Blessed with cascading streams, serene lakes, and rolling tea gardens, no description would do Munnar justice. Once the favoured summer retreat of the British, this magnificent hill station in Kerala is perched at about 1,650 m above sea level.
The scent of spice and eucalyptus plantations, cocoa plants and lemon grass builds steadily all along the mountain climb to Munnar. Probably the most unspoiled hill station in the South, it is surrounded by a forest that is home to a variety of flora and fauna.
It also shelters the exotic - and endangered - ‘Neela Kuringi’ plant, whose flowers bathe the hillsides in blue once in 12 years.
Interestingly, Munnar (where three rivers meet) derives its name from the three mountain streams - Muthirapuzha, Nallathani and Kundala - which congregate at the town’s heart. It is a Nature lover’s paradise, besides playing host to one of the highest peaks in South India - Mount Anaimudi, a favourite with trekking aficionados.
WHAT TO DO IN MUNNAR No visit would be complete without a trek to one of the estates that surround the hill station. Those with more adventurous tastes can always trek to the Devikulam Lake (a six-km trek from Lakeview Resort that calls for some steep climbing); attempt to climb Anaimudi; or float through the mist at the Eravikulam National Park at Rajamalai (17 km from Munnar, 2,695 m above sea level) and catch a glimpse of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (a mountain goat of the ibex family).
For water babies, a trip to the Madupetty Dam (13 km from Munnar) is a must. Although the area is famous for its highly specialised dairy farm ( Madupetty literally translates as ‘cowshed’), also check out the active water sports centre managed by the Kerala Hydel Tourism Centre.
The rates are good (Rs 200 for a speed boat) and the 15-minute ride, exhilarating. For pristine views, Top Station (32 km from Munnar) is recommended, so is Bhoothathankettu, surrounded by teak, bamboo and eucalyptus forests. Don’t forget to feast your eyes on the many lakes and waterfalls scattered around.
ROOM WITH A LAKE VIEW

Erched a top a hill 22 km from the town of Munnar, the CLUB MAHINDRA LAKEVIEW RESORT enjoys the distinction of having won the RCI Gold Crown award for three years in a row.
Spread over 16 acres of verdant greenery, the resort offers 93 cottages, suites and one/two bedroom apartments done in a colonial style with modern-day luxuries. Each room comes with a living area, kitchenette and dining facilities, offering a view of mountain slopes covered with lush tea gardens.
Facilities include The Tea Room restaurant, an Ayur-vedic health centre, a golf area, a giant chess board and a mini amphitheatre. The activity centre becomes a disco on scheduled nights, while sight-seeing tours, Nature treks and rappelling, camping, boating and river crossing adventures give guests an adrenaline rush.
CLUB MAHINDRA LAKEVIEW RESORT, CHINNAKANAL, MUNNAR 685618, KERALA. TEL: 0486-849224/6/8. Fax; 0486-849227. E-MAIL: munnar@clubmahindra.com
Accessibility: 130 km (about four hours) from Kochi/Madurai, nine hours from Trivandrum. The nearest airport is Kochi International airport; the nearest railway station is Aluva.
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