Munnar Kerala
Covered in green and surrounded by the serene and spectacular hills this beautiful hill station of Kerala, is located at the confluence of three rivers. Hence the name Munnar which in Malayalam is made up of two words “munu” meaning “three” and “aaru” meaning “river.” The three rivers that give this hill station its name are the Rivers Muthrirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. This beautiful hill station attracts tourists from all over and is famous for the Neelakurinji flower that blooms only once in twelve years.
Located as it is at a height of about 6000 feet above sea level, Munnar was once a popular summer resort for the British due to its salubrious climate. The peak tourist season in this resort is from August to May. However even in the monsoon season, Munnar is a wonderful sight with its streams and rivulets in the area and the post-drizzle dew drenched and misty tea gardens have a majestic air about them. Most of the local people of Munnar are engaged either in the tea industry or in the tourism industry.The main tourist attractions of Munnar are the Eravikulam National Park which is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and a variety of species of butterflies animals and birds. It is a fantastic place for trekking. The park offers a great view of the rolling mist covered hills and the vast tea plantations. Once in twelve years when the Neelakurinji flowers which are endemic to this region, bloom, the whole hill side is covered in a blue carpet.
The Anamudi Peak the highest peak in South India is located 13 kilometers from Munnar town. Mattupetty again at a distance of 13 kilometers from Munnar lies 1700 meters above sea level. This area is known for its storage masonry dam, and its beautiful lake which offers the tourist boating facilities. The famous Indo-Swiss livestock Project with its high yielding breeds of cows is yet another must visit place. The lush green tea plantations, the rolling grasslands as also the Shola forests which support varieties of birds are also wonderful sights to behold. The Tea Museum set up by the Tata Tea Plantation, showcases the exquisite and interesting aspects of the beginning and the growth tea plantations in Kerala. The museum houses various interesting curios, photos and machines all of which have a story to tell. Munnar is 130 kilometers away from Cochin which is the nearest airport. Munnar is well connected by good roads to other places in Kerala as well as the neighboring State of Tamil Nadu.
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