In the great state of Kerala along the Western Ghat lies a beautiful and serene hill station called Munnar. What was earlier the summer resort of the British is now the pride of the Idukki district of Kerala. Its vast stretches of tea plantation amidst the high mountains and pristine valleys are nothing short of heavenly. It has a wonderful combination of clear streams, thick forests and vast grasslands that make it a truly wonderful and irresistible tourist destination. It is also home to strobilanthus or “neelakurinji” which is a blue flower that blooms once every twelve years, covering various mountain sides in a beautiful shade of blue.
Malyalam and Tamil are the main languages spoken here but you can even manage with English or Hindi.
Munnar is a treasure chest of scenic beauty and is home to the some really amazing sights. The waterfalls of Munnar are considered among the most scenic and beautiful in the country. About two kilometres away from the Munnar town amidst lush green forests and hills are the Atukkad Waterfalls. The roads leading to these waterfalls are narrow and rather difficult to drive on but the view there is defiantely worth putting in the effort. The ambience there is ideal for a fun filled and relaxing picnic. Other such beautiful wateraflls are Cheeyappara Waterfalls and Lakkom Waterfalls.
Another interesting place to visit is the Blossom International Park. Just three kilometres from the Munnar Town,it is a wonderful park spread across all of 18 acres.The park is filled with beautiful gardens with rare species of plants and flowers as well as shady tress. It also offers various amusing activities like water cycling, boating, cycling and roller skating. It even has certain tree houses, ropeways and swings that are also arranged within the park. Blossom International Park is the perfect place for anyone looking to spend leisure time in the lap of serene natural beauty.
The unspoilt natural beauty of Munnar makes it a perfect place for National parks and sanctuaries. First on the list is Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park. Here you can take the opportunity to see the Nilgiri Thar, an endangered species of mountain goats, rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 square kilometres in the Rajamalai hills endowed with rare flora and fauna, It is also home to lion-tailed macaque, leopards and tigers. The Kurichi or Neelakurinji Flowers turn the hills of Rajamalai blue once every 12 years and the next bloom will be in 2018. If you’re wondering whether going to the high peak just to see some goats is worth all the effort or not then you should know that the walk along the park is very romantic and has some breath taking views.
Munnar experiences a moderate climate throughout the year. May to August is the best time to visit Munnar as the temperature is pleasant and reaches a maximum of 35 degrees.
Munnar is a place that perfect for both honeymoon couples and nature lovers and is sure to charm you with its abundant natural beauty
