Raveena Singh (Travel Blogger)If Kerala is God's own country, Munnar rightfully deserves to be called God's very abode here
Have you ever trekked across an extraordinarily lush green hill; walked along a flawlessly curved path in a valley; swam across a meandering river reflecting clear blue skies; and swayed to the alluring aromas that connect your very being with your senses? Have you ever been blessed to have cherished all of these together, in just one experience?
If not yet, Munnar is just the place to begin with. However to start with, here's everything you need to know about the place.
History and Culture
"Moonu" signifies "three" and "Aru" signifies 'waterway' and this is how, literally, 'Munnar' came into being. The delightful tea town in Idukki region of Kerala strategically blooms out of the Y-junction of meeting point of rivers- Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala and spreads along these three. Set at a stature of around 1,500 m to 2,695 m above ocean level, Munnar has had a history of being savored in its true essence since the time of colonial rule. Munnar was a once a part of the Travancore Kingdom, however it was also the genetic property of the Poonjar Royal family . It was the Scottish soldier and coffee planter, John Daniel Munro who persuaded the leader of the illustrious family to rent out land for tea planting. It was after autonomy and the entrance of of the well-known Tata Group (parent of Tata Tea Ltd), in 1983 that the travel industry in Munnar started to thrive.
The ravishing slopes, also a home to waterfalls, tea estates and exceptional flora and fauna, make for a mesmerizing canvas in the South Western Ghats of India.
The culture and way of life of Munnar is a curious mixture of tribal Muthuvan traditions, British culture and the conventions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
3 Interesting Facts
- Munnar is today is the commercial centre for some of the world’s highest tea-growing estates.
- It has the highest peak of the Southern part of India called Anamudi Peak, towering at 2,695 m, ideal for trekking and many other adventure sports
- It is famous for stunning sights of the wild Neelakurinji orchids, which bloom once in twelve years when the entire valley turns violet.
Climate
Munnar enjoys a subtropical highland climate. Being a hill station, the weather remains pleasant year-round. The winter season in Munnar sets in by December and lasts till the end of February. This is the best time to visit Munnar. The summer season, between March and May, is another ideal time to explore Munnar.
