Munnar
This very famous hill station of Kerala is located in Idukki district. Munnar belongs to the Western Ghats. The name Munnar is believed to have been derived from the meaning “three rivers” which are Madhurappuzha, Kundala, and Nallathanni rivers. This famous hill station is located at a height of 1600 meters above sea level. Munnar was once the summer resort for the British administration of South India before 1947. Munnar is the largest panchayat in Idukki district. The pleasant cool climate, beautiful tea plantations, blossoming flowers, mountain mists, waterfalls, and wildlife have made Munnar the most sought after tourist destination of South India. This is the highest place in India where tea is planted and cultivated. Neelakurunji (a wild violet orchid that flowers only in 12 years) plants can be observed in many hills of Munnar. During the blooming season the entire valley turns violet. The low passing by clouds kissing the mountain tops, green fauna, fresh bright flowers, etc. have made Munnar one of the preferred locations for Indian and International film industries. The main activities enjoyed by the tourists at Munnar are trekking, plantation & tea factory visits, boating, mountain biking, elephant ride, and paragliding, A glimpse of wild animals like the wild Indian elephant, gaur, languor, lion-tailed macaque, and Nilgiri thar can also be had at Munnar. Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi peak, Mattupetty dam, Pallivasal, Chinnakanal, Anayirangal, Top Station, Tea museum, Echo point, Blossom Park, etc. are the famous tourist destinations.
