Kerala is one of the most exquisite states in India and is today one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country. Describing the beauty of this southern state cannot simply be done by writing about it; you need to experience the splendors of this southwestern state if you want to discover the true magnificence of Kerala. There are several breathtakingly beautiful places to visit here, which include attractive beaches, peaceful backwaters, gorgeous hill stations and a range of sightseeing opportunities.
[Booking_search_hotel Kerala, India/]
Since there is so much to see and experience here, a single post is not enough to describe the excellence of Kerala, so here’s a small glimpse of its beauty. One of the most scenic landscapes of Kerala is the charming hill station of Munnar, a favored summer retreat of the British during the colonial rule. Located at an altitude of 1600 feet this picturesque hill station is situated in the heart of Kerala’s prestigious tea-growing district with its pristine valleys, peaceful surroundings, endless expanse of greenery, stunning waterfalls, magnificent mountains and an exotic array of flora and fauna.
If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful holiday amidst a fresh green environment, then Munnar is where you should focus. The manicured lush tea gardens that mark the hills along with a range of other exotic trees exude a beauty that is so addictive that you will never want to come away from Munnar. You can trek along the tea gardens and explore the beauty of the environment and you might just happen to spot a wild elephant crossing your path on one of your nature walks. You can simply laze in your hotel room looking out onto the glamorous landscape or go fishing, play golf or enjoy an evening in front of a bonfire.
Other things that you can do while in Munnar is visit the Eravikulam National Park, which is about 15 km from Munnar and houses the endangered mountain goat, the Nilgiri Tahr. Here you can also get a breathtakingly beautiful view from the Director’s Leap situated at an altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level. An afternoon trip to the Athukad Falls, one of the most sought-after tourist spots, is also a highly recommended trip. Lying 8 km from Munnar on the road to Kochi, these falls are a must see and must be included in your itinerary.
You can also visit Kollukkumallay, the highest tea estate in India, located at an altitude of 7,900 feet above sea level. If you like fishing then a trip to Gravel Banks for a quiet evening trout fishing is what you should venture out for. There is no end to the amount of beauty that you can explore in Munnar, also known for its rich spices, luscious strawberries, aromatic oils and not to mention the special tea, all of which you can purchase to take back home.
If you are flying in, then Kochi International Airport is the best place to embark for Munnar. From here you can hire a prepaid taxi to take you to Munnar, which lies 121 km from the airport. The road up to Munnar winds steeply and so if you feel sick driving up winding roads, it is advisable to carry some medicines with you.
Photo by vinod kumar M provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by mohandast provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by footix provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by V S Sankar provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by footix provided courtesy of Panoramio.com