Munnar

Munnar

Munnar is a town in the Western Ghats mountain range in India’s Kerala state. A hill station and former resort for the British Raj elite, it's surrounded by rolling hills dotted with tea plantations established in the late 19th century. Eravikulam National Park, a habitat for the endangered mountain goat Nilgiri tahr, is home to the Lakkam Waterfalls, hiking trails and 2,695m-tall Anamudi Peak.

Elevation: 1,700 m

Area: 187 km²

Weather: 24°C, Wind E at 10 km/h, 27% Humidity

Population: 38,471 (2001)

Local time: Saturday 1:52 PM

Area code: 04865

Mattupetty (13 km from Munnar)

Situated at a height of 1700 Mts ,Mattupetty tourist spot munnar Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialised dairy farm, the Indo-swiss live stock project. Over 100 varietes of high yielding cattle are reared here.Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm

Visit Time : 0900 - 1100 hrs and 1400 - 1530 hrs.

Rate : Rs. 5/- per head. ( liable to change)

The Mattupetty lake and dam , just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed Launch and slow speed motor boats are available on hire.

Pothamedu (6 km from Munnar)

Pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.

Devikulam (7 km from Munnar)  Devikulam tourist place in munnar

This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.

Pallivasal (8 km from Munnar)

This is the venue of the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala and a place of immence scenic beauty.

Attukal (9 km from Munnar)

A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treks.

Nyayamakad (10 km from Munnar)

Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters. The enchanting surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.

Chithirapuram (10 km from Munnar)

With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old world charm. Home of the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.

Lock Heart Gap (13 km from Munnar)

This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.

Rajamala (15 km from Munnar)

The natural habitat of the Niligiri tahr ,Rajamala tourist spot Rajamala is 2695 Mts above sea level. Half the world's population of the rare mountain goat or tahr which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here.The Niligiri tahr in Rajamala are now to be found in small herds found in Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Niligiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated to be over 1300.

Visiting Time : 0700 - 1800 hrs.

Visitors are not allowed during the monsoon.

Entry Pass : Rs. 10 for adults, Rs. 5 for children below 12 years, Rs. 50 for foreigners.( liable to change)

Permitting Authority : Wild Life DFO, Munnar.

Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar)

The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam Eravikulam National Park munnarTaluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695 Mts) is located in the Southern region of the park.

Originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex), the Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. It covers an area of 97 sq kms of rolling grasslands and high level sholas (evergreen forests). The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world.Eravikulam National Park

eravikulam national park

Eravikulam national park is spread over an extensive area of 97 sq km along the crest of Western Ghats in the high ranges of Idukki district. Located 15 km from Munnar, it is one of most important tourist destinations in Kerala. The national park is managed by the Kerala Department of Forest and Wildlife, Munnar.

Most of the areas of the national park are consistent hill plateau. So, you can see only high rolling slopes here. The highest peak is Anamudi (2690m). The forests you see here are commonly known as ‘shoals’ – evergreen tropical and sub tropical moist broadleaf forest. You can locate small streams here, which later merge to form tributaries to Periyar and Chalakudy rivers. Lakkom waterfalls are located in this region.

eravikulam national park

In 1975 Eravikulam was declared as a wildlife sanctuary and then in 1978 it was given the status of a National park. The main motive behind this was to protect the rare Nilgiri Tahr and Hemitragus Hylocrious, which are common here. But now the park is home to numerous protected species of flora and fauna.

