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Munnar is one of the major centers for tea trade of Kerala, a state also called 'the Gods' own country'. |
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Situated at an altitude of 1520 meters, in the eastern part of the state, it's a well know hill station. Surrounded by
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almost 30 tea gardens that give it a picturesque view, Munnar is near Anaimudi, the highest peak of the Kerala Western Ghats. The hills around Munnar are covered with the rare Neelakurunji plant giving it a wonderful look, especially when the flowers bloom to cover the entire mountain range. It is said that this exotic plant flowers every 12 years and the next scheduled flowering time is the year 2006.
Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams called Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, the small town of Munnar is characterized by the clean, neat and brightly painted ambience inside the city. Beautiful landscape, cozy weather and wonderfully scented tealeaves are some of the other aspects that make this place a much sought after destination in Kerala. Moreover, it used to be one of the favorite summer resorts of the British during their reign in the country.
| Fast Facts |
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| Area |
26.2 sq km |
| Altitude |
1520 meters |
| Languages |
Malayalam, Tamil, English |
| STD Code: |
0486 |
| State Capital |
No |
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History
In Tamil, the word Munnar means three rivers and as the place is at the confluence of three mountain streams, it got this name. In the year 1790, the Duke of Wellington became the first European to visit this site. Later, the Poonjar chief, a subordinate of the Maharaja of Travancore, leased 588 sq. km of land to J.D. Munro, a Scottish tea planter in the 1870s. Though the Scots left the place long ago, the tea estates still continue to be well maintained by private companies.
According to records, the first tea sapling was planted by A.H. Sharp at Parvathi, which a part of the present Sevenmullay area. The first plantation of tea was done on an area of 20 hectares (50 acres) of land. Initially, tea plantation was a big problem as the entire area was covered with thick forest inhabited by wild animals. However, now the area has been converted totally into a tea plantation region.
Best Season, Climate, and Clothing
Except the monsoon months that fall between June and September, Munnar can be visited the whole year through. It is recommended to take along a good number of woolens if visiting Munnar during the winter season. In the summers, a light sweater would be enough to keep away the chill.
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