Discover the Magic of Munnar Hill Station: 5 Must-Do Activities in Munnar

 Munnar, nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is a landscape of verdant palm trees, rolling tea gardens, and breathtaking scenery. This mountain stop offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, fun and relaxation. If you are planning a trip to Munnar, here are five activities you should not miss to make your trip unforgettable. 

1. Exploring Tea Gardens and Tea Museum:

 Munnar means sprawling tea plantations stretching as far as the eye can see. Visiting these gardens is a must: 

Guided tours: Join guided tea plantation tours to learn about the history and process of tea production. Watch the tea harvesters at work and enjoy the stunning views of the beautiful plantations. 

Tea tasting: Visit the Tea Museum at Nallathanni Estate to immerse yourself in the history of tea in Munnar. Enjoy a tea tasting where you can sample a variety of local teas.

2. Trek to Anamudi Peak

Anamudi Peak in Munnar, the highest peak in South India, offers an exhilarating trekking experience for adventure enthusiasts. You will get a splendid view of the scenic beauty from the Anamudi peak, along with other memorable things. You will also be able to enjoy and experience trekking activities at Anamudi Peak if you visit at the right time. 

Challenging Trails: The trek to Anamudi Peak is challenging but rewarding, with stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Flora and fauna:
The trail passes through the Eravikulam National Park, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. 

3. Visit Eravikulam National Park:

 Eravikulam National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife lovers.

Nilgiri Tahr: See the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat native to this region. The park is one of the few places where you can see these animals in their natural habitat.

Neelakurinji Bloom : If you visit Munnar between April and October, you may be lucky enough to witness the blooming of Neelakurinji flowers, which happens once every 12 years and turns the hills into a blue carpet.

4. Experience the Beauty of Waterfalls

Munnar hill station is dotted with several stunning waterfalls that are a treat for the eyes and soul. While visiting Munnar, make sure to visit these waterfalls as well.

Attukal Waterfalls: Nestled amidst rolling hills, Attukal Waterfalls is a popular spot for picnics and nature walks.

Lakkam Falls: Located near Marayoor, Lakkam Falls is known for its tranquil surroundings and crystal clear waters. It’s a great place to get down and relax. 

5. Relax at Kundala Lake:

Kundala Lake offers a respite from the crowded tourist attractions. 

Boating: Take a leisurely boat ride on the tranquil waters of Kundala Lake. Choose from pedal boats, rowing boats, and shikara rides.

Cherry blossom: If you visit in April and May, you can see cherry blossoms in full bloom, adding to the landscape. 

Munnar is a place that captivates every traveler with its natural beauty and diverse attractions. Whether you are a nature lover, a fun seeker or a relaxing adventurer, Munnar has something for everyone. So pack your bags, set your itinerary, and get ready to explore the stunning beauty of Munnar through these five must-do activities.

Exploring Chenduvarai: A Hidden Gem in Munnar

Nestled inside the coronary heart of the Western Ghats, Munnar is well known for its sprawling tea gardens, mist-blanketed hills, and enchanting herbal beauty. Among its many treasures lies Chenduvarai, a quaint village that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of metropolis existence. If you are planning a experience to Munnar, here's why Chenduvarai ought to be on your itinerary.

The Scenic Beauty
Chenduvarai is a paradise for nature lovers. The village is surrounded via lush greenery, dense forests, and picturesque landscapes. The air is crisp and sparkling, offering an excellent placing for rest and rejuvenation. The rolling hills and tea plantations provide an enchanting view this is nothing short of a visible deal with.

Tea Plantations and Estates
One of the eye-catching sights of Chenduvarai is its tea plantations. The region is home to some of the oldest tea estates in Munnar. A visit to these plantations permits you to witness the meticulous procedure of tea manufacturing, from plucking the leaves to processing and packaging. You also can enjoy guided excursions wherein you can learn about the history and importance of tea on this vicinity.

Adventure and Trekking
For adventure fans, Chenduvarai gives severa hiking and trekking possibilities. The trails take you via the dense forests and high-altitude grasslands, providing stunning views of the encircling valleys and mountains. The trek to the Chenduvarai waterfalls is especially famous, wherein you can witness the cascading waters amidst the tranquil placing.

