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
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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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