Kerala Tour

Munnar: A Jewel in the Western Ghats

Munnar, nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is one of India’s most sought-after hill stations. Known for its rolling tea plantations, misty hills, and cool climate, it offers a serene escape into nature. Located at an altitude of around 1,600 meters above sea level, Munnar’s scenic beauty, unique biodiversity, and pleasant weather make it a perfect retreat for nature lovers, honeymooners, and adventurers alike. It is a quiet and beautiful hill station to begin

Top Sightseeing Places in Munnar

1. Eravikulam National Park

• Description: Eravikulam National Park is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and spans across 97 square kilometers of lush greenery. The park offers stunning views of the Western Ghats and is especially famous for the Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years, covering the hills in a blue hue.
• Key Attractions: Wildlife spotting, trekking to Anamudi Peak (the highest peak in South India), and panoramic views of tea gardens.

2. Tea Museum

• Description: The Tata Tea Museum showcases the rich history of Munnar’s tea plantations. Visitors can learn about the tea-making process, from picking the leaves to packaging, and understand how tea plantations have shaped the history and culture of the region.
• Key Attractions: Exhibits on the history of tea in Munnar, demonstrations of tea processing, and tea-tasting sessions.

3. Mattupetty Dam

• Description: Located around 13 km from Munnar, Mattupetty Dam is a beautiful reservoir surrounded by lush hills. The dam is a popular spot for boating, where visitors can enjoy calm waters with a backdrop of tea gardens and forests.
• Key Attractions: Speedboat and paddleboat rides, a nearby cattle farm known for Indo-Swiss hybrid breeds, and scenic photo opportunities.

4. Echo Point

• Description: True to its name, Echo Point is a spot where the echoes of your voice reverberate from the surrounding hills. Located at an altitude of 600 meters, it is a great place to take in the serenity and engage in a fun echo experiment.
• Key Attractions: Boating on the lake, panoramic views of the hills, and the thrill of hearing your voice echo back to you.

5. Top Station

• Description: Top Station, located about 32 km from Munnar, offers one of the best viewpoints in the region. It is known for its striking views of the valleys and the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. It is also the highest point in Munnar, providing breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and the Kurinji blooms during their season.
• Key Attractions: Trekking, sunrise/sunset views, and spectacular photography spots.

6. Attukad Waterfalls

• Description: Nestled amidst the dense greenery, Attukad Waterfalls is one of Munnar’s most beautiful and peaceful waterfalls. Located between Munnar and Pallivasal, the falls cascade from a great height, offering a mesmerizing sight, especially during the monsoon season when the water flow is at its peak.
• Key Attractions: Nature walks, trekking opportunities, and enjoying the misty atmosphere created by the cascading water.

7. Kundala Lake

• Description: Located around 20 km from Munnar, Kundala Lake is a picturesque water body surrounded by hills and tea plantations. It is famous for its Shikara rides (similar to Kashmir), paddle boating, and pedal boating, offering a tranquil escape into nature.
• Key Attractions: Boating on the lake, visiting Kundala Dam, and scenic photography.

8. Pothamedu Viewpoint

• Description: Pothamedu Viewpoint offers sweeping views of the tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations that blanket the hillsides of Munnar. It is a popular spot for both tourists and photography enthusiasts, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
• Key Attractions: Panoramic views, sunset photography, and tranquil walks along the plantations.

9. Lakkam Waterfalls

• Description: Located near the Eravikulam National Park, Lakkam Waterfalls is a relatively hidden gem where visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip in the clear waters. The waterfall is surrounded by dense greenery, making it a peaceful retreat for those looking to relax in nature.
• Key Attractions: Swimming, picnics, and nature walks.

11. Rose Garden

• Description: Munnar’s Rose Garden is a beautifully maintained garden with a vast variety of roses, spices, medicinal plants, and fruit trees. This colorful attraction is perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.
• Key Attractions: Exploring the diversity of flora and enjoying a peaceful garden walk.

MUNNAR TREKKING

The Top Valley Trek in Munnar is a breathtaking adventure that takes trekkers through the heart of Kerala’s pristine wilderness. This trek offers stunning views of Munnar’s rolling tea plantations, mist-covered valleys, and the majestic Western Ghats. The trail passes through dense forests, rich with exotic flora and fauna, as well as streams and waterfalls, making it a perfect blend of scenic beauty and natural serenity. At higher altitudes, trekkers are rewarded with panoramic views of the valleys below, surrounded by towering peaks and the cool mountain air. The Top Valley Trek is a must for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts seeking to explore Munnar’s lush landscapes and immerse themselves in its tranquil surroundings.

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN MUNNAR

The Lockhart Gap View in Munnar is a mesmerizing vantage point known for its panoramic views of the misty valleys, sprawling tea plantations, and the winding roads that disappear into the mountains. It’s a favorite among nature lovers and photographers, offering an enchanting glimpse of Munnar’s rugged beauty, especially at sunrise and sunset when the mist rolls over the hills. Nearby, Photo Point is a scenic spot amidst the lush tea gardens, where visitors can capture postcard-worthy pictures of the rolling greenery.

