Did someone ever tell you that Kerala is a hot and humid place? As a land close to the equator, the statement of not far off from the truth. Even though it is blessed with lush greenery, teeming wildlife, charming backwaters, and exotic beaches, Kerala has a humid climate. It is the one, and only, buzz kill.
If you are not a fan of the humid climate and wish to avoid the heat, you can head to Munnar. It is a hill station that encapsulates the beauty of the southern state. Dubbed the king of hill stations in Kerala, it has a pleasant cool climate. The stunning views of Munnar and its paradise-like ambiance are sure to captivate you.
Here are a few reasons why you should pick Munnar as your next tourist destination.
1. Sightseeing opportunities
Munnar has some of the captivating sights in Kerala. The hill station has rolling hills, carpeted with green tea plants, reaching out as far as the eye can see. The Pothamedu viewpoint gives the best view of the mist-kissed landscape. The echo point is the best place to enjoy a scintillating view of golden sun rays seeping out from the blue sky during sunset. If wildlife attracts you, Eravikulam, Anamudi Shola, and Pampadum Shola National Parks nearby have some rare and endangered species as their inhabitants. Mattupetty Dam, Attukal waterfalls, Meesappulimala and so on are some of the other enchanting places to visit in Munnar.
2. Pleasant climate
Munnar has a pleasant climate year round. The mean temperature, even during the hottest days of summer, is around 21 degrees Celcius. Mist-covered mornings greet the hill station. Days are generally bright with sunlight and nights are pleasant with a clear starry sky. You will feel rejuvenated by the ambiance of the place. Hence, Munnar is at once a unique sightseeing location and retreat for those tormented by the heat of the Indian subcontinent. As the climate in summer is comfortable, March to May is considered the best time to visit Munnar.
3. History and monuments
Munnar was inhabited for a thousand years by tribal groups like Malayarayans and Muthuvans. Later, towards the end of the 19th century, British colonizers found that the elevation of the place is suitable for growing coffee, tea and cardamom. The pleasant climate allured them and they started to spend their vacations in Munnar, making it a tourist destination. After independence, Tata acquired the estates and made a tea museum to preserve the history of the land.
If you are willing to go 45 kilometers further, you can see megalithic Muniyara dolmens. Housing burial cists and rock paintings, the pre-historic site is sure to make you enthralled. Hence it is considered one of the best tourist spots near Munnar.
4. The taste of tea
As you might have gleaned, Munnar is one of the best places to taste tea. The fresh-picked tea leaves from the plantation is dried and powdered to make the famous Munnar tea dust. If you want to taste the different flavors of the tea, head to the Tata tea museum. You can taste uncommon varieties like green, white, black tea and so on. You can even taste tea of orange, tan or red hue. The aroma and taste of the tea vary with the difference in the production process. The guides will explain to you the complete process of tea production.
5. Best honeymoon location
There is no denying the fact that Munnar is one of the most romantic places you can find. The mist-covered hills, cozy climate, smell of fresh air and gentle cool breeze make it a perfect place to be with your loved one. Many hotels in this tourist destination provide honeymoon suits and special packages for love birds. You can ask for a candle-lit dinner in the open air. Enjoying a delicious meal under the clear starry sky, sitting close to your loved one would be one of the most cherished moments in your married life.