Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park
Eravikulam National Park is a sanctuary to the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrious), a species of endangered mountain goat. It is situated at a 45 minute drive from Munnar. The lush rolling hills are a rare collection of unique flora and fauna. The hills can also be perfect for a trek through the clouds. Once in every 12 years, Neelakurinji flowers bloom (next in 2018) turning the lush green of these hills to blue. Just make sure your trip doesn’t fall on the beginning of the month because the park might be closed at that time since it is the breeding season of the Tahrs.
Tata (Kannan Devan) Tea Museum
Munnar is most famously known for its tea plantations and Tata is one of the major tea industries in Munnar. The heritage of tea making in Munnar is interesting and Tata tea opened the museum in their Nallathanni Estate and it tells the story of origins and growth of tea making in Munnar.
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
If you feel a little adventurous and are up for a trip, travel to the Kolukkumalai tea estate which is situated at about 2175 metres above the mean sea level which makes it one of the highest tea factories in the world. You can see and learn tea making by paying a visit to the factory and then have a refreshing high quality (thank the altitude) tea. The travel to the factory and the different views from there of the mighty mountains makes it a trip worth taking.
Marayoor
At about 40 kilometres from Munnar is the town of Marayoor which has perfect geographical conditions for growing sandalwood, making it one of the few areas in Kerala to grow sandalwood. There are also stone coffins or dolmens (Muniyaras) which are presumed to be from the Neolithic age and used by sadhus. Marayoor is visited less by tourists and so if you are looking for a quiet holiday in the midst of a sandalwood forest, Marayoor is the place for you.
Echo Point
About 15 kilometres from Munnar is a lake surrounded by mountains on all sides which is known as the echo point. Every noise made from a spot in this area will be echoed. However, you will not be disheartened even if you cannot hear your voice echo. Echo point is breathtakingly beautiful and you are sure to enjoy the view.
Mattupetti Dam
The dam and its reservoir is about 13 kilometres from Munnar and is the perfect spot for a chilled evening. You can take a boat and go on a trip on the lake or you can sit on the benches there and munch on peanuts or just eat some roasted corn. Like I said, chilled evening.
Indo-Swiss Farm, Mattupetti
The cattle farm at Mattupetty was established in 1963 under the Indo-Swiss Project in Kerala. Visitors are allowed in to only three of the eleven cattle sheds for fear of straining the cattle and possible spread of diseases. However, if you like animals, especially cute cows and other cattle, do visit the farm.
Top Station
Ever wanted to walk on the clouds? 32 kilometres from Munnar is the place where that dream can come true. Set on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu with the majestic view of the Western Ghats, this place is perfect for families, adventurous trekkers and honeymooners alike.
