Thursday, February 24, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Munnar
It is one of the attractions that contributed to Kerala's popularity as a travel destination among domestic and foreign travellers. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, and perched about 1600 m above sea level, the hill station of Munnar once used to be the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in south India.
This hill station is marked by vast expanses of tea plantations, colonial bungalows, rivulets, waterfalls and cool weather. It is also an ideal destination for trekking and mountain biking.
Let us now explore some of the options in and around Munnar that would provide travellers ample opportunities to enjoy the captivating hill station of Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park
One of the main attractions in and around Munnar is the Eravikulam National Park. Located about 15 km from Munnar, this park is famous for its endangered inhabitant - the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mists. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years. The last time it bloomed was in 2006.
Anamudi Peak
Located inside the Eravikulam National Park is the Anamudi Peak. This is the highest peak in south India standing at a height of over 2700 m. Treks to the peak are allowed with permission from Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam.
Mattupetty
Another place of interest, located about 13 km from Munnar Town, is Mattupetty. Lying at a height of 1700 m above sea level, Mattupetty is known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides, enabling one to enjoy the surrounding hills and landscape. Mattupetty's fame is also attributed to the dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, where one would come across different high yielding breeds of cows. Mattupetty with its lush green tea plantations, rolling grasslands and the Shola forests is also ideal for trekking and is home to a variety of birds.
Pallivasal
Pallivasal, located at about 3 km from Chithirapuram in Munnar is the venue of the first Hydro-electric project in Kerala. It is a place of immense scenic beauty and is often favoured by visitors as a picnic spot.
Chinnakanal
Near the town of Munnar is Chinnakanal and the waterfalls here, popularly known as Power House Waterfalls, cascade down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic view of the Western Ghat ranges.
Anayirangal
When you have traveled about seven kilometers from Chinnakanal, you reach Anayirangal. Anayirangal is 22 km from Munnar, is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by tea plantations and evergreen forests.
Top Station
Top Station, which is about 32 km from Munnar is at a height of 1700 m above sea level. It is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. Travellers to Munnar make it a point to visit Top Station to enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the spots in Munnar to enjoy the Neelakurunji flowers blooming over a vast area.
Tea Museum
Munnar has a legacy of its own when to comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantation in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit.
Getting there:
Nearest railway stations: Theni (Tamil Nadu), about 60 km away; Ernakulam about 130 km away.
Nearest airports: Madurai (Tamil Nadu), about 140 km away; Nedumbassery International Airport, about 125 km away.
This hill station is marked by vast expanses of tea plantations, colonial bungalows, rivulets, waterfalls and cool weather. It is also an ideal destination for trekking and mountain biking.
Let us now explore some of the options in and around Munnar that would provide travellers ample opportunities to enjoy the captivating hill station of Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park
One of the main attractions in and around Munnar is the Eravikulam National Park. Located about 15 km from Munnar, this park is famous for its endangered inhabitant - the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mists. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years. The last time it bloomed was in 2006.
Anamudi Peak
Located inside the Eravikulam National Park is the Anamudi Peak. This is the highest peak in south India standing at a height of over 2700 m. Treks to the peak are allowed with permission from Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam.
Mattupetty
Another place of interest, located about 13 km from Munnar Town, is Mattupetty. Lying at a height of 1700 m above sea level, Mattupetty is known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides, enabling one to enjoy the surrounding hills and landscape. Mattupetty's fame is also attributed to the dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, where one would come across different high yielding breeds of cows. Mattupetty with its lush green tea plantations, rolling grasslands and the Shola forests is also ideal for trekking and is home to a variety of birds.
Pallivasal
Pallivasal, located at about 3 km from Chithirapuram in Munnar is the venue of the first Hydro-electric project in Kerala. It is a place of immense scenic beauty and is often favoured by visitors as a picnic spot.
Chinnakanal
Near the town of Munnar is Chinnakanal and the waterfalls here, popularly known as Power House Waterfalls, cascade down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic view of the Western Ghat ranges.
