Munnar-Mind refreshing hill stationa

MUNNAR1600 meters. The enchanting surroundings makes an
Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peaceexcellent picnic spot and trekking point.
and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God'sChithirapuram (10 km from Munnar)
own country.With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old
Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnarplaygrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an
was the favored summer resort of the erstwhileold world charm. Home of the Pallivasal Hydel Power
British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse ofProject, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque
tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotictea plantations.
species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries andLock Heart Gap (13 km from Munnar)
forests - aroma of spice scented cool air - yes!This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and
Munnar has all these and more. It's the place youtrekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and
would love to visit - it's the place you would wish neverpanoramic view make it worthy of a visit.
to leave- so welcome - log on to for all information onRajamala (15 km from Munnar)
Munnar anytime, every time.The natural habitat of the Niligiri tahr ,Rajamala
MUNNAR - Fact FileRajamala is 2695 Mts above sea level. Half the
Altitude : 1600 Mts to 1800 Mts above sea levelworld's population of the rare mountain goat or tahr
Temperature : Min. 0 c - Max. 25 cwhich is fast becoming extinct, is now found here.The
Clothing : Warm Clothes and Rain GearNiligiri tahr in Rajamala are now to be found in small
Tourist Season : August to March .herds found in Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total
Tea or Chai is the most widely drunk beverage in thenumber of Niligiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated to be
whole world. The tea plant, Camellia Sansis, is aover 1300.
cultivated variety of a Tea planttree that has its originsVisiting Time : 0700 - 1800 hrs.
in an area between India and China. There are threeVisitors are not allowed during the monsoon.
main varieties of the tea plant - China, Assam, andEntry Pass : Rs. 10 for adults, Rs. 5 for children below
Cambodia - and a number of hybrids between the12 years, Rs. 50 for foreigners.( liable to change)
varieties. The China variety grows as high as nine feetPermitting Authority : Wild Life DFO, Munnar.
(2.75 metres). It is a hardy plant able to withstand coldEravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar)
winters and has an economic life of at least 100 years.The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam
The Assam variety, a single-stem tree ranging fromEravikulam National ParkTaluk and is home to the Nilgiri
20 to 60 feet (6 to 18 metres) in height. Regular pruningTahr. The Anamudi peak (2695 Mts) is located in the
keeps its height to a more manageable 4 to 5 feet tall.Southern region of the park.
It has an economic life of 40 years with regular pruningOriginally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri
and plucking. When grown at an altitude near that ofIbex), the Eravikulam National Park is situated in the
Darjeeling (Assam) or Munnar (Kerala), it produces teaDevikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. It was declared
with fascinating flavours , sought after around theas a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological,
globe.faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological
MAIN SUB VARIETIES OF TEAsignificance, it was declared as a National park in 1978.
The tender light-leaved AssamIt covers an area of 97 sq kms of rolling grasslands
The less tender dark-leaved Assamand high level sholas (evergreen forests). The park is
The hardy Manipuri and Burma typesbreathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the
The very large-leaved Lushaibest mountain ranges found anywhere in the world.
The dark-leaved Assam plant from Upper Assam.Sanctuary Visit :
The Cambodia variety, a single-stem tree growing toNilgiri Tahr The park is divided into 3 regions - the core
about 16 feet (five metres) in height, is not cultivatedarea, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are
but has been naturally crossed with other varieties.allowed only to the tourism area which is in the
History of TeaRajamala region. The Nilgiri Tahr can be observed at
Behind this everyday brew lies a colorful andclose quarters here.
fascinating story that meanders its way through theTrekking facilities are available here. Tourists are
social and cultural history of many nations. Accordingallowed to go on foot up to Anamudi. This is also a
to ancient legend, tea was discovered by chance by aplace for adventure tourism.
Chinese Emperor in third millenium B.C. as some teaTrekking Areas : Anamudi, Rajamala.
leaves floated into his boiling pot of water fromPower House Waterfalls (18 km from Munnar)
somewhere.The waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar
Whether this is fact or fiction, we will never know. Incascades down a steep rock 2000 Mts above sea
fact, there was no written reference to tea until thelevel. The spot is enriched with the scenic Western
third century B.C., until a famous Chinese doctormountain ranges, and is an ideal place for a break on
recommended it for increasing one's alertness. Mostthe way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.
historians however agree that tea was used in ChinaKundala (20 km from Munnar)
long before this date.Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top
Tea entered its 'golden age' during the Tang DynastyStation. The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea
in the 7th century AD. Tea entered the age of ritualsLtd. is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is
and traditions. No longer drunk simply as a medicinalanother attraction. Aruvikkad Waterfall is also near
tonic, tea was taken as much for pleasure as for itsKundala.
restorative powers. The preparation and service ofCSI Christ Church
the liquor developed into an elaborate ceremony, whileCSI Christ ChurchThe British built the Christ Church in
the cultivation and processing of the leaf were tightly1910 AD. Built of stone, the church is known for its
controlled.stained glass windows. There are several brass
Tea became important enough during this period for aplaques in the church placed in the memory of the tea
group of merchants to commission the writer, Lu Yu,planters.
to compile the first ever book on the subject - ClassicIN AND AROUND MUNNAR
of Tea. All tea produced in China was originally green.AnayirankalAnayirangal (22 kms from Munnar):
However, with an increase in trade during the MingIt's a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the
Dynasty (A.D. 1368 - 1644), the Chinese growers weresplendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The
challenged to preserve tea's delicate qualities during itsAnayirangal dam is surrounded by Tata Tea
long journeys, as far afield as Europe. The solutionplantations and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic
was the invention of new processing methods tospot.
make black and flower-scented teas. Ming producersDevikulam (7 kms from Munnar)
found that fermentation was able to preserve teaThis idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns , exotic flora
leaves, making them suitable for the long overseasand fauna and the cool mountain air offers a rare
journey. And though Europe's first taste of tea wasexperience to visitors. The Sita Devi lake with its
green, the fashion gradually changed to black asmineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good
Chinese growers altered tea production methods topicnic spot. The lake is also ideal trout fishing.
suit the logistics of distant trade.Valara Waterfalls
TopValara (10 kms from Adimali on the Kochi-Madurai
When one looks at Europe, one is not sure who washighway)
responsible for introducing tea there - the Dutch or theValara has a chain of waterfalls surrounded by thick
Portuguese in the early seventeenth century, for bothgreen forests.
nations were then actively trading in the China Seas.Marayoor (40 kms from Munnar)
The Portuguese shipped China teas to Lisbon, andThis is the only place in Kerala that has a natural
from there the Dutch East India Company carriedgrowth of sandalwood trees. The sandalwood factory
goods on to Holland, France and Germany.of the forest department, the caves(muniyaras) with
Tea's fate in Britain took a lucky turn in 1662 whenthe murals and relics from the New stone age
King Charles II married a Portuguese princess. Britain'scivilization and the children's park spread across a
new queen was addicted to tea and carried with herhectare of land under the canopy of a single banyan
some tea as part of her dowry. As word of the newtree, are of great interest to tourists. Thoovanam
beverage spread, more and more people wished towaterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also
try it. Soon tea became Britain's most popular drink,nearby. +more
replacing ale at break-fast and gin at any other time ofCheeyappara
day. Tea also became an essential part of people'sThe Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located
entertainment outside the home.between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi -
Luxurious tea gardens appeared all over the country,Madurai highway.
where people from all walks of life, including royalty,TopstationTop Station (32 kms from Munnar)
could take fresh air, drink tea, and enjoy a variety of1700 Mts above sea level , this is the highest point on
entertainment. The British tradition of 'after-noon tea' isthe Munnar-Kodiakanal road. The rare Neelakurunji
normally ascribed to Anna, the Dutchess of Bedford.(strobilanthus) belongs to this region. Top Station (a
She conceived the idea of having tea around four orviewing point) also offers a panoramic view of
five in the afternoon to ward off the hunger pangsneighbouring state of Tamil nadu.
between lunch and dinner. Soon all of fashionableEcho Point (15 km from Munnar)
London was indulging in these after-noon gatherings toThis scenic place gets its name from the natural echo
drink tea, eat sandwiches, and exchange gossip andphenomenon here. Echo point is on the way to Top
general conversation.Station from Munnar.