Wildlife and Bird Watching
Chenduvarai is likewise a haven for wildlife and fowl watchers. The forests around the village are domestic to numerous species of plants and fauna. You can spot animals like Nilgiri Tahr, Malabar Giant Squirrel, and numerous species of deer. Bird watchers can satisfaction in the sight of exclusive birds together with the Malabar Whistling Thrush, Nilgiri Flycatcher, and the endemic White-bellied Shortwing.

Local Culture and Cuisine
A visit to Chenduvarai is incomplete without experiencing the neighborhood lifestyle and cuisine. The village is inhabited by using a heat and alluring community that is constantly keen to share their traditions and way of lifestyles. You can indulge in nearby cuisine which might be wealthy in taste and organized the use of conventional techniques. Don’t pass over out on attempting the freshly brewed tea from the local estates, that is a unique experience in itself.

Sustainable Tourism
Chenduvarai is an awesome instance of sustainable tourism. The nearby community is actively worried in maintaining the natural splendor and biodiversity of the vicinity. Eco-friendly practices are recommended, and travelers are educated about the importance of conservation. This guarantees that the pristine environment of Chenduvarai remains unspoiled for destiny generations.

Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Chenduvarai is at some point of the months of September to May while the weather is excellent and ideal for outdoor sports. The monsoon season, from June to August, brings heavy rainfall, that may make trekking and sightseeing difficult but gives a one of a kind form of lush, green beauty for folks who enjoy the rains.

Getting There
Chenduvarai is without problems available from Munnar, that is nicely linked by way of avenue to predominant towns in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, and the closest railway station is Aluva. From Munnar, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Chenduvarai.

Chenduvarai is a hidden gem in Munnar that offers an unforgettable revel in for nature enthusiasts, journey seekers, and those looking to immerse themselves in local subculture. Its scenic beauty, wealthy biodiversity, and tranquil surroundings make it a great vacation spot for a non-violent retreat. So, percent your bags and get equipped to discover the mesmerizing village of Chenduvarai in Munnar!

Kallippara Hills Becomes the Spotlight for the Tourists as Neelakurinji Flower Blooms

 Kallippara Hills in Idukki district has recently become a center of attraction of the tourists amid the blossoming of Neelakurinji flowers. Neelakurinji is a flower that blooms once in every 12 years and this time, it has blossomed in Kallippara hills in Santhanpara. As per the Santhanpara Panchayath officials around 5,000 to 10,000 peoples are arriving at Kallippara Hills daily to catch a glimpse of the Neelakurinji flowers.

Along with the tourists, a lot of photographers and videographers are also rushing towards the destination to capture the amazing view of Neelakurinji flowers. It is an unexpected blooming of the Neelakurinji flowers that has given a great mileage to the tourism sector in Idukki. As of now, there is no entry fee to visit the hills and people from different parts of Kerala are visiting Kallippara hills daily.

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has also announced a new sightseeing service from several depots to Kallippara Hills. The Neelakurinji sightseeing trip by KSRTV starts at 8 AM at Munnar Deport and travels through the Gap Road, Anayirankal dam, Kallippara hills and Chathurangappara before returning to the Munnar Depot in the evening. The charge for the trip is INR 300 per head and KSRTC is planning to add more services to Kallippara hills during the Deepavali holidays.

A Clean and Small Water Stream on the way to Munnar Hill Stations

 Just saw a clean and small water stream while travelling to the hill stations of Munnar in Kerala. The water stream was not shallow and was suitable for having a bath. There was a slight flow, but that was not too dangerous. We decided to stop by the water stream and as we moved towards, we came to know that it was crystal clear and pure in all sense. We had a small batch and enjoyment in this water stream, before we started our journey towards Munnar. Just sharing a small video of the stream near Munnar where we had some good time.

Eravikulam National Park in Munnar Shut for Tahr calving

The Eravikulam national park in Munnar has been  closed for visitors from 29th of January to the 1st of April as it is the calving season of the Nilgiri tahrs. The calving season of the Nilgiri tahrs usually lasts from January-end to the middle of June.  The Nilgiri tahrs is endemic to the south-western ghats and were enlisted as  endangered species by the International Union of Conser-vation of Nature and Natural Resources.

