Places Not To Miss While In Munnar

A hill station known for its pleasant climate and beautiful landscapes, it is often called ‘Kashmir of South India’. Like all other hill-stations, this hill station was a favourite of the British colonists and a sizeable history is left behind by them. It draws in scores of tourists annually who come to visit its peaks, view points, parks and dams that are popular tourist attractions. But only a marginal few know about its offbeat destinations.
We bring places not to miss that will make your next visit to this hill station a memorable one. 

Tea Museum

To chronicle the journey of tea from the times of the Raj to the modern day, Tata Tea established a Tea Museum here in 2005. Some of the highlights of the museum include a rudimentary tea roller, an old sundial and a rail engine wheel, all of which can be traced back to the British times. However, the most attractive highlight includes the demonstration tea tasting room where one can come across some of the most exotic tea varieties available across the globe in this tea museum. This museum helps in ensuring that the legacy of those who worked hard in the tea industry centuries back come alive. 

Power house waterfalls

The Power house waterfalls is also known as Chinnakanal waterfalls. Located approx 18 kms from Munnar, this waterfall is a must-visit destination for all those yearning for serenity amongst beauty. Enclosed with thick vegetation as well as vast sweeps of tea plantations, the waterfall cascades down from a height of 2000 mtrs. It is believed that this waterfall originates from Sita Devi Kulam (lake of the Goddess) which is a lake at Devikulam. The waterfalls is located enroute to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and a visit to it can be considered as a rejuvenating break from the arduous journey to the sanctuary.  It is a wonderful place to spend a few hours swimming in the natural pool at the bottom of the falls and standing under the forces of the cascading waters which is truly is relaxing. The best time to visit the falls is after the monsoon season.

Lake Sita Devi

The etymology of this lake springs from the legend that Goddess Sita from Ramayan bathed here, the reason why the locals believe it to be sacred. Also known as Devikulam Lake, this water body is known for its pristine beauty. As it is a road less travelled, the surroundings of this pretty lake is clean and free from litter left behind by unruly tourists. The trail along the lake is also unspoiled and as you walk you get the views of the sprawling tea plantations that are located below. The lake was a favourite amongst the British who used to come here for fishing during the weekends.  

Surrounded by hills and thick vegetation, this lake has a wilderness feel about it. The locals come to bathe here as they believe that the mineral waters have curative powers. Most of the natives speak Tamil and Malayalam. The lake is located at a distance of 22kms from Munnar and a visit here would require permission from a Tata Tea estate officer.

As we know that roads that are less travelled are always cleaner and quieter from touristy areas. It has a good share of such off-beaten places that are not only quiet but also pristine, untouched but well loved. Try out the tea museum to get glimpses of the past, a time when tea rollers rolled and British tea estate managers supervise the work of the tea pluckers. Walk around the trails at the banks of Lake Devikulam and soak up the serenity of the lake or take a break at Sita Devi falls and embrace the wilderness and unparalleled natural beauty.