Pothamedu (6 km from Munnar): Pothamedu offers
an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The
rolling hills, the cool mountain and the breathtaking scenery makes it is ideal
for trekking and long mountain walks.
Devikulam (7 km from Munnar): This idyllic hill station
with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a
rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque
surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout
fishing.
Pallivasal Kerala (8 km from
Munnar): This is the venue of the first Hydro Electric Project in and a place of
immense scenic beauty.
Attukal (9 km
from Munnar): A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located
between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal
for long treks.
Nyayamakad (10 km from
Munnar): Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of
scintillating waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about
1600 metres. The enchanting surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and
trekking point.
Chithirapuram (10 km
from Munnar): With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and
courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old world charm. Home of the Pallivasal
hydel power project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea
plantations.
Mattupetty (13 km from
Munnar): Situated at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetty is known for its highly
specialised dairy farm - the Indo Swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100 varieties
of high yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into three of the
11 cattle sheds at the farm.The Mattupetty lake and dam, just a short distance
from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea
plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC
Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty dam. Speed launch, slow
speed boat and motors boats are available on hire.
Lock Heart Gap (13 km from Munnar): This is an ideal
place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist clad
hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.
Rajamala (15 km from Munnar): This is the natural
habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr. Half the world population of the rare mountain goat
(hemitragas hylocres) which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here. The
Nilgiri Tahrs are today reduced to small herds found in the Eravikulam -
Rajamala region. The total number of Nilgiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated at
1000.
Eco Point (15 km from Munnar):
This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Eco Point
is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar): The 97 sq
km park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The
Anamudi peak (2695 m) is located in the southern region of the
park.
Sanctuary visit: The park is
divided into three regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism
area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area which is in the Rajamala
region. The Nilgiri Tahr can be observed at close quarters here. Visiting time :
0700 - 1800 hrs Visitors are not allowed during the monsoon.
Trekking
facilities are available here. Tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi.
This is also a place for adventure tourism. Trekking areas : Anamudi Rajamala.
Power House Waterfalls (18 km from Munnar): This
waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock 2000 m
above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic western mountain ranges,
and is an ideal place for a break on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
in Thekkady.
Kundala (20 km from
Munnar): Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Station. The Golf
Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is located here. The Kundala artificial
dam is another attraction. Aruvikkad waterfall is also near Kundala.
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