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Munnar: Munnar is one of the most naturally beautiful hill-stations in South India. The word “Munnar” means three rivers. 3 mountain streams Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala are joining together here. The former, mainly in Devikulam Taluk of Idukki district, Munnar is usually known as the Kanan Devan hills or the High Ranges. The natural beauty, calmness and mild cold climate throughout the year makes it the favorite tourist place of both Indians and foreigners.
Traditions of a quaint British tea plantation town are still preserved in this heavenly and unspoiled hill station. Munnar abounds in animals like elephants and Nilgiri Tahrs and rich biodiversity teeming with flora and fauna. Among the exotic flora found in the forests here is the “Neela Kurinji”. This flower which bathes the hills in blue every 12 years, will bloom next in 2006 A.D.
Thekkady: The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hill and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience the most enchanting holiday. Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks. A cruise through the waters of Periyar lake around which the wild -life sanctuary is situated, offers a soul – stirring pleasant experience. The Thekkady sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wild life. |
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Fact File – Munnar Thekkady |
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Location: |
| Idukki district on the high ranges of the Western Ghats. |
Idukki district on the high ranges of the Western Ghats. |
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Altitude: |
| In the Ananmalai Hills 1520 meters above sea level. |
700-1900 M above sea level. |
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Rainfall: |
| Annual Rainfall 270cm |
Annual Rainfall 2500mm |
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Temperature: |
| Summer 15.2°C – 25.2°C, Winter 0°C – 10°C |
11°C-27°C |
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Clothing: |
| Woolens and Cottons |
Woolens and Cottons |
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Best Season: |
| June to August, Monsoon. September to May, Cool & Pleasant. |
September to March |
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Getting there: |
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By Air: The nearest airports are Madurai (140 km), Kochi (130 km), Thiruvananthapuram(265 km) |
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By Train: The nearest railheads are Theni(60 km), Kottayam(114 km), Changanassery(114 km) ,Kochi(130 km) |
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By Sea: Water Connected with Cochin (5 1/2 hrs), Quilon (8 hrs) and Kottayam (2 1/2 hrs) |
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By Road: Devikulam:130kms, Mattupetty:13kms, Idukki:60kms, Thekkady:110kms, Kochi:130kms, Kottayam:147kms, Kumarakom:160kms, Alappuzha:200kms |
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Day1 |
Madurai or Cochin – Munnar : Pickup from either Madurai/Cochin Airport or Railway station. Drive to Munnar (4 1/2 hrs). Day free for orientation. Drive to Munnar is fascinating along an undulating road which offers you scenic views of cloud caressed valleys and tinkling creeks winding their way down to the plains. |
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Day2 |
InandaroundMunnar : Afterbreakfast, City tour visiting:
Mattupetty (13 km from Munnar): Situated at a height of 1700 m , Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialized dairy farm, the Indo-Swiss live stock project. Over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm. Visit Time : 0900 – 1100 hrs and 1400 – 1530 hrs.
The Mattupetty lake and dam , just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed Launch and slow speed motor boats are available on hire.
Devikulam (7 km from Munnar): This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.
Pallivasal (8 km from Munnar): This is the venue of the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala and a place of immense scenic beauty.
Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar): The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695 m) is located in the Southern region of the park. |
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Day3 |
Munnar – Thekkady : Drive to Thekkady. Visit Periyar wild life sanctuary. Afternoon visit Spice plantation. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: The dam across Periyar forms a lake where cruise by motor launch is a memorable experience. This is one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. It is a popular tiger reserve too. The most commonly sighted animal here is the elephant that comes in herds to frolic in the lake’s waters.
The Spices of Munnar:Kerala history is closely linked with its commerce, which in turn was wholly dependant until recent times on its spice trade. It is believed that the spice trade dates back three thousand years. Pepper still remains the king of Kerala’s spices. As in the past , the state continues to be the spice capital of the world.Over twelve varieties of spices including ginger, garlic, cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, coffee, tea, clove and nutmeg is cultivated in Munnar and its neighboring villages. |
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Day4 |
Thekkady-Madurai or Cochin : Day free until departure. Drop at Madurai Airport or Railway station. |
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