About Munnar & Nature
Discover the nature beauty, tea plantations of Munnar.
Munnar
The Pride of Western Ghats in Kerala. Munnar is the most famous hill station in Kerala and South India, located in the Idukki district. The name Munnar comes from three words - Moonaar meaning "Three Rivers", formed by the confluence of three mountain streams - Madupetti, Nallathanni and Kundala. Surrounded by endless tea plantations, misty mountains and rich biodiversity, Munnar is a jewel of the Western Ghats.
History of Munnar
The history of Munnar dates back to the Stone Age, but its modern history began with the British. In 1870, John Daniel Munro, a British Resident of Travancore, was the first to visit the Munnar region and fell in love with its beauty. His survey helped open the area to the outside world.In 1879, A.W. Turner brought 27 tea saplings and started the first plantation. Later in 1895, Finlay Muir & Company purchased 33,000 acres of land and started large-scale tea cultivation. This company later became Tata Tea and then Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company. Today Tata still owns most of the tea estates in Munnar.During the British era, Munnar was the Summer Resort of the British officials in South India. Many old churches, bungalows and the High Range Club reflect this colonial legacy.
Munnar Altitude and Climate
Munnar is situated at an average altitude of 1,600 meters or 5,200 feet above sea level. It is one of the highest hill stations in Kerala. This high altitude is the reason for Munnar's cool and pleasant climate all year round, with temperatures between 10°C to 25°C.The highest peak in Munnar and in all of South India is the Anamudi Peak, which stands at 2,695 meters. Anamudi is located inside Eravikulam National Park, just 13 km from Munnar town and is a major attraction for
trekkers and nature lovers.
Munnar in the Western Ghats
Munnar lies in the heart of the Western Ghats, which is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Western Ghats is one of the eight hottest biodiversity hotspots in the world. This makes Munnar rich in flora and fauna.Eravikulam National Park in Munnar is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Other attractions like Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Attukal Waterfalls, Kundala Lake and Top Station all show the natural beauty of the Western Ghats.If you are planning Munnar tourism from Kochi, Munnar is just 110 km away. It is the perfect escape for honeymoon, family trip and adventure tourism.