According to a  survey that was conducted in 2017,  there are  around 850 Nilgiri tahrs and 87 offspring  at the Eravikulam  park in Munnar. The largest population of Nilgiri tahrs is present mostly in the high-altitude grasslands. The Nilgiri tahrs in Eravikulam National park are a one of the most major attraction  of Munnar tourism and travellers are seen visiting this national park to get a glimpse of the Nilgiri Tahrs..

A total of 54,759  tourists visited the Eravikulam National park in January 2016 and around   64,396 tourists visited the park  in  December that same year.   52, 393 tourists visited the park in September 2017,  and 77,508 visite in December 2017. The tourist inflow to the National park might increase as Neelakurinji  is all set to bloom after a period of 12 years.
The Nilgiri Tahrs are one of the prime attractions of the tourism industry in Munnar and most of the travellers don't hesitate to visit the Eravikulam national park while they are on their trip to Munnar. The current restriction will really dissapoint the serious traveller who have planned to visit Munnar during the time when the park is shut down.

Pampadum Shola - The Home of the Evasive Nilgiri Marten

Pampadum Shola National Park in Munnar is located on the southern portion of Western Ghats and is a safe haven for the rare and most elusive Nilgiri Marten. Due to the presense of the Nilgiri Marten, the eco-tourism activities at Pampadum Shola National Park  require careful planning and regular review. The Nilgiri Marten almost looks like a civet or a mongoose and it most prefers areas with higher altitudes.

The earlier information about the Nilgiri Marten was that it was a solitary animal. But recente experiences have shown that that they can be spotted as pairs and triplets as well. The authorities have been able to gather information on the dietary habits of the carnivorous animal. There were almost 42 independent sightings in Pampadum Shola, and the researchers feel the area and its extended forest area stretches in Kerala and Tamil Nadu constitute the largest haven of the elusive mustelids. The number is very crucial as the global population of the Nilgiri Marten is estimated only below 1000.

Pampadum Shola comes under Munnar Wildlife Division, and enjoys proximity of Kurunjimala Wildlife Sanctuary and Palani hills of Tamil Nadu. The shola grass lands in this region have significant presence of Nilgiri Marten.

Recently the researchers have also recorded their sounds along with their hunting patterns. The Nilgiri Martens is often found to engage in allo-grooming and resting on fallen tree trunks. During the day time, the Nilgiri Martens remain restless and active. The Nilgiri Martens has become one of the prime attractions for those visiting Munnar and most of the travellers are seen busy trying to spot this rare species and take a snap or two.

Munnar Becomes Busy as Snow Falls on the Mountain Peaks

The flow of tourist towards Munnar to enjoy the chilled weather has increased in the last few days. The flow of tourists which started to increase since November is expected to reach its full potential by Christmas vacation. The hill stations of Kerala such as Munnar, Thekkady, Vagamon etc has witnessed the huge flow of travellers in the last few days especially the weekends. A long queue of tourist vehicles can be seen on the road from Adimali to Munnar. Around 2500 tourists reach the Rajamalai wildlife sanctuary on a daily basis.

As per the tourism department around 1500 travellers visit Mattupetty in Munnar on a daily basis and this number is expected to increase in the coming days. Tourist destinations in Munnar such as Kolukkumalai and Meesappulimala have already started witnessing the increased flow of tourists. In the last few days, the temperature dipped to almost 4 degree celsius in Munnar town and the nearby estates such as Lekshmi, Chenduvarai and Chittuvara experienced a temperature of 2 degree Celsius. The withdrawal of the rain and the clear sky in Munnar has contributed to the dip in the temperature.

As construction work is going on along the Kochi-Dhanushkodi highway, a 42 kilometer road distance from Munnar to Bodimettu has been blocked from morning 7 to evening 7. As  a result, the tourists are reaching Munnar by deviating from Pooppara and taking the Rajakumari-Kunchithanni-Pallivasal route.