The highest peak (2695 m) south of the Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary in majestic pride. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park. Other rare species of fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, etc.
Anamudi peak of Western Ghats is a part of Eravikulam National Park and lies between Cardamom hills, Palni hills and Annamalai hills. The term Anamudi literally means Elephant peak and is home to endangered, exotic as well as endemic species.
Anamudi Shola National Park is a protected area. It is composed of Mannavan shola, Idivara shola and Pullardi shola, covering a total area of around 7.5 km². The park is administered by the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife, Munnar Wildlife Division. The nearby parks are Mathikettan Shola National Park, Eravikulam National Park, Pambadum Shola National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kurinjimala Sanctuary. The Western Ghats, Anamalai Sub-Cluster, including all of Eravikulam National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.
It is noted by geographers for its impressive ecological balance. The national park consists of a large number of faunal and floral varieties. Zoologists also consider the reserved forests as very important for zoological and botanic discoveries. Everyone has noticed that the national park consists of some of the rarest types of plants and species which are not found anywhere else. It is the magical lush green vegetal stretch of the national park which makes it the ideal destination for nature lovers and all other explorers.
The Anayirangal dam, 22 kms away from Munnar, Thickset forests bordering the area. And the Anayirangal dam right in the middle. Most of the famous Hotels and Resorts in Munnar is situated nearby Anayirangal Dam.
This place is a lush green carpet of tea plants. The Anayirankal Dam is surrounded by the Tata Tea Plantation and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic spot and a boat ride on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience.
Malankara reservoir is an artificial lake formed as part of the muvattupuzha valley irrigation project. Malankara reservoir is an important irrigation project of Kerala.
A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes.
Attukal Falls that usually presents a panoramic view but assumes a cascading and roaring beauty during the monsoons. It is one of the most attractive scenes that you can look at during your stay at Munnar.
Attukal is loved by nature lovers. The beautiful hills and gurgling waterfalls are delight for nature lovers. A scenic waterfalls amidst hills and jungles. You can find a road leading to Atukkad Waterfalls on Kochi road (just about 5 km from Munnar). This road is very narrow and needs a lot of experience to drive on.
The Blossom International Park is located at 3 Km away from Munnar on the way to Cochin. Commencing from Headworks Dam it stretches about 15 acres. Beautiful gardens with rare varieties of plants and flowers, shady trees, facilities for water cycling, boating cycling for kids, roller skating etc. In addition Tree houses, ropeways and swings are arranged. Anybody who wants to spend some leisure time at the lap of serene natural beauty will find this park, the right place. Entrance Fees - Rs.10.00/ for adult and Rs.2.00/- for child.
Though lesser known as compared to neighbouring Eravikulam, this sanctuary is regarded as unique due to its ecological, floral and geological significance. When you trek in Chinnar, you will see the grizzly giant squirrel, the star attraction of this sanctuary. If you are lucky, you will even catch a glimpse of the white bison. In terms of numbers, Chinnar has the richest reptilian fauna. It is also a treasure trove of medicinal plants and there is an entire forest of sandalwood.
Once a part of the Marayoor range, certain pockets of Chinnar Reserve Forest were felled during the 1970s to raise plantations resulting in open scrub jungle in the Chinnar plains. Some of the upper reaches were planted with wattle and eucalyptus and the drier portions of Anchanad Valley, originally the reserve forest, was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1984. After Chinnar became a sanctuary, most of the revenue enclosures belonging to settlers at Churulipetti were acquired under Project Elephant. The Muthuvans and Hill Pulayas, the two dominant tribes, reside in these forests. The sanctuary provides livelihood options for them and also aids in maintaining their cultural heritage.
Unlike other sanctuaries in Kerala, Chinnar gets only 48 days of rain every year. Rich in wildlife, the mixed deciduous forests here are ideal for trekking.
An extensive Sandalwood forest nearby is an added attraction. This is also an ideal place to watch herds of Bisons amble past. Dry deciduous forests, high sholas and wet grasslands add to the diversity of the sanctuary. As one travels from Karimuthi to Chinnar, Elephants, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Hanuman monkey and even Peacocks can be spotted on either sides of the road.
Location : About 60 km from Munnar,Idukki district.
(10 km from Munnar) 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.