The national park is divided into three areas - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. In which, the Rajamalai is known to be the tourism area of the park. Here, the tourists are allowed to travel deep into the forest to explore the hidden beauty of the environment around. Private vehicles are not allowed inside. Only few mini buses are operated inside in order to control the environment pollution. The trips are organized by the forest department.

eravikulam national park

The park has a rare collection of varieties of trees and shrubs. You can find here climax grasslands. The sight of variety of orchids is one of the specialties of this park. Apart from Nilgiri Tahr, one can find around 26 different species of mammals at this park. A number of elephants, langur and marten can be found here. About 120 species of birds like black and ornage flycatcher, Nilgiri pipit, Nilgiri wood pigeon, white bellied shortwing and Kerala laughing thrush can be spotted at Eravikulam National Park.

eravikulam national park

Entry fee for Indians: Rs. 15/head

Entry fee for Foreigners: Rs. 200/head

Entry fee for children below 12 years and for Bonafied students: Rs. 5/head

10 Things to do in munnar

1.            Stroll past the estates

Stroll past the estates MunnarA walk through the aromatic tea gardens, scenic hills covered with green foliage and a camera in hand; there cannot be a better way to spend your evening!

2.            Admire the splashing water streams

Admire the splashing water streams MunnarMunnar is dotted with majestic waterfalls that are surrounded by beautiful mountains of Western Gats

3.            Go trout fishing amidst tea estates

Go trout fishing amidst tea estates MunnarA pleasant hill station replete with soothing greenery, Devikulam, quit close to Munnar has many tea gardens. Trout anglers may dip their fishing rods in the shimmering waters of Sita Devi Lake and enjoy abarbeque.

4.            Meet the Nilgiri Tahr

Meet the Nilgiri Tahr MunnarThe Eravikulam National Park shelters the rare Nilgiri Tahr, which is very near to extinction. They are friendly, docile and naturally tamed. Pat them or pose for pictures with them; you'll surely have plenty to brag about back home after meeting them!

5.            Talk to yourself

Talk to yourself MunnarStand at the eco point, shout at your highest pitch and hear your voice coming back to you. The natural echo phenomenon here gives the place its name.

6.            Learn the art of tae making

Learn the art of tae making MunnarVisit the century-old tea factories where you can taste and pick up the finest tea in the country. Of most interest is the Tata Tea Museum where you can witness tea-processing.

7.            Visit the Top Station Viewpoint

Visit the Top Station Viewpoint MunnarTop Station is the highest point on Munnar-Kodaikanal Road. Home to the rare Neelakurunji (Strobilanthud) flower that blooms every 12 years, it offers a panoramic view of Tamil Nadu.

8.            Turn on the adventurer in you

Turn on the adventurer in you MunnarChoose from an array of adventure sports that range from rock climbing, rappelling to paragliding and even cycling. Due to its natural beauty, Munnar is even more exciting for such activities.

9.            Click at the photo point

Click at the photo point MunnarThis small place near the Mattupetty Dam is surrounded with woods and has a small stream that make for a picture perfect location.

10.          Indulge at the Blossom International Park

Indulge at the Blossom International Park MunnarThe park with its meticulously planned garden, blooming flower-beds and beautiful surroundings is a popular hangout for nature lovers..

GLIMPSES

One of the most popular hill stations in India, Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 Mts above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India

Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience. Munnar is essentially a tea town. The tea plantations have now been taken over by the Tata Tea Company. The visitor is greeted with miles and miles of unending tea plantations on entry into Munnar. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji a flower which bathes the hills in blue colour once in twelve years. The Neelakurinji, will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi - which towers over 2695 Mts and is an ideal spot for campers who like to do some trekking.

The Duke of Wellington is reputed to have been the first European visitor to Munnar, in 1790, but this is unlikely. In the early 19th century, the headman of the villages of Anchanad, just to the North of the high ranges was named Kanan Thevar. It is said that travelers from Madurai to the West coast passed through these villages and named these hills after him.

An entry in the diary of Madras army Lieutenant made in 1817 describes a bullock-road heading across the Kanan Devan hills into Coimbatore.

In 1877-79, the Poonjar Chief, a subordinate prince to the Maharaja ofTravancore, leased a large tract of land comprising 588 sq. km. to a lawyer in the employee of the Travancore Government named J. D. Munro. This tract, henceforth called the Kanan Devan Concession Land, was completely undeveloped, largely unexplored, and covered with thick jungle full of wild elephants and tigers.

