MUNNAR DETAILS
Munnar is the Tamil word meaning three rivers – Nallathanni(Potable water), Periya Kaanal(big canal) and Chinna kana(small canal)n l- as the place was developed by the Tamils who were taken there by the British to work in the tea plantations. Most of the laborers are oppressed communities from the southern and eastern Tamil Nadu. The tyranny of caste system was so unbearable, people preferred to run away fro their native villages to the hilly areas. The caste system became so rigid after the invasion of the Vijayanagara Empire which totally decimated the local Nadu system of administration to palayapattu and pandaravada divisions. While the rich and fertile palayapattus were kept with the Telugu nobles, the dry and red and black soil palayapattu were given to the Maravar caste which helped probably the invaders to quell the rebellion of the local Tamils. Thus the areas under Ramanathapuram and Tirunelveli which fell into the hands of Maravar castes,were forced to flee to the mountains in search of livelihood and peace. Until some forty years, there was not even a road to reach Munnar and Bodi Mettu was the last point up to which Ghat roads led to. From there people who were largely workers in the plantations, walked to the Munnar.
We have taken the journey via Madurai. On reaching Madurai, we proceeded to the central bus stand to take a bus to Theni. It takes about two hours to reach Theni from where lots of buses are plying to Munnar. It takes exactly three hours to reach Munnar. The border between Tamil Nadu and Kerala state is at the Bodi Mettu (Mettu – top view point) which is exactly in the middle distance between Theni and Munnar. The hills and valley view on the way to Munnar is very breath taking. The serpentine and meandering road is really living monument to human effort to transform nature for its own uses and the ability of the humankind to continuously wage war with nature.

Having arranged to live in a particular relatives’ house it was not a problem to reach the house on the by an auto rickshaw. No sooner we had lunch at 2.30 hours there was sever downpour for next two hours. Therefore, we could not move out of the house.
· Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park:[1] 45 mins from Munnar. See Nilgiri Thar (Hemitragas hylocres) - an endangered species of mountain goats, rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills, rare flora and fauna, Atlas moth (largest in the world), lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, The Kurichi or Neelakurinji Flowers turn the hills of Rajamalai blue every 12 years. The next bloom will be in 2018. One can actually debate if going to the high peak just to see some goats is worth all the effort or not. However, the walk along the park is very romantic and has some breath taking view.
· Anamudi Peak inside Eravikulam National Park: The highest peak (2695 m) south of the Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary in majestic pride. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park. Other rare species of fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, etc. An ideal place for trekking, facilities are provided here and tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi.
· Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary,[2].
· Mattupetti Dam - 10km from Munnar, this popular picnic spot activities like boating and horse riding and is a great place to spend the day especially if visiting with children.
· Mattupetti Indo-Swiss Farm - Better known as Mattupetti (cattle village), Tamil migrant labourers had once upon a time reared cattle here. The cool climate and abundance of fodder made it the ideal location for the Indo-Swiss dairy farm. Established in 1961, the Kerala Livestock Development Board (KLDB) manages this highly specialised dairy farm. The dairy farm is a unique one of its kind with more than 100 varieties of high-yielding cattle being reared.


Echo Point
· Echo Point - 15km from Munnar, on the way to top station from Munnar is a small lake set amidst rolling hills. Every loud call made from a spot on the lake embankment is returned manifold by the echo from the surrounding hills. Young tourists throng to this place to listen to the echoes of their friendship calls.
· Top Station, [3]. 37km from Munnar on the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border, has great views of the Western Ghats. Top station is the "top"-tourist attraction. This place gives a real 'above the clouds' experience. Regular buses go to Top Station (1 hr) from Munnar. A jeep costs Rs 400. The area is known for the Neelakurunji plant, which flowers only once every twelve years. The flower is violet.
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· Salim Ali (Thattekkadi) Bird Sanctuary, [4]. There are woodpeckers, Malabar gray hornbills, Ceylon frogmouths, parakeets, and rose-billed rollers. This sanctuary is located 20km from Kothamangalam on the road between Ernakulam and Munnar. There are basic and mid-range hotels in Kothamangalam and an Inspection Bungalow in Boothathankettu. You can take a boat cruise from Boothathankettu to Thattekkad. Admission Foreigners/Indian Rs 40/10.
water fall near Rajmala
· Marayoor - Around 40km from Munnar. It is the only place in Kerala with natural growth of sandalwood trees, natural caves with murals, and relics from Later Stone Age civilization. There is a sandalwood factory of the Forest Department of Kerala and a children's park extending across one hectare of land under the canopy of a single Banyan tree, all of which attract tourists in large numbers.
· Kolukkumalai Tea Estate - At a height of about 7130 ft, this orthodox tea factory lays claim to being one of the highest in the world. The view of the Western Ghats is absolutely enchanting.
· Blossom Garden - Houses many different varieties of flowers. Tourist will definitely take away good memories from this place.
· Water falls - Check out several natural waterfalls on the way to Munnar. These waterfalls carry fresh rain water. They provide an excellent place for all tourists to have photo shootout.
[edit] Do
· Walk in the Clouds - Trek to your hearts content while the clouds slowly descend upon you.
· Rock Climbing and Rappelling - Munnar has a steep rock face about 100ft.
· The Christ Church, in Old Munnar. The exteriors have worn out with time though the charming interiors still have a very nice ambiance. It was consecrated way back in 1910 and still has 14 original rows of pews. The first Catholic Church in the High Ranges was Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church.
· The High Range Club has a charming colonial style. The club house is built of wicker and teak and is the social hub for the tea "Planters" of the region. Members enjoy lounging in the bar over Planter's Punch followed by a good meal, a game of billiards or reading a book in the library.
