Jiyo Life this monsoon in Munnar

The monsoons are here & we should all be out there trying to make the most of it. Some of you will play football in the rains, while some will go trekking . There are some who enjoy having a cup of tea with some hot bhajiyas. Now we will tell how to make this monsoon more special by visiting one of the beautiful places we have here in India. The place is Munnar. Now don’t tell us that you have never heard of this place!

The name Munnar is derived from the words munnu aar . Munnu meaning three while aar meaning rivers. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala in Idukki district of Kerala, the place has become one of the hottest tourist destinations in India. Placed at height of 2000 to 2600 meters above sea level, the climate here is fantastic. The air is crisp, clear and unpolluted & the temperature normally hovers between 0°C - 25° Celsius. The place was once a summer destination of the erstwhile British Government in South India.

Munnar is full of greenery and mist and once you visit there you will be greeted by miles and miles of tea gardens. It has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi. Towering over 2695 meters the place is an ideal location for trekkers. An exotic flower, Neelakurinji blooms every 12  years & bathes the hill in blue color. The Nilgiris, which means the blue mountain received its name from this flower.

Here are some of the must visit places in Munnar this monsoon:

Rajamala: This place is situated 2695 meters above sea level & is about 15 kms from Munnar. It is famous for the Nilgiri Tahrs which is the state animal of Tamil Nadu. An endangered species, more than half of these thars or goats, about 1300, can be found over here.

Eravikulam National Park:
Situated in Devikulam taluka of Idukki district, this 97 sq.km. park is home of the Nilgiri Tahrs. The Anamudi peak is situated in the southern part of this park. The place is covered with evergreen trees which makes it beautiful and is one of the best mountain ranges that we have in India.

Pothamedu:  This place offers an excellent view of the vast tea, cardamom and coffee plantations in Munnar. It is ideal for mountain walk as it offers a view of the lush green beautiful hills and mountains. Nature at its best.

Matutupetty: Around 13 kms from Munnar & 1700 meters from sea level this place is famous for the Indo-Swiss live stock project. Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds where you will find over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle being reared. There is also the Mattupetty Lake & Dam which is a favorite picnic spot.

 Nyayamakad:
Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad has some beautiful and breathtaking waterfalls some of which are at a height of 1600 meters. The scenic surroundings will make you mesmerize in natures wonder.

Pallivasal :
Again a place with some awesome scenery, this place also has the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala.

Attukal :
Located between Munnar and Pallivasal, the place has some of the best views of the waterfalls. Watch the Attukkal waterfalls where white foaming water descends down from a great height and creates cloud of mist. Attukal is also one of the most photographed attractions of Munnar. 

Chithirapuram:
Home to the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, this is a sleepy town with old cottages and bunglows which gives it a distinct charm. There are also spice nurseries owned by the Kerala Spice Board.

Lock Heart Gap:
Located 13 km from Munnar this place is famous for adventure tourism and trekking. If you want to spend some priceless moments of solitude this is the place to be.

Devikulam:
Located 7 km from Munnar this place is famous for the Sita Devi Lake, where it is believed that Lord Rama and Goddess Sita took bath thus consecrating the water with curative powers. You can also find bluish and red rubber trees here.

That’s all about Munnar. Do visit, enjoy your monsoon and Jiyo Life.


image courtesy: binbrain.com/wikimedia commons