Kerala Hill Stations
WESTERN GHATS
Western Ghats are a series of mountain ranges running for almost 1500 km through the western peninsular India. The ghats in Kerala attain an average height of 900 mts above sea level with Anamudi forming the top most position with a height of 2694 mt above sea level.
MUNNAR
When the heat is on in the plains and when it is time to get away to peace and tranquility, drift into the land that time has forgotten - Munnar. This nature lover’s paradise was once the summer capital of the British Government in South India.
Munnar (Munnar - Three, aar - river) is situated at a height of 1600 mt above sealevel in the confluence of three mountain streams - Mattupetty river, Kannimala river and Nallathanny river. These three combine to form the Muthirapuzha river. The nature is at her best in Munnar.
Round the year moderate climate, the mist clad hills, evergreen forests, exotic wild life, vast expanse of tea plantations, picture book towns, placid lakes, roaring and gurgling wild streams, the dazling water falls ... the list of pleasent experiences in Munnar is unending.
The history of Munnar owe much to Kannan Thevar, the tribal king of Angunadu (5 villages) and the British man Mr. John Daniel Manro. After getting the consent from the Maharaja of Poonjar for acquiring 588 sq km of land, with the assistance of Kannan Thevar, Manro and his companions had detailed research on the area and found that the area is ideally suited for plantations. Cardamom, coffee and Zinchona were planted first and later it made way to tea plantations which cover the lion share of Munnar today. The ownership of the land also turned hands many times and now it is owned by Tata Finley Company. Some of the areas are under Harrison Malayalam and some private owners.
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AROUND MUNNAR
Pothamedu , Pallivasal , Attukal
All the above 3 places are close to each other. Pothamedu view point gives excellent view over the sprawing tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. Pallivasal is the venue of the first hydroelectric project in Kerala and also houses the Pallivasal tea factory. Attukal is ideal for long treks and houses the Attukal waterfalls.
Devikulam
This small picturesque picnic spot is ideal for a half day trip from Munnar. Devikulam which means pond of the Goddess got its name from the legend that Sita, the wife of Lord Rama came here once to take bath.
Nyayamakad
On the way to Rajamala (part of Eravikulam National park) is this beautiful land of waterfalls. Water cascades down a hill from a height of 1600 ft and the location is an excellent picnic spot.
Rajamala
The way to Rajamala covers some of the most scenic areas of Munnar. Rajamala is part of Eravikulam National park and is the natural habitat of the highly endangered mountain goats- The Nilgiri Thars (Hemitragas hylocrius). Half of the world’s mountain goat population is found here. (1317 in number)
Mattupetty
Mattupetty lies at a height of 1700 mts above sea level. The Mattupetty Indo Swiss Dairy Project is a major attraction of the region. Over 100 varities of high yielding cattles are reared here. Visitors are allowed to the rose garden and few cattle sheds inside the project area.
Another attraction is the speed boating through the mattupetty dam which is only a stone throw away. You can spot wild elephants and bisons during your boat trip. The mattupetty dam is flanked by the vast expanse of Kundala tea plantation on one side and open grass lands and small hillocks on the other.
Neelakurinji (strobilanthus)
This is a rare variety of flowering plant which blooms only ones in every 12 years. The entire region will be covered with a blanket of blue flowers during the season.
Echo Point
The place got its name due to the echo phenomenon. (This place is near Mattupetty on the way to Top station).
Top Station
Situated more than 1700 mts above sea level, this is the highest point in Munnar- Kodaikanal road. The place offers panoramic views of the neighbouring regions. On a clear day you can see even the neighbouring districts of Tamil Nadu.
Marayoor
The muniyaras which date back to new stone age is the major attraction here. This is the only place in Kerala where there is a natural growth of Sandal wood trees. The children’s park near by is a nice place to relax. The Thoovanam and Lakkam waterfalls accessible just by a short walk through the forest are on the way to Marayoor.
Meenuli
Ideal for mountaineering ,the 4000 ft high rock covers an area of around 500 acres. The small stretch of ever green forest atop the hill is a wonder. The hill gives panoramic view of Kerala up to Ernakulam on a clear day.
Cheeyappara & Valara Waterfalls
Both the water falls lie close to the Madurai - Kochi highway in between Neriamangalam and Adimaly.
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