Munnar hill Mind-refreshing stationa
Munnar
Munnar – breathtakingly beautiful – a haven of peace and tranquility – the idyllic tourist destination God's country.
Located at an altitude of 6000 m in the Idukki district, Munnar was the favorite resort of the former British rulers in the colonial era. Endless expansion of tea plantations – pristine valleys and mountains of exotic flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests – aroma of spice scented fresh air – yes! Munnar has all this and more. It is the place he'd love to visit – is the place you never want to leave so welcome – log on munnar.com of all information on Munnar anytime, every time.
Munnar – Fact Sheet
Elevation: 1600 meters to 1800 meters above sea level
Temperature: Min C 0 – Max. 25 c
Clothing: Warm clothing and rain gear
High season: from August to March.
Chai Tea is the beverage or drinking more worldwide. The tea plant, Camellia Sansis is a cultivated variety of a planttree tea that has its origins in an area between India and China. There are three main varieties tea plant – China, Assam, and Cambodia – and a series of hybrids between the varieties. The China variety grows as tall as nine feet (2.75 meters). It is a hardy plant able to withstand cold winters and has a shelf life of at least 100 years.
The Assam variety, a single stem tree 20 to 60 feet (6 to 18 meters) high. Regular pruning keeps its height to a more manageable 4 to 5 feet tall. It has a lifespan of 40 years with regular pruning and plucking. When grown to a altitude near that of Darjeeling (Assam) and Munnar (Kerala), which produces tea with intriguing flavors, look around the world.
Sub MAIN teas
The tender leaves in the light of Assam
The offer less dark leaf Assam
The hardy types Manipuri and Burma
The large size of leaves Lushai
The dark leaves of plants of Upper Assam Assam.
The variety of Cambodia, a single-stemmed tree that grows to about 16 feet (five meters) high, no grown, but has been naturally crossed with other varieties.
History of Tea
Behind all this beer day is a fascinating and colorful history that winds its way through the social and cultural history of many nations. According to ancient legend, tea was accidentally discovered by a Chinese emperor in the third millennium BC C. as some tea leaves floating in your pot of boiling water from somewhere.
If this is fact or fiction, we will never know. In fact, there was no written reference to tea until the third century C., until a famous Chinese doctor recommended to increase alertness one. Most historians however agree that tea was used in China long before this date.
Tea entered its golden age Tang Dynasty in the 7th century AD. Tea entered the era of the rituals and traditions. We do not drink, just as a medicinal tonic, tea taken for pleasure as for its restorative powers. The preparation and service of liquor became an elaborate ceremony, while growing and leaf processing were strongly controlled.
Tea became important enough during this period by a group of traders to the commission of the writer, Lu Yu, to compile the first book on the subject – Classic Tea. All tea produced in China was originally green.
However, with increased trade Dynasty Ming (AD 1368 to 1644), Chinese producers are facing the challenge of preserving the delicate qualities of tea during their long journeys as far afield as Europe. The solution was invention of new processing methods to make black tea and fragrant flowers. Ming producers found that fermentation was able to preserve the tea leaves, which makes them fit to travel abroad for long. And while Europe's first taste of tea was green, fashion gradually changed to black as Chinese tea producers altered production methods to suit the logistics of long-distance trade.
Top
When you look at Europe, you're not sure who it was responsible for introducing the tea there – the Dutch or the Portuguese in the seventeenth century both nations were now actively trade in the seas of China. The Portuguese China teas sent to Lisbon and from there the Dutch East India Company carried the goods to the Netherlands, France and Germany.
destination Tea in Britain gave a lucky turn in 1662 when King Charles II married a Portuguese princess. Britain's new queen was addicted to tea and took with her some tea as part of her dowry. The news of the new beverage spread, more and more people want to try. Tea soon became the most popular drink the United Kingdom, replacing the fast break ale and gin at any time of day. Tea also became an essential part of entertainment people outside the home.
luxurious tea gardens appeared throughout the country, where people from all social classes, including royalty, could take fresh air, drinking tea, and enjoy a variety of entertainment. The British tradition of "after lunch, tea is usually attributed to Anna, Duchess of Bedford. She conceived the idea of having tea around four or five in the afternoon to avoid hunger pangs between lunch and dinner. Soon all the fashion London was delivered at these meetings after lunch to tea, eating sandwiches, and exchange gossip and general chat.
