Places to Visit

• 

  Munnar

  Situated in an altitude of 6000ft amidst the Western Ghats at the confluence of three mountain streams, Munnar is a hill station that was once a retreat for Englishmen and their families in South India during colonial rule. A large part of the native flora and fauna of Munnar has vanished due to severe habitat fragmentation caused by the development tea plantations. However, many endemic and threatened species continue to survive and thrive in several protected zones around Munnar. The region around the town is ideal for treks and camping, birding, mountain biking and four wheel drive tours. Set against a backdrop of sprawling tea plantations, picture postcard towns, mist shrouded hills and vast stretches of forests, Munnar will elevate your soul.

  Munnar was once the summer capital of the British administration in South India. In summer entire families and their staff moved to Munnar. Due to the cool climate they named Munnar ‘little England’. Even though documented historical information exists from the 10th century, prehistoric relics found in the area indicate the existence of a Stone Age civilization. In the early 19th century the chieftain of the villages in the Anchanad area named KannanThevar held lands to the north of the high ranges in the territory under the rule of the Raja of Poonjar. JD Munro a British lawyer and tea planter leased close to 600sq km of jungle around Munnar from the Poonjar king. It is believed that the first tea sapling was planted by A.H.Sharp in what is today part of Sevenmullay Estate. He then cleared the forests for tea plantations. This land was then known as KannanThevar Concession Land till 1895 when Finlay Muir and Company bought Munro’s land. Today many remanents of the colonial period can still be seen in Munnar town and in the surrounding tea plantations.

• 

  Mattupetty

  Mattupetty is well known for its dairy farm, an Indo-Swiss livestock project. Over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. The Mattupetty dam and lake, just a short distance from the farm, are surrounded by numerous scenic picnic spots. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundalalake are other attractions in the vicinity. Boating facilities are provided on the lake behind the dam. Speed Launch and slow speed motor boats are available on hire.

• 

  Pothamedu

  Pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.

• 

  Devikulam

  This idyllic hill station near Munnar with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is an exhilarating experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is an excellent picnic spot also ideal for trout fishing.

• 

  Attukal water falls

  Visible from the road leading to Devonshire, the landscape is composed of a panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills. The resort will arrange early morning and late afternoon trips on a vehicle or adventurous guests may opt to walk the distance. The area is also ideal for long treks.

• 

  Nyayamakad

  Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters. The enchanting surroundings makes it an excellent picnic spot and the area also offers numerous trekking routes.

• 

  Chithirapuram

  With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds 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 plantations.

• 

  Lock Heart Gap

  This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.

• 

  Rajamala

  The natural habitat of the Niligiritahr, half the world's population of the rare mountain goat or tahr which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here. The Niligiritahr in Rajamala are now to be found in small herds found in Eravikulam-Rajamala region numbering over 1300.

• 

  Eravikulam National Park

  The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam Eravikulam National Park Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695 Mts) is located in the southern region of the park. Originally established to protect the Nilgiritahr (Nilgiri Ibex), the Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. Composed of rolling grasslands and high level sholas (evergreen forests), the park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world.