Located on a hill in the centre of Old Munnar, this is a black basalt building with a prominent nave and bell tower. Rather squat and blackened with time, its exterior is unimpressive, but the inside is charming.
Consecrated in 1910, the church still has its original 14 rows of polished rosewood pews and antique chandeliers. There are brass plaques in memory of the tea planters who lived here.
One unique aspect of this church is that the cemetery was constructed long before the church was established.
The British built the Christ Church in 1910 AD. Built of stone, the church is known for its stained glass windows. There are several brass plaques in the church placed in the memory of the tea planters.
With extensive and beautiful views over the highest ranges of the Western Ghats, the seven-kilometre drive from Munnar to Devikulam is scenic. Devikulam Lake is said to be the highest in the region and ideal for trout fishing.
According to local lore, Sita took a dip in a pond close by. Revered as a holy place, a small temple has been built to worship her.
In the middle of the lake is an island with a fishing lodge. Take prior permission from the regional office at Munnar to visit this place.
This is 7 km from Munnar.
Echo point is situated at 15km from Munnar and is an admirable adventure destination for the tourists. Some of the popular activities in this picturesque destination among the explicit views of the lush green hills are trekking and nature walks.
An appropriate place to disembark for some time, shriek and scream and enjoy the pleasure of your voice coming back. Youngsters really enjoy this.
Wedged between the picturesque Kannan Devan Hills and Anamudi, South India’s highest peak, this park covers 97 square kilometres of virgin grasslands and wooded valleys. The park’s treasure is the Nilgiri Tahr one third of the world’s population of this endangered animal lives in these grasslands. Eravikulam is also home to the spectacular flower called Neelakurinji, which blooms only once every 12 years. Relatively free of plastic and litter, Eravikulam is considered one of the cleanest and most well managed parks in India.
The history of the park can be traced to the colonial era when mountain goats fell easy prey to British hunters. The Duke of Wellington’s army, which camped here during their offensive against Tipu Sultan, hunted to such an extent that the tahr population dwindled alarmingly. Tame and friendly, they became a favourite item on the soldiers’ menu. By Independence, the animal was virtually extinct. Their nature also changed. Clifford Rice, an American biologist, who spent over two years researching the animal on the Eravikulam plateau, found it impossible to observe them closely. They had become extremely timid, a diffidence that can be attributed to over 150 years of exploitation.
The park unravels a fascinating story of efficient protection and management of biodiversity. The High Ranges Game Preservation Association managed the area as a game preserve for the erstwhile Kannan Devan Hills Produce Company, by employing the Muthuvans – the original inhabitants of these hills known for their tracking skills – as game watchers. In 1971, the State government took over the park area, which belonged to the tea plantation company. In 1975, it was declared a sanctuary. Three years later, it was upgraded to a national park. Thereafter, to spread the message of conservation, the Nilgiri Tahr Foundation was formed. The planter community and the Muthuvans, along with the forest department, continue to protect and manage the park.
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This is a pre- historic monument. The cave paiting painting belongs to the late Neolithic period. This monument is inside the Reserve Forest.
Kolukkumalai is the highest tea plantation in the country.
Kolukkumalai is one and a half hour’s journey from Munnar and is accessible only by jeep. The drive to the top, past sprawling tea plantations and through a narrow treacherous track is an adventure in itself. Located in the upper reaches of Tamil Nadu’s Theni district, close to the Kerala border, at an elevation of 7,900 feet above sea level, Kolukkumalai offers some awesome views of the sweltering plains of Tamil Nadu. Sometimes, a blanket of mist obscures the view.
Sethuparvathipuram dam is located in Kundala. This area offers some of the most stunning vistas. The lake is dotted with brightly coloured rowboats, pedal boats and Kashmiri-style shikaras.
Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Stations. Aruvikkad waterfalls is also near Kundala.
The kundale golf club is a very beautiful club in hilly areas of munnar. The Kundale Golf Club course is located in between old tea plantations. The lovely scenaries, the green carpet, the hills and fragrance of tea are pleasant enough to attract golfers.
About the Kundale Golf Club course
Yards – 7000
Par 72
Holes 18
Kundale Tea Plantation offers an opportunity to see the tea plantations, to watch tea being picked, learn how tea is processed and to buy the tea directly from the gardens. It is an area surrounding a picturesque lake that offers stunning views of the region. If you arrive on a Sunday, make sure to drop in at the small Kundale Club in the afternoon, where the local planters gather with their families.
