Discover the Beauty and the Diversity of Munnar

Munnar is blessed with a rich and diverse natural heritage, which includes the Western Ghats, the tea plantations, the waterfalls, the lakes, the forests, and the wildlife. Enjoy the beauty and the freshness of nature in Munnar, as you breathe in the pure and aromatic air and see the lush and verdant landscape.

Some of the best Places to Visit in Munnar are:

Eravikulam National Park: This national park is famous for its endangered inhabitant - the Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat. Enjoy the stunning views of the Western Ghats and the valley below. The park also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which is a great place for trekking. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of the Neelakurinji, a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats that blooms once in twelve years.

• Mattupetty Dam: This is a storage masonry dam that creates a large lake, where you can enjoy boating and fishing. Also, see the tea plantations and the forests around the lake. The dam also has a dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, where different high-yielding breeds of cows.

• Devikulam Lake: This is a small and serene lake, where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. The lake is surrounded by green hills and tea gardens and has a legend associated with it. It is believed that Goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, bathed in this lake during their exile, hence the name Devikulam, which means the lake of the goddess.

Culture: Munnar has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, which includes the history, traditions, festivals, and cuisine of the people. Learn about the culture of Munnar, as you visit the museums, the temples, the churches, and the markets. Also, interact with the locals and the tea workers, and taste the local delicacies. Some of the places where you can experience the culture of Munnar are:

• Tea Museum: This museum is run by the Tata Tea, and tells you about the evolution of the tea industry in Munnar. See the relics and artifacts and photographs from the past, and learn about the history and culture of tea in Munnar. Also see the various stages of tea processing, and taste and buy some of the finest teas in the world.

• CSI Church: This church is a colonial-era church, built in 1910 by the British. The church has a Gothic style architecture, and a stained glass window depicting the Last Supper. The church also has a cemetery, where you can see the graves of some of the British planters and their families.

• Munnar Market: This market is a bustling and colorful place, where you can buy some of the local products and souvenirs. Find spices, herbs, tea, coffee, honey, fruits, vegetables, handicrafts, clothes and more.

Adventure: Munnar is a paradise for adventure seekers, who want to challenge themselves and have fun. Munnar has a lot to offer to the adventurous traveler, who wants to try some of the thrilling and exciting activities. Enjoy the adventure of Munnar, as you trek, raft, camp, paraglide, safari, rock climb, cycle, zip line, and more. Some of the places where you can experience the adventure of Munnar are:

• Anamudi Peak: This is the highest peak in South India and a challenging and rewarding trek for adventure seekers. You can see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and the stunning views of the Western Ghats and the valley below. You need to get permission from the forest department before you start.

• Muthirapuzha River: This is one of the tributaries of the Periyar River, and offers a thrilling and fun-filled rafting experience for adventure seekers. Choose from different levels of difficulty, depending on your experience, and see the lush green hills and the tea plantations along the way.

• Top Station: This is the highest point in Munnar, and offers a serene and scenic camping experience for adventure seekers. You can pitch your own tent or rent one from the local operators, and enjoy a bonfire, a barbecue, and some stargazing at night. Also see the rare Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once in 12 years and cover the hills in a blue hue.

History: Munnar has a rich and diverse historical heritage, which includes the colonial, tribal, and ancient aspects of the place. Learn about the history of Munnar, as you visit the caves, the rock paintings, the monuments, and the forts. You can also see the influence of the British, the Malayali, and the Tamil cultures on Munnar. Some of the places where you can experience the history of Munnar are:

• Marayoor Sandalwood Forest: This is a natural forest that has some of the oldest sandalwood trees in the world. You can also find some ancient caves that have some rock paintings and inscriptions that date back to the Stone Age.

• Kundala Dam: This is a hydroelectric dam that was built by the British in 1900. The dam is also known as the Sethuparvati Dam and is the first arch dam in Asia. The dam has a beautiful lake, where you can enjoy boating and fishing. Also see the Kundala Valley Railway, which was a narrow gauge railway that operated between Munnar and Top Station.

• Anayirankal Dam: This is another hydroelectric dam that was built in 1963. The dam has a large lake, where enjoy boating and fishing. See the tea plantations and the forests around the lake. The dam also has historical significance, as it was the site of a revolt by the Muthuvan tribe against the British in 1894.

Munnar is a place where you can discover the beauty and the diversity of Kerala. It is a place where you can enjoy the tranquility and the charm of the hills, the freshness and the aroma of the tea, the richness and the variety of the culture, and the warmth and hospitality of the people.

Also Read - 10 Reasons Why Munnar is the Perfect Place for Adventure

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