Places Visit In Munnar

Mattupetty Dam

Mattuppetty Dairy Farm is also famous for the Indo-Swiss Farm.

This is a highly specialized Mattuppetty Dairy Farm which comes under Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. Hundreds of high quality cattle are reared here and new varieties are scientifically developed.

The most attractive part of Mattupetty dam is its still water which reflects the tea garden around. You can engage yourself with water sport activities like speed boating organized by district Tourism Promotion Council of Idukki (Munnar) and enjoy the pretty natural surroundings of this beautiful dam. Adventure lovers also have options here like trekking in the Shola forest.
In the midst of the hills, surrounded by the tea gardens, Shola forest and hilly woods lays a beautiful lake, just a few miles away from the Mattupetty dam. The serene ambience of the lake will take you to a world of peace. You have endless options – either you can go for boating in the lake or you can sit on the shore enjoying the tranquility here. Tourists can go for a speed boat, pedal boat, motor boat or row boat.

History

Gifted with so many natural wonders, Mattupetty offers plenty of fascinating sights to the visitors, who can enjoy trekking and jungle walk at this natural treasure trove. The Mattupetty Dam and lake are ideal picnic spots for many tourists, visiting Munnar. Therefore, the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Idukki, has made arrangements for the people to enjoy different boating facilities like speed launch, slow speedboat, pedal boat, row boat, and motorboats.

The Mattupetty Dam is a storage concrete gravity dam, constructed under the Pallivasal Hydro Electric Project in the late 1940, for the purpose of water conservation and power generation. It helps many animals and birds with its constant availability and engage tourists with its splendid surroundings, found nowhere else. The still water of the dam and the nearby tea ground, makes Mattupetty an ideal tourist destination.

Owing to the perennial availability of water, many wild animals and birds flock to this area. Here, you can indulge in water sports like speed boating that are organised by the District Tourism Promotion Council of Idukki (Munnar). A vegetarian restaurant, located in proximity to the dam, serves scrumptious delicacies and refreshing beverages.
The 160-foot-high Mattupetty Dam has a vast reservoir extending several kilometres into the hills. A cruise here is an exhilarating experience, offering occasional sightings of elephant, gaur and sambar. This concrete dam has been an important source of power for the nearby areas. Elephants can also be spotted close to the reservoir.

Mattupetty Dairy Farm

Mattuppetty Dairy Farm is also famous for the Indo-Swiss Farm

This is a highly specialized Mattuppetty Dairy Farm which comes under Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. Hundreds of high quality cattle are reared here and new varieties are scientifically developed. Mattupetty Indo Swiss Farm, spread over an area of 191 hectares, is famous for cattle farming. The farm is home to around hundreds varieties of high quality cattle and about 400 heads of cattle are reared here. The farm is part of the Indo-Swiss Project headquartered at Mattupetty. Located amidst green grasslands, Indo Swiss Project at 3 km away from Mattupetty Dam is devoted to cattle development and research centre set up by the Government of Switzerland. The project was launched in 1963 on the basis of a bilateral agreement executed between the Swiss Confederation and the Government of India.

The project has made great strides in the improvement of livestock farming in the state. One of them is the development of Swiss Brown, a cross breed suited for the state’s conditions. The project is now managed by the Kerala Live stock Development and Milk Marketing Board.The gardens are very well maintained.There were many pastures and forested areas surrounding the buildings making the area lush and beautiful.Great farm, the plantation of choco leaves and the other herbal plants was just a worth visit.For easy maintenance, the farm is divided into three main sections – Semen Bank, Animal Husbandry and Fodder. It also provides professional courses for veterinarians, para-veterinarians and technicians in the same field.

One of the many attractions in and around Munnar is a diary farm situated at Mattupetty, a hilly region about 15 km away from Munnar town. The farm is home to around hundreds varieties of high quality cattle and about 400 heads of cattle are reared here. The farm is part of the Indo-Swiss Project headquartered at Mattupetty. Located amidst green grasslands, Indo Swiss Project at 3 km away from Mattupetty Dam is devoted to cattle development and research centre set up by the Government of Switzerland. The project was launched in 1963 on the basis of a bilateral agreement executed between the Swiss Confederation and the Government of India. The project has made great strides in the improvement of livestock farming in the state. One of them is the development of Swiss Brown, a cross breed suited for the state’s conditions. The project is now managed by the Kerala Livestock Development and Milk Marketing Board.

Kundala Lake

Kundala is a picturesque place, about 20 km from Munnar on the way to Top Station. It is at a height of 1700 meters above sea level. It is located at a distance of 20 kilometKundala dam, munnarers from Munnar. In Kundala, cherry blossoms appear twice in a year. The famous Neela Kurunji flowers which bloom once in twelve years, bloom in the hills and valleys around Kundala lake.