Kurinjimala Sanctuary protects the approximately 32 km² core habitat of the endangered Neelakurinji plant.
The sanctuary provides continuity and connectivity to these five protected areas. The new sanctuary is contiguous to the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary to the northwest, Manjampatti Valley in Amaravati reserve forest of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary to the northeast, Eravikulam National Park and Anamudi Shola National Park to the west, Pampadum Shola National Park to the south and the proposed Palani Hills National Park to the east.
The sanctuary is home to threatened species of Elephant, Gaur, Nilgiri Tahr and deer.
Lock Heart Gap (13 km from Munnar) is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worth a visit.
The Lock Heart Gap provides for a pass in the mountain with some enticing treks and routes. The mountain view is splendid and one can feel on top of the world.
Lock Heart Gap is famous for its panoramic beauty of its Western range of hills and its salubrious winds, and availability of splendid trekking opportunity
The best location for picnic and leisure stroll, Lockhart Gap is just refreshing like any other piece of scene loaded in Munnar. You can palm out whole of Munnar and eye the prettiness of its surroundings from here. Well, driving over the Lockhart Gap from the south and taking a view from South is truly unforgettable. Days are beautiful here and evenings even wonderful. Hills and its scenic beauty bedded with tea and its aroma can be best viewed from Lockhart. Besides, excellent view can be hogged of Talayar Valley.
(40 km from Munnar): This is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The sandalwood factory of the Forest Department, the caves (muniyaras) with murals and relics from the New Stone Age civilization and the children's park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single Banyan tree are of great interest to tourists. Thoovanam Waterfall and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also nearby.
Marayoor occupies a vast area on the slopes of the Western Ghats in Idukki district and is an important pre-historic site in Kerala. Apart from the Dolmenoid cists (Dolmenoids were burial chambers made of four stones placed on edges and covered by a fifth one called the cap stone) in Muniyara, Marayoor is famous for its natural sandalwood forests and pre-historic rock paintings.
This remote village on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats is in the outskirts of Munnar. The relics of new stone-age civilization has been unearthed here. The stone cabins, called 'Muniyaras', attract a lot of research scholars. It is the only place in Kerala having natural growth of sandal wood trees.
Marayoor is about 40 Km away, where Sandalwood forest, Muniyaras (ancient caves) and water falls (Thoovanam) are located
Marayoor -the pristine, heavenly and unexplored tourist spot is comparable to Munnar (the most sought after hill stations in India)in every respect and has now become well known as the real beauty with adventure .
The road from Rajamala to Marayoor is flanked by lush green tea estates. There are occasional waterfalls. Then comes the sandalwood forest. First, the trees come one by one, and then these turn into a sea. The air is cool and one comes under the rain shadow. After reaching Marayoor comes the spot Muniyaras, or the stone coffins, which date back to the Neolithic period. The stone coffins are everywhere - they are stone slabs resembling crudely-made boxes, resting on vertical rocks. Descending the hill one can see cane crop dancing in the wind. A children's park formed under the canopy of a single Banyan tree spreads across a hectare of land and is a wonderful sight. Then there is the Thoovanam Waterfalls where one can spend endless hours romancing with the nature. A park named Rajiv Gandhi National Park is also nearby.
Marayur is one of the main towns in the district of Idukki. This place can also be accessed from Pollachi / Palani in Tamilnadu and from Munnar. Tourists can find a good number of accommodation facilities at Marayur or in Munnar. Shopping facilities are rather basic at Marayur but better at Munnar.
Maraiyoor can guarantee you unflinching attention. Clad with unceasing expanse of sandalwood plantations, Maraiyoor is quiet acclaimed with tourists for the same. Marayoor terrain is specked with wave like mountains, rain and deciduous forests, riverbank forests, paddy fields, waterfalls, rugged rocky hills, shoals, hamlets, brooks and hamlets and so on and so forth. Tourists can buy better-quality sandalwood in bulk here. Maraiyoor Sandalwood Forest has facilities of Children Park and Deer Park which is decked with unfamiliar and rare species of plants and trees therefore enhance the beauty of destination. The area falls under the Forest Department of Kerala Government and is protected under the rights of state forest department. Sandalwood is just not the single charm as major area of Marayoor is utilized for sugarcane farming too. Just when you see your imagined dreamscape here figure out those visible jaggery factories in the fields which allow tourists here. As a matter of fact, Pamba River, out of few counted rivers that has eastward direction, flows through the heart of Marayoor.
