Allens Forest Resorts & Cottages

Munnar, one of the most popular hill stations in India is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 m above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience.

Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country.Munnar, was the most popular summer resorts during the British reign and is still a very well known hill station. Located at an altitude of 1800m above sea level, this 'Kashmir of the East' is the first hill resort in the State.

The chilly climate here is ideal for cultivating tea. It is home to one of the biggest tea plantations in the world- the Kannan Devan Tea Plantations. The sight of mist topped tea plantations spread across acres of Munnar, is indeed soothing to the eye.

The most splendid sight would definitely be that of thousands of the exotic blue flower- Neelakurinji, that inundate the hills every 12 years (the next bloom will be in the year 2006). There are many lovely spots that are ideal for rock climbing and trekking as well.

Here you can enjoy the nature and men keeps a land as "Gods Own County". A tourist can enjoy the Natural beuaty of Munnar having tea plantations, nilgiri tahr, neelakurinji which flowers with the intervels of 12 years. Kumarakom back trip is definitely a gift to anyone: you can go through natural back water narrow canals and paddy field in House boat; within the house boat there is bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom. Also a chef and steward is assisting you all the time.Kovalam beaches are well known for its world famous beaches kovalam will give you evergreen memories to you. Thekkady is well known for its wildlife. Its known as Periyar Wildlife Sacnctuary and is a Tiger Reserve. Cardamom is Cultivated in these area.

How to reach Munnar:

Driving up to Munnar can be adventurous, especially if you are driving. As you go up slowly through the narrow winding roads, you will see all the shades of green that God created. From the lush carpets of the tea bushes to the silver green of the oak it is all there on the mountains of Munnar.

If you are determined to reach Munnar in record time and you are traveling in a reasonably good car, it takes about 4 hrs from Kochi which is approximately 136 km away. The Ernakulam - Munnar route extends through Thripunithra, Muvattupuzha, Kothamangalam, Neriamangalam, Adimali and Pallivasal.

Private and government operated (KSRTC - Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) buses are available to various locations of Kerala. Buses are the cheapest form of transport to Munnar. Regular bus services to Tamil Nadu (towns like Theni, Kumbam, Madurai and Coimbatore) are operated by Tamil Nadu and Kerala Governments.

KSRTC has a bus station at the south of the town. Town bus stand is located in the modern new bazar.

Tourist Cars, Jeeps and Auto rikshaws available for getting around. Bicycles and bikes are also available for daily rent.

Munnar has 4 major roads:

Kochi road, Thekkady road, Top Station road, Marayoor road

 

Distance Chart:

Munnar - Ernakulam (135km) 4 1/2 hours

Munnar - Thekkady (110km) 4 hours

Munnar - Thiruvananthapuram (300km) 9 hours

Munnar - Palani (120km)

Munnar - Coimbatore (150km) 6 hours

Munnar - Madurai ( km) 6 hours

 

Places to See in and around Munnar:

Breathing in the crisp, clear and unpolluted air, relaxing and eating are the added bonuses of going to Munnar. Getting around the mountains that surround Munnar is an experience one cannot miss, not in a million years.

1. Tata Tea Museum

Located 2 Km from Munnar Centre on the Nallathany Road.

Collection of old bits and pieces from the colonial era can be seen here. Demonstration of tea production. Information on machinaries, tea processing and tea tasting. Photography and Videography prohibited here.

Working Time: 10.00 AM - 4.00 PM.

Monday holiday

Ticket Fee: Rs 50 for adult, Rs 25 for child

2. CSI Church

A church built with stone in 1910. It has fine stained glass and brass plaques. Above all, a calm place to pray and meditate.

3. Devikulam is 7 Km away. Tourists are attracted to this lake town

4. Mattupetty is 14 Km away from Munnar. Mattupetty dam has an agriculture garden on its banks. Speed boat ride through the dam is also available.

5. Rajamalai (Eravikulam National Park) is situated 13 Km away from Munnar on Udumalpet road (SH17). Trekking here can perhaps give you a glimpse of Nilgiri Thar, the rarely seen mountain goat.

Working Time: 7.00AM to 6.00PM (September to May)

Ticket Charge: Rs 10 for adults, Rs 5 for children. Photography / Videography permitted for fee.

6. Top Station is 40 Km away from Munnar. From here you can get a spectacular view of the plains of Tamilnadu. Kundalai Dam is on the Munnar-Top Station road

7. Marayoor is about 40 Km away, where Sandalwood forest, Muniyaras (ancient caves) and water falls (Thoovanam) are located

8. Chinnar Wild Sanctuary is 60 Km away from Munnar on Udumalpet road (SH17). Elephants, deers, samba etc can be seen from the watch tower. The tall tower is about 200 meters distance from the check-post. Entry fee: Rs 15 per person. Visiting time: 07.00AM to 06.00PM

9. Blossom International Park at Munnar has an adventure track, 1000-feet long fountain, roller skates, underground mediation centre and a beautiful garden.

10. Anamudi, the highest peak of South India is close to Munnar and is a great place for adventurous trekking.

Munnar 3 Day Package:

Day-1

Cheeyapara waterfalls, Valara waterfalls, Kallar waterfalls, Karadipara viewpoint, Rajamala (Eravikulam National Park), Nyamakkadu Waterfalls

Day-2

Mattupetty Dam, Boating, Shooting Point, Echo Point, Kundala Arch Dam, Top Station, Plants Nursery, Tea Museum, Pothenmedu View point, Blossam park

Day-3

Lock-hart Gap, Chinnakanal Viewpoint, Periyakanal Waterfalls, Anayirangal Dam, Kuluku Malai Tea Factory

(Note: Visit Marayoor and Chinnar only if you are interested in lot of trecking and wishes to spend your night in the tree-top houses located at the middle of forests. We don't recommend these places to tourists as many of our guests felt that day was quite boring and simply waste of time & money. Enjoy your trip at Munnar. Have a nice time!)

Places on the Munnar-Udumalpet route

Kannimalai Estate

Rajamala (Eravikulam National Park)

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Marayoor Sandal Wood Forests

Places on the Munnar-Top Station route

Mattupatti dam

Mattuppetti Indo-Swiss Project

Kundalai Dam

Kodaikanal (The reinnovation of this road is going on. After this road construction is finished, Munnar will be 100 Km far from Kodaikanal)

Places on the Munnar-Theni route

Kundala Dam, Tea estate, Tea factory visit

Sandal Wood Forests

Devikulam - a small but beautiful hill station 16 km from Munnar.

Pothamedu: 6Km from Munnar. Excellent view of tea plantations.

Pallivasal: 8 Km from Munnar. Hydro electric project

Athukad: 3 Km from pallivasal

Marayoor: About 50 Km from Munnar on the way to Chinnar. Marayoor has Sandalwood forest and Muniyaras, the ancient stone caves.

Places between Neriyamangalam and Adimali:

Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Valara Waterfalls

Places between Adimali and Munnar:

Kallar waterfalls (15 Km from Adimali)

Karadipara Viewpoint (6 Km from Kallar waterfalls)

 a  journey through Gods own Country