Munnar is a town and hill station located in the Idukki district of the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. Munnar is situated at around 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) above mean sea level, in the Western Ghats mountain range. Munnar is also called the “Kashmir of South India” and is a popular honeymoon destination.
Location
Geographic coordinates of Munnar are 10°05′21″N 77°03′35″E. Munnar town is situated on the Kannan Devan Hills village in Devikulam taluk and is the largest panchayat in the Idukki district, covering an area of nearly 557 square kilometres (215 sq mi).
Road
Munnar is well connected by both National highways, state highways, and rural roads. The town lies on the Kochi – Dhanushkodi National highway (N.H 49), about 130 km (81 mi) from Cochin, 31 km (19 mi) from Adimali, 85 km (53 mi) from Udumalpettu in Tamil Nadu, and 60 km (37 mi) from Neriyamangalam.
Distance from Major Cities
- Kochi – Ernakulam – 150 km
Railway
The nearest major railway stations are at Ernakulam and Aluva (approximately 140 kilometres or 87 mi by road). The nearest functioning railway station is at Udumalaipettai.
Airport
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is 110 kilometres (68 mi) away. The Coimbatore and Madurai airports are 165 kilometres (103 mi) from Munnar.
Flora and Fauna
Most of the native flora and fauna of Munnar have disappeared due to severe habitat fragmentation resulting from the creation of plantations. However, some species continue to survive and thrive in several protected areas nearby, including the new Kurinjimala Sanctuary to the east, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Manjampatti Valley, and the Amaravati reserve forest of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary to the northeast, the Eravikulam National Park and Anamudi Shola National Park to the north, the Pampadum Shola National Park to the south, and the proposed Palani Hills National Park to the east.
Endemic Species
These protected areas are especially known for several threatened and endemic species, including Nilgiri Thar, the grizzled giant squirrel, the Nilgiri wood-pigeon, elephant, the gaur, the Nilgiri langur, the sambar, and the neelakurinji (that blossoms only once in twelve years).
Things to Do in Munnar
There are four major directions in Munnar: Mattupatty Direction, Thekkedy Direction, Adimaly Direction, and Coimbatore Direction. Climate and Tea Plantation are the base for Munnar Tourism. Tourists come here to see the plush green carpet that is strewn all around. The tourist count increases each year, with a significant number during the months of April – May when summer vacations begin across the country. In 2018, a huge number of tourists were expected during the months of August-September when the kurinji blooms once every 12 years.
Mattupatty Direction
- Subramanya Temple, Munnar
- Rose Garden
- Carmelagiri Elephant Park
- Mattupetty Dam
- Cowboy Park
- Kundala Dam
- Top Station
Thekkedy Direction
- Signal Point View Point
- Idly Hill View Point
- Only Organic
- Devikulam Sri Ayyappan Temple
- Lockhart Tea Museum
- Lockhart Tea Park
- Thankaiah Cave
- Lockhart Gap View Point
- Periyakanal Water Falls
- Anayirangal Dam / Boating
Adimaly Direction
- Pothamedu View Point
- Spices Plantation Visit
- Cheeyapara Water Falls
Coimbatore Direction
- Eravikulam National Park
- Anamudi Peak
- Marayur Sandle Forest
- Lakkan Water Falls
- Muniyara
Other Directions
- Munnar Tea Museum