There is an artificial dam in Kundala which is another major attraction here. It is Asia’s first Arch dam. The boating experience at this dam is a wonderful experience beyond words. Boating facilities namely pedal boats, Kashmiri shikkara boats and row boats are available on rent to make your trip more enjoyable. A Golf Course is also located here which belongs to Kundala lake, MunnarTata Tea Ltd. Aruvikkad Waterfall is also situated nearby Kundala. The Sethuparvathi dam built in 1946 as a part of Pallivasal hydroelectric project is a sight to behold.

Munnar is the nearest town to Lake Kundala and is well connected by road transport, mainly buses and taxis. The nearest railway station is either Ernakulam or Kottayam. You can get hired vehicles such as private cabs and taxis from the railway station to reach Lake Kundala.

Highlights

Kundala is located approximately 20 km from Munnar on the way to Top Station and it is at a height of 1700 meters above the sea level. People love to see the Cherry gardens here, that blossoms twice in a year and make the surroundings of the lake even more attractive. However, the famous Neela Kurunji flowers, which bloom once in twelve years and change the green valleys of Kundala into refreshing blue beauties, are hard to see, because of their rare availability.The Kundala Lake gives way to an artificial dam 'Kundala Dam,' which is another famous attraction of this region. It was constructed for Pallivasal Hydro Electric Project in 1946 and is considered to be Asia's first Arch Dam, also known as Sethuparvathipuram Dam. One can see many a things in the surrounding of this dam, like the green valleys, tea gardens, waterfalls, eucalyptus and pine trees, etc. The boating is another major attraction at this glorious lake.

What to Know about

This is among the best photo points in Munnar with the backdrop of a serene lake and an imposing dam. For some extraordinary pictures, reach here early in the morning when the beautiful sun rays fall on the lake to create a glittering effect.As far as the nearby attractions are concerned, there is Aruvikkad Waterfall as well as a Golf Course. There is also Sethuparvathi Dam built in 1946 as a part of Pallivasal hydroelectric project nearby the Kundala Lake that is a sight to be enjoyed.There is no problem of transportation as Munnar is totally connected by roads which allow you to travel from buses and taxis. You can easily get a taxi or autorikshaw from Munnar Town to KUndala

Kundala Lake Entry Fee

All you have to pay for is the Shikara rides and row boat rides. The price for them varies according to the different facilities offered by them. The minimum charges for Shikara rides are 150 INR per person for an hour. This can be different for the kids.

Top Station

Top Station is tourist destination in the Kannan Devan hills of Munnar. It is a part between the border of Idukki-Theni Districts in the state of Kerala and Tamil Nadu .

Top Station is notable as the historic transshippment location for Kannan Devan tea delivered up here from Munnar and Madupatty by railway and then down by ropeway to Kottagudi. This area is popular for the rare Neelakurinji flowers. The Kurinjimala Sanctuary is nearby. Top Station is the western entrance to the planned Palani Hills National Park.

Top Station, located around 32 km away from Munnar, is the highest point (1700m) in Munnar, on the Munnar-Kodaikkanal road. The place falls on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Here you can enjoy the panoramic view of Western Ghats and the valley of Theni district of Tamil Nadu.

Top Station got its name from the fact that it was the uppermost railway station located in the Kundala Valley. At this highest point, you may feel that the clouds are just a hand touch away from you. The destination is famous for the Neelakurinji flowers (Strobilanthus), which used to bloom once in twelve years. The bloom of these rare flowers will give the destination a different bluish look. The next flowering season of Neelakurinji is on 2018.

History

Top Station was a transshipment point for delivery of tea from Munnar to Bodinayakkanur. Top Station derived its name from its being the upper terminus of the Kottagudi Aerial Ropeway. It was also the location of the terminal railway station on the Kundala Valley Railway, built in 1902 between Munnar, Kundalai and this low point in the crest of the hills above steep cliffs. A monorail goods carriage system was initially installed along this cart route.In 1908 the monorail was replaced by a 24 inch gauge railway. Kundalai is 12 kilometers (7.5 mi) west from Top Station on the way from Munnar station. Some remains of Kundala Valley Railway can be seen at the Munnar Tea Museum.

Tea chests arriving at Top Station from the Kundalai Valley were transported by a ropeway from Top Station 5 km down hill to the south to Kottagudi, Tamil Nadu. The tea was then shipped 15 km by cart to Bodinayakkanur, then by rail to other places in India and ship to England.Remains of the ropeway station at Top Station are still visible.Elevation at top of Bodi ropeway was 1,911 meters (6,270 ft)

Echo Point

Located at a distance of about 15 kilometers from Munnar, the scenic beauty of Echo Point is quite captivating. As the name suggests, this place is well known for its enthralling illustration of the phenomenon of echoing.

This picturesque destination is located right in the lap of a quaint lake and lush green mountains, which make it a visual treat for one and all.The unique beauty of the Echo Point marks the confluence of three mountain ranges, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. Situated on the banks of a lake, the calm and serenity of this place are enchanting, to say the least. This destination also houses a wide variety of tea gardens, coffee plantations and spice gardens, which enrich the crisp air of the mountains with a delicious aroma. Indulge in a peaceful walk around the gentle slopes of the hills here, and you will feel rejuvenated. Echo point is also a dream come true for birdwatchers, as many native birds can be spotted here.