In Conjunction with Munro and H. G. Turner of the Madras Civil Service was founded the North Travancore Land Planting and Agricultural Society, whose members developed their own estates in various parts of the High Ranges. This first cultivation was undertaken by A. W. Turner near Devikulam lake in 1877. The pioneers tried many crops such as coffee, cinchona, sisal and cardamom before discovering tea, the product best suited to the area.The first tea plant was planted by A. H. Sharp at Parvathi, now in Sevenmullay estate, but then a 20 hectares (50 acres) clearing in an immense jungle. In 1893-95, the concession area was purchased by Muir and Co. which later became James Finlay & Co. Ltd.

The original route to the Anamellen's was cut out of the jungle in 1858 by Congreve and Macpherson, and it led to what are now Veloine & Valparai Estates. The first plantation was 20 hectares (50 acres) of coffee put out in 1897 by "Carver" Mersh. E. J. Martin introduced tea a few years later and cardamom, cinchona and rubber were also added. The latter has now been mostly abandoned.

The Kanan Devan Hills Produce Company was formed in 1897, and together with other subsidiaries of the Glasgow, UK - based Finlays Group, namely, the Anglo-American Direct Tea Trading Company and the Amalgamated Tea Estates Company it opened or came to purchase 33 estates in the high range and 9 in the the Anamallais.

In 1964 a collaborative venture between Finlays and Tatas was established to develop value-added tea, and in 1976 Tata-Finlays Ltd purchased the black tea producing/marketing operation and other interests. The name of the company was changed to Tata Tea Ltd. in 1983 when Finlays sold their remaining share holdings including the considerable landholdings and manufacturing facilities in Northeastern India. Tata Tea Ltd. justifiably claims to be the largest integrated tea company in the world, with activities spanning the entire spectrum of the industry.

MUNNAR FACT FILE

Location               Idukki District on the high ranges of the Western Ghats

Altitude                5000-8000 ft above sea level.

Area      26.2 sq. km.

Temperature     0°C - 25° C

(Summer : 15.2°C - 25°C

Winter : 0°C - 10° C

Rainfall 275 cm

Best time to visit              September to May

Clothing               Woolen and cotton

Languages spoken           Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi and English.

Boundaries         North : Coimbatore

South : Pallivassal Panchayath

East : Vattavada Panchayath

West : Kuttampuzha Panchayath

Waterfalls in Munnar

munnar waterfalls

Munnar in Kerala is blessed with several destinations which are capable enough to make your journey most memmorable. Among them, the majestic waterfalls of Munnar stand unique with its pristine beauty and attractiveness. Some of the famous waterfalls of Munnar are Lakkam waterfalls, Attukal waterfalls, Nyayamakad waterfalls, Chinnakkal waterfalls, Kuthumkal waterfalls, Cheeyappara waterfalls, Valara waterfalls and Thoovanam waterfalls.

Lakkam waterfalls

lakkam waterfalls in munnar

A five minutes drive from the Munnar town will take you to the closest waterfall to the Munnar town, Lakkam waterfalls. Located in the Munnar-Marayoor route, the waterfall is surrounded by ‘Vaga trees’. The waterfall originates from the Eravikulam Plateau. 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.

Attukal waterfalls

attukal waterfalls in munnar

The waterfall lays 9 km away from the Munnar town, on the way to Pallivasal. It is one of the most attractive destinations, which you should not miss while planning a trip to Munnar. Attukal offers the beauty of water falling from the top of the mountain. The sight of the roaring water and the rolling hills around is something which you can never delete from your memories. You can also plan trekking along the hill slopes of this waterfall.

Nyayamakad waterfalls

nyayamakad waterfalls in munnar

Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a breathtaking waterfall. It is placed around 10 km away from Munnar. The water cascade down from a height of about 1600m and the area is an ideal picnic and trekking spot. The beautiful waterfall is surrounded with lush green forest, which will be a perfect spot for those who love adventure and want to have a trekking experience. Visit Nyayamakad after monsoon, as the weather will be perfect during summer and winter.

