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MUNNAR
 Set amid dramatic mountain scenery in what was once known as
the High Range of Travancore, the hill town of Munnar (1524m) is
the commercial centre of some of the world’s highest tea-growing
estates.
The combination of the craggy peaks,
manicured tea estates and crisp mountain air makes Munnar an ideal
retreat
Things to See & Do
The stone Christ Church (1910), now administered by the Church
of South India, has fine stained glass. Inside, brass plaques
honour the memory of the tea planters.
Walks around Munnar offer spectacular views.
It’s worth taking an auto-rickshaw for the 16km to Eravikulam
National Park, where you can see the rare, but almost tame,
Nilgiri tahr (a type of mountain goat), and walk around the
Rajamala hills. Ten kilometers from Munnar on the way to Top
Station, Mudapetty Dam is open daily for boating and very short
horse rides.
From many places in Munnar you’ll see
Anamudi (2695m), South India’s highest not be climbed except for
study purposes. See the Around Munnar section for more information
on sights within the vicinity of the town.
Places to Stay
CLUB MAHINDRA LAKEVIEW (5 Star)
BEST WESTERN FORT MUNNAR (3 Star)
EDASSERY EASTEND (3 Star)
THE SIENAVILLAGE
(3 Star)
AROUND MUNNAR
 At
Marayoor, east of the Eravikulam National Park and 42 km
from Munnar, you can experience the peace and beauty of a
sandalwood forest. Some 10 km past here is the Chinnar Wildlife
Sanctuary, home to elephant, leopard and bear. There’s a watch
–tower, but many visitors find the allocated viewing time – 10
minutes – insufficient.
The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is home to
Malabar grey hornbills, woodpeckers, parakeets, and rare species
such as the Sri Lankan frogmouth and rose-billed roller. The 25 sq
km sanctuary was established in 1983 by the renowned
ornithologist, Salim Ali, and is an important research area.
Thattekkad is 15 km north –east of
Kothamangalam, which is on the Ernakulam Munnar road, roughly
halfway between the two towns. There is an inspection bungalow and
a dormitory at Thattekkad.
PARAMBIKULAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, 135km from Palakkad
(via Pollachi), stretches around the Parambikulam,
Thunakadavu and Peruvaripallam dams, and covers an area of 285sq
km. It’s home to elephant, bison, gaur, sloth bear, wild boar,
sambar, chital, crocodile and a few tigers and panthers. The
sanctuary is open all year, but is best avoided from June to
August due to the monsoon.
WAYANAD WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Also known as Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad is a remote
rainforest reserve connected to Bandipur National Park in
Karnataka and Madumalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. Wayanad is not
really geared up for visitors. The forest Department staff are
very helpful but you’ll probably just get a short jeep trip on
the outskirts of the sanctuary through plantation.
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