History and Legend
Marayoor, meaning ``hidden land`` has its roots in Tamil and Malayalam language. According to the legend, Marayoor is supposed to be the same place where Pandavas stationed for short span during their exile. The Pandavas used Marayoor as a hidden closet to remain away from the comforts of their palace and Kingdom. Many historians date the account to Stone Age and period near, according to the dolmen and paintings found in the area.
Muniyara or the dolmens
Muniyara or the dolmens of Marayoor are burial chambers made up of counted five stones, where fifth one is placed on the large four stones. Many of the dolmens have burial chambers. The Siva Temple (Thenkasinathan Temple) at Kovilkadavu is fringed with plenitude of dolmens near the Pamba river bank. Similarly, toward the left of the Muniyara one can find dolmens of all sizes and shapes; many of these are engraved with writings of Iron Age.
Rock Paintings
Rock Paintings are very much an attraction at Marayoor. Ancient Paintings at Attala Kovilkadavu and Manala in Marayoor panchayat have a history of drawing tourists from all over the world. Painted on mammoth rocks, at a height of 1500 mts above sea, these paintings are indecipherable and mostly abstracts.
Sandalwood Plantations
In the whole of Munnar, Muniyara hogs away the most of sandal plantation valleys. Almost 95 km square has been utilized for sandals alone in the area. Alongside, the liquid gold oil which is extracted from the roots of the tree can be purchased too.
Marayoor is a place in the Idukki District of Kerala state, South India 42 kilometers north of Munnar through the Udumalppetta route, Marayoor is the only place in Kerala that has natural sandalwood forests. Ancient dolmens and rock paintings in Marayoor date back to the Stone Age. In 1991 Marayoor had a population of 9,590.[1]
Name and Legend The name Marayoor is said to be derived from two words “mara” and “oor”, in Malayalam and Tamil languages. “mara” means hidden and “oor” means land. Legend has it the great Pandavas of Mahabharata epic, had stayed in the area during their exile and so the place was named as ‘Maranjirunna oor’ or the land (they) hide. Later it became the land’s name “Marayoor.” Another argument is that the name Marayoor is derived from the words “mala” and “oor”, “mala” means mountain and “oor” means land, hence it was meant to be “the land of the mountains”, as the land is surrounded by mountains. Some scholars toyed with the idea that it can be both “mara” and “mala” as the name Marayoor could be interpreted as the land hidden by the mountains. There is no reason to give any credit to the story regarding Pandavas. Mara means cover and Mala means mountain. As such the argument of equivalence of mara and mala is out of question.[citation needed]
The most probable meaning of the place name is the Uru (Village) of Maravars (A tribe lived in this area during the turn of Christian Era, who used to attack travelers for looting, hiding in the forest. The word meaning is 'people who hides', They were traditionally members of the army of tribal chiefs and the Maharajas of Chera, Chola and Pandya).
Marayoor claims to be a part of Stone Age Civilization that is as old as 10,000 B.C.[2] The land and its unique dolmens, caves, rock edicts and engravings declare its rich heritage. People migrated from Tamil Nadu to this area when the Madurai king Thirumalainaicker was defeated by Tippu Sultan in the eighteenth century CE. Migrated people created five villages which are Kanthalloor, Keezhanthur, Karayur, Marayoor and Kottakudi. These villages were called as ‘Anju nadu, literally meaning “five lands”. However these place names are very old and aboriginal tribes still live in these villages, with their unique customs
Marayoor is an exotic haven for tourists and trekkers. The sprawling wild life, majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, sandal wood and bamboo forests, ancient dolmens or muniyaras, rock edicts, murals and relics from the New stone age civilization and unique trekking experiences make Marayoor a much sought after destination.
There are other interesting places of tourist importance near and around the land. Marayoor is the gateway of Chinnar wildlife sanctuary and tribal settlements. Major tourist centers in Marayoor are listed here.