Anayirangal
When you have traveled about seven kilometers from Chinnakanal, you reach Anayirangal. Anayirangal is 22 km from Munnar, is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by tea plantations and evergreen forests.
Top Station
Top Station, which is about 32 km from Munnar is at a height of 1700 m above sea level. It is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. Travellers to Munnar make it a point to visit Top Station to enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the spots in Munnar to enjoy the Neelakurunji flowers blooming over a vast area.
Tea Museum
Munnar has a legacy of its own when to comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantation in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit.
Getting there:
Nearest railway stations: Theni (Tamil Nadu), about 60 km away; Ernakulam about 130 km away.
Nearest airports: Madurai (Tamil Nadu), about 140 km away; Nedumbassery International Airport, about 125 km away.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Kerala Tourism: Holy Land Idukki
Kerala Tourism:Through The Holy Land Idukki: It's Quite difficult to express the real beauty of Idukki over few words but here we are travelling together through the various spots....real travelling experience over 30 designations within idukki
Monday, January 31, 2011
My Kerala vacation
Idukki is really a holy land because this beautiful place consists of various natural diversity within this districts.It's quite difficult to express the beauty of idukki through simple words or by this blogg...Anyway it's my duty to present my home land to all the true nature lovers...
Idukki at a glance
-----------------
1)Idukki
Notable for the first double curvature Arch dam in India and wild life sanctuary.
Attached to Idukki dam there are two other dams Kulamavu and Cheruthony.
Idukki Reservoir is formed by these three dams.
The underground power station is at Moolamattom beneath Nadukani hills.
The sanctuary formed in 1978 spread over Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola taluks and located 40 K.M from Thodupuzha town.
Idukki wild life sanctuary spread over an area of 7700 hectares with plenty of wild animals.
2)Thekkady
Thekkady is one of the finest wild life reserves in India – the Periyar wild life sanctuary spread over an area of 777 Sq. K.M of which 360 km2 is thick ever green forest.
The Periyar wild life sanctuary was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The Mullaperiyar Dam built across the river Periyar with Surki mix before 121 years, still exist as a wonder to the tourists.
3)Kattappana
is the spice city of Kerala.
Kattappana is the centre of all type of spices.
It is the centre of cardamom and peper market.
It is a nice place to stay.
It is situated at the centre of Idukki.
It is easy to go to any part of Idukki as there good transport facilities available here.
Idukki dam is just 25 km, Thekkedy is 38 km away from Kattappana.
Kattappana is the commercial capital of Idukki.
4)Thommankuthu
Thommankuthu is a chain of cascades 17 km off Thodupuzha in Karimannoor Panchayath.
This is a remote place with beautiful scenery of seven step water fall.
This is developing to an important Tourist spot in the district.
5)Munnar
Situated 55 K.M from Idukki Town at an elevation of 1524m in above the mean sea level and on the confluence of three mountain streams Kannimalayar, Nallathanni and Kundala.
It is health resort especially in summer season.
It is the centre of Tea Industry and also the Head quarters of the Kannan Devan Hill produce Company (now owned by Tata Tea Company).
Munnar also has the highest peak in South India Anamudi.
6)Mattupetty
Idukki at a glance
-----------------
1)Idukki
Notable for the first double curvature Arch dam in India and wild life sanctuary.
Attached to Idukki dam there are two other dams Kulamavu and Cheruthony.
Idukki Reservoir is formed by these three dams.
The underground power station is at Moolamattom beneath Nadukani hills.
The sanctuary formed in 1978 spread over Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola taluks and located 40 K.M from Thodupuzha town.
Idukki wild life sanctuary spread over an area of 7700 hectares with plenty of wild animals.
2)Thekkady
Thekkady is one of the finest wild life reserves in India – the Periyar wild life sanctuary spread over an area of 777 Sq. K.M of which 360 km2 is thick ever green forest.
The Periyar wild life sanctuary was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The Mullaperiyar Dam built across the river Periyar with Surki mix before 121 years, still exist as a wonder to the tourists.
3)Kattappana
is the spice city of Kerala.
Kattappana is the centre of all type of spices.
