Places to Visit
Neelakurinji
Neelakurinji (Strobilantheskunthiana) is a shrub that grows abundantly in the shola grasslands of Western Ghats in India. The Nilgiris, which literally means the blue mountains, got its name from the purplish blue flowers of Neelakurinji that blossoms only once in 12 years. They flower between April and December, peaking towards September.
Marayoor Sandalwood Forest
Gifted with a precious heritage and natural forest of Sandalwood, Marayoor is a rain shadow village on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats. The Marayoor Sandalwood forest has a spread of around 65000 sandalwood trees and the State Forest Department conduct tours in the factory for enthusiastic visitors who are keen to know about sandalwood processing. An attractive trekking spot for adventure seekers, the vivid landscapes provides a charming experience. The fragrant fresh breeze and oxygen rich environment is one of a kind. One of the last remaining natural sandalwood forests, scattered with waterfalls, a walk through the forest is breathtaking.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Southern Tropical Dry deciduous forest, dry thorn scrub, riparian types, sholas and grasslands that are a collection of plains, hillocks, rocks and cliffs which provide microhabitats for varied forms of life. It is also well known for its reserve for medicinal plants. Located 18 km north of Marayoor is one of twelve Wildlife Sanctuaries among the protected areas of Kerala. Chinnar gets only 48 days of rain in a year. This is the second habitat of the endangered giant grizzled squirrel. Rich in wildlife, on the Chinnar road one can spot Elephants, Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Hanuman monkey and even Peacocks on road side. It is home to reptilian fauna, abundant in terms of number of species. The riverine forests along Chinnar and Pambar support a healthy population of grizzled giant squirrel. Visitors can avail ecotourism activities and a wide spectrum of wilderness opportunities like river trekking, nature trail and camping offered by the local communities and the Forest department.
Eravikulam National Park - Rajmala
Among the most bio diverse regions of India, Eravikulam National Park is 54 kms from Kanthalloore. Spread over 97 sqkm along the Western Ghats in Idukki district of Kerala. Eravikulam denotes a beautiful series of pools and streams. Home to the Nilgiri Tahr (varayadu) (Hemitragashylocres), the park along with the
neighbouring Chinnar and Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuaries, is amongst the largest
conservation areas in Western Ghats. The park attracts over 2 lakh visitors every year .
Rajmala has the beauty and magic to make you want to stay forever. This region is home to
half the worlds' Tahr population which is estimated to around 1300. Rock climbing,
mountaineering are other activities attract huge crowd. Its concealed beauty, the divine
and pristine environment lures tourist from around the world offering an ideal escapade for
relaxation.
Anamudi Peak inside Eravikulam National Park
The highest peak (2,695 m) south of the Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary in majestic pride. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park.
Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty Dam is situated at an altitude of of 1700m above the sea level and very famous
for its Indo-Swiss live stock projects, approximately 26 km from Kanthalloore. Nature offers its
best with sights to relish at this well known tourist spot. A lake close by with rolling
grasslands and tea plantations around, has a fleet of row boats, speed boats and pedal
boats available for tourists and enjoy a view of the cattle sheds while they ride in the lake.
There are around hundred ranges of high yielding cattle nurtured here. Trekkers would love
the rivulets and cascades that crisscross the terrain here. A variety of birds can be found
which adds to the attraction of this hill station.
Kundala dam
Kundala dam located about 20 kms from the Munnar town, 17 kms from Kanthalloore is Asia's first arch dam. The scenic beauty of the artificial lake and the picturesque mountains slopes of tea garden surround the lake. The main attraction of Kundala is the golfcourse, popular among the golfers in the country. The crystal-clear lake and the surrounding areas carpeted with tea plantations is a lovely spot for photography. The unending expanse of tea gardens is the ideal for fresh mountain air and take snaps to capture memories. Neelakurinji flowers that covers the entire 'Nilgiri hills of Munnar' adds to the beauty of the view around the lake.
Top Station
Top Station derived its name from its being the uppermost located railway station on the Kundala Valley Railway, built in 1902 between Munnar, Kundalai and this hilltop location. Top Station is 12 kilometers (7.5 mi) west from Kundala.Elevation is 1,880 meters (6,170 ft). It is 6.6 kms (4.1 mi) southwest of the highest point on the old Kodaikanal-Cochin escape road at 2,260 meters (7,410 ft) on the eastern shoulder of Vandaravu Peak, 10°08'58?N 77°17'19?E10.14944°N 77.28861°E .