Adventure Sports at Echo Point

Owing to its favorable climate and terrain, the Echo point offers some many adventure sports options for adrenaline junkies. Explore the trekker in you at this destination, as it is quite famous for its trek routes. Nature walks are another activity worth pursuing in this destination. You can also go for boating here, which is a beautiful experience in itself. Whether you are new to the world of adventure sports or are an experienced veteran, this place is worth a try!

This is a very beautiful place in Munnar, which got its name from natural echo phenomenon situated at a scenic lake bank. When you scream at here, you will be hearing your voice returning to you. Placed at an altitude about 600 ft, Echo Point is located 15 km away from Munnar, on the way to Top Station. Echo Point always has a greenish look as it is covered with abundant green sceneries. It is an adventurous destination, which will be a perfect choice for those who love to have a nature walk or trekking. The place surrounded with mist covered hills, water falls and clean air will be a visual treat.

Echo Point is situated about 13 km away from Munnar town, towards the Top Station or Top Slip. Echo Point is a phenomenon found in most of the hill stations. Munnar also has an Echo Point at a scenic lake bank. At Echo Point, people can clearly hear their loud voice echoing within the reservoir. Echo Point is also a picnic spot where tourists as well as natives love to stroll along the misty green slopes of the lake. Nature walks at Echo Point is a popular activity. Also, tourists can go for trekking through the nearby coffee, tea and spice plantations and grasslands. Cool breeze along with calm serene surroundings make Echo Point a favourite place among wayfarers.

Rajamalai (Part of Eravikulam National Park)

Eravikulam National Park is a 97 km2 national park located along the Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala in India. Situated between 10º05'N and 10º20' north, and 77º0' and 77º10' east, (See:map.) it is the first national park in Kerala.

Eravikulam National Park is administered by the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife, Munnar Wildlife Division, which also runs the nearby Mathikettan Shola National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park, Pambadum Shola National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kurinjimala Sanctuary. Eravikulam National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The main body of the park consists of a high rolling hill plateau with a base elevation of about 2,000 m. The terrain consists of high altitude grasslands interspersed with sholas. Anamudi, 2,695 meters, the highest peak in India south of the Himalayas is inside this park. Many perennial streams criss-cross the park. They merge to form tributaries of the Periyar river in the west and of the Cauvery River in the east. See:. Lakkom Water falls is in this region.

Fauna

Twenty six species of mammals have been recorded in the park including the largest surviving population of Nilgiri tahr,estimated at about 750 individuals. The other ungulates are gaur, Indian muntjac and sambar deer. Golden jackal, jungle cat, wild dog, dhole, leopard and tiger are the main predators. Some little-known animals such as Nilgiri langur, stripe-necked mongoose, Indian porcupine, Nilgiri marten, small clawed otter, ruddy mongoose, and dusky palm squirrel are also found.Elephants make seasonal visits.132 species of birds have been recorded which include endemics like black-and-orange flycatcher, Nilgiri pipit, Nilgiri wood pigeon, white bellied shortwing, Nilgiri flycatcher and Kerala laughingthrush.Endemic butterflies confined to the shola-grass land ecosystem like the red disk bushbrown and Palni four wing are among the 101 species in the park.19 species of amphibians have been recorded in the park.

Flora

Three major types of plant communities are found in the Park – grasslands, shrublands and forests. The terrain above 2000m is covered primarily by grasslands. However, there are numerous small patches of forests in hollows and gullies in these areas. The deeper valleys are extensively forested. Shrublands predominate along the bases of the cliffs and interspersed in rocky slab areas. The antibacterial Eupatorium glandulosum is found here.

History

Prior to 1971, the area was managed as a game preserve by the Kanan Devan Hills Produce Company. The government of Kerala resumed control in 1971 (Kannan Devan Hill Produce (Resumption of lands) Act, 1971), and declared the Eravikulam-Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary in 1975 to protect the habitat of the endangered Nilgiri tahr. It became a National Park in 1978

Tea Museum

The Munnar Tea Museum is an industry and history museum situated in Munnar, a town in the Idukki district of Kerala in South India.

Tata Tea Museum is its official name, but it's also known as Nalluthanni Estate where it is located,or Kannan Devan Tea Museum.The Tea Museum was inaugurated by Tata Tea which is a major producer of packaged tea so as to keep the history of tea plantation in India intact. The museum showcases production of tea and some of its finest methods of production. Photographs of tea plantations and the curios and machineries used in tea production have been put on display.

