Destination Overview
Emerald Tea Sanctuaries and Rolling Western Ghats Peaks
Munnar gets its name from the Malayalam words Munnu (three) and Aaru (rivers), signifying its geographical position at the confluence of the Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundaly mountain streams in Kerala's Idukki district. Rising 1,600 meters above sea level, it was once the summer resort of the British Government in South India.
Endless expanses of neatly sculpted tea plantations carpet the undulating hillsides, broken only by silver waterfalls, aroma-filled cardamom gardens, and winding mountain roads. Wildlife lovers can spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr along the high slopes of Eravikulam National Park, which also shelters Anamudi (2,695 m), the highest peak in South India.
The Madurai to Munnar road trip via Usilampatti, Theni, Bodinayakanur, and the recently upgraded Bodi Mettu ghat pass is widely recognized as one of South India's most scenic drives. With Rithish Tours & Travels, you enjoy comfortable door-to-door cab travel with chauffeurs well-versed in ghat navigation and Kerala border permits.