Kovilkadavu
Chinnar Wild life Sanctuary
Chinnar Observatory
Rajive Gandhi Children's Park
Ancient dolmens or Muniyara
Rock edicts
Mesolithic caves and rock paintings
River Pambar
Tribal settlements
Thoovanam waterfalls
Sugarcane fields
Marayoor Sharkara making
A natural forest of fragrant sandalwood trees, Marayoor has a sandalwood factory owned by the Forest Department of Kerala, where attractive objects are d’art crafted from the precious wood.
The other important site here is a series of muniyaras (caves) dating back to the New Stone Age. The muniyaras contain rock paintings of considerable archeological significance, also part of the pre-historic excavations at Marayoor, are dolmenoid burial chambers consisting of four erect stones covered by a horizontal capstone
"The terrain is highly undulating with altitudes ranging from 500 m at Chinnar to over 2300 mat Nandala malai, and the same varying topography of Marayoor can be observed in Marayoor with mountains, rain forests, deciduous forests, riparian forests, scrub forests, brooks, Paddy Fields, river, waterfalls, rocky hills, sholas and hamlets. Natural vegetation includes tropical evergreen forests and grasslands. Soil type is forest loam with high organic matter content.
Climate
The climate in Marayoor is characterized by mild wet winters and hot dry summers. Temperature in winter (November to January) may go down to 20 degrees Celsius and in summer it may go up to 36.2 degrees Celsius. Marayoor winter is not frigid cold as considerable sunshine is also characteristic to this region even during rainy winter. Summer is humid and hot with blazing sun. Generally Marayoor experience a moderate climate, temperatures varying 21 °C to 27 °C with minimum seasonal variation except in winter. The plains are generally warm but the higher altitudes are cool.
Annual rainfall
The annual rainfall in Idukki district varies from 250 to 425 cm. However, it is also recorded that the annual rainfall had gone up to 700 cm in certain years. The Eastern and North-Eastern regions of the district get very low rainfall in contrast to other areas. This may go up to 150 cm at Marayoor, Kanthalloor, Vattavada and Thalayar regions. Marayoor and Kanthalloor are virtually rain shadow areas, lying in the eastern side of the Western Ghats.
The two major tribal groups in Marayoor are Muthuvans and Hill Pulayas. The tribal population in Marayoor still preserves their unique customs and traditions. Muthuvans and Hill Pulayans are the major tribal groups in Marayoor and Kanthalloor. Their reluctance and refusal to social development has changed very little and they are being motivated continuously for a better life. The language that they speak had very little connection with Malayalam and was a derivation of Tamil having a peculiar accent.On the other hand it is probable that both Tamil and Malayalam originated from such tribal languages.[citation needed] The tribal populations in Marayoor are aborigines and they prefer a secluded life fostering their own traditions and customs. They tend to be highly superstitious, believing in animism and totem worship. They prefer their own medicinal system; the tribal medicines are mostly plants and herbs. Both tribes strictly practice endogamy.
Muthuvans
According to tribal legends Muthuvas were loyal subjects of the dynasty of Madurai. When the dynasty was deposed, the surviving royal members migrate to Travancore, central Kerala, and established the famed Poonjar dynasty. On their way to Kerala, the Muthuvas carried the idols of Madurai Meenakshi, the deity of the royal family, in their backs. The word Muthuvas seems to be stem out from the word ""muthuku"" which means back in Tamil and Malayalam languages. The tribe which carried the idols in their muthuku later settled in the forests near Tamil Nadu, and came to be known as Muthuvans. Muthuvans tribe is very independent and reluctant to contact with outside world. They do not trust the civilized world and hesitant to partake education. They are an exclusive tribe which refuses to connect with other tribes and outside world. Their women folk are strictly prohibited to have contact with outside clan or other people, especially other men. The Muthuvan women usually are secluded in the bamboo huts not allowing even to talk or see men outside their tribe. The major cultivations of Muthuva tribe are ragi, cardamom and lemon grass.
Hill Pulayas
Hill Pulayans or Malapulayars are the most backward type among the tribal population staying in the Marayoor and Kanthalloor. They stay in small huts in the secluded forest areas. They do manual labor and collect forest produce to augment their income. They speak Tamil and follow their own unique and traditional customs. They have their own ancient art forms.