The Munnar Tea Museum outlines the development of tea estates which has been displayed by the elementary tea roller to the modern fully automated tea factory. These machineries display various stages of tea processing and the variable contrast in them. One can also learn the production of black tea from the exhibits displayed within the Tea Museum. At the entrance of the museum, one can witness a sundial placed on a granite block. This artifact has a historical relevance attached to it. The sundial placed at the entrance was built by Art Industrial School at Nazareth in the year 1913 and marks the development in tea production in Munnar over time.

History

The tea estate is owned by Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company (P) Ltd. (KDHP) – the plantation dates back to the 1880s. The museum opened on 1 April 2005. The tea museum preserves the aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's mountain region in the Idukki district on the Western Ghats at the boarder to the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. Tata Tea opened the museum which houses curiosities, photographs and machineries, depicting a turning point that contributed to Idukki's flourishing tea industry.
Set up at the Nallathanni Estate, the museum is a tribute to its pioneers who transformed Munnar into a major tea plantation centre of Kerala, from the rudimentary tea roller from 1905 to a fully automated tea factory. Visitors and tea lovers can see various stages of the tea processing – Crush, tear, curl - and learn about the production of Kerala black tea variants. The power generation plant of the estate dates back to 1920s; a rail engine wheel of the Kundala Valley Railway that shuttled between Munnar and Top Station by 1924. A section of the museum also houses classic bungalow furniture and office equipment of the Colonial area in Kerala. Tea tasting across different varieties of tea is another attraction. A 2nd-century burial urn was discovered at the Periakanal tea estate; it is also displayed at the museum.

Facilities

The museum is about 4 kilometres (2.49 mi) from the Munnar town, situated in the Nalluthanni Estate. Aluva is the nearest railway station (112 kilometres (69.59 mi)); Cochin International Airport is about 72 kilometres (44.74 mi) away. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation provides buses from different locations to Munnar town. The museum is open from 9 am to 4 pm (or 5 pm); it is closed on Monday and holidays. Address: Tata Tea Museum, Nalluthanni Estate, Munnar, KL-685 612, Idukki district, Kerala.

Marayoor Sandalwood Forests Sandalwood forest Marayur

Marayur or Marayoor is a town in Idukki district of Kerala, India. It is located 42 kilometers north of Munnar on SH 17 connecting Munnar with Udumalpet, Tamil Nadu.

Marayur is the only place in Kerala that has natural sandalwood forests. Ancient dolmens and rock paintings in Marayur date back to the Stone Age. In 1991 Marayur had a population of 9,590.It’s not just sights that make Marayoor, a scenic locale situated around 40 km away from Munnar, special. Besides two pre-historic sites, a sandalwood forest and vast sugarcane farms known for a tasty variety of solid molasses (sarkara in Malayalam) are among the attractions of Marayoor

An impressive pre-historic site at Marayoor is a must-see recommendation for those with an interest in history, archaeology or anthropology. The 2000-year-old megalithic monuments and the scenic location of the site would win the hearts of ordinary travellers too.Travellers can see here ‘Muniyara’ or dolmenoid cists which are burial chambers belonging to the megalithic age. The chamber is a simple one made of four granites slabs on edges and capped by another slab. Some dolmenoids consist of more than one burial chamber.

Marayoor has a natural sandalwood forest with around 65,000 trees. The sandalwood of Marayoor is said to be of high quality.There is a ‘Sandalwood Regeneration Experimental Plot’ here from where one can learn more on the fragrant tree. The State Forest Department runs a sandalwood depot here where travellers can see the processing of sandalwood. Those who still haven’t got enough to satisfy their curiosity can take a refreshing stroll in the forest, but only after taking permission from the Forest Department.

History

Marayur claims to be a part of a Stone Age civilization that is as old as 10,000 B.C. It is also home to a later period of large-scale dolmen-building. People migrated from Tamil Nadu to this area when the Madurai king Thirumalainaicker was defeated by Tippu Sultan, in the eighteenth century CE. The migrants created five villages, being Kanthalloor, Keezhanthur, Karayur, Marayur and Kottakudi. These villages were called the "Anju nadu", literally meaning “five lands”
Also called Muniyaras, these dolmens belong to the Iron Age. These dolmenoids were burial chambers made of four stones placed on edge and covered by a fifth stone called the cap stone. Some of these Dolmenoids contain several burial chambers, while others have a quadrangle scooped out in laterite and lined on the sides with granite slabs. These are also covered with cap stones. Dozens of Dolmens around the area of old Siva temple at Kovilkadavu on the banks of the River Pambar, and rock paintings on the south-western slope of the plateau overlooking the river have attracted visitors. Apart from the dolmens of Stone Age, several dolmens of Iron Age exist in this region especially on the left side of river Pambar as is evident from the usage of neatly dressed granite slabs for the dolmens.
At least one of them has a perfectly circular hole of 28 cm diameter inside the underground chamber. This region has several types of dolmens. Large number of them are overground with about 70–90 cm height. Another type has a height 140–170 cm. There is an overground dolmen with double length up to 350 cm. Fragments of burial urns are also available in the region near the dolmens. This indicates that the dolmens with 70–90 cm height were used for burial of the remains of people of high social status. Burial urns were used for the burial of the remains of commoners. The dolmens with raised roofs might have been used for habitation of people. Why some people lived in the cemeteries has not been satisfactorily explained.

