subject: Munnar - The Land Of Three Rivers [print this page] Tucked away in the mounts and valleys of the Western Ghats amidst the green hills of Kerala, is Munnar, a panoramic hill station known for its natural splendour. Located in the Idukki district of Kerala in South India, Munnar is one of the most prominent holiday locations of the country. A hill station that is popular not only among the locals, but also among foreign nationals, Munnar offer the perfect settings for spending an idyllic holiday in the 'God's Own Country'.
The word Munnar stands for 'Three Rivers' and the place got its name due to the fact that three rivers, Madurapuzha, Nallathani and Kundala converge near Munnar. Famous all over the world for the natural beauty and greenery, Munnar enchants its visitors with its multitude of cloud kissing mountains, tea plantations, waterfalls and numerous opportunities for trekking expeditions, to list a few.
One of the major attractions of Munnar is its vast tea plantations, spread over acres and acres of Hills. Enwrapped in the green blanket of tea plants Munnar looks like a beautiful bride decked up in a green outfit. The Hills of Munnar are called Kannan Devan Hills and is one of the primary tea production areas of the Indian Corporate Giant, the TATAs. The numerous tea factories of Munnar produce different varieties of tea like CTC tea, Tea leaves, Green Tea, White Tea, Cardamom Flavored tea, Masala Tea, Lemon Tea, Jasmine Tea and many other similar varieties of tea.
Munnar paints a panoramic picture with its collection of undulating mountains, grasslands, dense forests, streams, waterfalls, lakes, tea plantations and natural trails. Some popular tourist attractions here include the Eravikulam National Park, Attukal Waterfalls, Mattupatti Dam, Devikulam, Chithirapuram, Kundala, Marayoor, Pothamedu View Point, Kalvari Mount, Tata Tea Museum, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate and Top station among others.
One of the most famous attractions of Munnar is Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes Kunthiana), a blue flower that flower only once in every 12 years. It is expected to bloom next in the year 2018. The highest peak of South India, Anamudi (at 2,695 m), is also located in Munnar. Eravikulam National Park near Munnar provides home to one of the most endangered animal species of India, the Nilgiri Tahr.
Munnar enjoys good connectivity to other parts of the country by road, rail and air. The nearest airport is at Kochi (125 km) and Angamali (120 km) is the nearest railway station. Munnar is easily accessible through road by taxi or bus. Both private and government agencies operate daily regular bus services form different parts within the state as well as neighbouring states to Munnar.
The best time to visit Munnar is from the months of August to March and it is the perfect getaway for honeymooners.
