Munnar and Thekkady is the best tourist destination in Kerala

Munnar, a hill station in Kerala, is situated on the Western Ghats in the Idukki district. This spectacularly picturesque destination perched 1,600 meters above sea level was a popular summer destination for the British rulers of India, who deserve credit for developing it.

The surreal places around Munnar are the real attraction of the region. There are beautiful views of tea plantations, meadows and forests. Among these are picturesque picnic destinations like Nyayamakad and Sita Devi Lake. There are also trekking destinations. Devikulam is another beautiful destination nearby.

Protected wildlife reserves around Munnar

There are many wildlife sanctuaries near Munnar which can be entered with a guide, with prior permission from the required authorities (and if such provision is offered). These parks like Eravikulam National Park, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Anamudi Shola National Park and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary contain endemic species of wildlife like Sambar, Nilgiri langur, Nigiri Thar etc.

Kurinjimala Shrine

Kurinjimala Shrine is home to the Neelakurinji flowering plant that blooms every twelve years. Kurinjimala Sanctuary is also where visitors can catch a glimpse of Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in the Western Ghats and India’s highest peak outside of the Himalayas.

Thekkady is home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Periyar National Park, both situated on the banks of the Periyar Lake, formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam built on the Periyar River.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of India’s Tiger Reserves and is also home to many other exotic species including lion-tailed macaque, nilgiri langur, sambar and elephant. In fact, the herds of elephants that come to the lake to drink are one of the biggest attractions for tourists aboard the boats. The 777-square-kilometre sanctuary is made up of moist deciduous, semi-evergreen, and dense evergreen forests, as well as savanna grasslands. While boating on the lake is a great way to spot wildlife on the shores, visitors can experience the sanctuary itself through a jeep safari or nature walk.

Destinations around Thekkady

Attractions around Thekkady include the Anakkara spice plantations (Thekkady is known for its cardamom, black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon), the Murikkady spice and coffee plantations, the beautiful Chellar Kovil waterfalls and waterfalls, and the Mangala Temple. Standing at a spectacular elevation of 1,337 meters above sea level, Devi is known for its panoramic views of the surrounding region, as well as the Eastern Ghats mountains in the distance.