Meesapulimala

Meesapulimala is the second highest peak in the Western Ghats of Idukki district on the Indian subcontinent after Anamudi. Its peak is 2,640 metres above sea level

The name derives from the fact that it is formed of eight hills which spread like a moustache and it is one of the most difficult mountain to climb over and it is located in suriyanelli around 20km away from munnar.Meesapulimala situated about 24km from Munnar town is known as trekkers’ paradise. One of the tallest peaks in South India, Meesapulimala is a destination for the highly adventurous. Tall pine trees wave to you from either sides of the road as you drive up to the base camp. It is ideal to start the trek in the morning. Don't forget to pack some food.

You can drive up till Rhodo Valley, and then the rest of the journey has to be on foot. The trek takes you through some scenic places and vantage points. Rhododendrons and a thousand other flowering shrubs dot the hillside. The wind carries the smell of wild animals, the mist rolls around your feet. It is ideal to pick up a local guide as the terrain could get tricky. If you are in luck, you may get to see the Indian gaur and nilgiri tahrs in their natural habitat. Thick shrubs closely envelop the plateau. But neither Meenamma (Deepika Padukone) nor Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) were shown trekking up this hills in the Rohit Shetty's super hit movie 'Chennai Express'. Meenamma joins a group of Bharatanayam dancers in the song ‘Titli’ with the hills in the background and then goes on to romance Shah Rukh Khan in the song 'Titli'. Sung by Gopi Sunder, Chinmayi, Srimathumitha, this song has hope and love as its undercurrents.

The Meesapulimala Trek is certainly going to inspire awe in you. For those who like to challenge their bodies, the experience is like a dream come true. You get to see so many diverse things in such a short time. The view from the top is so fantastic that you would want to stay there forever.
Meesapulimala peak, at an altitude of 8661 feet above sea level, is the second highest peak in Kerala. Apparently, ‘Meesapulimala’ gets its name because the peak resembles a tiger’s face. ‘Meesa’, translates to moustache, ‘puli’, to tiger and ‘mala’, to hill in the local language, ‘Malayalam’. Meesapulimala, about 40 kms from Munnar, is a destination for the highly adventurous souls as this trek is physically demanding. But Meesapulimala is a feast to the eyes and definitely an opportunity to explore nature at its best. The trek takes you through rivulets, shola and pine forests, expansive mountain ranges and a rugged terrain. This is indeed a mesmerising trek where clouds give you company as you reach the peak.

Camping Facilities

Camping is allowed in Rhodo Valley which is enroute to the peak. Rhodo Valley is the last point till which a 4 wheeler can go. After that the only option is to walk.

Meesapulimala Peak trek is a trek through lush green valleys, hundreds of blooming Rhododendrons, charming tea estates, gurgling brooks – peace is easy to find in the idyllic surroundings of Meesapulimala. Located at a significant altitude of 8,661 feet in the Idukki district of Kerala, Meesapulimala is a trek through eight hills, passing through the shared border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This 8 km trek from Rhodovalley takes you through high altitude grasslands, rainforests and wildlife. The Meesapulima Peak is called so because it apparently resembles a tiger’s face, although you’re not likely to spot any tiger here. “Meesa,” means moustache, “puli,” means tiger and “mala,” means hill. Hence, it is from this that the peak gets its name from and this is why it is called so.

Blossom Park

Blossom Park is famous for its activities such as water cycling, boating and skating. It is covered with a wide variety of flora and has romantic little provisions of tree houses and ropeways. It is located at a mere distance of 3 km from Munnar.

Things to Do

Trekking is a major attraction in the Blossom Park. It is best for people who would like to explore the place.
Do grab your binoculars if birds interest you. There are different varieties of birds and add to the beauty of the place.
Boating is another fun activity in the park. You can spend time with your friends and family and make memories for a lifetime.
If you love to spend some time alone, just grab a book and sit on one of the park benches. The serenity of the place will relax your mind.
Apart from all other activities mentioned above, roller skating, playing badminton, nature walk etc. can be a favourite pastime for most tourists.

Immerse yourself in the gift of nature at the Blossom Hydel Park, located around 3 km away from the Munnar Town, towards the old Munnar. This exotic piece of land has fresh flowers, Muthirappuzha river, lush green landscape, embracing migratory waterbirds, and mountain butterflies, that attracts tourists from distant cities and abroad. This park is a part of the Sylvan hill resort of Munnar and is located nearby beautiful Muthirappuzha river and misty Kannan Devam hill Tea Estates. It has a vast stretch of landscaped mounts, gardens, artificial waterfalls & lawns, that offer a wide range of facilities to make visitors feel relaxed and rejuvenated all at a same time. )

Interesting Facts and Trivia About the Blossom Park

The Blossom Park in Munnar is a renowned tourist spot. It conducts flower shows during the monsoons that display the variety of flowers growing the area.
A huge play area is built for children which includes swings and ropeways.
The total area is about 18 acres and most people come to spend an entire day in this park.

