Munnar

Travel to Munnar: History of Munnar

Munnar has an ancient history, and prehistoric remains dating back to the Stone Age have been discovered around the region. However, the written history of Munnar begins from around the 10th century onwards.

In Tamil, the word Munnar means “three rivers”, and as the town lies at the confluence of three mountain rivers, the name is appropriate. In 1790, the Duke of Wellington became the first European to visit the area. During this period, the Tamils, known as the Muthuvans, also migrated to Munnar and the surrounding areas.

In the early 19th century, Kannan Thevar, the head of the villages of Anchanad, held lands north of the high ranges, which belonged to the local Raja of Poojar.

In 1877, the chief of Poonjar, a subordinate of the Maharaja of Travancore, leased 588 square kilometres of land around Munnar to J. D. Munro, a British lawyer and tea planter.

The area was called Kannan Devan after Kannan Thevar. These lands were largely undeveloped, mostly unexplored and covered with dense forest.

Mr. Munro therefore had a huge task ahead of him, but he succeeded in clearing the land for tea production, and the plantations still exist today. According to records, however, the first tea sapling was planted by A. H. Sharp at Parvathi, part of the present Sevenmullay Estate, which at that time consisted of about 20 hectares of cleared land in the surrounding forest.

In 1895, M/s Finlay Muir purchased Munro's land and, almost 100 years later, in 1976, Tata-Finlay Ltd. acquired it. In 1983, James Finlay Group sold its remaining shares and the company was renamed Tata Tea Ltd., becoming one of the world's largest integrated tea companies.

Although many years have passed, the area continues to flourish, with both tea plantations and the remaining surrounding forests. Much of the natural environment remains untouched, providing a wonderful setting for a true Indian adventure, with numerous tourist activities and charming hotels to accommodate visitors who now come to this popular hill destination.

How to Reach Munnar

By Air

The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport in Kochi, approximately 130 km from Munnar.

By Train

Kochi is the nearest major railway connection and is connected to all the major cities of India.

By Road

Munnar is accessible by road from most cities and towns in Kerala. You can also reach Munnar from Coimbatore, approximately 6 hours away, or from Madurai, also around 6 hours away, in Tamil Nadu.

You can also hire a private car with a driver for greater comfort and freedom during your journey.

Accommodation at Best Western Fort Munnar

The eco-friendly Best Western Fort Munnar is a four-star hotel located in this beautiful hill station. The hotel offers impressive views of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations covering the surrounding slopes.

The hotel is surrounded by a serene forest that is home to some of the most exotic spices, many of which are later exported around the world.

If you stay at Best Western Fort Munnar, you can enjoy a splendid view of Anayirangal Lake. One of the distinctive features of the hotel is its location at an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet above sea level.

Stay at Best Western Fort Munnar

The architectural splendour of Best Western Fort Munnar makes it a distinctive landmark in Munnar. The hotel presents the appearance of an authentic colonial fort and is a good choice for your next trip to India.

Guests can choose from Deluxe, Executive Mountain View, Executive Lake View, Executive Suite and Royal Suite rooms. There are a total of 26 luxury rooms and 4 suites. An extra-person accommodation option is also available.

All rooms are fully equipped with beautiful wooden flooring and modern furniture. It is a good accommodation option for a comfortable stay in Munnar.

Shopping in Munnar

Munnar is not particularly known as a shopping destination but is famous for its tea and spice plantations. However, tourists do not need to be disappointed, as there is plenty of tea and spices to explore and purchase in Munnar.

In Munnar, you can find various factories, shops and outlets where you can buy tea and spices, which also make ideal gifts. If you are a tea connoisseur, you can choose from different varieties and flavours of tea. You can also take home some tea leaves directly from the factory as a souvenir.

If you are looking for a place with a wider variety of shops, you can stop in Kochi, where you can buy beautiful traditional handicrafts from Kerala.

Cuisine in Munnar

Like most places in Kerala, the basic diet in Munnar consists of rice and fish. Coconut is also widely used in many of the dishes prepared here.

Many homes prepare delicious South Indian dishes such as idli, sambar and vada. Most of the food is cooked in coconut oil. If you do not like its flavour, you can inform the hotel staff or cook so that less coconut oil is used.

The famous Kerala banana chips are also very tasty and are worth trying during your stay.

Hotels in Munnar

• Club Mahindra Lakeview Resort, Munnar
• Tea County, Munnar
• Deshadan Mountain Resort, Munnar
• Sterling Resort, Munnar
• Fort Munnar, Munnar
• Forest Haven Resorts, Munnar
• Mermaid Hotel, Munnar
• T & T Leisure Hotel, Munnar
• The Tall Trees Resort, Munnar
• Westwood Hotel, Munnar
• Munnar Tourist Home, Munnar
• Chancellor Resort, Munnar
• Igloo Nature Resort, Munnar
• Royal Retreat, Munnar

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