Tourist Place - MUNNAR

Munnar is a very famous tourist place, hill station located some 130 kms from Kochi in the state of Kerala. The place lies towards the east, in central Kerala and its borders coincide with that of Tamil Nadu state. The hill station is situated mainly in one of the taluks of Idukki district. One more famous hill station, Kodaikanal, lies nearby, around 90 kms from Munnar.
The undulating terrain of Munnar are enchanting, with the low lying hills covered with bright flower meadows and the spread out tea plantations. The place is essentially a resort town. The beauty of the place had long fascinated the Europeans and the place used to serve as summer resort for the Britishers during their occupation of the lands. The place is located at an average altitude of about 1600 metres and contains one of the highest peaks in South India, Anamudi. The altitude and the nearby Arabian Sea accounts for the pleasant climate that prevails throughout the year.
Munnar valley was developed by the Scottish planters in the early 20th century. The tea plantations is an important feature of Munnar. The plantations stand at heights from 4300 ft to 6100 ft above sea level. The Nilgiris, famous for the cultivation of tea, was responsible for the introduction of the plantations at Munnar, on hills popularly called Kanan Devan Hills.
Mattupetty : The place is situated at a distance of about 13 kms from Munnar. Mattupetty is famous for its cattle rearing farm and quality bred live stock. The farm is located at a height of about 1700 metres and is further provided with a dam and a beautiful lake. The place is a popular picnic spot.Devikulam : Some 7 kms from Munnar is Devikulam, a popular hill station. The hill station features satin green lawns and rare species of flora and fauna. The mountain side is pleasant and with some exquisite scenes of nature surrounding the place. There is a mineral water lake at Devikulam called Sita Devi Lake, famous for trout fishing.
Eravikulam National Park : Eravikulam National Park that provides home to Nilgiri Tahr, is located about 15 kms from Munnar. This 97 sq kms stretch was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1975 and later on in 1978 as a national park. The place withholds great beauty, with grasslands and hill tops dominating the landscape. The treks along these hillsides are filled with action and adventure. One can go up to Anamudi Peak, on foot from here.
Lock Heart Gap : Some 13 kms from Munnar is present the Lock Heart Gap, a place known for trekking. The Lock Heart Gap provides for a pass in the mountain with some enticing treks and routes. The mountain view is splendid and one can feel on top of the world.
Chithirapuram : Chithirapuram is a small resort town with sprawling tea plantations all around. The place is provided with tourist cottages and bungalows that make a visit worth it.
Attukal : Attukal is yet another attraction located at Munnar, some 9 kms from it. The place features cascaded waterfalls and hills and a fantastic trekking routes.
Echo Point : The place is very popular for the natural phenomenon. The echo that reverberates after hitting the distant hills is fascinating. Echo Point is about 15 kms from Munnar.
Places Where You Can Stay : Accommodation at Munnar is provided by a range of hotels including expensive hotels and low budget lodges. Some known accommodation providers in Munnar include :Expensive Hotels and Resorts - Windermere Resort, Mahindra Resorts, Sterling Resorts, Hi-range Club.Budget hotels and lodges - Issac's Residency, Edassery Eastend Hotel, Holiday Inn, Hill View, Marthoma Rest House.How to Reach : The nearest railway station and airport to Munnar are situated at Kochi, about 130 kms from the place. The bus stations nearest to the place are the ones located at Pothmedu (3 kms), Pallivasal (6kms), Mattupety (13 kms). The long distance bus services are available from many regions like Kodaikanal, Thekkady, Alappuzha, Kochi, etc.

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Rajasthan the Mistry Land

The Land : The main and most spectacular geographic feature of Rajasthan is the Aravalli Range, which is one of the oldest mountain ranges of the world. The range runs for more than 850 km, nearly through the entire state from southwest to northeast, almost from one end to the other. The northwestern portion of Rajasthan is generally sandy and dry, as most of the region is covered by the Thar Desert. The Aravalli Range and the lands to the east and southeast of the range are in general more fertile, this area of Rajasthan is home to the Kathiarbar-Gir dry deciduous forests with tropical dry broadleaf forests.The Climate : Rajasthan has a tropical desert climate. It is extremely cold from October to February while the scorching sun tortures the land from March to September. There are distinct temperature range variations diurnal and seasonally throughout the state. Temperature reaches a high a 49°C during the summer months. Nights of summers see a considerable temperature fall with a minimum daily temperature around 20°C to 29°C. January is the coldest month in the stare of Rajasthan. The minimum temperatures sometimes fall to -2°C.The People : Rajasthan is the region of the proud Rajputs who the epitome of Chivalry and whose exploits and bravery in battle are legendary. Before Independence, Rajasthan was referred to as Rajputana, but the Rajput population is a minority in this state now there numbers have dwindle down with there wealth.Many tribes are also found in different parts of Rajasthan, with their own social systems and customs, religion and dress. The Rajasthanis are well-known for their spirited dances and musical renderings, their extremely colorful attire and the royal culture. . Rajasthan is known for its handicrafts and paintings; it is associated with a rich tradition of art, culture, music and dance.The Cities : Rajasthan is famous for its grand forts, intricately carved temples and ornamented havelis, built by kings in previous ages. Jantar Mantar, Dilwara Temples ,Chittorgarh Fort, Lake Palace Hotel, City Palaces, Jaisalmer Havelis are part of the true architectural heritage of India. Jaipur, the Pink City, is noted for the ancient houses made of a type of sand stone dominated by a pink hue. At Ajmer, the white marble Bara-dari on the Anasagar Lake is wonderful. Jain Temples are found all over Rajasthan, Dilwara Jain Temples of Mt. Abu, Ranakpur, in the fort complexes of Chittor, Jaisalmer and Kumbhalgarh, Lodarva etc. The most tourists worthy cities are:Jaipur - Jaipur was built in 1727 by King Jai Singh, after whom it was named, it is the capial city of Rajasthan. Its most striking feature is the pink wash of the buildings, giving Jaipur it the name 'Pink City'. Jaipur is a royal city filled with palaces, jagged fortresses; some of the palaces, once the residence of Maharajas have been converted into beautiful heritage hotels. Jodhpur- Is the second largest city of Rajasthan; at the edge of the Thar Desert. It was once the capital of the Marwar state. It was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs. The city is dominated by the massive Mehrangarh fort on a rocky hill; it is awe-inspiring with its wealth of historic appeal and colorful markets.Udaipur- is called the 'City of Lakes’ it was founded in 1599 by Maharana Udai Singh. The city hailed as the 'Venice of the East' set amidst the Aravalli hills of South Rajasthan, is one of the most romantic destinations in India. It has a cornucopia of marble palaces, lakes, temples, and rugged hills.Mount Abu- is perched on a 1,219 meters high rock plateau at the far southwestern end of the Aravalli hills. Well-known for its exquisitely carved marble Dilwara temples, Mount Abu is an appealing hill resort built around a lake and surrounded by thick woods and hills.

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