Sarakkara Balls
Sarkkara is dark brown sugar balls made of condensed sugarcane juice. It is also known as jaggery or ""gud"" (Hindi). Each lump or ball of jaggery might weigh up to 1.5 kg. Sugar cane is a major crop of Marayoor and Kanthalloor. In sugarcane farms, there are small jaggery factories that manufacture jaggery. The best jaggery in India is produced in Marayoor. It is therefore of great demand in households across the country for the preparation of sweets and relishes.
Marayoor is the only place in Kerala with a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The sandalwood factory run by the Forest Department is of tourist interest. A reduced amount of rainfall is ideally suited for the abundant growth of best sandalwood trees.
Marayoor-The rain shadow village,'the heaven on earth',lies in the eastern side of the Western Ghats and is bordered by the neighbouring state Tamil Nadu. Most of the tribals are primarily engaged in agriculture.
Muniyaras date back to the Neolithic period. The legendary wanderings of 'Rama and Sita' and the 'Pandavas' are clearly depicted here.Caves, paintings and under ground tunnels are also found here.
The spectacular thoovanam waterfalls and the Rajiv Gandhi National Park gives its visitors a memorable visit.
The rare Neelakurinji is native to this region. Neelakurinji is an exotic flowering plant that paints the hills blue when it blossoms once every 12 years. The next blooming is due in 2006.
A children's park formed under the canopy of single Banyan tree spreads across a hectare of land and is reallya wonderful sight."
Mathikettan area is part of the Cardamom Hill Reserve.
The name Mathikettan derives form the tamil word literally meaning mind confuser as the local people say that one forgets the path once he enters into the park.
There are lots of elephants in this park and this park is of importance as an elephant corridor.
This is a joint venture between Kerala government and the government of Switzerland. More than 100s of different genus of cattle are nurtured here. The main aim of this project is to rear high milk yielding cows. This farm is open for visitants in the day time. Visitants are allowed to enter only in 3 of the 11 cattle sheds in the farm.
Better known as Mattupetty(cattle village), Tamil migrant labourers had once upon a time reared cattle here. The cool climate and abundance of fodder made it the ideal location for the farm. Established in 1961, the Kerala Livestock Development Board (KLDB) manages this highly specialised dairy farm. The dairy farm is a unique one of its kind with more than 100 varieties of high-yielding cattle being reared.
Visit time: 0900 - 1100 hrs and 1400 - 1530 hrs. Rate Rs. 5/- per head. Ph: 530389.
This farm is well looked after, as it is abundantly rich in nature.
Cochin international airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 130 km, the Kottayam railway station is 142 km from Munnar and Mattuppetti is 13 km from Munnar by road.
Muniyara, the dolmenoid hermitage, always fascinated historians, anthropologists and archaeologists. These rock monuments are part of megalithic age. There are many dolmenoid muniyaras around the area of Kovilkadavu and the cliffs near river pambar, a short rive from Marayoor. Muniyaras were were burial chambers made of four stones placed on edges and roofed by a fifth one called the cap stone. Some of these dolmenoid hermitages enclose more burial chambers, others form quadrangle walls roofed with cap stones. Muniyara is part of the rich heritage and history of Marayoor.
Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 metres. The enchanting surroundings make an excellent picnic spot and trekking point. Gravel Banks, the delightful trout fishing site is tucked away in a remote corner of Nyayamakad Estate.
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. It’s an ideal spot for trekking and hiking amidst lush mountains, rolling hills and breathtaking scenery.
Just 3 km before Munnar, while you are travelling on NH 49, is Pothanmedu, sitting comfortably on a high cliff. Also, when you watch the cars and others vehicles approaching up through the winding road, you feel the height you are standing at, for these cars seem no more like a toy to you. For adventure lovers, Pothanmedu offers excellent opportunities for trekking and hiking.
(18 km from Munnar): This waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic western mountain ranges, and is an ideal place for a break on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.
If you want to delve into the history of tea in the high ranges, visit India’s only tea museum, set in a century old tea estate of the Kannan Devan Hills Produce Company.
A sundial, made in 1913, greets you. Memorabilia preserved inside include a burial urn, (from the second century BC), the original 1905 tea roller, a rotor vane (the old CTC type tea processing machine), the Pelton wheel used in the power generator plant of the 1920s and a rail engine wheel of the Kundala Valley Railway that shuttled men and material between Munnar and Top Station during the first half of the last century.