As tea consumption in Britain grew, the balance of payments was in favor of the Chinese. Britain came to an answer to correct the trade imbalance and of opium, the Chinese wanted. But the opium trade soon became a serious international problem, and insurance monopoly, Britain declared war. China retaliated by placing an embargo on all exports of tea. The Opium Wars had begun.
Cut off trade with China, Britain began to look elsewhere for the production of tea. Northern India was particularly promising because of its climate and altitude. This is where in 1823 the first harvest of the British East India Company was planted. Its first shipment of Assam tea arrived in London fifteen years later, and the company soon expanded to other areas, especially the hills of Darjeeling and Munnar in Kerala. The Kannan Devan Tea was born.
It was inevitable that the tea could find their way to North America with settlers from Europe. Throughout the New World, the tea is drunk just as elegant as in Europe. In colonial America, tea courtesy and silver and porcelain were symbols of wealth and social status. Even families with fewer resources considered making tea as a token of his good manners. La Fiesta Boston Tea Party ended the United States pleasure for both the British and tea. The origin of the problem lies in the adoption of an Act of Parliament in 1767, which tried to tax the American colonies.
Within two years after his death, most American ports refused to allow any dutiable goods ashore, and when the British sent seven shipments of tea from London, the feelings were high. In New York and Philadelphia, demonstrations forced the boats to turn back. In Boston, the general malaise for several weeks was followed by the approach to Dartmouth by a band of men disguised as Indians, shouting "Boston Harbor – an evening tea."
In the course of the next three hours, they threw 340 chests of tea overboard. The British government closed the port Boston and the arrival of British troops on American soil marked the beginning of the War of Independence and the American tradition of drinking coffee. The Second World War marked a final blow to the affinity of the United States of teas. Before the war, Americans were well versed in the many varieties of tea. Imported exclusively in the East, however, these teas were scarce during the war, and were replaced by lower quality of black tea Argentina and other markets open. Unfortunately, until now, almost all the tea consumed in the United States is low-grade black.
Tea Growth
tea bushes are planted 1 meter 1.5 meters to follow the natural contours of the landscape. It is sometimes grown in specially prepared terraces to help irrigation and to prevent erosion. Fifty years ago, tea plants were raised from seeds of tea and tea estatewere known as seedlings. Each plantation increased its own seed bearing trees in tea that grew to a height of approximately 25 meters. These young plants are raised from cuttings obtained from a strong and rich forest. They are carefully received in special nurseries until they are 12-15 months old and then planted in the tea fields.
Trees are often planted among the tea plants protect against the intense heat and light, especially in the plains of Assam and Kenya, where sunlight is most intense. Trees also provide microclimate and soil improvements. geometric spacing are used, often in very large space. This, again, ensures a uniform treatment (shadow) and the ease of machining operations. Common trees are the shadow Erythrina, Gliricidia, and Silver Oak.
When the tea plant is allowed to grow wild and becomes unbounded 10 mts. To simplify the culture and stimulate the production of leaf buds, regularly pruned and trained in flat-topped bushes about one meter height. When the plant develops to a height of about half a meter above the ground, cut back – to pruning a few inches off the ground – to lock on track become a flat-topped shrub. Usually, a tea bush is 1 to 1.5 meters in height. 2 to 3 years Regular pruning cycles stimulate the supply of sprouts, blush that is dotted every week to ten days, depending on where it is grown.
