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Munnar
An ardent nature-lover’s paradise, Munnar is snuggled in the verdant and peaceful surroundings of the Kannan Devan hills. This panoramic hill station commands spectacular views of low-flying clouds and misty valleys thus making it an attractive little heaven with a salubrious climate. There are many tourist attractions of Munnar that are worth caching a glimpse if you are on a tour to Munnar. This hill-station has many things to offer and thus you should have ample time in order to explore this paradisiacal territory.
Pothamedu:
It is a scenic spot offering majestic views of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The undulating hills, the lush mountain and the incredible scenery here is ideal for trekking and extensive mountain walks.
Devikulam:
It is an idyllic hill station and the most sought-after among the tourist attractions of Munnar featuring sprawling lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cold mountain air. You will also find Sita Devi Lake with its mineral rich water and charming ambiance and is an ideal picnic spot. This place is ideal for trout fishing.
Mattupetty:
It is located at a height of 1700 meters and famous for its highly specialized dairy farm. You can visit the cattle shed farms at this place on your tour to Munnar. Besides, the Mattupetty Lake and dam is a short distance from the farm and is a beautiful picnic spot. You can also get boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam that would simply be exciting.
Attukal:
This spot offers uninterrupted panorama of waterfalls and undulating hills and is located between Munnar and Pallivasal. If you wish to go for the long treks, then this place should be your choice.
Nyayamakad:
It is located at a distance of 10 kms from Munnar and is a land of incredible waterfalls. The sight of waters cascading down a hill from a height of around 1600 meters is an awe-inspiring one. The captivating surroundings make an outstanding picnic spot and trekking point.
Eravikulam National Park:
This flourishing national park is home to the Nilgiri Tahr and also to the Anamudi Peak which is located in the Southern region of the park.
It was initially established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex) and was recognized as a national park in the year 1978. It is spread over an area of 97 sq kms and is one of the most sought-after among the tourist attractions of Munnar. This park is remarkably beautiful and is a gem to the crown of Munnar.
The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi - Madurai highway. The Cheeyappara Falls cascades down in seven steps. It is a real feast for the eyes. This is also a great place for trekking.
Valara waterfalls are 10 km from Adimali on the Kochi - Madurai highway. Valara has a chain of waterfalls surrounded by thick green forests.
The Duke of Wellington is reputed to have been the first European visitor to Munnar, in 1790, but this is unlikely. In the early 19th century, the headman of the villages of Anchanad, just to the North of the high ranges was named Kanan Thevar. It is said that travelers from Madurai to the West coast passed through these villages and named these hills after him.
An entry in the diary of Madras army Lieutenant made in 1817 describes a bullock-road heading across the Kanan Devan hills into Coimbatore.
In 1877-79, the Poonjar Chief, a subordinate prince to the Maharaja of Travancore, leased a large tract of land comprising 588 sq. km. to a lawyer in the employee of the Travancore Government named J. D. Munro. This tract, henceforth called the Kanan Devan Concession Land, was completely undeveloped, largely unexplored, and covered with thick jungle full of wild elephants and tigers.
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