MUNNAR’S FASCINATING ATTRACTIONS

There are plenty of interesting places to visit in and around Munnar. While nature lovers must visit places like Echo Point, Eravikulam National Park and Kundala Lake, there is a lot for culture buffs as well. The dolmens and rock paintings at Marayur near Munnar, and the Tea Museum that is one of the biggest tea estates in town, are great for some cultural and historical insight. Other than these, the lush green tea estates that line the roadside in Munnar are a no less attraction for those who can marvel at picture perfect scenic beauty.

MARAYUR DOLMENS

Marayur Dolmens (burial chambers) are one of the secret places to visit around Munnar. These lie at some 42 km from Munnar on SH 17 and date back to Stone Age, somewhere around 10,000 BC. There are dozens of dolmens peppered around Thenkasinathan Temple near River Pambar. Some of the dolmens, supposedly, date back to Iron Age as well. Other than these intricate burial chambers, the ancient rock paintings in the region are worth a dekko as well. Some of the most interesting paintings can be seen at Kovilkadavu that lies at a distance of around 5 km from Marayur. It is one of the most important sites famous for rock art in Kerala.

ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK

The Eravikulam National Park is located along the crest of western ghats in Idukki. It extends along 97 sq.kms of land and has the largest population of endangered (IUCN) Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius). The Eravikulam National Park has an elevated plateau which is 2000 metres above sea level. The highest peak of the region, Anamudi (2690 m) is situated in the Eravikulam National Park.

The Eravikulam National Park is covered with grassland, shrubs and forest. Twenty six species of mammals have been recorded in this national park with an estimated population of 750 Nilgiri Tahr. Gaur, Indian Muntjac, Sambar Deer, Nilgiri langur, Indian Porcupine, Nilgiri Marten, small clawed otter and elephants are among other species spotted here. Eravikulam National Park has a tropical montane climate and the peaks experience heavy rainfall from June to August. The only road within the tourism zone of Eravikulam National Park passes through the southern extent towards Rajamallay tea estate. The national park is governed by the Department of Forest and Wildlife Government of Kerala.

KUNDALA LAKE

Kundala Lake lies, at some 20 km from town centre, on the road to Top Station. A scenic place that looks more like a picture postcard, Kundala Lake is a major attraction. You can go boating at the lake in one of the many colourful shikaras available here. The lakeside is quite famous for the neelakurinji flowers that bloom in the region every 12 years. With some luck, you can even see hordes of wild elephants loitering on the banks here. A perfect place for nature and photography lovers, Kundala Lake is a great option for a quick family picnic.

TEA MUSEUM

Other than its world famous tea estates, Munnar also has a tea museum to its name. This interesting museum is set inside the Nallathanni Estate and is a must-visit for tea aficionados. It houses Rotorvane, a 1905 tea roller, a second century burial urn that was found in one of the tea estates around and fascinating information and photographs that date back to the colonial era in India. The museum traces the history and growth of Munnar’s tea estates, taking you back to the time when Munnar was a simple hill town and pioneers of tea industry started the revolution that placed it on every tea lover’s bucket list.

ECHO POINT

Echo Point, at a distance of around 13 km from town centre, is one of the most famous attractions of Munnar. It is a lakeside famous for its natural echo phenomenon, where whatever you speak loudly comes ringing back at you! The lush green lakeside is a sight to behold and sees a steady trickle of tourists.