The tea leaves are mostly hand plucked. The tea plant is plucked every 5 to 10 days, depending on where it grows. Workerstime tea length needed for the filming started to rebuild a new shoot ready for plucking varies plucking system and weather conditions. Intervals between seventy and ninety days are common.
When the tea plant is plucked two leaves and shoots are cut. A skilled plucker can boot up to 30 kg tea leaves per day. To make one kilo of black tea, approx. 4 kg of tea leaves are needed. A tea plant produces about 70 kg of black tea a year. In a warm climate the plant is first booted after four years and produce tea for at least 50 years. A climate for the crop must have a minimum annual rainfall from 1140 to 1270 mm. Soil must be acidic tea and tea can not be grown in alkaline soils.
A crop of 11,650 kilograms per hectare requires 3.7 to 4.9 workers per hectare to tea buds start and maintain the fields. mechanical plucking has been tried, but due to their lack of selectivity, can not replace plucking hand. Since 1900, advances in tea cultivation has increased the average yield per hectare in India from 180 to 450 kilograms, with many farms that produce over 680 kilograms.
PLACES TO VISIT
Mattupetty (13 km Munnar)
Located at an altitude of 1700 mts, Mattupetty Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialized dairy farm, the Indo-Swiss live stock project. More 100 High yielding varieties that are bred cattle here.Visitors allowed in three of the eleven cattle sheds on the farm
Time of visit: 0900 – 1100 hours and 1400 – 1530 hrs.
Price: Rs. 5 / – per head. (Subject to change)
The lake and dam Mattupetty, within walking distance of the farm, is a very beautiful country day. The extensive tea plantations and the lake Kundala Kundala other attractions nearby. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities in Mattupetty Dam. Speed slow boat launch and engine speed are available on rent.
Pothamedu (6 km from Munnar)
Pothamedu offers excellent view of tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The hills, lush mountains and stunning scenery here is ideal for trekking and hiking mountain.
Devikulam (7 km from Munnar)
Devikulam
This hill station with its velvet lawns idyllic, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.
Pallivasal (8 km from Munnar)
This is the venue of the first hydroelectric project in Kerala and a place immence of beauty.
Attukal (9 km from Munnar)
A panorama of waterfalls and hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long walks.
Nyayamakad (10 km from Munnar)
Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The downstream cascade of a hill from a height of about 1600 meters. The enchanting surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.
Chithirapuram (10 km from Munnar)
With little sleep houses, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, still maintains Chithirapuram old world charm. Starting Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, this mountain village is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.
Blockade Heart Gap (13 km from Munnar)
This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, mist-covered hills and the view panoramic view is worth a visit.
Rajamala (15 km from Munnar)
The natural habitat of the tahr Niligiri, Rajamala Rajamala is 2695 meters on sea level. Half the world population of the rare mountain goat or tahr which is fast extinction, is now in here.The tahr is now Niligiri Rajamala in small flocks in the region, Eravikulam Rajamala. The total number of Tahrs Niligiri in Rajamala is estimated to be over 1300.
Journey time: 0700 – 1800 hrs.
Visitors are not allowed during the monsoon.
Entry Pass: Rs. 10 for adults, Rs. 5 for children under 12 years, Rs. 50 for foreigners. (Subject to change)
Permitting authority: Wildlife DFO, Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar)
The 97 square kilometers. park situated in the Devikulam ParkTaluk Eravikulam National is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. Anamudi Peak (2695 mts) is located in the south of the park.
Originally created to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex), the Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Idukki District Devikulam Taluk. It was declared a sanctuary in 1975. Given the ecological, faunal, floral importance, geo-morphological and zoological gardens, was declared a national park in 1978. It covers an area of 97 km square shola grassland and high-level (evergreen forest). The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable with the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world.
Shrine of the visit:
Nilgiri Tahr The park is divided into 3 regions – the core zone, buffer zone and the tourist. Visitors are allowed only to the tourist area is in the region Rajamala. The Nilgiri Tahr can be observed at the end rooms here.
