Munnar is located on the eastern side of the Indian state of Kerala high in the Kennan Devan Hills. There are many reasons for this city’s popularity among tourists, not least of which is the beautiful mountainous landscape that borders the city.

Time Magazine has in the past recommended Munnar as “one of the best destinations in the world”. Pretty tea plantations stretching across the hillsides, low-riding clouds clipping the mountain peaks and nature’s abundance of colours combined with the cultural wealth and architectural diversity of the city are just some of the reasons why visitors are attracted to Munnar.

The area of Munnar is one of the top tea production centres in all of India. It was British settlers who first cleared the land to grow tea and the industry is still booming to this day. Interestingly, it is also one of the highest locations in the world where tea is grown.

Munnar is located only 130kms from Kochi, one of India’s major port towns, and 140kms from Kottayam. One of the most striking yet calming features of the area is the colour green. Wide-spanning areas of verdant land stretch as far as the eye can see, with hundreds of shades of green blending together in spectacular glory.

Many find it difficult to move away from the surrounding beauty that entrances and enthralls both locals and foreigners alike. Outdoor retreats and adventure sports are the main activities. A trip around any one of the local tea estates will offer you interesting insight into the production of this beverage, enjoyed by millions around the world. Nature treks, trails and retreats at a lake, forest or reservoir offer the perfect outdoor trips for groups and families. For those who like to enjoy nature from a slightly more adventurous perspective, paragliding provides a breathtaking way to take in the landscape.

Whatever your interests, there are few who can argue that Munnar is possibly one of the world’s most unspoilt and stunning destinations in the world, where time moves at an enjoyably slow pace.

Munnar’s written history can be traced back to the 10^th century. However, archaeological relics dating back to prehistoric times suggest that the area may have been inhabited as early as the Stone Age.

Munnar, in the language of Tamil, means ‘three rivers’. This name refers to its location at the confluence of three gently trickling mountain rivers.

The late 1700s saw the migration of the Tamilian people known as Muthuvans to the area, followed shortly after by the first European traveller, the Duke of Wellington. It was not until near the end of the 1800s that the first tea plantations were created in the previously untouched mountain lands. JD Munro, a British lawyer, signed a lease for 500sqkm of land to begin production.

At the time, the process of clearing the slopes for this purpose was a large task for the foreign settler to undertake. However, Munro took it on with great fervour and to this day the area remains one of India’s most successful and largest centres for the production of tea. In 1976, the land was sold to Tata-Finlay Ltd and again in 1983 to Tata Tea Ltd, which is the world’s largest integrated tea company.

Munnar’s land and the lifestyles of its inhabitants have been left greatly untouched by global modernisation. Visitors are often astounded by the spectacular beauty found here and indeed by the relaxed pace of life. Recently hotels and other tourist amenities have been erected but fortunately this has not spoilt the unique splendour of this natural oasis.

The climate of Munnar is often a fabulous respite from the high humidity, soaring temperatures and surrounding pollution of lower lying cities such a Kochi. In winter months, temperatures can fall quite dramatically. There is no central heating and most warmth is found in outdoor fires, providing a special atmosphere reminiscent of being on a camping trip. Winter is a great time to travel to the area, as the rains of the monsoons have eased, the air is clear and crisp, and the people have a certain special energy about them.

Monsoon season in Munnar should be avoided if at all possible. Rains fall continuously for days and the lands are a messy mud-covered backdrop. The months of June to September see the heaviest rainfall and although the area is still wonderfully picturesque, there is little that can be done when the rain is constantly flowing.

If travelling during winter, make sure to pack a few winter woollies. Layering clothing is also a very useful way to maintain your body heat. Lighter sweaters and tops can be brought along for evening use during the warmer summer months.