· Munnar Supply Association (MSA) Set up in 1900, this is another nostalgic landmark worth visiting in Munnar. It is the oldest department store in the area and has been re-inventing itself to stay relevant and popular after almost 102 years. The store was run by "planters" who still manage its affairs. The MSA is a red brick red tiled building with gables, buttresses and a porch and is now a heritage site.
· Boating There are several places to go out for boating in Munnar. One can choose among peddle boats, speed boats to Kashmiri-Shikara. Young couples who travel to Munnar should not miss-out on the beautiful 'Kashmiri-Shikara' boat ride. It is one of the most romantic experiences.
Buy
The best things to buy are Tea, coffee and spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and pepper.
· Munnar Fancy, INTUC Building, GH Road, Munnar, Kerala, India - 685612. Ph:91-4865-232554 , Leo Gift House, D.M.Samuel & Sons , DMS Jewellery , Marakkar Shopping Centre Rahim Book Stall, Tel : 91-486-2530759 , DTPC stall, Tel: 91-486-2530682. Good for spices. Sunny Traders, Tel: 91-486-2530476. A tea shop.
· Shakthi Hills Computers,kanthalloor, Tel : 04865246444. Computer Stationary
[edit] Banks/Currency Exchange
· State Bank of Travancore, Tel: 91-486-2530274, State Bank of India, Munnar Tel : 91-486-2530381, State Bank of Travancore, Devikulam Tel : 91-486-2564234.
Eat
· TreeTop Restaurant, Autumn Trees in Devikulam,A Multi-cusine restaurant having 70 person seating capacity.Vegetarian food & Non-Vegetarian food available. Ph; 04865 264273, 264399 [5], Silverspoon restaurant, Munnar inn, Food Court, Munnar inn, [6] Saravana Bhavan - Right at the heart of town is the most inexpensive places to eat. The service here is quick and the food is absolutely DELICIOUS. But one has to be accommodating when eating at Sarvana Bhavan. You might have to share your table with others. This place provides south Indian dishes, served on a Banana leaf. Mahavir Jain Restaurant - Provides authentic North-Indian food. Meals at Mahavir Jain restaurant is a total hit. They provide meals ranging from Gujarati-meals to Punjabi-Meals. One cannot stop eating the delicious rotis at this place. However, compared to other restaurant, this places it slightly expensive. Meals start from Rs. 75/-
You can have tea and coffee from street side shops
BUDGET
· AUTUMN TREES RESORTS, [[[Devikulam, Munnar (Tarrif Rs.950 -2500) PHONE +91-4865-264273, [7] KASHMEERAM Resort, [8]. Kaippallil Resort Home stay, [9]. Royal Retreat, Munnar, [10]. Hotel Hill view, [11], 1km from Munnar. Munnar Inn, [12]. Edassery Eastend, [13]. Issac's Residency, +91-4865-230501/502/503, [14]. Highrange Inn, [15]. Elysium Gardens, [16]
[edit] Mid-range
· Hotel Westwood Riverside, [17], 1km from Munnar Town. Blackberry Hills, [18], 3 km from Munnar. Deshadan Mountain Resort, [19], 5km from Munnar. Copper Castle, Pothamedu Road, 2km from Munnar, [20]. Autumn Trees Resorts, Devikulam, Munnar(Tarrif Rs.800-1900)PHONE +91-4865-264273 / +91-4865-264399, E-mail:info@autumntreesmunnar.com, [21].
· Hotel Anai Mudi, [22], Munnar - Marayoor Route. Chancellor Resort, [23]. Chinnakkanal (22 kms. from Munnar Town on the way to Thekkady/Periyar). The Siena Village, [24]. Chinnakkanal (20 kms. from Munnar Town on the way to Thekkady/Periyar) Hotel Oak Fields, [25], Pothamedu (5km from Munnar). Camp Noel, [26], Pazhathottam, Munnar Camelot, 10 km from Munnar, - if you are traveling in your own vehicle then Camalot is a good choice. you need to drive 2 KM off road to reach the resort, which is fun. however if you are new to driving, leave your car at the entrance and ask the owner to pick you up from there. pack your food in town as the choice of food at resort is limited [27]. Bracknell forest, [28], Pothamedu (7km from Munnar).
Splurge
· Tall Trees, [29]. Pothamedu, 4km from Munnar.
· Best Western Fort Munnar, [30]. Chinnakkanal (22 kms from Munnar Town).
· Club Mahindra Lakeview Resort, [31]. Chinnakkanal (20 kms. from Munnar Town on the way to Thekkady/Periyar).
· Tea County, [32]. Munnar. Windermere, Bison Valley Road, outskirts Munnar, [33].
· Camp Noel, [34], Pazhathottam, Munnar.
Contact
· Main Post Office, Tel : 91-486-2530280.
Emergency numbers
· Police control room: 100 / Fire station: 101 / Ambulance: 101
Cope
Ayurvedic Treatment / Massage
· Swatic Ayur Care Centre , tel. -91-9447031656, 91-4865-231656,230395.
· Surya Ayurvedic Health Resorts, Chithirapuram, tel. 91-486-2563204.
Stay safe
Apply sun block lotion while you leave Munnar because as you descend the hills the weather gets warmer and causes sun burn.
Hospitals
· Tata General Hospital, Munnar Tel : 91-486-2530270
· Matha Hospital , Munnar Tel : 91-486-2530744
· Arun Hospital, Munnar Tel : 91-486-2530410
Get out
The nearest places of tourist interest are Thekkadi (wild life sanctuary), Kumuli Falls, Kodaikanal on the Tamil Nadu and Nilambur, wyanad and kuttanad on the Kerala side.