Munnar – Absorbing the Tourist Hooves
Munnar has caught lot of attention of late. Largely, it is deserving of all the attention. This means that Munnar has done quite well to come out of its own shadow. The place was always etched in natural beauty but now it has also gained commercially so that it can add to the tourist fare. Mist and haze, forest sanctuaries and tea plantations; Munnar offers the virgin, clandestine beauty in no less a measure.
It is needless to say, that the tourist strength at Munnar is quite amazing. Just google search and you will find number of visitors who click for Munnar. Anyways, first things first, Munnar is in Idukki district of Kerala settled in the higher ranges of Western Ghats. Let’s check through a travelers’ guide for Munnar.
Munnar Map
How to travel
Munnar does not have its own railway station, which obviously implies that airport is missing just as well. The nearest airport railway station is at Kochi which is about 130 km from Munnar.
By road- Munnar can be accessed from almost each place in Kerala. There are plenty of road construction initiatives that have been undertaken by the government and they have made it possible for the tourists to join Munnar from all other venues. Even if you are at Tamil Nadu, an adjacent state, you can join Munnar through Coimbatore and Madurai in 6 hours.
Places of Interest
Munnar is blessed with tea plantations. It is because of tea that spices get overshadowed. You can find your way around the tea plantations and check the entire process right from the plucking of tea to the processing of leaves at the Kundale plantation site.
The Christ Church is a solemn place with a lot of historical fiber still attached to it. It was made a century ago by British. It has a unique appeal owing to its silent setting. Its glasses of stained window are quite a sight to look at. It has brass plaques embedded in the memory of the deceased tea planters.
Hiking and long walks are pretty conducive as it lets a tourist absorb the color spectrum of Munnar. It’s a riot of nature. There are such places which are absolutely virgin territories, untouched by human presence.
Anaimudi is a great watch. It’s the tallest peak in Southern India
Chinnar wild life sanctuary is 52 kilometers away from Munnar and is home to elephants, beers, and leopards.
Marayoor is a breathtaking sandalwood forest which provides exquisite natural beauty.
The Evarikulum national park is16 kilometers from Munnar and houses the macaque and Nilgiri Tahr among other animals.
Specialty
The natural adventure foundation conducts a paragliding course. If you hone your skills there, you are bound to come out strongly and enjoy the paraphernalia far more.
Spices are another specialty of Munnar. Cardamom is an aromatic spice found here in all sizes. They lure with the parrot-green shade. Add to tea, another specialty of Munnar and the flavor will be akin to something from heaven.
Pepper- Indian pepper has been casting its large shadow on European economy since middle ages. This king of spice is grown in colossal proportions at Munnar.
Cinnamon- this warm spice with a sweet flavor and a hanging aroma is an enigma in itself. You can even chew it raw for greater immunity and a titillating taste.
Best time to visit
Munnar is best to visit between October and March. Travelers are well advised to refrain from monsoon visits as the road stretches get muddy and lot of fun is cut short owing to flooding through the backwaters.
Facilities
Hotels are flushed with facilities. Few of them also have indoor heated swimming pools and central air-conditioning arrangements. Transportation around the area is cheap. Travel guides are readily available. They will themselves scout for you. Prices are negotiable. Look for those with the best excursion programs. You can also go for a bulk online package available for the city of Munnar.
Munar Hotels
Accommodation is well spaced out. Earlier, it could have been a problem but Kerala government saw to the tourist drive and has altered accordingly. This means that there are quite a few Kerala government initiatives for the region. Private hoteliers have also added a lot of hotels and resorts.
- Tea county is a four star deluxe hotel. The landscape and services are all brilliant.
- Cloud 9 is a three star hotel and offers charm of an untouched place
- The great escapes resort frees the mind from all the trivialities of mundane existence; great hospitality along with natural setting at its peak.
- Siena village on Anayirangal dam is quite an amazing place to stay as well
Food
Food offered at Munnar is generally the ethnic fare but it is very sumptuous. It is needless to say that the taste of food is grounded in its spices and Munnar is a fount of indigenous spices which are all encompassing. This is why it prepares the other fares in local spices as well. The tourists get to savor their staples in different taste orientations.
Language and style
Malayalam is the provincial language. It is one of the four languages spoken in the southern parts of India. English is fluently spoken by few locals. People are generally colorful and show a lot of hospitality. The art of treating tourists well is not lost on them so you find them pro-actively approaching you for any help that they feel you may require.
Few travel Tips
It’s a holiday after all so look to comfort yourself. Do not crowd your itinerary with too many locations and excursions. Enjoy the pristine beauty of Munnar, hike your way through them and intersperse it with few visits to the places of interest.
Don’t be rocked out of your cradle by hearing of deluxe and luxury hotels, government has also made quite a few budget hotel arrangements.
Yes! It is recommended that you should use your own packaged mineral water. All other things in Munnar are just as good and quality- ensured as any other place in the country.
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