It is the centre of cardamom and peper market.
It is a nice place to stay.
It is situated at the centre of Idukki.
It is easy to go to any part of Idukki as there good transport facilities available here.
Idukki dam is just 25 km, Thekkedy is 38 km away from Kattappana.
Kattappana is the commercial capital of Idukki.
4)Thommankuthu
Thommankuthu is a chain of cascades 17 km off Thodupuzha in Karimannoor Panchayath.
This is a remote place with beautiful scenery of seven step water fall.
This is developing to an important Tourist spot in the district.
5)Munnar
Situated 55 K.M from Idukki Town at an elevation of 1524m in above the mean sea level and on the confluence of three mountain streams Kannimalayar, Nallathanni and Kundala.
It is health resort especially in summer season.
It is the centre of Tea Industry and also the Head quarters of the Kannan Devan Hill produce Company (now owned by Tata Tea Company).
Munnar also has the highest peak in South India Anamudi.
6)Mattupetty
| The Indoswiss Project for the development of livestock is located at Mattupetty 15 km from Munnar. The Mattupetty lake and Kundala dam are other attraction. It is known for its highly specialised dairy farm. 7)Eravikulam National Park 15 km North of Munnar) The 97 km2 park is situated in the Devikulam taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peaks is located in the southern region of the part. The park is divided into three regions. The core area, the butter area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area which is the Rajamala region. The Eravikulam was declared as a National Park in 1978. 8)Rajamala Part of Eravikulam wild life sanctuary 14 km from Munnar. Neelekurinji unique with its feature of keeping the rhythm of flowering in twelve years. The only place where ibes (Varayad) is seen. 9)Marayoor Situated 42 km North east to Munnar, and important place in Munnar - Udumalpetta Road. There is a megalithic burial sites consisting of dolments and cists. This is a remote village of Devikulam taluk on the eastern slope of Western Ghats. This is the only place in Kerala where natural growth of sandal tree is seen. 10) Pallivasal 8 km from Munnar is the venue of the first hydroelectric project in Kerala and place for immense scenic beauty. 11)Chinnar wild life sanctuary Chinnar wild life sanctuary having an area of 90.4 22 km2 is located in the rainshadow region on either side of Marayoor-Udumalpetta road. This is the second habitat of the endangered giant grizzled squirrel of India. The location of the sanctuary offers the unique advantage of watching its fascinating wild life at close quarters from the road without venturing deep into the jungle. 12)Ramakkalmedu Located about 16 km from Nedumkandom on Munnar-Thekkady route. The hamlet bordering Tamil Nadu gives a panoramic view of Tamil Nadu villages and towns around Bodi and Cumbum on the eastern side of Western Ghats, the proposed site for power generation from winds.
13)Nadukani Tower (Near Moolamattom) Panoramic view of Moolamattom Power house, hills and villages over a vast area of Thodupuzha taluk is available from this tower. 14)Malankara Dam The Dam is constructed across Thodupuzha river 5 km from Thodupuzha for irrigation purpose. The tail water from Moolamattom Power house is stored here. The banks of the Reservoir can be developed to a beautiful tourist attraction. Efforts are made in this direction by the Tourism organisations.
15)Kalvari Mount (between Idukki & Kattappana) An enchanting atmosphere with a charming view of Idukki Reservoir from Idukki to Ayyappancovil on one side of the hill and Panoramic view of Kamakshy and Mariyapuram panchaya ts on the other side. 16)Rajapara This place is 5 km away from the Rajakadu-Munar road and this place is situated in the dense forest but the beautiful view point and the neelakurinki flowers added the popularity of this place..This place can be accessible by Jeep and with the help of forest department. 17)Kalyanathandu. This place is 8km away from the Kattappana town and this place is a pilgrim place for the christians during the time of Easter .The beauty of this place can't explain by words beacuse this place having some resemblences to the top european hill stations..Idukki dam water reservior,dense forest view ,Hill station,cold climate with the presense of hevenly breeze will make you nostalgic.This is really a hiden place in Idukki which is not visited by too many peoples.... |
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