As tea consumption in Britain grew, the balance ofMeenuli
payment turned in favour of the Chinese. Britain cameIt is noted for 2 acres of evergreen forests upon a
up with an answer to correct the imbalance and tradehuge rock. The rock is more than 500 acres in area
in opium, which the Chinese wanted. But soon trade inand an ideal spot for mountaineering.
opium became a serious international issue, and toMalankara Reservoir (6 kms from Thodupuzha)
secure monopoly, Britain declared war. China retaliatedLocated on the Thodupuzha - Moolamattam road, this
by placing an embargo on all export of tea. The Opiumartificial lake isMalankara Reservoir accessible by road.
Wars had begun.The reservoir is ideal for boating and fishing.
Its trade with China cut off, Britain began to seek otherThommankuthu waterfalls (17 kms from Thodupuzha)
locations for the production of tea. Northern India wasThe seven step waterfall here is a much loved picnic
particularly promising due to its climate and altitudes. It isspot . At each step there is a cascade and a pool
here that in 1823 the British East India Company's firstbeneath . Thommankuthu is an ideal place for
crop was planted. Its first shipment of Assam teaadventure tourism. (This is also a tricky spot and
reached London fifteen years later, and the Companyvisitors are advised to exercise caution !)
soon expanded into other areas, most notablyNadukani (25 kms from Idukki)
Darjeeling and the hills of Munnar in Kerala. TheMoolamattam town , Malankara lake etc. can be
Kannan Devan Tea was thus born.viewed from the high pavilion situated here.
It was inevitable that tea would find its way to NorthKalvari MountKalvari mount
America along with the settlers from Europe. All overThis is a famous pilgrim centre on the way to
the New World, tea was drunk in the same elegantKattapana.
fashion as in Europe. In colonial America, tea and thePalkulamedu (12 kms from Idukki)
complimentary silver and porcelain were symbols ofKochi, Allapuzha and other nearby towns can be seen
wealth and social status. Even the less affluent familiesfrom this peak at 3125 mts above sea level.
viewed the taking of tea as a display of their goodChithirapuram (10 kms from Munnar)
manners. The Boston Tea Party ended America'sWith its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old play
liking for both the British and their tea. The origins of thegrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old
trouble lay in the passing of an Act of Parliament inworld charm. Home of the Pallivasal Hydel power
1767, which attempted to tax the American colonies.project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque
Within two years of its passing, most American portstea plantation.
were refusing to allow any dutiable goods ashore, andRamakalmeduRamakalmedu (16 kms from
when the British sent seven shiploads of tea fromNedumkandam)
London, feelings ran high. In New York and Philadelphia,Rolling green hills and fresh mountain air make
demonstrations forced the ships to turn back. InRamakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hilltop also
Boston, general unrest over several weeks wasoffers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of
followed by the boarding of the Dartmouth by a bandBodi and Kambam on the Eastern slope of the
of men disguised as Indians, to cries of "BostonWestern ghats. One can enjoy the splendid beauty of
harbour - a teapot tonight."nature. This is an ideal place for trekkers and mountain
In the course of the next three hours, they threw 340climbers.
chests of tea overboard. The British government'sChinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (60 km from Munnar)
closure of Boston harbor and the arrival of BritishSituated on the Tamil Nadu border, the Chinnar Wildlife
troops on American soil marked the beginning of theSanctuary is spread across 90.44 sq km.
