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Munnar

Munnar is a town located in the southern state of Kerala in India. The name is most often used to refer to the whole tourist area, of which the town forms a part. The etymology of Muannar is believed to be derived from the Malayalam words Muunu (three) and aaru (river), referring to the town's strategic location at the confluence of the mountain streams of Muthirappuzha, Chanduvarai and Kundala. Situated at nearly 1,600 to 1,800 meters above sea level, the region is surrounded by vast jungles and remains wet and cold during most of the year. Nearby is the Mattupetty Dam.The people of Munnar share in the culture and traditions of Kerala. Tamil immigrants from the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu also figure significantly in the population.

Wildlife

A plethora of flora and fauna is found in Munnar. This includes the world renowned "Neelakurunji" Which only flowers once in 12 years! which attracts more tourists during the period. The flower will only last a few days. This flower is believed to grow only in the Hills of Munnar. Also there are many varieties of animal species and wildlife like Neelagiri Thar which is a variety of mountain deer inhabiting the hills of Munnar.

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Keep in mind..

Carry your visa for entry to India/Kerala on your holiday. For further clarifications, contact the Indian High Commission.
For visa extension, contact Office of the Commissioner of Police, Thiruvananthapuram. Ph: 0471-2320579.

Kerala Insights

Neelakurinji is a shrub that used to grow abundantly in the shola grasslands of Western Ghats in India. The Nilgiris, which literally means the blue mountains, got its name from the purplish blue flowers of Neelakurinji that blossoms gregariously once in 12 years. Once they used to cover the entire Nilgiris like a carpet during its flowering season. However, now plantations and dwellings occupy much of their habitat. Neelakurinji is the best known of a genus that has flowering cycles ranging from one to 16 years. There has been record of its flowering every 12 years since 1826. The next flowering is expected to place in September 2006. Stray flowerings do occur in between. What triggers the massive flowering every 12 years is not known.

Kerala Top Attractions

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Kochi City
Eravikulam National Park
Kovalam Beach
Munnar Hill Station
Backwater Cruise