Munnar is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The hill resort of Munnar at an altitude of 1520 metres is in the Idukki district of Kerala. Munnar means "three rivers" literally derives it s name from the fact that it lies at the confluence of three mountain streams. The Western Ghats of Kerala stand close to Munnar, the highest peak being Anamudi. Munnar has an ethereal effect once in every twelve years when the Neelakurinji plant blooms and covers the entire mountain range in an alluring blue.
Munnar was always a favored summer destination with the British. Centuries later it is thronged by tourists from across the world who are mesmerized by the unending expanse of tea plantations, exotic species of flora and fauna and the aroma of spice in the air.
The foremost tourist attractions in Munnar are the tea gardens. It is a unique experience to watch the entire process of tea making, from picking of the tea leaves in the estates to the packing in the factories. If you are a tea connoisseur, then you can taste and choose form a range of flavors of tea.
There are quite a number of interesting places to see around Munnar. Attukal is ideal for long trekking and is a picturesque place with waterfalls and hills. Devikulam, located at a distance of kms from Munnar is a beautiful hill station with exotic flora and fauna around. The Sita Devi Lake here is an ideal picnic spot and is famous for its mineral water besides the trout-fishing facilities. Nyayamakad, 10 kms form Munnar is another picnic and trekking point and is also famous for its waterfalls. The Christ Church of Munnar is a landmark of the hill resort. Yet another picturesque place in the vicinity is Pallivasal, about 8 kms from Munnar which houses the first hydropower project in Kerala. You should not miss out the thrill of the echo effect at Echo Point.
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