Munnar - Un refugi de pau i tranquil · litat
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Situat a una altitud de 6000 peus al districte de Idukki, Munnar va ser el lloc d'estiueig predilecte dels antics governants britànics en l'època colonial. Unending expanse of tea plantations – pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests – aroma of spice scented cool air – yes! Munnar té tot això i més. It’s the place you would love to visit – it’s the place you would wish never to leave.
It is one of the attractions that contributed to Kerala’s popularity as a travel destination among domestic and foreign travelers. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, and perched about 1600 m sobre el nivell del mar, the hill station of Munnar once used to be the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in south India.
This hill station is marked by vast expanses of tea plantations, colonial bungalows, rivulets, waterfalls and cool weather. It is also an ideal destination for trekking and mountain biking.
Let us now explore some of the options in and around Munnar that would provide travelers ample opportunities to enjoy the captivating hill station of Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park : One of the main attractions in and around Munnar is the Eravikulam National Park. Located about 15 km from Munnar, this park is famous for its endangered inhabitant – the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 quadrats. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mists. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years. The last time it bloomed was in 2006.
Anamudi Peak : Located inside the Eravikulam National Park is the Anamudi Peak. This is the highest peak in south India standing at a height of over 2700 m. Treks to the peak are allowed with permission from Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam.
Mattupetty : Another place of interest, located about 13 km from Munnar Town, is Mattupetty. Lying at a height of 1700 m sobre el nivell del mar, Mattupetty is known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides, enabling one to enjoy the surrounding hills and landscape. Mattupetty’s fame is also attributed to the dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, where one would come across different high yielding breeds of cows. Mattupetty with its lush green tea plantations, rolling grasslands and the Shola forests is also ideal for trekking and is home to a variety of birds.
Pallivasal : Pallivasal, located at about 3 km from Chithirapuram in Munnar is the venue of the first Hydro-electric project in Kerala. It is a place of immense scenic beauty and is often favoured by visitors as a picnic spot.
Chinnakanal : Near the town of Munnar is Chinnakanal and the waterfalls here, popularly known as Power House Waterfalls, cascade down a steep rock 2000 m sobre el nivell del mar. The spot is enriched with the scenic view of the Western Ghat ranges.
Anayirangal : When you have traveled about seven kilometers from Chinnakanal, you reach Anayirangal. Anayirangal is 22 km from Munnar, is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by tea plantations and evergreen forests.
Estació Superior : Estació Superior, que és aproximadament 3 km de Munnar és a una alçada de 1700 m sobre el nivell del mar. És el punt més alt en el camí Munnar-Kodaikanal. Els viatgers a Munnar el converteixen en un punt per visitar l'estació de dalt a gaudir de la vista panoràmica que ofereix del veí estat de Tamil Nadu. És un dels llocs en Munnar per gaudir de les flors que floreixen Neelakurunji en una vasta zona.
Tea Museum : Munnar has a legacy of its own when to comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala’s high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machinery; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantation in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit.
Getting there:
Nearest Railway Stations:
Theni (Tamil Nadu), about 60 km away; Ernakulam about 130 km away.
Aeroports més propers:
Madurai (Tamil Nadu), about 140 km.
Nedumbassery International Airport, about 125 km.
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