Chinnakanal Waterfalls

chinnakanal waterfalls in munnar

Chinnakanal or Power House waterfall is 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 Sita Devi, wife of Lord Rama has taken a dip in this river. The uniqueness of Chinnakanal waterfalls is the green nature around, which attracts tourists from all over the world. The surrounding green plantations gives a classic look to the waterfalls.

Kuthumkal waterfalls

kuthumkal waterfalls in munnar

A charming picnic spot for the tourists, 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. This lovely picnic spot in Munnar attracts thousands of tourists every year. Kuthumkal waterfalls will be an ideal place for you and your family to spent some quality time and get your mind and soul refreshed.

Cheeyappara waterfalls

cheeyappara waterfalls in munnar

Cheeyappara waterfalls lie on the Kochi­ Madurai highway between Neriamangalam and Adimali in Idukki district. It is around 40 km away from Munnar. The water here cascades down in seven steps, which is a delightful sight. This place is also famous for trekking. The Cheeyapara waterfalls is situated approximately 1000 feets above the sea level. It is very easy to reach this picturesque spot as it is very well connected to the nearby cities.

Valara waterfalls

valara waterfalls in munnar

Like the Cheeyappara falls, Valara waterfall is also located between Neriamangalam and Adimali. Valara has a chain of waterfalls which is surrounded by thick green forests. The waterfall is around 42 km away from Munnar. Here the water cascades from a height of 1000 m, which itself is a treat to your eyes. Another interesting fact of Valayar is that the Thottiyar Hydroelectric Project of Kerala Electricity Board is very close to Valayar waterfalls.

Thoovanam waterfalls

thoovanam waterfalls in munnar

Deep inside the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary lays the Thoovanam waterfalls. The waterfalls is created by River Pambar. You have to take a trek into the forest in order to reach the waterfalls. It is around 60 km away from the Munnar town. You can enjoy the sights of wild flora and fauna here. This trekking experience itself makes Thoovanam different from other waterfalls in Munnar. The trek starts from Alampatty Forest check post and it will around one hour to reach the waterfalls.

 TEA PLANTATION

tea plantations in munnar Tea or Chai is the most widely drunk beverage in the whole world. The tea plant, Camellia Sansis, is a cultivated variety of a tree that has its origins in an area between India and China. There are three main varieties of the tea plant ­ China, Assam, and Cambodia ­ and a number of hybrids between the varieties. The China variety grows as high as nine feet (2.75 metres). It is a hardy plant able to withstand cold winters and has an economic life of at least 100 years.

The Assam variety, a single­stem tree ranging from 20 to 60 feet (6 to 18 metres) in height. Regular pruning keeps its height to a more manageable 4 to 5 feet tall. It has an economic life of 40 years with regular pruning and plucking. When grown at an altitude near that of Darjeeling (Assam) or Munnar (Kerala), it produces tea with fascinating flavours , sought after around the globe. The Cambodia variety, a single­stem tree growing to about 16 feet (five metres) in height, is not cultivated but has been naturally crossed with other varieties.

HISTORY OF TEA IN MUNNAR

Once, long back in 1857, a British resident named John Daniel Munro came to Munnar. Interestingly, he came here, not to start any plantations but to settle the border dispute between Travancore and the nearby states of Munnar. Now, by seeing the beauty of Munnar, he got attracted or else we can say he fell for the beautiful Munnar. Seeing the hilly areas of Munnar, an idea hit into his mind. After all, he had an interest on plantations and now Munnar seemed to be the best place for that.

Things were not so easy for him. Though Munnar was actually under the jurisdiction of Travancore, the place was the Jenmam land of Poonjar royal family. Daniel approached the Poonjar royal family to lend land for him. Daniel was accompanied by Kannan Thevar, the tribal chief of Anchunadu. At times Rohini Thirunal Kerala Varma Valiya Raja was the head of the royal family. Munro was successful in persuading the Raja.