Blossom Hydel Park, which is about 3 km away from Munnar town, is situated towards the old Munnar. This Hydel Park is located nearby the banks of River Muthirappuzha and the misty Kannan Devan Hill Tea Estates. Blossom Hydel Park has a vast stretch of landscaped mounts, gardens, artificial waterfalls & lawns in its sprawling 16 acres of lush green land. Facilities for adventure trails, boating, nature walks, bird watching, roller skating, badminton, etc. are provided at this Hydel Park to its visitors

What we loved the most is the facilities offered like boating, bird watching, roller skating, trekking etc . Likewise, the aroma of mountain flowers adds further charm. Activities like pit fire with music playing makes evening time exceptionally relaxing. gardens, artificial waterfalls & lawns in its sprawling 16 acres of lush green land. Blossom Hydel park in Munnar also offers adventure trails, boating, nature walks and bird watching. It also offers facilities for cycling, roller skating, badminton as well. This park has transformed into a standout amongst the most famous things to do in Munnar The park has an enormous play area for children. There are tree houses, ropeways and swings to make children happy.It’s a park set in one of the beautiful locales in the country. A lot of activities are offered here including boating, roller skating, cycling etc. And if you wish a calm visit, admire the trees and a wide variety of beautiful flowers in the park. The 16 acres of beautiful parkland is surely a worth visit spot in Munnar. The park is situated near the Pallivasal hydro-electric project. It is about 3 km away from Munnar town

Rose Garden

Rose Garden is a popular destination located in Mattuppetty which is about 13 km away from Munnar town at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level.Rose Garden is one of the chief attractions of Mattuppetty for its beautiful garden where different varieties and colours of roses can be found.

Rose Garden, besides being a feast to the eye, also is a place for bird watching and trekking. Different varieties of birds can be spotted here.Tourists also visit the rivulets and waterfalls in and around Mattuppetty while paying a visit to Rose Garden.

Rose Gardens is an eco-friendly homestay that awaits visitors to step in. Set 3500 ft above the sea level on Kochi–Madurai Highway (NH 49), this property has four well-decorated rooms. Each room has been equipped with necessary amenities and during the stay, guests are served with mouth-watering home cooked food.

Sprinkled with the bounty of colorful flowers, the Rose Garden of Munnar is a land filled with heartwarming blossoms. The garden flourishes with multiple colors, and the sheer beauty of this place is enough to attract tourists from far and wide. This unique garden is surrounded by quaint hills and beautiful waterfalls, which make it a beautiful sensory experience in every manner. This beautiful destination lies around two kilometers away from the city center and is a must visit.These gardens are around a century old, and you will certainly experience the legacy the moment you step into its perimeter.
The garden is spread over an expanse of two acres and houses vanilla, cardamom and tea plantations. In addition to these commercial plants, a number of fruit trees such as litchi, strawberry and Indian gooseberry also find a place here.Experience a dash of nostalgic homesickness with the tours of the kitchen garden here, which has a number of day to day vegetables and fruits right from granny's backyard. The flowers here add another dimension to the destination. Visit this place for a wonderful gardening experience, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Photography and Trekking at the Rose Garden

Munnar's rose garden is an unlikely but mesmerizing destination to capture a few shots. Dressed with numerous varieties and arrays of flora, the wholesome beauty of this place is best expressed through photographs. What adds to the portraits is perhaps the pure beauty of the surrounding landscape, which makes this destination quite picturesque.The pathways of this garden are also a hotspot for trekking, so be prepared for a quick adrenaline rush. Packing flavors from different walks of life, the rose garden of Munnar is a bit of all goodness packed into one single destination.

Elephant Arrival Spot

Elephant Arrival Spot in Munnar. Elephant arrival spot is en-route to Top-station, just a 100sq m glade in the banks of the Mattupetty reservoir. This place is spectacular with a single tree standing in the centre, surrounded by lush green grass which has a lime tint to it veiled in the white curtain of mists.

About Elephant Arrival Spot

On the way to Top Station, you will encounter a vast expanse of lime green tinge surrounded by lush green hills. Elephant trails and morsels are a common sight on this grassland which is aptly called the Elephant Arrival Spot. 18 Km from Munnar, here you can experience the joy of riding the biggest mammal - a majestic elephant. It is a fun place for kids as well as enthusiastic adults. The elephants are well trained and comfortable to ride. A mahout accompanies every elephant while keeping your safety in check. The ride is inexpensive and quite affordable. This attraction near Munnar temp you for its siesta but be careful with the leeches that may bite you.

