FROM the eyes of DR AJAY KUMAR OJHA: MUNNAR, KERALA

(All the images are subject to IPR)

Photo (c) Dr Ajay Kumar Ojha

FROM the eyes of DR AJAY KUMAR OJHA: 

MUNNAR, KERALA

Photo (c) Dr Ajay Kumar Ojha

Munnar is a hill station on the Western Ghats, a range of mountains situated in the Idukki district of the Indian state of Kerala.

The name Munnar is believed to mean "three rivers"  referring to the town's strategic location at the confluence of the Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers.

Photo(c) Dr Ajay Kumar Ojha

Munnar town is in Kannan Devan Hills ( KDH ) Village in Devikulam taluk and is the largest panchayat in the Idukki district having an area measuring nearly 557 km².

The nearest major railway stations are at Ernakulam and Aluva (approximately 140 kilometres (87 mi) by road). The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is 105 kilometres (65 mi) away.

Photo(c) Dr Ajay Kumar Ojha

 This green hill station is surrounded by the country's highest tea gardens. Layers and layers of tea estates, mountain mist, waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries make Munnar almost surrealistically beautiful. The lofty mountain ranges with misty peaks, sprawling tea estates and serene climate provides a quite and peaceful resort. 

Photo (c) Dr Ajay Kumar Ojha

This little sleepy village atop the western ghats is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams namely Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Panoramic views of lowflying clouds and mistfilled valleys make it a pretty little heaven with a cool, bracing climate. Misty mountain peaks blend harmoniously in Munnar to create a blissful atmosphere that is hard to describe.

Photo (c) Dr Ajay Kumar Ojha

Munnar is also famous for the wild orchids locally called Neelakurinchi which blooms once in 12 years. During this time the entire valley turns violet. It is also home to Nilagiri tahr, a rare breed of mountain goat. Munnar was once the summer resort of the British government in South India; it still wears the old charm of the British plantation days.

Photo (c) Dr Ajay Kumar Ojha

Munnar has a variety of attractions to feast your eyes like placid lakes, meandering streams, misty mountain peaks, sylvan valleys, rare orchids and wildlife. Plantation visits, treks, tea factory visits, cycling, boating, paragliding, day tours to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary etc. add to the excitement. Here you can also have a glimpse of gaur, langur, liontailed macaque, elephants and Nilgiri tahr that roam the stretch of grasslands or are seen climbing the pinnacles of the undulating hills.

Photo (c) Dr Ajay Kumar Ojha

Photo (c) Dr Ajay Kumar Ojha