Munnar is situated near the Anaimudi Peak, the highest peak in the Western Ghats at an altitude of 2,695 meters (8,842 feet) from the sea level. Munnar’s sprawling tea gardens with tall trees jutting out of sharp cliffs, and a plethora of wildflowers in a riot of colors, make it look like a painter’s canvas. Drive around and explore the points of sightsee. Watch little wisps of clouds drift past you and shroud the tea estate that was conspicuous only a while ago. All along you will be serenaded by the sound of gurgling brooks or waterfalls seeping through narrow rocks. Pause on the way, maybe to buy farm fresh carrots from a hawker or small souvenir shops selling wooden artifacts and a range of authentic spices. Photographic opportunities abound here.
History
Munnar’s history goes back to the period of British rule in India. The hill station was developed to cultivate tea plants by British planters. It all began in the 1870s when J.D Munro, a European, realized on a hunting safari the agriculture potential of the land. He then leased about 580 sq. kilometers of the land in 1877 from the Maharaja of Poonjar who owned the area. At that time the tract was stark wild, greatly unexplored and covered with thick forest full of wild animals. The efforts of Munro in conjunction with that of the H.G Turner of the Madras Civil Service led to the foundation of the North Travancore Land Planting and Agricultural Society, whose members developed their estates in various parts of the high ranges.
The first cultivation was taken up in 1877 by A.W Turner near Devikulam Lake. An array of crops such as coffee, cinchona, sisal and cardamom were tried out on this ground before settling for tea – a crop best suited to the region. The first tea plantation was started by A.H Sharp on a 50 acre clearing in a dense jungle at Parvathi, now a part of Sevenmullay estate. The concession area that was bought from the local maharaja went into the hands of Muir and Co. in 1893-95, which later became James Finlay & Co. In a few years, the Kannan Devan Hills Produce Company was formed to manage the estate of Finlay & Co. Many years later, much after India attained independence, the Tata Group – an Indian business conglomerate – collaborated with the Finlay’s to form the Tata-Finlay group. However, in April 2005, the tea estates owned by the Tatas were transferred to a new company called Kannan Devan Hills Produce Co. Pvt. Ltd. Today the same group looks after 16 estates spread across 8600 hectares.
For a long time in the 1900s, tea produced in Munnar was transported to Top Station by a 24-inch railway line and further shipped from there by ropeway to Bottom Station. And the tea leaves would subsequently be sent to Bodinayakanur for shipping across the world. Though, the ropeway linking Top Station with Bottom Station between 1900 and 1969 is no longer functional. For much of the time, the locals of Munnar were engaged as laborers on the plantations. Though the trend continues, over the past few years tourism-related occupations have also found a way into Munnar’s economy. Adimali or Adivaaram is the closest relatively big neighboring city to Munnar on the Kerala side of NH 49.
Today Munnar is home to two prominent educational institutes; the Government Arts & Science College and College of Engineering Munnar. The hill station also has its share of hospitals; this includes Tata General Hospital, Matha Hospital and Arun Hospital, outside of clinics such as John’s Clinic in Kunchithanny.
Getting Around
Exploring around Munnar generally involves cycling, taking a bus, walking, hiring an auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw, taxi or using hotel vehicle service if applicable. The DTPC provides cycle rental facility in Munnar. There are frequent buses run by the State Transport Corporation. Hired bicycles are a very popular way to explore this green hill station. If you require any information on transportation, accommodation and day sightseeing trips, including getting to places like Eravikulam, take help from Joseph Iype who runs a free tourist information service (tel. 0486-530349) from a small office in the main bazaar.
Tourist Traps in the City
Munnar is non-commercial and beautiful, you needn’t be wary of any unwanted elements while holidaying here. But, while choosing a hotel in Munnar, it is preferable to be town centric or may be in its vicinity. Once you book a hotel which is off Munnar town, there are chances of you getting stranded if you do not have your own vehicle. It takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to get to Munnar town from some of the hotels on the outskirts, and a hotel vehicle might charge you a bomb. It is better to have your own hired vehicle for exploring around Munnar. Some hotels are located at the Top Station road and it would get dark by the time you reach it after navigating your way through thick fog.
Local Custom
While traveling around in Munnar, you are free to dress the way you feel comfortable. But, you would always need a light sweater or a jacket on you. The temperature drops greatly after sundown and you would need to wrap yourself in a layer of woolen at least. Besides, people of this picturesque hill station are very simple and friendly. You can always seek their help if stuck anywhere, though you might have a hard time in deciphering their regional tongue. But, it is great to know them over a cup of coffee.
Shopping
Munnar is the place in India to shop for exotic tea, coffee, spices such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and pepper, and delicious homemade chocolates. Around Echo Point, there are many kiosks selling intricate hand carvings and artifacts made of teak, sesame and rosewood. They make a perfect souvenir for friends back home. Make your pick from an assortment of tea samples at the Tea Museum souvenir shop. Marayoor, some 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Munnar is a quaint village that has small shops selling traditional, hand-woven ‘pattu’ sarees. These pattu sarees come in vibrant colors, and are popularly worn by local women on special occasions. Some popular souvenir shops include Munnar Fancy, Leo Gift House, D.M Samuel & Sons, DMS Jewelry, Marakkar Shopping Centre, Rahim Book Stall, DTPC Stall – a great place for spices, and Sunny Traders – a tea shop.