The Kodagumalai Tea Estate and Kannan Devan Hills are two iconic tea gardens that add to the charm of Munnar. Kodagumalai Tea Estate, perched on high-altitude hills, provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape while showcasing the finest tea plantations in the region. Meanwhile, the Kannan Devan Hills is home to Munnar’s most famous tea brand and offers visitors a chance to walk through the lush, well-manicured plantations, experiencing the serenity of the hills while learning about the tea-making process. Together, these locations embody the essence of Munnar’s tea-scented paradise.

The Charm of Munnar

Munnar’s allure lies in its unspoiled beauty—tea plantations that stretch as far as the eye can see, serene lakes, stunning waterfalls, and rich wildlife. Whether you’re seeking adventure, solitude, or a romantic escape, Munnar offers a little piece of paradise for every traveler.

THEKKADY

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a serene town in Kerala that captures the heart of travelers with its scenic beauty, tranquil backwaters, and unique charm. Often referred to as the “Venice of the East,” Alleppey is renowned for its vast network of canals, rivers, and lagoons that flow gently through lush green landscapes, making it one of Kerala’s most famous and captivating destinations.

The Magic of the Backwaters

The true allure of Alleppey lies in its mesmerizing backwaters, a labyrinth of interconnected lakes, rivers, and canals fringed by palm trees, verdant paddy fields, and charming villages. These backwaters are the heart of life in Alleppey, serving as transportation routes, irrigation channels, and a lifeline for local communities.

Cruising through these backwaters on a traditional houseboat (locally known as a “kettuvallam”) is an unforgettable experience. Gliding along the still waters, visitors can witness rural Kerala unfold before their eyes—children playing on the banks, villagers going about their daily routines, and fishermen casting their nets. The houseboats, equipped with modern comforts, offer a unique way to immerse oneself in the beauty of the backwaters, with the gentle rhythm of the water lulling you into serenity.

The houseboats, once used for transporting rice and spices, have now become floating homes for tourists, providing a relaxing stay amidst the calm waters. The sight of vibrant sunsets over the backwaters, where the sky turns into shades of orange and pink, is a visual delight and one of the most enchanting experiences Alleppey offers.

History and Significance of Alleppey

Alleppey’s historical importance dates back to the 18th century when it became a hub for the spice trade and maritime activities under the rule of the Travancore kingdom. Raja Kesavadas, the Dewan of Travancore, was instrumental in transforming Alleppey into a commercial port. Its intricate network of waterways allowed goods like coir, spices, and rice to be transported, leading to the town’s moniker as the “Venice of the East.”

Alleppey also played a vital role in Kerala’s coir industry, which continues to thrive today. Visitors can witness traditional coir-making processes and even purchase coir products as souvenirs.

The annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, held on the Punnamada Lake, is another significant event that showcases Alleppey’s cultural and historical roots. This boat race is a thrilling spectacle where beautifully decorated snake boats compete, drawing crowds from across the country.

Key Attractions in Alleppey

Alleppey Beach: A short walk from the city center, Alleppey Beach is a perfect spot to unwind, with its golden sands, historic pier, and the soothing sound of the waves. The beach offers a serene atmosphere for those looking to relax or take a leisurely stroll by the Arabian Sea.

Marari Beach: Just a short drive away, Marari Beach offers a tranquil and less crowded experience. With clean sands, swaying palms, and crystal-clear waters, it’s ideal for a quiet escape, sunbathing, or swimming.

Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple: This historic temple, known for its exquisite architecture and the famous Palpayasam (sweet milk pudding) offered to devotees, is a significant spiritual site. The temple’s heritage and cultural importance make it a must-visit for those seeking a glimpse into Kerala’s religious traditions.

Kuttanad Village: Known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala,” Kuttanad is a unique region where farming is done below sea level. A tour through this area gives visitors a chance to experience Kerala’s traditional agricultural practices, lush paddy fields, and quaint villages.

Alleppey Lighthouse: One of the oldest lighthouses on the Arabian coast, the Alleppey Lighthouse offers panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding landscapes. It’s a fantastic spot for photography enthusiasts.

Krishnapuram Palace: A short drive from Alleppey, this 18th-century palace is known for its architectural beauty and intricate murals, particularly the Gajendra Moksham painting, which is one of the largest murals in Kerala.

International coir museum: The International Coir Museum in Alleppey showcases the rich heritage of Kerala’s coir industry, featuring traditional weaving techniques and unique coir products. It offers visitors an insightful journey through the history, innovation, and craftsmanship behind coir making.

Kumarakom

Cultural and Natural Legacy

The backwaters of Alleppey are not just a visual treat but are also culturally significant. They have supported a thriving ecosystem and an age-old way of life for local communities. The interconnected waterways have historically served as natural highways for transporting goods and connecting villages. Even today, the region remains a living testimony to Kerala’s harmonious relationship with nature, as sustainable farming practices, fishing, and tourism coexist with the environment.

In conclusion, Alleppey offers an enchanting blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural vibrancy. Whether you’re cruising through its backwaters, relaxing on its pristine beaches, or soaking in the region’s heritage, Alleppey promises an unforgettable experience. This charming town invites you to slow down, breathe in the tranquility, and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Kerala’s backwaters.

VARKALA – Ocean vibes