Munnar
Munnar a hill station in Idukki district of Kerala, is situated at an altitude of 5000-8000 ft above sea level. The origin of the word Munnar is said to be derived from the Malayalam words 'Muunu' (three) and 'aaru' (river), which points to the strategic location of the township at the confluence of the mountain streams of Muthirappuzha, Chanduvarai and Kundala. The highest peak in South India, Anamudi 2695 m high, lies in Munnar.
Munnar was once a sleepy little hamlet, until Scottish planters discovered it. Later the British who ruled India, developed it into one of south India’s most important centers for the cultivation of tea, coffee and spices. They made it their summer hideout.
In the 19 th century the headman of the villages of Anchanad, just to the North of the high ranges was named Kanan Thevar. It is said that travelers from Madurai to the West coast passed through these villages and named these hills after him.
The Duke of Wellington is reputed to have been the first European visitor to land in Munnar, in 1790.
The Neelakurinji, a blue flower which blooms only once in twelve years, is found in this region. It bloomed last in December 2006.
Traditions of the British Tea Plantation town are still preserved in this hill station.Today land encroachments are a threat to the fragile economy of these beautiful grasslands.
Places of interest in and around Munnar are: Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park, 45 mins from Munnar home to the Nilgiri Thar, an endangered species of mountain goat.
Anamudi Peak inside Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Mattupetti Dam: 10km from Munnar
Mattupetti Indo-Swiss Farm: The dairy farm is a unique one of its kind with more than 100 varieties of high-yielding cattle being reared here.
Echo Point: 15km from Munnar,
Salim Ali (Thattekkad) Bird Sanctuary
