Munnar, a favorite summer resort of the colonial times is one of the most enthralling hill station in India is located in Idukki District, of the Southern State of Kerala popularly known as ‘God's Own Country'. With its high altitude extensive tea plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, picture book towns, winding lanes, lakes, dams and water falls, Munnar is today a cynosure of tourists worldwide. Munnar is essentially a tea town and the visitor is greeted with miles and miles of unending tea plantations. Munnar is located at the confluence of three mountain streams Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi - which towers over 2695 meters above sea level.

History

In the year 1790, the Duke of Wellington became the first European to visit these hills. Later in 1870, the Poonjar Chief leased out 588 sq. kms. to J D Munro, a Scottish tea planter. During the British Rule of India, Munnar was developed to cultivate tea plants. At that time, most of the people around the area were employed as laborers for the various plantations. The British, proudly called ‘Managers' in Munnar, occupied most of the top positions. A few bungalows were built for them and these are still used. It is also believed that Munnar was a favorite place for those of the British and it was sometimes referred to as the 'Switzerland of India' for its natural surroundings and old world architecture. In year 2000, the Government of Kerala declared Munnar as a tourist spot.