War of Independence and America's coffee-drinkingGiant Squirrel
tradition. World War II marked a final blow to America'sAnimals
affinity for fine teas. Prior to the war, Americans wereMost of the Southern Indian wild animals can be found
well versed in the many varieties of tea. Importedin this forest. These include the grizzled giant squirrel,
exclusively in the Orient, however, these teas becamechampal squirrel, elephant, sambar deer, gaur etc.
scarce during the war, and were replaced with lowerRare BirdBirds
quality black tea from Argentina and other openJungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl
markets. Sadly, to this day, almost all tea consumed inetc.
the United States is low-grade black.Access
Growing TeaMunnar - Udumalpetta Road     60 km
Tea bushes are planted 1 metre to 1.5 metres apart toCoimbatore - Udumalpetta - Chinnar Road     100
follow the natural contours of the landscape.km
Sometimes they are grown on specially preparedCochin - Chinnar     190 km
terraces to help irrigation and to prevent erosion. FiftyParambikulam via Pollachi - Chinnar via Udumalpetta
years ago tea plants were raised from tea seeds and    60 km
they Tea estatewere known as seedlings. EachKottayam - Chinnar     250 km
plantation grew its own seed bearers in tea treesVisiting Time
which grew to a height of approximately 25 metres.0700 - 1800 hrs. Entry passes are available at the
These young plants are raised from the cuttingsoffice of the Assistant Conservator of Forests or the
obtained from a strong and rich bush. They areCheck Post Information Counter.
carefully tendered in special nursery beds until they arePermitting Authority
12-15 months old and then planted in the tea gardens.Wildlife Warden, Idukki Wild Division, Painav/Wildlife
Trees are often planted in between the tea plants toDFO, Munnar.
protect them against intense heat and light, particularlyTrekking Routes
on the plains of Assam and Kenya, where sunshine isPalapetty, Champakad
most intense. The trees also provide microclimatic andKarimuty - Inchapetty
soil improvements. Geometric spacing are used, oftenKarimuty - Alampetty
in quite wide spacing. This, again, ensures uniformHigh Range Club
treatment (shade) and ease in mechanized operations.Charmingly colonial in style, this clubhouse built of
Common shade trees are Erythrina, Gliricidia, and Silverwicker and teak still serves as a social centre for the
Oak.far - flung farmers of the region around Munnar. The
When the tea plant is allowed to grow wild andclub houses an elegant lounge and a dining room, the
unfettered it becomes 10 mts high. To simplifyobligatory gentleman's bar, a billiards room, a library etc.
cultivation and stimulate the production of leaf buds,Entry is limited to members only.
they are regularly pruned and shaped into flat-toppedTrekking Points in Munnar
bushes of about one metre in height. When the plantAnamudi, Rajamala, Meesapulimala, Top Station,
develops to a height of about half a metre aboveKundala, Devikulam.
ground, it is cut back - pruned to within a few inchesSightseeing Tours
off the ground - to set it on course to develop into aSightseeing tours are arranged from the District Tourist
flat-topped bush. Generally, a tea bush is 1 to 1.5Infornation Office, Thekkady Jn., Kumili. Tours cover
metres in height. Regular 2 to 3 year pruning cyclesspice plantations, herbal gardens, tribal settlements,
encourage the supply of shoots, the flush which isother places in and around Munnar etc.
plucked every week to ten days, depending on whereTourist Circuits in Munnar
it is cultivated.Munnar - Mattupetty Dam - Indo Swiss Livestock
The tea leaves are mostly hand plucked. The tea plantProject - Echo Point - Kundala Dam - Top Station (34
is plucked every 5- 10 days, depending on where itkm).
grows. The length of Tea workerstime needed for theMunnar - Pothamedu - Chitirapuram - Pallivasal -
plucked shoot to redevelop a new shoot ready forCheyappara - Adimali - Valara (40 km).
plucking varies according to the plucking system andMunnar - Rajamala - Marayoor - Chinnar (70 km).
the climatic conditions. Intervals of between seventyMunnar - Devikulam - Lock Heart Gap - Power House
and ninety days are common.Waterfalls - Anayirankal (32 km).
