Munnar
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STD Code: 0486 Set
amid dramatic mountain scenery in what was once known as the High
Range of Travancore, the hill town of Munnar (1524 m) is the
commercial center of some of the world's highest tea-growing
estates. The
combination of the craggy peaks, manicured tea estates and crisp
mountain air makes Munnar an ideal retreat. The center of the
town is noisy and grubby, but there are good places to stay on the
periphery. |
Munnar - Orientation
& Information
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are several tourist offices in Munnar. STD/ISD booths are
everywhere, but fax machines are rare. Alpha internet, next to
Mishra Tourist Home, charges Rs. 60 per hour.
For changing money,
the Federal Bank changes travlers' cheques only.
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Munnar - Things to See and
Do
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stone Christ Church (1910), now administered by the Church of South
India, has fine stained glass. Inside, brass plaques honor the
memory of the tea planters.
Walks around Munnar
offer spectacular views. It is worth taking an auto rickshaw (Rs.
125 return) for the 16km to Eravlkulam National Park (entry costs Rs.
10/50 for Indian/Foreigners) where you can see the rare, but almost
tame, Nilgiri tahr (a type of mountain goat), and walk around
Rajamala hills. Ten kilometers from Munnar on the way to Top
Station, Mudapetty Dam is open daily for boating and short horse
rides.
Munnar - Places
to Stay and Eat
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Hotels in Munnar - India
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Munnar - Getting there and
Away
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The roads around
Munnar are in poor condition and may be seriously affected by
monsoons. Bus timings are therefore may vary.
Munnar, 130 km east of Kochi is best reached by direct bus
from Kochi (4.5 hours; eight buses daily); Kumily (4.5 hours;
four buses daily). Check out local bus stand for more
details.
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Munnar - Getting Around
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You can hire
bicycles at Rs. 5 for fours hours in Munnar from Raja Cycbles.
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Around Munnar
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At Maraiyur,
north -east of the Eravikulam National Park and 42km from
Munnar, you can experience the peace and beauty of a
sandalwood forest. Some 10 km past here is the Chinnar
Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants, leopards and
bears. There's a watchtower, but many visitors find the
allocated viewing time - 10 minutes - insufficient. This
may be extended for a 'small consideration'. Returning
to Munnar at night is not advisable.
Top Station,
on Kerala's border with Tamil Nadu, has spectacular views over
the Western Ghats. From Munnar daily eight buses (Rs.
11, from 7.30am) make the steep 32km climb in around an
hour. Jeeps (Rs. 600 per day) and rickshaws (Rs. 300)
can also be hired from along the main street in Munnar for
return trip.
The
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is home to Malabar grey horn bills,
woodpackers, parakeets and rarer species such as the Sri
Lankan frogmouth and rose-billed roller. The 25 sq-km
sanctuary was established in the 1983 by the renowned
ornithologist, Salim Ali, and is an important research
area. Entry is Rs. 25/5 for foreigners/Indians.
The best viewing time is from 5 to 6 am and the best visiting
time is from October to March.
Thattekkad is
15km north-east of Kothamangalam, which is on the
Ernakulam-Munnar road, halfway between the two towns.
There is an inspection bungalow and a dormitory at Thattekkad.
The Hornbill Bungalow has double rooms for Rs. 300 and dorm
beds for Rs. 50; meals can be arranged.
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