Chinnakanal Waterfalls
Chinnakanal Waterfalls bring down clear and chilly water drops like pearls from a peak amidst dense tea fields. Located 16 km away from Munnar on the route to the Madurai National Highway, the waters pour down a hill from a height of about 800m. This excellent
picnic spot with the scenic western mountain ranges around is a popular halt on the way to
the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady. A refreshing bath, forms a memory for a
lifetime.
Thoovanam Waterfalls
Thoovanam waterfalls lie within the woods of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Northern Idukki. The Pambar river flows eastwards through the sanctuary and forms the waterfall. Considered among prominent regional cascades, this is a favourite among tourists for
wildlife tourism. A visit to the Thoovanam waterfall includes Chinnar experience, sighting
elephants, langurs and if you are lucky you may even get near to Giant Grizzled Squirrel,
which is a rare and special for nature enthusiast. A Jungle trek would offer one of the most
unique experiences, both adventurous and romantic.
Muniyara
Muniyara is located 9 km from Kanthalloore, a serene trekking spot with caves of huge rocky slabs. It has fascinated archeologists for the many dolmens found around the area, considered a part of the Megalithic age. It was made of four stones placed on edges and
roofed by a fifth one called capstone. Some of these dolmens contain several burial
chambers. The cave inners provides the ideal space to meditate, for the more curious
tourists there is lots to be explored here as it is said to have hidden mysteries.
Plantations
Plantations in Munnar offer the eternal bliss of nature, to reflect on life, take a break from fast paced life and rejuvenate. The Spice plantations have different species cultivated which visitors can sample and taste. The spices grown include ginger, cardamom, vanilla, tea, coffee, clove, nutmeg, pepper and garlic. Tea of varied types and quality are also available
here.
The vast tea estates are undoubtedly, a gift of God for its beauty and hybrid tea varieties
with fascinating flavours, sought after around the globe. Sparkling natural mineralised
water, fragrance of flowers & cardamom and the heavenly surroundings extend an
experience of tranquility. Come and be part of plantations where you
can touch, breathe and feel being one with nature.
Tata Tea Museum, also known as the KDHP Tea Museum
(Around 2 km on the Nallathany road, from Munnar) A must-see. Tourists can see a collection of odd bits from the colonial era.
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
At a height of about 2,175 m (7,130 ft), this orthodox tea factory lays claim to being one of the highest in the world. The view of the Western Ghats is absolutely enchanting.
Nyayamakad Water Falls
Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The water cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 metres. The enchanting surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and trekking point. Gravel Banks, a delightful trout fishing site, is tucked away in a remote corner of Nyayamakad Estate.
Lakkam waterfalls
Lakkam Waterfalls is situated in Lakkam, nearby Vagavurai valley Estate. The valley is so named due to the abundance of 'Vaga' trees. When the trees are in full bloom the whole of Vagavurai valley is seen covered in bright red.
Devikulam
Devikulam is a hill station with a lake known for being sacred, also for the mineral water which is considered curative. It is 1800 m above sea level. The main attraction being the lake which is known as Sita Devi Lake. There are many myths attached to the lake and it is said that Goddess Sita of the Ramayana epic has bathed in the lake. The entire place is surrounded by lush green hills, a favorite spot during the summer months as people travel from the lowlands for its cooler temperature.
Chithirapuram
Chithirapuram placed on top of the Sahyadri, is where the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project is located. This hill station is an attractive place exuding an old world charm. Tourist can witness the beauty of old courts and playgrounds, wonderful cottages and bungalows. The place receives large number of tourists and still remains unexplored as most part of this hill station still remains undiscovered. The large tea plantations are worth watching.
Cheeyappara Waterfalls
Cheeyappara Waterfalls is a famous destination in the vicinity of 2 acres of evergreen forests, also known as Swiss of South India. The terrestrial terrain consists of water cascades, spice plantations, tea and coffee plantations, rolling hills, valleys and dense forests. Located at a distance of about 38 km from the town centre. This waterfall is falls between Adimali and Neriamangalam, adjacent to Munnar to Kochi Highway (NH 49). Cheeyappara runs down from the rocky slope in seven steps. The waterfalls are beautiful during and after monsoon months and do not dry even in summer months. Cheeyapparaattracts trekkers who choose the location as base camp and go on nature walks in to the forests.
