Munnar
Saturday, November 26, 2011
About Munnar: Munnar meaning “three rivers”, is located at the confluence of three mountain streams videlicet Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at an altitude of 1600 meters above the sea level, the place offers an ideal escapade from the heat and buzzing of urban life into the tranquil laps of nature. The mist covered rolling hills, exotic plantations, colonial remnants, panoramic views, and pristine wilderness all add to the exquisite beauty of this hill station.
The idyllic, picture postcard hill station of Munnar was once the summers resort of the erstwhile British Raj. The town still proudly retains its old-world colonial charms in much the same way. The exotic flora and fauna found in the region further accentuates the beauty of Munnar. Munnar cordially welcomes a visitor by rolling out a plush green velvet carpet of verdant valleys laced with tea plantations. This fairytale town will stupefy you with its dazzling kaleidoscopic visions of nature. Come along and discover the fascinating magic of Munnar as we take you on a virtual magic carpet ride to this exotic land.
Duration of the Trip: It was a trip of 3 days and 4 nights from Bangalore.
Transportation: We travelled through train from Bangalore to Kottayam and back to Bangalore. We had board Kanyakumari Express (16526) from Bangalore City railway station at 9:35 am on Sunday and reached Kottayam station next morning at 11:25 am.
For returning back to Bangalore, we had board the same train i.e. Bangalore Express (16525), at 4:25 pm at Wednesday from Kottayam station and reached Bangalore at 6:55 am next morning.
Ticket cost Rs 272/- for Sleeper classes, Rs 735/- for 3 tiers AC and Rs 1008/- for 2 tiers AC for each.
We hired a tempo traveller for taking us to Munnar, going for sightseeing and bringing back to Kottayam for Rs 6000/-.
Details of the trip
Day 1: We reached Munnar by 5’o clock in the evening and checked in to Bella Vista, the resort we had booked in advance.
Bella Vista Resort
Chithirapuram Post
Munnar, Idukki Dist,
Kerala, India.
Pin- 685 565
Tel: 04865 263280
Fax: 04865263766
Mob: 09447403897
E-mail- info@bellavistamunnar.com
bellavistamunnar@gmail.com
As it was quite late by the time we got settled and the resort was far away from the main city, we decided not to go anywhere that day.
Day 2: After having the breakfast in the restaurant of the resort, we started for sightseeing around 9:30 am. The places we visited were,
Powerhouse Waterfalls, a stunning waterfall is located at a distance of 18 km from Munnar en route to Thekkady. This majestic waterfall cascades down a steep boulder at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. The place is much acclaimed for its astounding scenic beauty. Tourists flock to this waterfall to enjoy this spectacular display of nature’s magnificent beauty.
Pallivasal Power station is situated on the waterfalls and hence it is named.
Floriculture Centre is a garden under the management of the Floricultural Division of Kerala Forest Development Corporation. An entry fee of Rs 5 per head and Rs 10 per still camera is worth every penny. Hundreds of species of flowers, decorative & medicinal plants, orchids and cactus were on display. A botanist could easily spend a day out there.
The town of Mattupetty though small in geographical area is a treasure trove of natures abounding glories. Every nuke and cranny of it is crammed with the luxurious bounties of nature. The town is located at a distance of about 13 km from Munnar at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level. Mattupetty is famous for its much renowned dairy farm; the Indo-Swiss livestock project. A large variety of high yielding cattle are reared in Mattupetty. At a stones throw away lies the picturesque Mattupetty dam and lake. The ideal way to revel in the beauty of this scenic locale is a boat cruise. The spot is preferred by picnickers due to its amazing natural beauty.
In Mettupatty, lots of shops are available from where you can buy the home-made chocolets, Kerala specials souvenirs like house boat, Kathakali faces, decorated elephant.
Echo Point is an amazing vantage point located at a distance of about 15 km from Munnar. The place derives its name from the natural echo phenomenon of the point. Spectacular views of the surrounding mist-clad blue hills and plantations could be enjoyed from this point. This is an ideal place for trekking and mountaineering. The place lies on the way to Top Station from Munnar. This place is also known as Binocular View Point.