Naturally his eyes got hit on the Kannan Devan Hills. He realized it as the best place to start plantations. He bought the land from the royal family. In 1879, Munro formed North Travancore Land Planting & Agricultural Society. The society members started cultivation on coffee, cardamom, cinchona etc. Later all these crops were abandoned and they began to concentrate upon tea plantations. A W Turnor was the one who started plantation in Munnar.

But it was neither Munro nor Turnor, who started tea cultivation in Munnar, but was A H Sharp, a European planter in 1880. He started tea cultivation in the 50 acres land at Parvathy. Now the land belongs to the Seven Mallay Estate. There was another setback in 1895, that Finley Muir and Company bought 33 estates in Munnar. These estates were later managed by Kannan Devan Hills Produce Company, which was formed in 1897.

Now, in the year 1964 this Finley group collaborated with the Tata group to form Tata­Finley group and Tata Tea Ltd was formed in 1983. It was in the year 2005 that Kannan Devan Hill Plantations Company Pvt Ltd was formed and Tata Tea transferred all its rights to the company. Thus started the grand history of tea in Munnar and today the company is the largest tea corporate in South India having an annual production of around 21 million kg of tea.

Munnar is always synonymous to tea plantation. A trip to Munnar will be incomplete without having a visit to these tea plantations. Munnar is a place known for its beautiful tea estates and tea cultivation. No one will return home without tasting or shopping the tea essence of Munnar.

Never miss to visit the Tea Museum at Munnar, while making a trip to Munnar. It is India's first ever tea museum, ideally placed at KDHP's (Kannan Devan Hill Plantation) Nallatanni Estate in Munnar. Here you can have a journey through the tea history of Munnar. Come and have a memorable trip to the tea valley of the Kashmir of South India...

MAIN SUB VARIETIES OF TEA

The tender light-leaved Assam

The less tender dark-leaved Assam

The hardy Manipuri and Burma types

The very large-leaved Lushai

The dark-leaved Assam plant from Upper Assam.

THE SPICES OF MUNNAR

Kerala history is closely linked with its commerce,Spice Shop which in turn was wholly dependant until recent times on its spice trade. Kerala was known for its spices and traders travelled here to trade and to gain control over this rich land. It is believed that the spice trade dates back to three thousand years. Pepper still remains the king of Kerala's spices, but the state also rich in cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and turmeric. As in the past , the state continues to be the spice capital of the world.

Over twelve varieties of spices including ginger, garlic, cardamom, vannilla, pepper, cinnamon, coffee, tea, clove and nutmeg is cultivated in Munnar and its neighbouring villages.

 Cardamom

Scientific name: Elletteria cardamomumCardamom Best altitude for cultivation : 1500 Mtsabove sea-level.

Temperature : 10°C - 25°C.

Rainfall required : 1500 mm.

Propagation : Seedlings and vegetative propagation.

Pollinating agent : The honey bee.

Harvest season : October to February.

A cardamom plant normally starts bearing capsules from the third year of planting. The harvested capsules are rubbed on wire mesh and polished before they are graded and stored in polythene-gunny bags to retain the green colour and to avoid exposure to moisture.

 Pepper

Scientific name : Piper nigrum

Temperature : Tolerance -10° C to 40° C. (Optimum -20°C to 30°C)

Rainfall required : 2500 mm.

Propagation : Stem cutting.Spice Shop

Important varieties : Panniyur -1, Karimunda, Kuthiravally, Arakkulam Munda, Balankotta and Kalluvally.

The pepper plant grows best in a warm and humid climate. Berries mature and are ready for harvest in about 180 to 200 days. Black pepper is produced by sundrying the mature pepper berries for 3 - 5 days after they are separated from the spikes by threshing and white pepper by retting mature berries in clean water for 5 - 7 days, removing the outer skin and drying the seed after thorough washing.

