Welcome to Munnar, a piece of heaven nestled in the green carpet of tea plantations in the Indian state of Kerala.
Breathe in. The air is fresh, crisp. The scent of tea leaves mixed with the rich fragrance of the earth is invigorating.
Look around. Everywhere, undulating hills spread out, covered in a vibrant green tapestry of tea plantations. They stretch as far as your eyes can see, punctuated by little clusters of white and blue cottages.
To your right, the Anamudi Peak stands majestic, its head in the clouds. It’s the highest peak in South India, a challenge for trekkers.
Feel the cool breeze? That’s Munnar’s weather, pleasant, never too hot nor too cold. Today, it’s 19 degrees Celsius, a light drizzle adding a romantic touch to the scenery.
Listen. The chirping of birds fills the air, the rhythmic chant of tea pickers in the distance. Their woven baskets filled with freshly plucked tea leaves.
Let’s walk. Our first stop is the Tea Museum, a short stroll away. Here, you can watch the fascinating process of tea-making and even taste some.
Look ahead. You see a billboard? It’s announcing the Neelakurinji festival. Happening right now. Once in 12 years, the Neelakurinji flowers bloom, covering the hills in a stunning blue carpet.
Next, we visit the Eravikulam National Park. Get your cameras ready. You might spot a Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered mountain goat native to these hills.
And finally, let’s unwind at the Mattupetty Dam. The sun is setting, reflecting on the peaceful reservoir. Boating in the twilight, a perfect end to your day in Munnar.
Embrace Munnar. The tranquility, the beauty, the culture. Feel it. Live it. You are here. Welcome.
Let’s go back in time.
Munnar’s story begins around the second century AD. It was then a part of the ancient Tamil kingdom, known as the Chera Dynasty. There, in the old Tamil scriptures, you find the first mention of Munnar.
Fast forward to the British Raj. The year is 1870. John Daniel Munro, a British lawyer, and planter, arrives. He sees the potential for plantation agriculture, especially tea, in the fertile soils of Munnar.
Negotiations with the Poonjar Chief, the local ruler, begin. An agreement is reached, and Munro leases the land. The cultivation of coffee and cinchona starts. Yet, it was the tea plantations that eventually transformed Munnar’s landscape and economy.
Enter A.H. Sharp. He plants the first tea sapling near Munnar in 1890. And so begins Munnar’s metamorphosis into a major tea-producing region.
In 1895, Finlay Muir & Company, later known as Tata Finlay and now Tata Tea, comes into the picture. They purchase A.H. Sharp’s plantations, leading to the large-scale cultivation of tea.
Munnar thrives. It becomes the favored summer resort of the British government in South India. Grand bungalows and churches dot the landscape, a testament to the colonial past.
In the 20th century, Tata’s Finlay Network sells their holdings to a new company, Tata Tea Ltd. In 2005, Tata Tea forms a new company called Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company PVT Ltd, transferring the ownership to the employees.
Today, Munnar is a globally renowned tourist destination, a testament to its rich historical and cultural heritage. The endless tea plantations, the colonial architecture, the flourishing wildlife, all bear the marks of Munnar’s past. Every part of it whispers a tale of time, waiting for those who listen. You are here, in Munnar. Listen, feel, and live its history.
Here are some quick facts to get you started.
Location: Munnar is situated in the Idukki district of the southwestern Indian state of Kerala.
Altitude: It stands at an elevation of about 1,600 meters (5,200 feet) above sea level.
Climate: Munnar enjoys a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year. The average temperature ranges between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Flora and Fauna: Munnar is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the endangered species of Nilgiri Tahr, which is endemic to this region.
Tea Plantations: Munnar is famous for its sprawling tea plantations. Some of them date back to the late 19th century.
Neelakurinji: A rare flower named ‘Neelakurinji’ blooms here once in every 12 years, covering the hills in a blue carpet.
Anamudi Peak: Standing at about 2,695 meters (8,842 feet), it’s the highest peak in South India, located within the Eravikulam National Park.
Languages Spoken: The locals primarily speak Malayalam. However, you can also find people conversing in Tamil, Hindi, and English.
Cuisine: Munnar is known for its unique Keralan cuisine. ‘Appam with Stew’, ‘Malabar Parotta’, and ‘Kerala Sadya’ are some dishes you must try.
Nearby Attractions: Apart from tea plantations, Munnar is surrounded by numerous attractions like Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum, Anamudi Peak, and more.
Accessibility: The nearest airport to Munnar is the Cochin International Airport, about 110 kilometers away. The nearest railway station is at Aluva, approximately 130 kilometers away.
Remember, Munnar is not just a destination. It’s an experience. An experience of breathtaking landscapes, calming breezes, warm people, and rich history. Enjoy your stay in Munnar!
Munnar is beautiful throughout the year, but for the best experience, consider the following:
Winter (November to February): This is the peak season for tourists in Munnar. The weather is cool and pleasant, making it perfect for sightseeing, trekking, and wildlife watching. The temperatures can drop to 10 degrees Celsius at night, so pack some warm clothes.
Summer (March to June): While a bit warmer with temperatures ranging between 19 to 35 degrees Celsius, Munnar remains relatively cooler than the rest of India during summer. It’s a great time for outdoor activities and to escape the summer heat of the plains.
Monsoon (June to September): The monsoon brings heavy rainfall to Munnar, enhancing its beauty and making the tea gardens look greener. It’s off-season for tourism, so you could get some good deals on accommodation. However, some activities might be limited due to the rain.
Post-Monsoon (October to November): The landscape is vibrant and lush after the monsoons, making it a beautiful time to visit. The weather is comfortably cool, perfect for exploring the outdoors.
So, the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for. Whether it’s the cool winter, the comfortable summer, the lush monsoon, or the vibrant post-monsoon, Munnar has something to offer in every season.
Reaching Munnar can be an adventure in itself as you traverse through scenic routes. Here’s how you can get there:
By Air: The nearest airport to Munnar is Cochin International Airport (COK), which is approximately 110 kilometers away. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India and also to several foreign cities. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Munnar, a journey that takes about 3 to 4 hours.
By Train: The nearest railway station is at Aluva, about 130 kilometers away from Munnar. It is well-connected to major cities across India. From Aluva, you can hire a taxi or catch a bus to Munnar, which will take about 4 hours.
By Road: Munnar is well-connected by a network of well-maintained roads and national highways with nearby cities and states. Buses ply regularly between Munnar and cities such as Kochi, Kottayam, Madurai, and Thiruvananthapuram. Driving to Munnar can be an enjoyable experience, with the route surrounded by lush green hills, waterfalls, and tea plantations.
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