“Bright blue skies and lush green tea gardens surround you. Like a cozy blanket, the misty air envelops you as the distant mountains vanish and reemerge within the fog.” What you are picturing right now is a vacation in Munnar, Kerala!
An expedition with our family or loved ones is one of the joys of our lives that we can't miss out on. The memories of such journeys are something that never fade from our psyche. So are you ready to take a glorious trip to Munnar and Thekkady with us in this article and decide if you want to bring your family and loved ones for the real deal? Let’s go!
The enchanting Munnar
The word munnar derives from the Malayalam words ‘munnu’ and 'aaru',’ which mean three and river, respectively. Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala are the three rivers that give Munnar its name. The hill station of Munnar has captivated visitors with its enchanting landscapes and exotic flora and fauna, including the neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Munnar also has the highest peak in south India, Anamudi (2,695 m).
The Hill Station is a paradise for shopping if you love tea and spices. Cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, clove, coffee, nutmeg, and a variety of handmade chocolates can be purchased from the stores scattered across the hill town.
The nearest railway station and airport to Munnar are in Kochi. Our package provides free pickup and drop-off services at the railway station or airport. The journey from Kochi to Munnar itself is captivating; even before you reach the dreamy hill station of Munnar, you can enjoy the beautiful Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls on the way. There are many charming places to visit in Munnar, but let us list a few of those you should never miss!
Echo Point: Echo Point, located at 600 ft. and 15 km from Munnar, like the name suggests, is known for its captivating echoing phenomenon. The lush green hills and the charming lake add to the unique beauty of this place. You can engage in activities like boating and go on pleasant walks here. The rare Neelakurinji flowers bloom here in their season.
Eravikulam National Park: Eravikulam National Park, also known as Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with diverse flora and fauna, including elephants, Nilgiri langurs, Nilgiri martens, Atlas moths, lion-tailed macaques, small-clawed otters, and a rare tiger or leopard. Originally managed as a game reserve by Kanan Devan Hills Produce Company, it was declared a national park in 1978. Eravikulam is also home to the highest peak in south India, Anamudi.
Mattupetty Dam: Mattupetty Dam, located in Munar Hills near Anamudi Peak, is a 1700-metre-high, strong gravity dam designed for power generation and water conservation. The lush green valleys and peaceful surroundings, with the tea gardens reflecting in the water, will be a sight you won't forget. The Tourism Promotion Council organises speed boating, motor boats, paddle boats, and rowboats here, which will be an especially exciting activity if you are visiting with children.
Kundala Dam & Lake: Kundala Dam and Lake, 23 km off Munnar, is nestled in the heart of the lush forest. This arch dam is well-known for its Kashmiri-Shikara boat trips and pedal boat tours. The neighbourhood has numerous cherry blossom trees that bloom twice a year.
Above are a few of the must-visit places in Munnar. The tea estates, tea museum, and several small waterfalls are some of the other spots you will see in Munnar. But we don't have time to waste, so savour the memories of Munnar; we are going to Thekkady!
Thekkady is a dream!
Thekkady, India's largest wildlife sanctuary, is a dream destination for anyone who wants to spend time in the lap of nature. The 120-year-old 'Surki' dam, built across Periyar, is a major attraction for visitors. The sanctuary covers an area of 777 square kilometres, and that includes an artificial lake. The sanctuary is India's sole tiger reserve, rich in culture and a diverse array of tropical flora and fauna. Located 700m above sea level in the Idukki district of Kerala, Thekkady offers a serene atmosphere. The herd of elephants, bison, sambar deer, boars, tigers, leopards, wild squirrels, and lion-tailed monkeys you see here will be a core memory of this trip. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride here, which takes around two hours and includes a visit to the Mullaperiyar Dam walls. The tranquil atmosphere and uninhabited forest areas around Thekkady are cherished experiences for nature lovers.
The affordable elephant rides are another activity in Thekkady that you shouldn't miss. Trekking is also an option here. Thekkady is a destination for all seasons, but winter is usually considered the best season to visit. If you want to avoid the rush, summer is reasonable too. The monsoon is another season in which you can experience the real beauty of Thekkady. If you are a monsoon fan, choose Thekkady in the monsoon! It will be a worthy experience.
The journey back to Cochi will be hazy with the memories of Munnar and Thekkady that surround you. If you still feel like you haven’t seen enough, Cochi is a heaven for the history lover in you! You can visit Mattancherry, Fort Kochi, the Dutch Palace, and the Jewish Church in the iconic Kochin city!
Travel with ‘Go Around The Globe’
So, are you already planning your trip to Munnar? Whatever you need, may it be a family trip to Munnar or a Munnar Honeymoon Package, we are here to help you!
Go Around the Globe, with 20+ years of industry experience, is among the best tour operators in Kerala. Our ultimate goals are your happiness and satisfaction. So wherever it is you wish to go, we will make your dreams come true. Now, don't waste time; go explore our packages and choose your dream destination!