Clove

Scientific name : Eugenia caryophyllus

Clove trees begin to bear flowers 7-8 years after planting. Unopened flower buds are carefully picked when they turn from green to pink. The buds are then allowed to dry for 4-5 days till they become crisp and dark brown in colour.

 Vanilla

Scientific name : Vanilla fragrans :

Rainfall required : 1500 -3000 mm

Propagation : Shoot cutting.

Pollination : Artificial.

VanillaThe rostellum of the flower is pushed back with a pointed bamboo splinter and the overhanging anther is pressed against the stigma with the thumb, thus smearing pollen over it. The ideal time for pollination is 0600 to 1300 hrs.

A tropical orchid, this requires a warm climate with frequent rains. Vanilla grows best in uncleared jungle areas where it can get filtered sunlight. A creeper, the plant requires support up to height of about 135 cm. The plant usually begins to flower by the third year. The bean takes 10 to 12 months to reach full maturity.

 Cinnamon

Scientific name : Cinnamon zeylanicum

Cinnamon plants are ready for harvest about 3 years after planting. Harvesting is done twice in a year - in May and November. The bark of the cut down shoots is split on the day of harvest itself and dried in the sun for 2 - 5 days. The dry quills or bark are packed in bundles for trade. Leaves and tender twigs are used for extraction of oil by distillation.

 Nutmeg

Scientific name : Myristica fragransSpice Shop

The Nutmeg tree bears fruit throughout the year, but peak harvest season is from December to May. The nuts split open when the fruits are fully ripe. After dehusking, the red feathery aril (mace) is removed, flattened out and dried in the sun for 10 - 15 days. The nuts are dried separately for 4 - 8 weeks till the kernels rattle within the shells.

PLANTATIONS OF MUNNAR

Tea

Scientific Name : Camillia sinesis

Tea plantation South India are located on the Western Ghats, the eastern part of central Kerala and adjoining part of Tamil Nadu, usually at an elevation of 4300ft to 6200 ft. above sea level. The high ranges of Munnar were earlier known as Kannan Devan Hills, named after a certain Kanan Devan who had been a landlord in the Anchanad Valley on the Eastern side of the district. Tea cultivation started on the Nilgiris in 1832 on an experimental basis, and later in 1878 was taken up on the Kanan Devan Hills in Munnar. Today, tea is cultivated on 24,000 hectares of land in Munnar, Peermade and Devikulam areas with an annual yield of 50,000 metric tons.

Tea Processing

The tender tea leaves collected from the plantations are withered in hot air at the factory and then sent to the rollers. After being rolled into particles and fermented, they are fed into dries before they are ready to be packed.

Medicinal value of tea

Stimulates the central nervous system Leads to increased period of awakening Prevents drowsiness and dullness Keeps alert the intellectual faculties.

Coffee

Coffee cultivation in India dates back to 1600 AD Coffeewhen Ba Abadan, a Muslim saint from the holy city of Mecca brought 7 precious coffee seeds and sowed them in the Chandragiri Hills near Chikmangalore in Karnataka. The main varieties of coffee cultivated today are Robusta and Arabica. Coffee plantations occupy 15,400 hectares in Devikulam , Peermade, Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki. The average yield per hectare is 320 metric tons.

MUNNAR IN MEDIA

THE HINDU

Online edition of India's National Newspaper

Monday, Oct 30, 2006

Kumarakom-bird SanctuaryThe blossoming of neelakunrinji in the Munnar hills has been an occasion for celebration for nature lovers and artists alike.

Many have already been there and many more are planning to visit the hills in Munnar to savour the feast that nature has prepared for the eyes.

The creative artists have responded in their own fashion to capture in their favourite medium the delightful spectacle.

In all splendour

The splendour of the strobilanthus shrub that put out neelakurinji once in 12 years has also drawn filmmakers from across the world to Munnar, where the flowers have laid out a blue carpet on the hillsides and ravines.

The blossoming of the flowers has presented Rajan Chungath, who has made several documentaries on a wide range of subjects, with a colourful theme for another film.