Devikulam, the quaint hill station of Devikulam rests like a celestial beauty in the midst of luxurious velvet green hills. This pristine hill station is located at a distance of 16 km from Munnar at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level. The hill station is famous for its crystal-clear lake of Sita Devi. Legend connects Devikulam to the ancient Hindu epic of Ramayana. It is believed that during their exile, Sita Devi - the consort of Lord Rama took a bath in this lake. The water in the lake is considered to contain minerals and is acclaimed for its healing powers.
Lock Heart Gap is located at a distance of 13 km from Munnar, this magnificent vantage point lies close to Mattupetty. The place offers some amazing views of the mist clad endless blue hills covered with lush greenery, winding roads and silver brooks splashing the emerald greenery with white streaks. The place is a perfect venue for adventure tourism and trekking expeditions. The salubrious climate and picturesque surroundings make it one of the most preferred locations to visit in Munnar.
The Kundala Lake is set amidst deep forests and is one of the most scenic places in Munnar. Kundala Lake has one of the best boating facilities available in Munnar and several tourists come to enjoy boat rides in this lake. It is located at a distance of 20 km from Munnar. It is one of the important places to visit in Munnar and is home to the best golf course in Munnar and one of the best golf courses in Kerala. Though the golf course is owned by the Tata tea company tourists are seen playing golf here. There is a dam adjoin to the Lake.
Boating is the best way to explore the area and to catch a glimpse of the rich wildlife. In Mattupetty reservoir you can avail speed boat services. After visiting all these places again we came back to Mattupetty lake for boating and took ride in speed boat.
We had our lunch in a restaurant in the Munnar market and did some shopping. Munnar is famous for Tea, coffee, homemade chocolates and spices.
Two more places we visited post lunch were,
Kolukkamalai Tea Estate is one of the most famous tea factories in Munnar as it is located at a height of 7130 feet above sea level. This tea factory is a favourite tourist destination in Munnar as one can have a majestic view of the Western Ghats from the tea factory premises.
Munnar Botanical Garden is another collection of different species of plants.
Day 3:
We checked out from the resort after having our breakfast and started for Kottayam by 10 am. We reached there by 2:30 and had our lunch in a restaurant in the stations.
Disclaimer:We went for this trip in Oct’2010. There are chances that price and timings has got changed. Please check with cabs service providers or travel agents about current timings and rates.
I have tried to provide as much as details is possible for the trip. For any further clarification please feel free to contact me @ dutshilpi@gmail.com.
The idyllic, picture postcard hill station of Munnar was once the summers resort of the erstwhile British Raj. The town still proudly retains its old-world colonial charms in much the same way. The exotic flora and fauna found in the region further accentuates the beauty of Munnar. Munnar cordially welcomes a visitor by rolling out a plush green velvet carpet of verdant valleys laced with tea plantations. This fairytale town will stupefy you with its dazzling kaleidoscopic visions of nature. Come along and discover the fascinating magic of Munnar as we take you on a virtual magic carpet ride to this exotic land.
Duration of the Trip: It was a trip of 3 days and 4 nights from Bangalore.
Transportation: We travelled through train from Bangalore to Kottayam and back to Bangalore. We had board Kanyakumari Express (16526) from Bangalore City railway station at 9:35 am on Sunday and reached Kottayam station next morning at 11:25 am.
For returning back to Bangalore, we had board the same train i.e. Bangalore Express (16525), at 4:25 pm at Wednesday from Kottayam station and reached Bangalore at 6:55 am next morning.
Ticket cost Rs 272/- for Sleeper classes, Rs 735/- for 3 tiers AC and Rs 1008/- for 2 tiers AC for each.
We hired a tempo traveller for taking us to Munnar, going for sightseeing and bringing back to Kottayam for Rs 6000/-.
Details of the trip
Day 1: We reached Munnar by 5’o clock in the evening and checked in to Bella Vista, the resort we had booked in advance.
Bella Vista Resort
Chithirapuram Post
Munnar, Idukki Dist,
Kerala, India.
Pin- 685 565
Tel: 04865 263280
Fax: 04865263766
Mob: 09447403897
E-mail- info@bellavistamunnar.com
bellavistamunnar@gmail.com
Bella Vista Resort |
As it was quite late by the time we got settled and the resort was far away from the main city, we decided not to go anywhere that day.
