MUNNAR

A misty, lush green hill station up in the Annamalai range of Kerala, Munnar is a tea plantation centre. Tea gardens, some of the highest in the world stretch up the sides of the hills and are interspersed with pockets of forest rich in wildlife. Munnar fact is like a giant Japanese garden stretching to the end of the horizon and makes an interesting change from coastal, palm fringed Kerala.

Adjacent nearly to Anaimudi, the highest peak in South India, Munnar is nearly 1600 meters above sea level. Since the 30 odd tea gardens around Munnar are all privately owned, the majority of them by Tata Tea, the town itself is beautifully maintained. A colonial town, clean and neat and brightly painted, it has its own charm.

Location: In the Ananmalai Hills 1520 meters above sea level . 4 hours drive from Cochin Airport/Ernakulam Railway station.

Climate: Cool climate and monsoons from June to September. Annual rainfall 270cm

When to go: Munnar is a pleasantly cool and refreshing place to visit at most times of year. Winters are cooled! And during monsoon days the downpour is steady.

Dress sense: Take plenty of warm clothes.