His docu-film is titled Devaswapnathinde Azhakil Oru Neelakurinji Kakam.

Chungath's 23-minute documentary will be launched for screening by Forest Minister Benoy Viswom at Kannadikkal GLP School auditorium in Kozhikode at 6.30 p.m. on October 31.

Rajan Chungath, who besides directing the film also wrote its script, said about shooting the documentary in Munnar: "It is sad these lovely blossoms have a short life span of just three months. By November and December the flowers will be gone.

" It is going to be a long wait of 12 long years before the flowers bloom in Munnar hills once again. We can only pray the Munnar's hills will continue to be an ideal habitat for these flowers 12 years from also."

Other facets

The film, produced by Chandrakanth Vision, Edappal, besides capturing the splendour of the flowers also throws light on its history, environmental problems in Munnar, declaration of the hills as "kurinji sanctuary" and rendering of poems on neelakurinji by Sugathakumari and Tamil poet Serpi Balasubramaniam in the backdrop of the blue carpet prepared by the flowers in Munnar.

R Madhavan Nair

............................................................................................................................................ Neelakurinji helps tribespeople foster forest conservation

The forest department is taking pains to make our lives better: Tami, Tribesperson

Ajayan

Kochi: Till last year anybody and everybody who came to Munnar, set at an altitude of 6,000ft in Idukki district in Kerala, could make it to the nearby rolling grasslands of Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered mountain goats Nilgiri Tahr. The long queue of vehicles often led to a traffic jam and created much environmental pollution. But one can't do this any more. If one wants to take a peek at the mountain goats nibbling grass at Rajamala, part of the national park draped in clouds, one has to follow a code of discipline that the local tribes people and forest officials have introduced.

The tribes people, who have formed the eco-development committee (EDC), are now earning between Rs4,250 and Rs4,500 every month and spreading the message of conservation.

The trigger for the initiative was the massive tourist inflow when 'neelakurinji'—the blue flowers that bloom once in 12 years—blossomed in April 2006. The forest officials then introduced the systematic visitor management programme limiting the number of vehicles to conserve energy. It also set up its own fleet of vehicles to ferry tourists.

The Forest Development Agency (FDA), a co-operative of over 2,100 tribes people, was born with Roy P. Thomas, wildlife warden of Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary as the member secretary and CEO and P. Bennychan, field director of Periyar Tiger Reserve at Thekkady, as its chairman.

Different eco-development committees across Munnar were brought under the FDA. With financing from the State Bank of Travancore, six mini-buses were purchased that ferry tourists charging Rs20 per visitor. The blooming of the neelakurinji (strobilanthes kunthianum) last year drew over 4,50,000 visitors and in 10 months the seven-year maturity loan was cleared. Now the FDA owns all the six buses.

With an asset base of over Rs3 crore, this agency ploughs back its profit for the development of the community. This year, Rs10 lakh has been set aside for the development of 20 hamlets of tribes people. "The forest department is taking pains to make our lives better," says Tami, a tribesperson. "It is a small effort at teaching the people that they are capable of empowering themselves and their contribution to conservation is no small job," adds Roy.

"Even now, at the peak of this monsoon, we have 500 to 1,000 visitors daily," says K. Karuppasami, who had been plying private vehicles for seven years at Munnar. V. Manikandan and T. Anandaraj, two of his neighbours who have sold their jeeps that used to ferry tourists before the mini-buses took to the roads, have no regret. "We are not mere drivers anymore. We have been given special training by the forest officials in conservation," says Manikandan.

The tribes people now run an eco-shop, where besides refreshments, they also sell eco-friendly products spreading the message of conservation. Among the products sold are souvenirs, t-shirts and greeting cards. A few more such eco-shops are to come up at important tourism spots across Munnar, says Roy.

The forest department is also setting up small huts at various vantage points for the tourists and some of them will become functional when the tourism season kicks off at the end of monsoon. These will be owned and run by different eco-development committees of the area under FDA.

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