Places to Visit
The environs and tourist places in and around Kanthalloor are absolutely captivating, picturesque and sure to leave you with a bag full of beautiful memories and aspirations. This is an ideal opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Kanthalloor and surroundings while staying at Olive Gardens, Kanthalloor. Olive Gardens is ideally located to reach all the places by car, Jeep or public transport.
Marayoor Sandalwood Forests
Marayoor is the only place in Kerala with natural growth of sandalwood trees. This is located at around 42 kms north of Munnar through the Udumalppetta route. The sandal wood factory by Kerala forest department is situated here. Rajiv Gandhi Childrens park, a park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single banyan tree is another attraction. Marayoor is also famous for its renowned jaggery, 'Marayur Sharkara. This is the sweetest one in India having 97% sugar. Another speciality of this jaggery is that it is made in the farm itself in a traditional manner without any machinery.
Marayoor Dolmens
Dolmens in Marayoor dates back to the stone age and in Malayalam the dolmens are called as Muniyaras or dwelling places of the Sadhus . Dolmens were created using slabs of rock, three for the sides and the fourth slab placed on top of these three as a roof. There are dolmens with 5 rock slabsas as well where the 5th stone slab acts as front wall with an opening as entrance. Marayoor Dolmens are accessible from road only at Kovilkadavu which is in the Marayoor Kanthalloor route at a distance of 48 kilometers from Munnar and at Pius Nagar which is at a distance of 50 kilometers from Munnar.
Kundala Dam (Kundala Lake)
A picturesque place situated 14 kms away from Kanthalloor, by jeep trekking through the forest route of Mannavan shola. This route can also used to reach Munnar which is 20 kms away. Kundala Sethu Parvathi dam, built in 1946 as a part of Pallivasal hydroelectric project, is Asia’s first arch dam. A narrow road on the top of the dam gives a panoramic view of the catchment area. Boating, Speed Boating and Pedal Boating facilities are available here. Neela Kurunji flowers which blooms once in twelve years, in the hills and valleys around Kundala lake.
River Pambar
The famous Pambar River originates in the Anamudi Hills and flows between Kanthalloor and Marayoor Villages and flowing towards east. It becomes the Amaravathi River in Tamil Nadu, reaches the Amaravathi Reservoir and eventually joins the Kaveri River near Karur. The total drainage area of the Pambar basin including that of Vattavada river within Kerala state is 384 sq.km.
Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty dam is located 13 km away from Munnar, a concrete gravity dam is built between the hill ranges and it is used mainly for water storage for hydroelectric projects. The Mattupetty Dam and Lake are celebrated tourist spots with an excellent view of the lake and tea plantations spread out to a wider area. The most attractive part of Mattupetty dam is its still water which reflects the tea gardens in the mountains around. Boating facilities are available to provide the visitors with an amazing experience and elephants are often seen here.
Eravikulam National Park & Rajamala
On the way to Munnar from Marayoor is Eravikulam National Park which is the home for very rare and endangered Nilgiri Thar. Rajamala region is the tourism zone of the Eravikulam National Park. This area has a healthy population of the great Indian Nilgiri Tahr. No visitor is allowed beyond the tourist area due to security reasons. The park closes during February-March for about 30 to 45 days and tourists won't be allowed inside. The park opens at 07:00 in the morning and closes by 18:00 in the evening and please expect long queues on public holidays and weekends for entry tickets.
Chinnar Wild life Sanctuary
Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is about 60 kms from Munnar, situated on SH 17 in the Marayoor and Kanthalloor Panchayats. Chinnar is recognized as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984 due to its ecological, floral, geomorphological and cultural significance. The 90 sq km sanctuary is home to a large number of mammals, reptiles and avid fauna. Wildlife at Chinnar includes elephants, gaurs, spotted deer, sambar deer, leopards, Tigers, langurs, peacocks, and many other species of animals and birds. The most spectacular of all the animals here is the Western Ghats endemic “Giant Grizzled Squirrel”, which is on the verge of extinction in most parts of India.
The Anaimudi Sholai National Park
Formerly known as the Mannavan Chola is the evergreen forest surrounding Kanthalloor and it is the largest shola forest (Evergreen Rain forest) in Peninsular India. This 7.5 sq.km of unique ecosystem is the haven of many rare and common species of animals like elephants, panther, bison, tahr, gaur, sambar, deer, giant grizzled squirrel, hanuman langur, sloth bear flying squirrels, birds and plants. The giant tree ferns found in this forest are unique and existed on earth from the time of Dinosaurs. it was notified as a reserved forest through an order of the Government of the erstwhile Travancore State on October 22, 1901.
Anamudi
Anamudi is the highest peak in the Western Ghats and South India and is situated 2695 meters above the sea level and is one of the most enchanting sights in Munnar. Anamudi is located in the southern region f the Eravikulam National Park at the junction of the Cardamom hills, Anamala hills and Palani Hills. The nearest town to the peak is Munnar , about 13km from it. The place is ideal for trekking and offers many activities if you love to explore something adventurous as it is the highest point in India outside Himalayas. Anamudi is inside the Eravikulam National Park hence it is prohibited for tourists.