Trekking facilities are available here. Tourists are allowed to walk to Anamudi. This is also a place for adventure tourism.
Areas Trekking: Anamudi, Rajamala.
Power House Waterfalls (18 km from Munnar)
The waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a rock steep 2000 meters above sea level. The point is enriched with the scenic Western mountain ranges, and is an ideal place for a break on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.
Kundala (20 km from Munnar)
Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to the top station. The golf course belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is here. Kundala artificial dam is another attraction. Aruvikkad waterfall near Kundala.
CSI Christ Church
CSI Christ ChurchThe British Christ Church built in 1910 AD. Built of stone, the church is known for its stained glass. There are several bronze plaques placed in the church in memory of the tea planters.
IN THE ENVIRONMENT Munnar
AnayirankalAnayirangal (22 kms from Munnar):
It is a green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. Anayirangal The dam is surrounded by Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic spot.
Devikulam (7 kms from Munnar)
This idyllic hill station with velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air offers a unique rare for visitors. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal trout fishing.
Valara Falls
Valara (10 kms from Adimali in Kochi-Madurai highway)
Valara has a chain of waterfalls surrounded by thick green forests.
Marayoor (40 kms from Munnar)
This is the only place in Kerala that has natural growth of sandalwood trees. The sandalwood factory of the department forest, caves (muniyaras) with murals and relics from the New Stone Age civilization and the spread of children in the park through a hectare the glass surface of a single banyan tree are of great interest to tourists. Thoovanam waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also nearby. + More
Cheeyappara
The Cheeyappara and waterfalls are among Neriamangalam Valara and Adimali in Kochi – Madurai highway.
TopstationTop Station (32 kms from Munnar)
1700 meters above sea level, this is the highest point on the road Munnar-Kodiakanal. The rare Neelakurunji (strobilanthus) belongs to this region. Top Station (a viewpoint) also offers a panoramic view of the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu.
Echo Point (15 km from Munnar)
This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo is the point on the way to Munnar early in the season.
Meenuli
It stands for 2 hectares of forest evergreen on a huge rock. The rock is over 500 hectares and an ideal place for mountaineering.
Malankara Reservoir (6 kms from Thodupuzha)
Located on the Thodupuzha – Moolamattam road, this artificial lake Embalse isMalankara accessible by road. The reservoir is ideal for boating and fishing.
Thommankuthu waterfalls (17 kms from Thodupuzha)
The seven-step waterfall here is a much loved picnic spot. At every step there is a waterfall and a pool under. Thommankuthu is an ideal place for adventure tourism. (This is a complicated place and visitors are advised to be careful!)
Nadukani (25 kms from Idukki)
Moolamattam city, etc Malankara lake can be seen from the high pavilion situated here.
MountKalvari Kalvaria assembly
This is a famous pilgrimage center on the road to Kattapana.
Palkulamedu (12 kms from Idukki)
Kochi, Allapuzha and other nearby towns can be seen from this peak at 3125 meters on sea level.
Chithirapuram (10 kms from Munnar)
With its sleepy little houses, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still maintains the old world charm. Starting Pallivasal Hydel power project, this mountain village is also famous for its picturesque tea plantation.
RamakalmeduRamakalmedu (16 kms of Nedumkandam)
The green hills and fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of Bodi and Kambam on the eastern slope of Western ghats. One can enjoy the splendid beauty of nature. This is an ideal place for hikers and mountain climbers.
Chinna Wildlife Sanctuary (60 km from Munnar)
Located on the border of Tamil Nadu, the Shrine of Life Chinna Silvestre spans 90.44 km ².
Giant Squirrel
Animals
Most of the Southern Indian wild animals can be found in this forest. These include the giant squirrel gray squirrel champal, elephant, sambar deer, gaur etc.
Rare BirdBirds
birds of the jungle starling, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl, etc.
