Munnar – Ideal Place for Adventure

Shankar Khulbey Updated on

Between rolling hills and tea plantations as far as the eye can see, Munnar is an Indian place that inspires a sense of peace. Its natural parks lend themselves to numerous excursions to discover the wonders of the place. The imposing Anamudi, the peak of the Western Ghats, forms the backdrop to this magnificent scenery.

Surrounded by craggy peaks and rolling hills, Munnar is the ideal destination for discovering the natural beauty of India. It is located in the beautiful region of Kerala which is referred to as the ‘Kashmir of South India’. The area, surrounded by tea and spice plantations, is of great scenic appeal. With its picture-perfect scenery, Munnar is thought to be a popular honeymoon destination among Indians and a must-see for tourists, who can embark on exciting green treks.

This hill station, located 1,600 meters above sea level, was the summer residence of the English government during British rule. Here it is possible to discover the phases of tea production in places such as the Lockhart Tea Factory or the Tea Museum, among curiosities, photographs and machinery, but above all it is possible to explore the natural beauty of the surroundings. With a one-day trek, it is possible to admire the Pothamedu Viewpoint and reach the splendid Attukad Waterfalls, waterfalls framed by the lush greenery of the jungle: a real feast for the eyes. Also worth seeing are the Power House Waterfalls, also known as Chinnakanal Waterfalls, which fall from a rock from a height of 2,000 meters in pristine scenery.

Top Station offers a splendid panoramic view of the Western Ghats, a mountain range located in the southwestern part of the Indian peninsula. Many hiking trails can be followed within the Eravikulam National Park, the main national park of Kerala, located along the Western Ghats chain. From its heights, you can admire a magnificent view of the tea plantations shrouded in mist. The highest peak, with 2,695 meters, is the Anamudi, in the southern part of the park. The name of the mountain means “the elephant’s forehead” precisely because its appearance resembles the head of a gigantic pachyderm. Eravikulam National Park and Mount Anamudi are home to 26 mammal species, 132 bird species, 101 butterfly species, and 19 amphibian species. Here are found protected species such as the Nilgiri tahr (very rare mountain ibex), but also Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, Nilgiri martens, and gaur (wild cattle). A native frog species unique in the world is found on Mount Anamudi. Permission from the Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam is required to summit Anamudi. Also in this magical area, there is a rare species of endemic flora: Neelakurinji, the flower that blooms every 12 years (the next bloom is expected in 2030) and which covers the hills in a blue-purple carpet.

At 13 km from Munnar we find the town of Mattupetty, which stands at 1,700 meters high with its lush tea plantations, grasslands and shola forests. The area is perfect for trekking and bird watching. Mattupetty is known for its storage dam and beautiful lake. In the area there is also a farm highly specialized in dairy products, an Indo-Swiss project.