The museum also houses photos, curios and other paraphernalia relating to tea. Interesting items include typewriters, a wooden bathtub, magnet phone, manual calculators, an oven that used firewood as fuel and EPABX of the 1909 telephone system, besides classic furniture from an old time planter’s bungalow.
There is also a tea-tasting demonstration room with a variety of teas on display and a mini manufacturing unit to gives tourists first hand knowledge about the different aspects of tea processing.
The highest point on the Munnar–Kodaikanal road, this place is worth the 34-kilometre drive for the panoramic view it offers.
One of the most popular excursions from Munnar is the uphill climb through tea estates to Top Station, a tiny hamlet on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. In Tamil Nadu, three kilometres from theinter State border, this idyllic spot has superb views over the Tamil Nadu plains and the edge of the Western Ghats. The small town of Bodinayakkanur lies in the valley.
Top Station takes its name from a ropeway that connected it via Middle Station to Lower Station in the valley. The first ropeway was built in 1900 from Korangini to this station to transport goods, as wild elephants often waylaid coolies making their way on foot. Light railway engines, that ran on coal and firewood, used to make the trip up and down. The railway had four engines named Buchanan, Anamudi, Kundale and High Range. All that remains are the ruins of the old ropeway and railway station.
The lofty Chinnar Watch Tower has a panoramic view of the entire sanctuary, and beyond to the jungles of Tamil Nadu to the east and the majestic hills of the Western Ghats in all directions. The watch tower is accessible to the public with the permission of the forest department. The watchtower is a 20-minute walk from the Chinnar check post. A fee of Rs. 15 per person is collected at the tower. A Forest guard and tourist guide accompanies visitors. The guide charges Rs. 100 a day.
This Vysiappara trip takes one night and two days. It includes a trek through forests, a visit to a tribal settlement at Champakkadu and an overnight stay in a traditional tached hut atop a hill, which offers splendid oppurtunities for wildlife viewing and star gazing.
Camping at the Vysiappara huts cost approx. Rs. 2,000 (including dinner, night stay and breakfast).
There are both easy and adventurous trekking options.
Anamudi trekking hikes starts with an elevation at 2000 mts. Easiest hikes are the North and South slopes with less steeps and deep gorges, while the difficult treks are those of the East and West with even deeper gorge and valleys as well as rock faces. Trekkers/visitors/ adventure freaks can take the easier side to unearth the flora and fauna in the dense forest of Anamudi.
This is an ideal place for trekking.
If you have the stamina, explore the bridal path leading to the plains. This route, which was once used by estate workers to ferry tea chests to the plains and provisions back to the top has now become a big hit with trekkers.
There are three points in the trekking route. The first point where 80% of the crowd turns back, and the second point which is 500m further below in the hills where literally all the tourists turn back. What’s beyond is the best part for someone who’s serious into trekking. There were a couple of broken paths which vanish into thick woods, and that’s where the fun begins. A round trip to this place by jeep would cost about Rs 400.
Marayoor is famous for its natural sandalwood forests. In fact, Marayoor is the only place in Kerala where natural sandalwood forest is seen. There is a sandalwood depot near Marayoor town where sandalwood is processed. Sandal wood or Santalum album is a parasitic tree having a fragrant and close-grained yellowish heartwood. Sandalwood oil, also known as ‘liquid gold,’ is extracted from the roots and wood of sandalwood. This oil is a costly item marketed at a few choosy outlets all over the state. A climate with low rainfall is suitable for the growth of choice sandalwood trees from which good quality oil can be extracted. The 93 km² Marayoor reserve forest is believed to have about sixty thousand naturally grown sandalwood tress, of which nearly 2,000 trees had been allegedly plundered in just one year since January 2004, when the last survey was conducted. The auction rate for first quality Marayoor sandal is quoted at Rs. 1100 per kg, according to forest department sources (2004).
At Maraiyur northeast of the Eravikulam National Park and 42 kms from Munnar one can experience the peace and beauty of a Sandalwood Forest.
Lockhart, known for its panoramic views, is a location in Mattupetty, 13 km from Munnar in Idukki District. It is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air and the mist-clad hills make it worth visiting.
