One of the most popular hill stations in India, Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 Mts above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience. Munnar is essentially a tea town. The tea plantations have now been taken over by the Tata Tea Company.

The visitor is greeted with miles and miles of unending tea plantations on entry into Munnar. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji a flower which bathes the hills in blue colour once in twelve years. The Neelakurinji, will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi - which towers over 2695 Mts and is an ideal spot for campers who like to do some trekking. The Duke of Wellington is reputed to have been the first European visitor to Munnar, in 1790, but this is unlikely.

In the early 19th century, the headman of the villages of Anchanad, just to the North of the high ranges was named Kanan Thevar. It is said that travelers from Madurai to the West coast passed through these villages and named these hills after him.

Munnar Tea Plantation
Tea or Chai is the most widely drunk beverage in the whole world. The tea plant, Camellia Sansis, is a cultivated variety of a tree that has its origins in an area between India and China. There are three main varieties of the tea plant - China, Assam, and Cambodia - and a number of hybrids between the varieties. The China variety grows as high as nine feet (2.75 metres).

It is a hardy plant able to withstand cold winters and has an economic life of at least 100 years. The Assam variety, a single-stem tree ranging from 20 to 60 feet (6 to 18 metres) in height. Regular pruning keeps its height to a more manageable 4 to 5 feet tall. It has an economic life of 40 years with regular pruning and plucking. When grown at an altitude near that of Darjeeling (Assam) or Munnar (Kerala), it produces tea with fascinating flavours , sought after around the globe.

Sight Seeing Tours
The Wild Periyar Tour:
Every Wednesday & Friday (08.30 AM to 07.30 PM) 95 kms each way Minimum of 10 pax required. Tour covers visit to The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady, where one can spot the animals on the banks of the Periyar Lake while going by boat. Spotting Wildlife is purely on luck.

The Wild Chinnar Tour:
Every Tuesday & Thursday Wednesday & Sunday (11.00 AM to 08.00 PM) 93 kms each way Minimum of 10 pax required. Tour covers visit to the Marayoor Sandalwood Forest & Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, where one has to trek inside the forest & climb up the Forest Watch Tower to spot animals. Spotting Wildlife is purely on luck.

Munnar Nature Tour:
Everyday (09.00 AM to 01.00 PM) Minimum of 10 pax required. Tour covers visit to Periyakanal Falls, Lockhart View Point, Mattupatti Dam and Echo Point.

Spice Plantations Tour:
Everyday (03.00 PM to 05.00 PM) 15kms each way. Minimum of 6 pax required. Tour covers visit to Tea, Coffee, Cardamom, Pepper & Orange Plantations and Anayirangal Dam.

Gloria Farm Safari: Everyday (09.00 AM to 01.00 PM) 25 kms each way. Minimum of 10 pax required. Located near to the famous Mathikettan National Park is the most beautiful part of the western ghat, known as Gloria Farms. This huge expanse boasts of unspoiled forests with a wide variety of wildlife and flora & fauna.

Thekkady (Periyar) Tour: Thursday & Saturday (08.30 AM to 07.30 PM) 95kms each way. Minimum of 10 pax required. Boating, Lunch & Entry Fee at Sanctuary at extra cost. Tour covers visit to The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady.