Kundale tea plantation,

Eravikulam National Park,

The High Range Club,Top Station,
Mattuppetty,
Devikulam,
Rajamalai,
Chithirapuram,
Marayoor,
Pallivasal/Pothamedu,
Topslip view point,
kundala dam,
mattupetty dam,
Anaimudi (south India's Highest peak) and Strawberry jam Factory (Tata tea's non-profit social
initative).

=======================================================================
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing in Munnar which includes Eravikulam National park
(Rajamalai), a top peak of Munnar where you may see Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goats), Tea
Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Eco-Point, Kundala Dam etc. You can also enjoy boating in the Lake
(optional).

Day 1:

Begin you journey in Munnar by visiting the plush tea gardens. Experience this vast
plantation area around the slopes of the hills. The scenery is simply stunning and
mesmerizing. The view of the clouds descending into the mountains is indeed a pleasure
to watch.

Tea Estate (Source: Gopal Venkatesan)

How about enlightening yourself about the process of tea making? Indeed an offbeat
thing to do. Visit the Kannan Devan tea museum which was initially run by Tata Tea
and now by the employees. The employees who also double as guides take you through
the museum and also show you the tea production process.

Tea Estate (Source: karmadude)

During you journey in Munnar, keep a look for the many cascading waterfalls along the
roads. After some quick lunch head towards Valara which is about 42 km away. It is
indeed a feast to the eyes. The water here pours from a 1000 meters peak. Summertime, the flow of water is less, but during the rains the place is a heaven. The destination
is a perfect offbeat getaway.

Waterfalls (Source: kabils)

From Valara, leave for Pothamedu to indulge in a rejuvenating experience. It is a small

village in Munnar. A hilly paradise full of coffee, cardamom and tea plantations,
Pothamedu is located about 6 km away from Munnar. The destination is extremely
greenish and offers beautiful views of the Muthirapuzha River, misty hills and rich green
valleys around, even as the cool winds soothingly blow across your face.

Tea estate in Munnar (Source: tornado_twister)

From here you can head to the Punarjani Traditional Village where you can enjoy
some great performances like Kathakali (local dance) and Kalaripayatam (martial arts). It
would surely be an evening to remember when you get immersed into the local culture.
There is a daily show at 5 pm in Pallivasal in Munnar(Tel: 04865 216161, 263888,
9895999701)

Performance (Source: anappaiah)

You can call it a day here and head back to your hotel.
2. Day 2

On the second day you can visit the Eravikulam National Park. Although a touristy
spot, its still worth visiting this tranquil destination which is home to ample of interesting
and

endangered

species.

The Nilgiri

Thars which

are

considered

extremely endangered can be found no where else but for this place and some isolated
Nilgiri forests.

Get up close with nature and do take the forest bus that takes you to the top of the hill.
You do need to walk for about a kilometer, but trust me you wont regret taking the pain to
see the beautiful valleys in the foggy atmosphere.

Misty paths - Eravikulam National Park (Source: flickrPrince)

Next on your itinerary should be a visit the Kundala Dam. It is one of the scenic
viewpoints in Munnar and has boating facilities for tourists at the artificial reservoir.

Kundala Dam Catchment (Source: karmadude)

Not very far from the Kundala dam is the Attukal Waterfall which is a favourite amongst
the locals and tourists alike. The surrounding natural beauty will surely take your breathe
away. Here is a snapshot of the waterfalls from a distance.

Waterfall (Source: Danesh Zaki)

If you have time you can also visit a yet another serene and tranquil lakeside spot known
as the Echo Point. This is a must visit for someone who wants a moment to admire the
scenes around and wants to have some fun along the way, echoing his or her voice.

Spend your evening at the Mattupetty Dam Lake. The lush green meadows and
mountain peaks is sure to remind your of some Bollywood movie. Don't be surprised if
there is any shooting going on here. Its the perfect spot for a lovely evening with closed
ones for boating or a small walk around.

Mattupetty Dam (Source: karmadude)

You can choose from an endless fleet of speed boats, row boats and pedal boats in
which to sit back and enjoy the sylvan treats.

Mattupetty Dam - Speed boat ride (Source: flickrPrince)

Munnar is one of the most popular hill stations in South India. It is nestled in
Western Ghats at an altitude of 6000 ft and is located in Idukki district of Kerala.
This picturesque hill station beckons nature lovers from far and near.