Day 2: After having the breakfast in the restaurant of the resort, we started for sightseeing around 9:30 am. The places we visited were,
Powerhouse Waterfalls, a stunning waterfall is located at a distance of 18 km from Munnar en route to Thekkady. This majestic waterfall cascades down a steep boulder at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. The place is much acclaimed for its astounding scenic beauty. Tourists flock to this waterfall to enjoy this spectacular display of nature’s magnificent beauty.
Pallivasal Power station is situated on the waterfalls and hence it is named.
Power House |
Power House Dam |
Powerhouse Water Falls |
Floriculture Centre is a garden under the management of the Floricultural Division of Kerala Forest Development Corporation. An entry fee of Rs 5 per head and Rs 10 per still camera is worth every penny. Hundreds of species of flowers, decorative & medicinal plants, orchids and cactus were on display. A botanist could easily spend a day out there.
The town of Mattupetty though small in geographical area is a treasure trove of natures abounding glories. Every nuke and cranny of it is crammed with the luxurious bounties of nature. The town is located at a distance of about 13 km from Munnar at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level. Mattupetty is famous for its much renowned dairy farm; the Indo-Swiss livestock project. A large variety of high yielding cattle are reared in Mattupetty. At a stones throw away lies the picturesque Mattupetty dam and lake. The ideal way to revel in the beauty of this scenic locale is a boat cruise. The spot is preferred by picnickers due to its amazing natural beauty.
In Mettupatty, lots of shops are available from where you can buy the home-made chocolets, Kerala specials souvenirs like house boat, Kathakali faces, decorated elephant.
Echo Point is an amazing vantage point located at a distance of about 15 km from Munnar. The place derives its name from the natural echo phenomenon of the point. Spectacular views of the surrounding mist-clad blue hills and plantations could be enjoyed from this point. This is an ideal place for trekking and mountaineering. The place lies on the way to Top Station from Munnar. This place is also known as Binocular View Point.
Devikulam, the quaint hill station of Devikulam rests like a celestial beauty in the midst of luxurious velvet green hills. This pristine hill station is located at a distance of 16 km from Munnar at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level. The hill station is famous for its crystal-clear lake of Sita Devi. Legend connects Devikulam to the ancient Hindu epic of Ramayana. It is believed that during their exile, Sita Devi - the consort of Lord Rama took a bath in this lake. The water in the lake is considered to contain minerals and is acclaimed for its healing powers.
Lock Heart Gap is located at a distance of 13 km from Munnar, this magnificent vantage point lies close to Mattupetty. The place offers some amazing views of the mist clad endless blue hills covered with lush greenery, winding roads and silver brooks splashing the emerald greenery with white streaks. The place is a perfect venue for adventure tourism and trekking expeditions. The salubrious climate and picturesque surroundings make it one of the most preferred locations to visit in Munnar.
The Kundala Lake is set amidst deep forests and is one of the most scenic places in Munnar. Kundala Lake has one of the best boating facilities available in Munnar and several tourists come to enjoy boat rides in this lake. It is located at a distance of 20 km from Munnar. It is one of the important places to visit in Munnar and is home to the best golf course in Munnar and one of the best golf courses in Kerala. Though the golf course is owned by the Tata tea company tourists are seen playing golf here. There is a dam adjoin to the Lake.
Boating is the best way to explore the area and to catch a glimpse of the rich wildlife. In Mattupetty reservoir you can avail speed boat services. After visiting all these places again we came back to Mattupetty lake for boating and took ride in speed boat.
We had our lunch in a restaurant in the Munnar market and did some shopping. Munnar is famous for Tea, coffee, homemade chocolates and spices.
Two more places we visited post lunch were,
Kolukkamalai Tea Estate is one of the most famous tea factories in Munnar as it is located at a height of 7130 feet above sea level. This tea factory is a favourite tourist destination in Munnar as one can have a majestic view of the Western Ghats from the tea factory premises.
Munnar Botanical Garden is another collection of different species of plants.
Day 3:
We checked out from the resort after having our breakfast and started for Kottayam by 10 am. We reached there by 2:30 and had our lunch in a restaurant in the stations.
Disclaimer:We went for this trip in Oct’2010. There are chances that price and timings has got changed. Please check with cabs service providers or travel agents about current timings and rates.
I have tried to provide as much as details is possible for the trip. For any further clarification please feel free to contact me @ dutshilpi@gmail.com.