Munnar

Munnar is nestled in the undulating mountain ranges of the southern Western Ghats and is unrivalled among the tourist destinations of Kerala. Its inescapable natural beauty lures scores of tourists each and every year from not only India but also from abroad. The major highlights of Munnar are its remarkable ambiance, lush green tea gardens, mesmerizing lakes, dense forests and a cool salubrious climate. Munnar is located at the confluence of three mountain streams, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Once, Munnar was the summer resort of the British government in South India. There is much more about Munnar that simply cannot be put in words. Be totally informed about this magnificent hill retreat before embarking on a tour.

Touristplacesinindia.com is the site providing helpful inputs about Munnar that would be of great help to those who are planning for a trip to Munnar.

Area: 557 sq kms
Altitude:1, 600 meters
Languages: Malayalam, Tamil, English
STD Code: 04865
Best Time to Visit: September to May

The history of Munnar is quite interesting and takes us into the colonial era when the British used to rule this place. Scottish planters were the first ones to have discovered Munnar and the Duke of Wellington was the first notable personality to visit Munnar. The British developed this land for the purpose of tea plantations and as getaways from the oppressive heat of the cities. There are several prehistoric relics that point towards the existence of a Stone Age civilization in this region. Evidences point to the fact that written history began here only from the 10th century. In the 19th century, several villages of Anchanad, Kannan Thevar belonged to the local Rajah of Poojar.

Afterwards in the year 1895, Messrs Finlay Muir & Company purchased Munro’s land and Tata-Finlay Ltd. purchased it in the year 1976. Munnar in the present days is a perfect holiday destination and is famous for various adventure pursuits such as trekking, paragliding, rope climbing and mountaineering. The enchanting atmosphere and friendly people of this place are simply going to win your heart.

Though Munnar can be visited all the year round, the best time to visit would be from September to May. The monsoons arrive here from June to September and you should carry heavy woolens if you are traveling in the winters otherwise light sweaters are ideal in the summers to protect yourself from the chill.

Cochin International airport (IATA: COK), ICAO: VOCI), also known as Nedumbassery Airport and CIAL is the nearest airport. It is around 135 km from the Munnar by car.

The nearest railway station is Aluva, 120 km. Ernakulam is 140 km and may be more comfortable if you are coming from the south.
By car

* From Kochi: Munnar is 140 km (about 3 hr) from Kochi. Allow 6 hr traveling time if you are driving up or down, since the road is blind in some places and there are a lot of trucks and buses that seem to drive as if they own the road. Although the road is smooth (NH 49), it is narrow, twisty and curvy. Kothamangalam is on the way and is 80 km away from Munnar. Between Kothamangalam and next town “Adimali”, you can experience a beautiful cool drive through a natural forest. Alongside, you can see many refreshing waterfalls. Once you reach Adimali, Munnar is just 30 kilometers away – but it will take almost an hour to reach. This is the last place where you can spot a decent restaurant before Munnar. Around 22 km from Adimali, you can start seeing the tea plantations on both sides of the road and a panoramic view of the western ghats. The view is extremely beautiful during the early mornings.

* From Aluva: Aluva is nearly 120 km from Munnar. Just outside Aluva railway station you can hire a taxi for Munnar for Rs 1,400-1,600. There is a bus stand nearby as well which operates frequent buses to Munnar.

* From Coimbatore: Munnar is about 160 km from Coimbatore and 120 km from Pollachi. Coimbatore- Pollachi – Udumalpet – Chinnar – Marayoor – Munnar route is the most scenic route and though it will take bit longer, it is generally considered worth the extra time spent.

* From Kodaikanal: Kodaikanal is nearly 170 km from Munnar. Kodaikanal – Perumal Malai – Mayiladum Parai – Mooliyaru – Oothu – Falls View – Ganguvarpetty – Ghat Road – Periya Kulam – Theni – Bodi – Bodimettu – Devikulam – Munnar. This route is also scenic.

* For detailed report and photos of Munnar to Kodaikanal route please see Munnar to Kodaikanal

* For detailed report and photos of route to Palani from Kochi thru Valparai please see Kochi-Valpara-Palani

* Thekkady – 106 km

* Aluva – 120 km

* Pollachi – 118 km

* Cochin – 145 km

* Coimbatore – 160 km

* Alleppey – 180 km

* Kumarakom – 200 km

Note: The road to Munnar is narrow with lots of bends and curves. Hire a taxi or a driver with local experience if you are not familiar with similar conditions

Munnar bus station is located on the main street, Main Bazaar.

* Kochi – takes about 4 1/2 hr. Buses leave Kochi between 6AM-1PM.

* Aluva – Nearest bus station to the Cochin International Airport. Around 4 hr to Munnar. Ticket cost is around Rs 100-180 depending on the type of bus.

There are also buses from Coimbatore and Pollachi.