Munnar is a tranquil hill station nestled in the hills of Idukki district in Kerala. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala, Munnar is located at a height of 1600 m above the sea level, offering stunning views like few others.  A land that seems to have been plucked from the realms of fantasy and painted onto the canvas of reality, Munnar is magically ethereal in every facet. Undulating hills cloaked in emerald greenery, mist-kissed valleys, sprawling tea plantations, cascading waterfalls and the crisp mountain air together weave a tapestry of beauty like no other. 

Situated about 1600m above sea level, Munnar is at the confluence of three mountain streams- the Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala The word Munnar translates to three rivers in Malayalam. 

The indigenous people of Munnar are those belonging to the Muthuvan tribal community. The land lay unexplored and wild until the 19th century when planters from faraway lands in Europe chose to start plantations here. The credit for starting tea plantations in Munnar goes to A. H. Sharp, a European planter. It was in the year 1880 that Sharp planted tea for the first time in around 50 acres of land. The rest, as they say, is history. Today the very sight of these never ending hills wrapped in a velvety coat of tea plantations had become the biggest identity of this plantation town. 

The Tea Museum in Munnar has preserved and showcased the history of this land well. This museum houses artifacts, photographs and machinery. Each of the objects here has a story to tell of bygone times and a very fascinating era. The Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea is where the Museum is located.

Tea is not the only thing that sets Munnar apart. Renowned for its natural beauty, Munnar is one of the few places where the Neelakurinji, a rare plant that flowers only once in twelve years, blooms. The ‘Kurinji season’ in Munnar is a sight to behold as all the hills and valleys get bathed in the blue hue of the little flower. One of the major attractions of this hill station is the Eravikulam National Park. World renowned for its endangered inhabitant, the Nilgiri Tahr, this sanctuary is spread across an area of 97 sq. Km. This is also one of the hotspots from which to enjoy the Neelakurinji at its best. The highest peak in South India, the Anamudi Peak is also located here. It stands at a height of of over 2700 m.

The Mattupetty is yet another attraction in Munnar that attracts visitors. Located at a height of 1700 m above sea level, Mattupetty is well known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake in which there are facilities for boating. The dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project is also located here. Pallivasal, the venue of the first hydro-electric project in Kerala is situated barely 3km from Chithirapuram in Munnar. Chinnakanal and Anayirangal are two spots one shouldn’t miss on a visit to this picture postcard hill station. While the waterfalls at Chinnakanal are mesmerising, the Anayirangal dam which is surrounded by lush green tea plantations and evergreen forests is indeed a sight to behold. Top Station with its panoramic view is yet another highlight of this serene land.

Munnar is a timeless oasis of tranquility for those who seek solace in the magic of nature. The mist shrouded hills and the cool mountain breeze are all soothing for the weary soul.