Taken from Wikipedia By kcbimal. Originally from flickr

Large tea plantations, forests, hill ranges, valleys and wildlife makes anyone fall in
love with this place. I am going to share 13 places that you should visit (or try to)
when you are in Munnar. And if you already visited Munnar recently, then I hope
these will make you want to do another trip very soon!
1. Mattupetty Dam

Mattupetty dam : Aruna at ml.wikipedia

Mattupetty dam and its reservoir is located 13 km away from Munnar. This
concrete gravity dam is built between the hill ranges and it is used mainly for water
storage for hydroelectric projects. Its reservoir is an idyllic place to enjoy the serene
nature. It is also said to be one of the waterholes where the elephants in the region
often visit..
2. Mattupedi Dairy Farm

Mattuppetty Dairy Farm photo By Balu malayali from flickr

Mattupetty is also famous for the Indo-Swiss Farm. This is a highly specialized dairy
farm which comes under Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. Hundreds of high quality
cattle are reared here and new varieties are scientifically developed.

3. Kundala Lake

Kundala Lake : by Anoop Joy from flickr

Kundala Lake is an artificial reservoir of a minor arch shaped dam huddled between
the mountain ranges. It is about a 20 km drive from Munnar. There is boating facility
there..and dont forget to go for a Shikara boat ride while you are there!
4. Top Station

It is about 40 km from Munnar and it is 1,880 meters above sea level. The panoramic
view of the Western Ghats and the valley of Theni from Top station is simply
breathtaking. Top station got this name from its being the uppermost located
railway station on the Kundala Valley Railway.
5. Echo Point

Echo point image: Ruben Joseph

Echo Point is about 15 km from Munnar. Go there and scream as loud as you
can..and wait for a minute. You can hear your echo back! Its quite interesting. If you
have kids with you..they will love it. They can experience this natural phenomenon
firsthand.
6. Rajamalai (Part of Eravikulam National Park)

Nilgiri Tahr : by Arun Suresh

Rajamala, part of Eravikulam national park, is located at about 15 kms from

Munnar. This region is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas hylocres).
It was converted to a national park to provide a safe sanctuary for the already
endangered species of Nilgiri Tahr.
7. Tea Museum

This photo
of Kannan Devan Tea Museum is courtesy of TripAdvisor

This tea museum is first of its kind in India. It is located at KDHPs Nullatanni estate
in Munnar. The aim of this museum according to its founders is to showcase the
growth of more-than-a-century-old tea plantations in this region. Anyone visiting
this museum will get a clear picture of how laborious this tea processing really is.

8. Marayoor Sandalwood Forests

This is located at around 42 kms north of Munnar through the Udumalppetta route.
Marayoor is famous of the natural sandalwood forest. Not only that, this place is said
to be part of the ancient stone age civilization dated back to 10,000 B.C. Stone age
paintings, rock edicts and dolmens found there vouch for this rich heritage.

9. Attukad Waterfalls

This photo of Attukal Waterfalls is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Now this is a scenic waterfalls located between Munnar and Pallivasal. It is just 9 km
away from Munnar. But this waterfalls will be in its full glory only after the monsoon
(Rainy season). During other seasons, it is just a trickling mountain stream.
10. Blossom Park

Image by pranav via flickr

Blossom International Park is about 3 km away from Munnar town and it spreads
over 16 acres. It is a peaceful location to enjoy a calm and relaxing nature walk
admiring flowers and surrounding green hillside. The park offer many activities for
tourists like boating, cycling, roller skating etc.
11. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Image by Kerala Tourism via flickr

Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is about 60 kms from Munnar. It is situated on SH 17 in

the Marayoor and Kanthalloor Panchayats of Idukki district. It is an ideal spot for
trekking and enjoying wildlife closely. It is the habitat for endangered Grizzled giant
squirrel in India. Almost 34 species of mammals including panthers, spotted deers,
elephants, tigers can be found here. It is also a bird watchers paradise. 245 species of
birds live here!
12. Tea Plantations

Image by Kerala Tourism via flickr

How can one resist a tea garden tour when you are in Munnar? Rolling hillsides
covered with tea plantations is a sight to behold. The lush greenery and the soothing
cold wind with a mild aroma of tea leaves totally rejuvenates you.
13. Lakkom Water Falls

This waterfalls is about 25 kms from Munnar on the way to Udumalaipettai. Lakkom
waterfalls is part of Eravikulam National Park. The cascading waterfalls and the
scenic surroundings makes it tourists favorite hideout in Munnar.