Access
Munnar – 60 km road Udumalpetta
Coimbatore – Udumalpetta – 100 km Road Chinna
Cochin – 190 km Chinna
Parambikulam via Pollachi – Chinna through 60 km Udumalpetta
Kottayam – 250 km Chinna
Time travel
0700 – 1800 hrs. registration passes are available in the office of Deputy Conservator of Forests or the Check Post Information Counter.
Enabling Authority
Wildlife Warden, Idukki Wild Division, Painav / Wildlife DFO, Munnar.
Trekking Routes
Palapetty, Champaka
Karimuty – Inchapetty
Karimuty – Alampetty
High Range Club
Charmingly colonial style, this clubhouse built of wicker and teak still serves as a social center for the operation – the farmers of the region threw around Munnar. The club houses an elegant lounge and dining room, the gentleman is mandatory bar, a billiard room, library, etc. Entry is limited to members only.
Trekking Points in Munnar
Anamudi, Rajamala, Meesapulimala, top station, Kundala, Devikulam.
Tours Tourism
Visits are arranged infornation District Tourism Office, Thekkady Jn., Kumili. Tours cover spice plantations, herb gardens, tribal settlements, other places in and around Munnar etc.
Tourist Circuits in Munnar
Munnar – Mattupetty Dam – Indo Livestock Project Switzerland – Echo Point – Kundala Dam – Top Station (34 km).
Munnar – Pothamedu – Chitirapuram – Pallivasal – Cheyappara – Adimali – Valara (40 km).
Munnar – Rajamala – Marayoor – Chinna (70 km).
Munnar – Devikulam – Lock Heart Gap – Power House Waterfalls – Anayirankal (32 km).
Housing Options
Luxury
1 Munnar Tea County 4 stars Rs.3, 500 to 6000
2 Chinnakannal 4-star Club Mahindra Rs.5, 000 to 15,000
Cloud 9 3 3 stars Naduparai Rs.2, 400 to 3400
4 Sienna Village 3 stars Chinnakannal Rs.1, 800-2500
5 golf oak Pothamedu 3 stars Rs.2, 200 to 2400
6 Eastend Munnar 3 star Rs.1950 – 2300
7 Issacs Residency 3 star Munnar Rs.1, 250 to 2500
Chancellor Resorts 8 Chinnakannal 3 stars Rs.1, 500 to 3500
9 West Wood Munnar 3 star Rs.1, 350 to 2350
10 Law Centres 3 stars Chinnakannal Rs.1, 700 to 2400
Six Resorts Holliday 11 B Latchmi Est. 3 Star Rs.1, 500 to 2000
12 Fort Munnar 3 star Chinnakannal Rs.5, 000 to 11,000
13 Deshadan Luxury Mountain Resort Potemedu Rs.2, 750 to 4000
SN. Resorts / Hotels Location Tariff Classification
Deluxe
14 Las Palmas Classic Devikulam Rs.900-1, 650
15 Spring Dale Resorts Budget Devikulam Rs.650 – 5300
Lonely Planet Devikulam 16 Budget Rs.750 – 5000
Munnar Munnar 17 Classic Inn Rs.1, 200 to 1500
18 See Munnar Hill Classic Rs.750 – 2500
Elysium Gardens Munnar 19 Classic Rs.600 – 2500
Classic 20 SNAnnex Munnar Rs.950 – 2000
21 SNTourist Home Budget Munnar Rs.850 – 2000
22 Munnar Munnar Tourist Home Budget Rs.900 – 3000
23 Misha Munnar Tourist Home Budget and Classic Rs.480 – 1300
24 Mount View Resorts Dom Pullivasal Budget Rs.950 – 2000
SN. Resorts / Hotels Location Tariff Classification
Economy
25 Tea Garden Resorts Munnar Cheap Rs.450 – 1200
Cheap Dhanyasree 26 Munnar Rs.550 – 1500
courtesy
www.myhappyjourney.com
About the Author
Karthikeyan
www.myhappyjourney.com
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