs grazing the hillside is a common scene here.

Chithirapuram:

Situated 10kms from Munnar is Chithirapuram, a picturesque countryside dotted with numerous residential villas like cottages, bungalows and also playgrounds and courts dating back to glorious past. The tea plantations in Chithirapuram are much acclaimed for their enchanting appearance. The place also bags the credit of housing the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project.

Things To Be Aware Of:

Beware of leeches. We saw lot of leeches in the top-slip trek.It is better to carry good amounts of salt and the most natural way is apply lemon all over the skin down the thigh.

References

http://theindianhikers.blogspot.com/2009/09/kodaikanal-munnar-trekking-expedition.html
http://funonweb.blogspot.com/2009/10/tourist-attraction-sites-in-munnar.html
http://nallasivanv.blogspot.com/2009/07/munnar-logs-chinnar-national-park-trek.html
http://aravindgj.blogspot.com/2009/06/kodaikanal-munnar-trek.html
http://www.indiaholidayblog.com/2009/11/03/hotel-munnar-inn-kerala.html
http://smanickam.blogspot.com/2009/10/munnar-tour-with-my-office-colleague.html
http://colindennison.blogspot.com/2007/03/munnar-trek.html
http://indiatravelstours.blogspot.com/2009/10/tea-castle-resort-munnar-kerala.html

Important Phone Numbers :

Munnar Travel - Tour operator
Phone : +(91)-(11)-2570 9228.
Mobile : +91-98110 16868.

Mountaineering and trekking details Munnar hill station
UK +44- 2080999171, US +1- 3474688595
INDIA 1800-11-5757

Permission:


Need Permission from Forest Department.

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