Not Just Neelakurinji, Here Are 9 Other Awesome Places You Must See In Munnar This Year

Kerala's Munnar hill station is all set to welcome hundreds of thousands of tourists from across the world who will be flocking there to witness the Neelakurinji, a rare flower that blooms only once in every twelve years.

The floral season which begins in July will continue till October, giving an unparalleled visual treat to the visitors.

The eye-soothing purplish-blue colour of the flowers will leave you awestruck with its visual extravaganza.?

Spread over 3,000 hectares of rolling hills of the Eravikulam National Park, which is also home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, the view is nothing like you ever seen or will see anywhere else.?

Munnar is located in Idukki District of Kerala and can be reached via road from the nearest airport in Kochi which is 110 Kms away.?

The name is derived from three rivers Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.?

The nearest major railway stations are Kottayam and Ernakulam. Idukki district is a hilly area doesn't have rail connectivity and by road the only option to reach Munnar.

While you are in Munnar, don't just limit yourselves to Neelakurinji, the hill station offers something for everyone.

Here are a few other things you can see and experience in and around Munnar.

1. Nilgiri Tahr?

Nilgiri Tahr is an endangered wild goat species which lives on the mountains. Nilgiri tahr was listed in schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and considered as endangered by the IUCN.? The species was assessed as endangered using the 1994 Red List Categories. They are found in large numbers in Eravikulam National Park, the same mountains where the Neelakurinji blooms. So, chances are while you will be watching Neelakurinji you might very well spot some Nilgiri tahr, which the locals call as Varayadu (mountain goat).

2. Meesapulimala

Meesapulimala is the second highest peak in the Western Ghat at a height of 2,640 metres. The name Meesapulimala is derived from the appearance of the peak which resembles the face of a leopard. The name literally translates to 'leopard moustache peak'. Meesapulimala is a trekker's dream come true.

You can either take the 8-kilometre trek from the Rhodo Valley or 15 kilometres from Munnar town, for both you are required to take a permit. Unauthorised trekkers could be slapped with huge penalties. The trekk offers a scenic view of mountains and meadows interlaced with thick blankets of snow.

3. Top Station

Want to experience how paradise might be like? Look no further than Top Station in Munnar. Located at a distance of 40 kms from the city on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road, the viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the western ghats. It is so covered in fog, it gives a feeling like you are among the clouds. It that isn't tempting enough, you can even go camping in Top Station, spent a night there and wake up to a spectacular view of sunrise.

4. Echo Point

As the name suggests, it a natural echo spot where whatever you say reverberates back to you. Echo Point is located 15 km away from Munnar, on the way to Top Station at the Mattupetty Dam and Lake. In addition to the scenic beauty of Echo Point, visitors can also take boats through the lake. It is also a good photography location.?

5. Kannan Devan Tea Museum

Little history lesson here. Munnar was one of the first places in India the British introduced tea plantation. Even today,?Munnar, as far as the eye can see is covered with lush green tea plantations. Tata tea is one of the biggest and oldest planters in Munnar and who better to tell the history? Located in the Nullatanni Estate of Munnar, Kannan Devan Tea Museum, is the first of its kind in the country, built to depict the history of this century-old tea plantation.

The tea museum throws light and gives first-hand knowledge about tea processing and operations that go into the making of tea powder/dried leaves.

6. Pampadum Shola National Park

Pampadum Shola National Park located on the southern portion of Western Ghats is a safe haven of rare and most elusive Nilgiri Marten. It is one of the many rare threatened, endemic species of flour and fauna found in Kerala's smallest national park, which is just 40 kms away from Munnar. Pampadum Shola is also a attractive echo tourism and trekking destination. A guide will accompany to lead the trekking team. You can also stay at the log houses at Kuttikad and Nude Varpu.

7. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of about 60 km from Munnar town, on the Munnar-Udumalpet road.

It is regarded among the protected areas of Western Ghats due to its geomorphologic and ecological significance. The terrestrial biomes of Chinnar are varied ranging from dry thorn forests, deciduous forests, riparian zones, shola forests and rolling grasslands to plains, rocks, hillocks and cliffs. The terrestrial terrain of Chinnar has varying altitudes that range from 500 m to 2300 m.

Chinnar is an abode to more than 225 avian species and a wide range of reptilian species, butterflies and medicinal plants. It is also home to endangered species like Grizzled Giant Squirrel, ‘white bison of Manjampatti’, Nilgiri tahr, elephant, tiger, leopard, guar, sambar, spotted deer, common langur, bonnet macaque etc. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is also a prefered ecotourism and trekking destination.?

8. Sandalwood forest in Marayoor?

Marayoor is located 42 kilometers north of Munnar and is the only place in Kerala that has natural sandalwood forests. It is an ideal location to enjoy some wildlife and some really chilling weather. The beautiful Pambar River flows between the villages of Marayoor and Kanthalloor, and has a calming influence on all who visit its shores. Marayoor is also famous for its sugarcane fields and the jagurry which is used in Ayurvedic medicines.?

9. Dolmens

Another rare attraction in Marayoor is its dolmes, locally known as 'Muniyara'. These dolmens are prehistoric site inside the Marayoor Forest Range is where one can see scores of historians and anthropologists congregate. The 2000-year-old megalithic monuments, which were ancient burial grounds, have been researched for centuries.?

Other than the one mentioned here, there is any number of tourist attractions in Munnar catering to the tastes of each and every visitors.?