Munnar-The Land of Mountains and Mists

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Munnar-The Land of Mountain and Mists

• www.ticketgoose.com

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Munnar, Kerala

• Munnar in the Anaimalai Range of Kerala has been
  in my list of must-visit places. It was only last
  October that the travel plans materialised.
• This hill station covered by lush-green tea
  gardens, trimmed to perfection, is just a delight
  to the dreary eyes.
• The stretches of long-winding roads lead you to
  several plantations after the other.
• Each turn in the curve leads you to another
  magnificent vista the thick blanket of damp,
  cold mist obscuring the view of the mountaintop
  every now and then.

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A mist Filled Tea Garden
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• Considered to be southern Indias largest
  tea-growing region, Munnar is a part of the
  Idduki district.
• Today, it is home to one of the worlds highest
  tea growing estates mostly run by the Kanan
  Devan Hill Plantation Company.
• The Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers
  come together in Munnar, thus getting its name
  Munnar, meaning three rivers in Malayalam.
• And, indeed glistering rivers, beautiful
  waterfalls and lakes abound in this hill station.

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Way through the Town

• Make the best use of the beautiful weather and
  explore it either on foot or in your own vehicle,
  a hired cab or hop into a bus that provides a
  tour of the town.
• You can start your day with a walk to the
  Sandalwood Forest, which is just 850 metres away
  from the bus stand.
• The Kanan Devan Hill Plantation, (2.5 km) can be
  next. Wander around the seven massive tea estates
  that cover an area of 2,4000 hectares and soak in
  the clean fresh air.  
• A visit to the Tea Museum (3 km) will give you a
  clear idea of how we get our brew from the garden

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• The Mattupetty Dam (13 km) is a place which will
  not fail to impress you. Little ahead of the dam
  there is a boating facility, where you can enjoy
  a boat ride. As you move on further ahead towards
  Echo Point (19 km), you will pass through a
  reserve forest where you can spot numerous
  elephants grazing..

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Kundala Lake

• Kundala Lake (20 km) is another scenic place
  where you can bathe yourself in the serene
  ambience.
• If you love chasing the clouds, then head to Top
  Station (36 km), nestled at 1,880 meters above
  sea level.
• The view from there is simply breathtaking. I
  just wanted to immerse myself amidst the clouds
  and stay there forever.
• Do not forget to buy the freshly-picked carrots
  or different fruits that the locals sell on the
  way

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Wondering about the Cuisine

• Food is a part and parcel of any journey. Before
  I travel anywhere I do my research about the
  local cuisines and where to sample the best
  delicacies.
• I read a lot about Rapsy Restaurant, located in
  the main market. It was a little crowded, but the
  food was worth the money.
• The fish fry was mouth-watering. Another place
  worth giving a try is the Silver Spoon
  Restaurant, where you can try the seafood.
• Besides there are several local restaurants to
  enjoy your cuppa!

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Best time to visit Munnar

• The best time to visit Munnar is during Vishu in
  April and Onam in September, where you can taste
  the elaborate Vishu or Onam sadya (meaning
  feast).
• The all-vegetarian fare is worth trying. In some
  places you will get non-vegetarian meals as well.

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Where to Stay

• There are several homestays in this hill station
  in case you want to try out one. For those of you
  who want a luxurious holiday, there are several
  luxury hotels as well.
• Budget hotels are also available in plenty. Some
  of the hotels worth trying are Aryanka Resort
  (Tariff Rs. 1,500), The Silver Tips (Tariff
  Rs. 3,900) and Holiday Heaven (Tariff Rs.
  4,800).

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Shopping

• Munnar might not be a shoppers paradise, but you
  can pick up souvenirs from Kerala from the local
  market.
• Yes, you can buy tea leaves to your hearts
  content, as you will get garden fresh tea leaves
  at reasonable rates.

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Getting There

• Air  For tourists taking a flight to Munnar, the
  nearest airport is in Cochin (106 km) away.
• Rail  Those taking the train can come to Aluva
  (107 km) and take a bus to the hill station.
• Road  There are state-run as well as private
  operators plying their buses to Munnar from
  several places in South India
• If you want a quick break from the bustling city
  life, head to this peaceful hill station and soak
  in the tranquility of nature. Whether you are
  travelling for the weekend or a short holiday
  from Bangalore or Chennai, you can also book your
  tickets to Munnar at  www.ticketgoose.com.