Elephant arrival spot is just a 100sq m glade in the banks of the Mattupetty reservoir. But it is spectacular with a single tree standing in the centre, surrounded by lush green grass which has a lime tint to it (don’t know if this tone is natural or given by the semi-foggy lighting) veiled in the white curtain of mists. Apt to its name, the glade has elephant trails and morsels of elephant dung here and there, which suggest frequenting of these huge mammals. There is a trail to walk down the glade (can’t say if it is elephant’s or people’s) which eventually leads to the banks of Mattupetty reservoir. The verdant grass might tempt you for a siesta, but watch out for blood-sucking leeches. Once at the Elephant Arrival Spot, you will find elephants and only elephants all around. Adorable pictures of the elder in the species busying themselves amongst each other and taking care of the young can be clicked. If you’re an animal lover, this place is your paradise.

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

Situated at a height of 7900 ft above sea level, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is known to be the highest tea plantations in the world. The estate, located on Kolukkumalai Hills, is around 31 km from Munnar and takes almost 52 minutes to reach by Jeep. The place is popular for growing special flavoursome teas. It has an old tea factory, built in the mid 20th century, which still uses traditional technique of tea production. Visitors can sip different flavours of tea and buy fresh tea from the factory outlet.

In addition to tea production, the hill is famed for panoramic views of the rolling hills and fresh air. At sunset, you can behold spectacular views of Kodaikanal town.Thirty-five km outside of Munnar, India, the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is built high atop the precipitous ridge that rises above the plains of Tamilnadu. At about 8,000 feet above sea level, this is the highest tea estate in the world. Known for its excellent, flavorsome teas, this estate is also known for its panoramic views and the for the rugged mountains that surround it.

It’s remote - it takes about 90 minutes to reach Kolukkumalai from Munnar - but on clear nights, you can see Kodaikanal from the estate because of its height. “The rejuvenating fresh air is a blessing in this place, but life is very simple,” one review from a visitor reads. “Their world revolves around their homes and work.”The factory at the center of the estate has stood for several generations, having been built more than 70 years ago. It uses traditional techniques even today that serve as a draw for tea enthusiasts. Orthodox tea-making is a seven-step process that includes withering, rolling, sieving, fermenting, drying, fiber extraction, and grading. All of this work happens in the small factory that has not been changed since the British constructed it in the 1930s.The estate was the 2005 Southern Tea Competition winner of the Golden Leaf India Awards.

Overview

The fascinating 7-8 hours tour of the Kolukkamalai Tea Estate – standing tall at 8000ft and known as the one of the highest tea estate in the world- is laced with adventure, relaxation and old-world sophistication.Get picked up from your hotel around 9am and enjoy a 1.5 hour jeep drive to Kolukkumalai Tea Plantation. You will be accompanied by a guide. Make way through rocky paths and bask in the scenery of the fringing hills. Meander through the landscape to reach the summit and set sights on the picturesque backdrop of mountains and lush greenery as well as the vast plains of Tamil Nadu.

History

The Kolukkumalai tea estate was started in the early 1900s by a Scottish planter. Little has changed here since the colonial planters left. There are no modern machines or computerised systems, and many of the really old machines proudly display the labels of their English manufacturers and time stamps that date back to the 1940s.The tea grown on the slopes of Kolikkumalai is special and much sought after for its distinctive flavour and aroma. The reason for this is that the quality of tea improves with altitude. Also, the orthodox process of manufacture (different from the CTC or crush-tear-curl method used in modern tea production) helps the tea to retain all its flavour.

Marayoor

Marayur or Marayoor is a town in Idukki district of Kerala, India. It is located 42 kilometers north of Munnar on SH 17 connecting Munnar with Udumalpet, Tamil Nadu. Marayur is the only place in Kerala that has natural sandalwood forests.

Ancient dolmens and rock paintings in Marayur date back to the Stone Age. In 1991 Marayur had a population of 9,590

History

Marayur claims to be a part of a Stone Age civilization that is as old as 10,000 B.C.It is also home to a later period of large-scale dolmen-building.People migrated from Tamil Nadu to this area when the Madurai king Thirumalainaicker was defeated by Tippu Sultan, in the eighteenth century CE. The migrants created five villages, being Kanthalloor, Keezhanthur, Karayur, Marayur and Kottakudi. These villages were called the "Anju nadu", literally meaning “five lands”.Also called Muniyaras, these dolmens belong to the Iron Age. These dolmenoids were burial chambers made of four stones placed on edge and covered by a fifth stone called the cap stone. Some of these Dolmenoids contain several burial chambers, while others have a quadrangle scooped out in laterite and lined on the sides with granite slabs. These are also covered with cap stones. Dozens of Dolmens around the area of old Siva temple (Thenkasinathan Temple) at Kovilkadavu on the banks of the River Pambar, and rock paintings on the south-western slope of the plateau overlooking the river have attracted visitors.