Top Station
Top Station is a view point at the highest altitude in Munnar and is located at a distance of almost 40+ kms from Munnar and it is 1,880 meters above sea level. The panoramic view of the Western Ghats and the valley of Theni from Top station is simply breathtaking. The drive to top station is pretty long but the drive has beautiful views, tea gardens and two dams on the way. You need to be very lucky to reach top station when the sky is clear without fog . It rains in Munnar frequently as a result of which fog covers the beautiful views from Top station.
Pothamedu ViewPoint
You can watch the beauty of the Munnar mist that is engulfing the green hills from Pothamedu View point. Located at a distance of 4.5 km from Munnar on NH49, the drive to the Pothamedu Viewpoint takes you over an old bridge and narrow roads and the views during the drive is also very scenic. The vantage point offers a panoramic view of Munnar and adjoining valleys, Muthirapuzha river and Idukki arch dam. August to May is the preferable time to visit the Pothanmedu. For those who loves adventrue sports, Pothamedu Viewpoint offers hiking and trekking opportunities.
Echo Point
Echo Point is located 15 km away from Munnar on the way to Top Station, lying on the banks of a beautiful river. This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Go there and scream as loud as you can and wait for a minute. You can hear your echo back! It’s quite interesting especially for children.
Lock Heart Gap
Lockhart Gap is about 13 km away from Munnar and situated close to Mattupetty is an ideal place for adventure trekking activities. This tourist spot in Munnar has fresh mountain air, mist clad tea garden hills and panoramic view of valleys and plantations. The sights would be much prettier during the evening’s when the whole surroundings get illuminated in the orange glow by sun.
Meesapulimala
Meesapulimala is the second highest peak in the Western Ghats on the Indian subcontinent after Anamudi. Its peak is 2,640 metres (8,661 ft) above sea level. If you are into hiking, then Meesapulimala trekking will be a good activity to do in Munnar. The trek starts from a place called silent valley and goes in between the tea gardens and forests. Get on top of Meesapulimala and if it is a cloudless day, you can see the beauty of Munnar Tea Gardens far and wide.
Thoovanam Waterfalls
This beautiful water fall is inside the Chinnar sanctuary. The water flow that creates the cascade is River Pambar. It's enchanting surroundings make this an excellent picnic spot, photo spots and trekking point. It is reachable by a jeep or a trek through the forest. The one hour trek starts from the Alampatty forest check post. From here, it takes about an hour to reach the waterfall and a guide is a must for this trek. You can enjoy the sights of wild flora and fauna here and you may get chance to sight a few animals during this trek. Waterfall trek tickets can be purchased at the check post.
Nyayamakad waterfalls
The Nyayamakad waterfalls are situated between Munnar and Rajamala and lie about 10 kms from Munnar. The water cascade down from a height of about 1600m and the area is an ideal picnic and trekking spot. The best time to visit the Nyayamakad waterfalls is between the months of October to April when one can enjoy pleasant yet erotic atmospheric beauty of Mother Nature.
Chinnakanal Waterfalls
Chinnakanal Waterfalls. and Power House waterfall are located 18 km away from Munnar. The origin of this beautiful waterfall, surrounded by green mountain ranges, is from the River Devikulam. The river got its name from the legend that Seetha Devi, wife of Lord Rama has taken a dip in this river. Best time to visit the falls is during post monsoon season. It is possible to reach the bottom of the falls by trekking down the hills.
Kuthumkal Waterfalls
Kuthumkal waterfall is 24 km away from Munnar and 6 km away from Rajakkad. Due to the high velocity of the water flow over the rock, the waterfalls always have a distinctive mist emerging effect. The falls are very close to the main road and accessible by easy trek
Attukad Waterfalls
Attukad Waterfalls is about 9 km away from Munnar, lying between Munnar and Pallivasal. The waterfalls can be seen from the road itself but its wild beauty can be enjoyed only by getting close to it. The walk up to the waterfall itself is a nice experience. This waterfall will be in its full glory only after the monsoon, It’s also a favourite location for trekkers and also for the nature loving photographers.t
Lakkam Waterfalls
Lakkam waterfalls. Located in the Munnar-Marayoor route (on the way to Udumalaipettai.), the waterfall is surrounded by ‘Vaka trees’ (albizia tree). The waterfall originates from the Eravikulam Plateau and is part of Eravikulam National Park. Though the stream creates lots of cascades, most of them are inaccessible. But, due to its visual treat, this destination is one of the most preferable destinations for the tourists.
TATA Tea Museum
Tata Tea Museum is located at the Nallathanni estate and the museum has curios and photographs that traces the growth and evolution of tea plantations in Munnar right from the tea sapling to an automated tea factory where it is processes. The Museum is a fitting tribute to the efforts put on by the initial planters in transforming one of the most popular hill stations and the epicentre of tea trade in Kerala : The entry fee to the Tata tea museum is Rs. 75 per person and you can enjoy a free cardamom tea along with the demonstration of the history of tea in Munnar. Anyone visiting this museum will get a clear picture of how laborious this tea processing really is.
Blossom Park
Blossom Hydel park, located around 3 km away from the Munnar Town, towards the old Munnar. This park is a part of the Sylvan hill resort of Munnar and is located nearby beautiful Muthirappuzha river and misty Kannan Devan hill Tea Estates. You can enjoy activities like Cycling, boating and roller skating as well as Hammocks& meditation caves . This is an ideal picnic spot for families who are looking for holidays with kids.