You can also embark on a tour of the tea factory and satiate your curiosity on various aspects of tea processing. After the factory visit, you’ll be treated to piping hot tea. What gives Kolkkumalai tea its special flavour is presumably the high altitude.
Fifteen km from Munnar, the famous hill station of Kerala, is the beautiful Rajamala. The natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas hylocres), the Eravikulam - Rajamala region is now home to half the world population estimated at around 1300 - of this endangered mountain goat. But the Tahr is only one of the reasons to make a visit to Rajamala. The picturesque beauty of this mountain will make you want to tent here forever!
Rajamalai is situated 13 Km away from Munnar on Udumalpet road (SH17).
Kurinjimala Sanctuary protects the approximately 32 sq km core habitat of the endangered Neelakurinji plant.
This new sanctuary is contiguous to the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary to the northwest, Manjampatti Valley in Amaravati reserve forest of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary to the northeast, Eravikulam National Park and Anamudi Shola National Park to the west, Pampadum Shola National Park to the south and the proposed Palani Hills National Park to the east. The sanctuary provides continuity and connectivity to these five protected areas.
Rajiv Gandhi children’s park is located in the heart of Marayur. The serene park is spread across a hectare under the vast canopy of a single banyan tree that attracts tourists and local population alike. From the park one can spot monkeys, deer and other animals in the adjoining reserve forest.
If you are lucky enough to be around when this happens it is truly a sight you will never forget.
The biological phenomenon of the mass blooming of the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus) flower that takes place once in twelve years. Neela means blue in Malayalam language and Kurinji the local name of the flower.
During the last blooming in 2006, the biggest Neelakurinji flowering was at the Eravikulam National Park in Munnar. It also bloomed gregariously at several places around Munnar and in Kodaikanal. The next mass flowering is expected to take place in 2018.
Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) belongs to the family of Acanthaceae. The species name Kunthiana has been derived from the River Kunthi. The genus has around 300 species, of which at least 46 occur in India. Besides the Western Ghats, it can also be found in Eastern Ghats. On the hills, the plant usually grow 30 to 60 cm in height, but under more favorable conditions they can grow well beyond 180 cms. It can be found only in high altitudes between 1,600 metres and 2,600 m. The mass flowering and subsequent death of the Kurinji is the subject of hill folklore. Although Neelakurinji has flowering cycles ranging from one to 16 years, it has been flowering every 12 years since 1800. What triggers the massive flowering every 12 years is not known.
The flowering season comes between August and November and peak in late September and October although some varieties exhibit little variation. It looks light blue in the early stage of blooming and has purplish blue colour when aged.
There is a rock painting at Manala in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary of Marayoor near the Alampetty tribal settlement. Here, a picture of a deer and a man can be seen. In close proximity to this art site, a new rock painting has been newly discovered.
You can take a 2 night, 3 day cultural trip through wilderness to explore the pre-historic rock shelter paintings, dolmens and sacred groves. It includes a trip to a nearby tribal settlement of the Hill Pulayas where you can observe the culture and lifestyle of this indigenous community.
You need to pay to use Kundale Club until you take the resort for accommodation. You must have a prior permission before availing the facility.
The Kundale Golf Club remains opened from January to September and closed for rest of the time. It is because of the Munnar River which foods very often during this period.
The Kundale Golf club comes back to shape and fully functions rest of the year. The members of the club are mainly tea planters and the local residents. The course is well contected by all means of bus, air and train.
The Golf course is beautiful– a nice nine hole course carved from the contours of a natural valley, bounded all around by hills with some steep climbs, where one plays the front nine beginning off the first tee, above and behind the clubhouse. As with most of the golf courses of this type, one needs definitely to be reasonably fit in order to labour up the bridle paths to each tee box and then muster sufficient energy to clobber the ball with reasonable force and of course, reasonable accuracy as well!
The CSI Church of Christ is one of the popular sightseeing stops at Munnar. The church is a popular attraction for those interested in its unique architecture.
The sanctity of the Christ Church is unspoiled as it is far away from the busy city life and visitors love to admire the church and its peaceful atmosphere.
The Church of South India now administers the church. Sunday services are held here. If you plan to celebrate Christmas in Munnar, Christ church is the place to be.
