IN AND AROUND MUNNAR

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Anayirangal (22 kms from Munnar):

It's a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic spot.

Valara (10 kms from Adimali on the Kochi-Madurai highway)

Valara has a chain of waterfalls surrounded by thick green forests.

Marayoor (40 kms from Munnar)

This is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The sandalwood factory of the forest department, the caves(muniyaras) with the murals and relics from the New stone age civilization and the children's park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single banyan tree, are of great interest to tourists. Thoovanam waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also nearby.
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Cheeyappara

The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi - Madurai highway.

Top Station (32 kms from Munnar)

1700 Mts above sea level , this is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodiakanal road. The rare Neelakurunji (strobilanthus) belongs to this region. Top Station (a viewing point) also offers a panoramic view of neighbouring state of Tamil nadu.

Echo Point (15 km from Munnar)

This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.

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Meenuli

It is noted for 2 acres of evergreen forests upon a huge rock. The rock is more than 500 acres in area and an ideal spot for mountaineering.

Malankara Reservoir (6 kms from Thodupuzha)

Located on the Thodupuzha - Moolamattam road, this artificial lake is accessible by road. The reservoir is ideal for boating and fishing.

Thommankuthu waterfalls (17 kms from Thodupuzha)
The seven step waterfall here is a much loved picnic spot . At each step there is a cascade and a pool beneath . Thommankuthu is an ideal place for adventure tourism. (This is also a tricky spot and visitors are advised to exercise caution !)

Nadukani (25 kms from Idukki)
Moolamattam town , Malankara lake etc. can be viewed from the high pavilion situated here.
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Kalvari mount

This is a famous pilgrim centre on the way to Kattapana.

Palkulamedu (12 kms from Idukki)

Kochi, Allapuzha and other nearby towns can be seen from this peak at 3125 mts above sea level.

Chithirapuram (10 kms from Munnar)

With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old play grounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old world charm. Home of the Pallivasal Hydel power project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantation.
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Ramakalmedu (16 kms from Nedumkandam)

Rolling green hills and fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of Bodi and Kambam on the Eastern slope of the Western ghats. One can enjoy the splendid beauty of nature. This is an ideal place for trekkers and mountain climbers.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (60 km from Munnar)

Situated on the Tamil Nadu border, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 90.44 sq km.

Animals

Most of the Southern Indian wild animals can be found in this forest. These include the grizzled giant squirrel, champal squirrel, elephant, sambar deer, gaur etc.


Birds

Jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl etc.

Access

Munnar - Udumalpetta Road	60 km
Coimbatore - Udumalpetta - Chinnar Road	100 km
Cochin - Chinnar	190 km
Parambikulam via Pollachi - Chinnar via Udumalpetta	60 km
Kottayam - Chinnar	250 km

Visiting Time
0700 - 1800 hrs. Entry passes are available at the office of the Assistant Conservator of Forests or the Check Post Information Counter.
Permitting Authority
Wildlife Warden, Idukki Wild Division, Painav/Wildlife DFO, Munnar.

Trekking Routes

Palapetty, Champakad
Karimuty - Inchapetty
Karimuty - Alampetty


High Range Club

Charmingly colonial in style, this clubhouse built of wicker and teak still serves as a social centre for the far - flung farmers of the region around Munnar. The club houses an elegant lounge and a dining room, the obligatory gentleman's bar, a billiards room, a library etc. Entry is limited to members only.

Trekking Points in Munnar

Anamudi, Rajamala, Meesapulimala, Top Station, Kundala, Devikulam.

Sightseeing Tours

Sightseeing tours are arranged from the District Tourist Infornation Office, Thekkady Jn., Kumili. Tours cover spice plantations, herbal gardens, tribal settlements, other places in and around Munnar etc.

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Tourist Circuits in Munnar

Munnar - Mattupetty Dam - Indo Swiss Livestock Project - Echo Point - Kundala Dam - Top Station (34 km).

Munnar - Pothamedu - Chitirapuram - Pallivasal - Cheyappara - Adimali - Valara (40 km).

Munnar - Rajamala - Marayoor - Chinnar (70 km).

Munnar - Devikulam - Lock Heart Gap - Power House Waterfalls - Anayirankal (32 km).

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