Munnar

The tea gardens are the last bastion of the Raj. Several still preserve customs like ‘chhota hazari’-an early morning cuppa’ hot chocolate before a round of work. Most managers would be happy to let you take a stroll among the bushes.

At a height of 1700 meters, Mattupetty Lake (13 km) and dam is surrounded by tall hills and forest. You can hire a boat, and walk down to the nearby dairy and cattle farm.

Eravikulam Park (16 km) is where you can find the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (ibex). Docile and friendly, it is hard to imagine that this is a rare animal when you see the numbers in this area.

Dr. Salim Ali, the famous ornithologist, established the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in 1983. It has a resident population of Malabar gray hornbills, woodpeckers, and rare species like the rose-billed roller, and the Sri Lankan frogmouth. Visit early in the mornings, as the day comes alive so do the birdsongs. The colder
months from October to March are the best time to be at the park.

The highest peak of the ranges is Anamudi (2695 meters). It can be sighted from many places in Munnar. This is protected forest area and off bounds for everyone except those involved in serious research.

The Elephant Lake is great for trout fishing so anglers must take the bait and visit!