When the tea plant is plucked two leaves and a budAccomodation options
are cut. An experienced plucker can pluck up to 30 kgLuxury
tealeaves per day. To make one kg black tea, approx.1     Tea County      Munnar     4 Star   
4 kg tea leaves are needed. One tea plant produces Rs.3,500 - 6,000
about 70 kg black tea a year. In a warm climate the2     Club Mahindra     Chinnakannal     4
plant is plucked for the first time after four years and itStar     Rs.5,000 - 15,000
will produce tea for at least 50 years. A suitable3     Cloud 9     Naduparai     3 Star   
climate for cultivation must have a minimum annual Rs.2,400 - 3,400
rainfall of 1,140 to 1,270 millimetres. Tea soils must be4     Sienna Village     Chinnakannal     3 Star
acidic and tea cannot be grown in alkaline soils.    Rs.1,800 - 2,500
A crop of 11,650 kilograms per hectare requires 3.7 to5     Oak Fields     Pothamedu     3 Star   
4.9 workers per hectare to pluck the tea shoots and Rs.2,200 - 2,400
maintain the fields. Mechanical plucking has been tried,6     Eastend     Munnar     3 Star   
but because of its lack of selectivity, it cannot replace Rs.1950 - 2,300
hand plucking. Since 1900, advancements in tea7     Issacs Residency     Munnar     3 Star
cultivation have increased the average yield per acre    Rs.1,250 - 2,500
in India from 180 to 450 kilograms, with many estates8     Chancellor Resorts     Chinnakannal   
producing over 680 kilograms. 3 Star     Rs.1,500 - 3,500
PLACES TO VISIT9     West Wood     Munnar     3 Star   
Mattupetty (13 km from Munnar) Rs.1,350 - 2,350
Situated at a height of 1700 Mts ,Mattupetty10     Sterling Resorts     Chinnakannal     3
Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialised dairyStar     Rs.1,700 - 2,400
farm, the Indo-swiss live stock project. Over 10011     B Six Holliday Resorts     Latchmi Est.   
varietes of high yielding cattle are reared here.Visitors 3 Star     Rs.1,500 - 2,000
are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at12     Fort Munnar     Chinnakannal     3 Star
the farm    Rs.5,000 - 11,000
Visit Time : 0900 - 1100 hrs and 1400 - 1530 hrs.13     Deshadan Mountain Resort     Potemedu
Rate : Rs. 5/- per head. ( liable to change)    Luxury     Rs.2,750 - 4,000
The Mattupetty lake and dam , just a short distanceSN.     Resorts/Hotels     Location     Rating
from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The    Tariff
sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lakeDeluxe
are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki14     Las Palmas     Devikulam     Classic
provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam.    Rs.900-1,650
Speed Launch and slow speed motor boats are15     Spring Dale Resorts     Devikulam   
available on hire. Budget     Rs.650 - 5,300
Pothamedu (6 km from Munnar)16     Lonely Planet     Devikulam     Budget
Pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea,    Rs.750 - 5,000
coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling17     Munnar Inn     Munnar     Classic   
hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery Rs.1,200 - 1,500
here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.18     Hill View     Munnar     Classic   
Devikulam (7 km from Munnar) Rs.750 - 2,500
Devikulam19     Elysium Garden     Munnar     Classic
This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora    Rs.600 - 2,500
and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare20     S.N.Annex     Munnar     Classic   
experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters Rs.950 - 2,000
and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The21     S.N.Tourist Home     Munnar     Budget
lake is also ideal for trout fishing.    Rs.850 - 2,000
Pallivasal (8 km from Munnar)22     Munnar Tourist Home     Munnar   
This is the venue of the first Hydro Electric Project in Budget     Rs.900 - 3,000
Kerala and a place of immence scenic beauty.23     Misha Tourist Home     Munnar   
Attukal (9 km from Munnar) Budget & Classic     Rs.480 - 1,300
A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal,24     Sun Mount View Resorts     Pullivasal   
located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for Budget     Rs.950 - 2,000
the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treks.SN.     Resorts/Hotels     Location     Rating
Nyayamakad (10 km from Munnar)    Tariff
Located between Munnar and Rajamala,Economy
Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The25     Tea Garden Resorts     Munnar   
waters cascade down a hill from a height of about Cheap     Rs.