A drive to Munnar…
One cannot simply call it 'Munnar'; because Kerala's most beautiful and well-known hill station is always spelt with surnames such as, Magnificent, Mesmerizing, Marvelous …. as the visual treats offered by this abode and its neighboring beauties are often beyond words.
A drive to Munnar itself is a refreshing experience. As it is difficult to describe beauty with so many synonyms the best way is to take a pictorial ride like this…
Road to Munnar winding thro' the lush high ranges
The first en route treat – Cheeyappara Waterfalls
Further drive brings you to another delightful cascade – Valara Waterfalls
After riding thro' some exciting hair pin bends in the mountains, as Munnar becomes near you will sight Pallivasal – a pristine location, sight of Kerala's first Hydro Electric Power Project.
Between Pallivasal and Munnar there lays one more eye-catching cascade – Attukal Waterfalls
Then comes the prime destination – Munnar ('munnu aar' means 'three streams' in local language, named so due to confluence of three mountain streams – Muthirappuzha, Chandavurai and Kundaly).
One of Munnar's famous assets – the Tea Plantations
Plantations played a major role in the widespread fame of Munnar. This town houses a unique Museum dedicated to 'Tea'
Tea Museum – showcases interesting facts, figures and artifacts about the growth and development of tea plantations in Munnar. Here curious ones can learn the techniques about how tea is produced and refined.
As stated earlier, Munnar's neighboring beauty-spots are quite large in numbers. There are 3 most popular routes from the town which takes to all these spots.
1 Munnar – Rajamalai (Eravikulam National Park)
2 Munnar – Mattupetty – Eco Point – Kundala
3 Munnar – Devikulam – Lockhart gap
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First Route
This route brings to Eravikulam National Park alias Rajamalai
Rajamalai – a National Park with many specialties… Apart from great trekking trails plus flora & fauna, this is also home to several highly endangered species in the world, namely Atlas moth (one among world's biggest moths), Nilgiri Tahr (rare mountain goat) etc. Moreover, this is the site of Anamudi – the highest peak in South India.
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Second Route
First comes Mattupetty, a quiet village best known for its 'Cattle Farm' (the Indo Swiss mega project, only one of its kind in Asia). For security reasons this project is not open for public now.
Mattupetty has a splendid dam with boating facilities in its reservoir area
After Mattupetty, comes the Echo Point – as the name implies, here you will 'hear' the reverberations of your voice!
Next stop is Kundala – another pristine location with an angelic dam site
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Third Route
On this route the first halt is the sensuous little town of Devikulam… abode of lovely lawns and plantations
Then comes the Lockhart Gap where anyone will get rejuvenated with the fresh mountain air, mist-coated hills and enchanting views
Well, the onlookers certify this as the God's own hill station without doubt !
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