Apart from the dolmens of Stone Age, several dolmens of Iron Age exist in this region especially on the left side of river Pambar as is evident from the usage of neatly dressed granite slabs for the dolmens. At least one of them has a perfectly circular hole of 28 cm diameter inside the underground chamber. This region has several types of dolmens. Large number of them are overground with about 70–90 cm height. Another type has a height 140–170 cm. There is an overground dolmen with double length up to 350 cm. Fragments of burial urns are also available in the region near the dolmens. This indicates that the dolmens with 70–90 cm height were used for burial of the remains of people of high social status. Burial urns were used for the burial of the remains of commoners. The dolmens with raised roofs might have been used for habitation of people. Why some people lived in the cemeteries has not been satisfactorily explained.

Rock paintings

Ancient rock paintings are part of Marayur heritage at Attala, Ezhuthu Guha (literally means “cave of writing”), Kovilkadavu and Manala in Marayur panchayat. Attala is situated in the west part of Marayur Township and more than 90 painted motifs can be seen here. The rock paintings of Attala are situated in a colossal east facing rock shelter 1500 meters above mean sea level. Most of the paintings at Attala are abstract designs except for a few human and animal figures. Ezhuthu Guha rock paintings are sited in the Koodakavu Sandalwood Reserve Forest at Marayur in the Marayur Panchayat at an elevation of 1000 meters above mean sea level. More or less 90 painted motifs can be seen here. However, as the place is the most famous rock art site in Kerala, it attracts a large number of visitors and has been extensively vandalized since it was brought to wide public attention. Kovilkadavu is less than five kilometers from Marayur town and the place is famous for Neolithic dolmens and rock paintings. Ten 10 painted motifs are located on the south-western slope of the plateau overlooking the Pambar river.
There is a rock painting at Manala in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary of Marayur near the Alampetty tribal settlement. Here, a picture of a deer and a man can be seen. In close proximity to this art site, a new rock painting has been newly discovered.

This is suggestive of the fact that this must have been the oldest and most frequented pass in the region, or the fact that it is the main pass leading from one cultural region to another, quite different one, to the north.National Highway 21 (NH 21), the road through the Kullu Valley, past Manali and over the Rohtang Pass to Keylong, and Lahul and on to Leh in Ladakh, has become very busy during the summer months as an alternate military route, following the Kargil Conflict in 1999 in addition to tensions in Kashmir. Traffic jams are common as military vehicles, trucks, and goods carriers try to navigate the tight roads and rough terrain, compounded by snow and ice at certain points and the large number of tourist vehicles.

Floriculture Centre

Munnar Floriculture Centre, popularly known as Munnar Rose Garden, is a beautiful garden with hundreds of rare varieties of flowers and herbal plants. With large tea plantations in the background, this is place is definitely worth a visit for everyone who enjoy flowers.

Against the backdrop of tea plantations, you will find a well-manicured garden called Floriculture Centre. The park features a large variety of flowers and some herbal plants maintained by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation.

Overview

The Floriculture Centre, unfortunately, does not find a prominent mention on any Munnar itinerary. But to a more discerning eye, this place holds a wealth of knowledge and splendid opportunities for spending some quality time in the midst of nature.Functioning under the Kerala Forest Development Corporation, this Floriculture Centre centre is a beautiful garden teeming with rare varieties of flowers and herbal plants. Adding to the charm of the place are sprawling tea plantations in the background.

History

Munnar Floriculture Centre is operated by Kerala Forest Developerment Centre (KFDC), a Govt. of Kerala undertaking. Spread across a few acres of land and located along the Munnar - Mattupetty road, this place has an amenity centre for tourists and a sales outlet, in addition to hundreds of rare varieties of flowers, cactus, shrubs, creepers and herbal plants. The amenity centre inside the garden has toilets, shop, snacks, coffee etc.

Since it's along the way to many other attractions in Munnar, it is easily accessible without taking a lot of time from your itinerary. If you are on a short trip and is in a hurry to see as much as you can, then you can quickly run through the entire garden in less than 30 minutes. You may just need to push some true nature lovers aside who are adoring the beautiful flowers all along the narrow paths throughout the garden to make your way. If you are in Munnar to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, you can spend 1 to 2 hours relaxing in the garden.

Our visit to the garden

During our recent backpack trip, we visited the Floriculture Centre as well. By seeing the government organization name board, we thought it may not be a well maintained place. But, since we hadn't had any food since we left the Tea Country Resort in the morning and wanted to fresh up at the amenity centre inside the Floriculture centre, we bought the tickets and got inside.

We were greeted by the hundreds beautiful flowers in the very well maintained garden. Once we entered the property, all I could say was "Wow!". This place is really beautiful and you would love those flowers even if you are not a botanist or nature lover. We visited during last week of February, which is sort of dry season, however, every plant was looking awesome with all sorts of flowers.The Floriculture Centre is located on the road from Mattupetty and Munnar. The nearby attractions include various view points in the tea gardens, Mattupetty dam, boating, Anayirangal dam, Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum, Honey Bee Tree, Dream Land Spices Park etc.