HISTORY OF MUNNAR

The region has been inhabited by hunter-gatherer tribals such as the Malayarayan and Muthuvan for thousands of years. It is believed that Colonel Arthur Wellesley, later known as the Duke of Wellington, was the first British individual to pass through Munnar during Tippu Sultan's campaign in Travancore, although there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. The initial survey of the area was conducted by Benjamin Swayne Ward in 1816-1817. Ward followed the Periyar into the Western Ghats and established a camp at the confluence of three rivers, which eventually led to the naming of Munnar.

Nearly 50 years later, Sir Charles Trevelyan, the Governor of Madras, instructed Col. Douglas Hamilton to explore the hill country in the western part of the Madras Presidency. Hamilton was specifically asked to provide advice on the feasibility of establishing sanatoria for the British in the South and developing revenue-earning projects without causing harm to the environment, as had occurred in Ceylon where coffee cultivation had negatively impacted the rainforest and paddy cultivation in the north-central rice bowl. Hamilton extensively explored the Ghats in the Munnar region. Fifteen years later, John Daniel Munro observed that a significant portion of Munnar's land was suitable for coffee plantations. Munro, along with Henry Turn and his half-brother AW Turner, acquired ownership of the Cardamom Hills from the Raja of Travancore and began clearing the forest around Devikulam in 1879. Subsequently, numerous other Europeans started establishing tea plantations in the area during the 1880s. Initially, these plantations had limited facilities and mainly consisted of straw huts.

Over time, roads were constructed to connect the hill region with the lowlands. Planters in Bodinayakanur, located in the western part of the Madras Presidency, obtained provisions from a local headman named Suppan Chetty. Suppan Chetty and his son, Alaganan Chetty (who later became a Member of the Legislative Assembly), continued to supply the tea estates in the region. By 1894, a total of 26 estates had been established in the hills, but all of them were experiencing financial losses. In 1897, the Kannan Devan Hills Corporation (KDHC) was registered as a separate company to manage the tea estates.

Kerala, located in the south-west state of India, is a renowned tourist destination known for its picturesque landscapes and natural beauty. One of the must-visit places in Kerala is Munnar, a charming hill station situated in the Idukki district. Once a favored summer retreat for the British, Munnar boasts a pleasant climate and breathtaking scenery. The mist-covered rolling hills, lush green plantations, and solitary houses nestled amidst the surroundings create a captivating ambiance that will surely captivate your heart. Munnar is particularly popular among honeymooners, nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and adventure seekers. Activities such as boating, trekking, and paragliding can be enjoyed here. It is a place where you can unwind and immerse yourself in the serene and tranquil atmosphere.

The name "Munnar" is derived from the Malayalam words "Moonu Aaru," which translates to "three rivers." This hill station is situated at the confluence of Kundaly, Nallathanni, and Madhurapuzha rivers. Munnar offers a refreshing escape from the humid coastal climate of the state. The valley's ethereal beauty, rolling hills, untouched forests, and cascading waterfalls will leave you spellbound. Munnar is also known for its rich biodiversity, making it a haven for nature lovers. The town is divided into two parts, namely Old Munnar and Munnar, with most hotels and guest houses located in Munnar and the tourist information office in Old Munnar.

If you're seeking a memorable travel experience, Munnar in Kerala is the perfect destination to explore. Its natural wonders and serene atmosphere will leave you with lasting memories.

Covering approximately 90 square kilometers, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated amidst the Western Ghats in Kerala. The sanctuary falls within the Kanthalloor and Marayur Panchayaths of Devikulam Taluk in Idukki. Established in August 1984, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary was designated as a protected area.

Located about 65 kilometers away from Munnar, the sanctuary serves as a significant biodiversity hotspot. It is one of the twelve wildlife sanctuaries in the state and boasts a remarkable variety of flora and fauna. With over 965 species of flora and 580 species of fauna, including 29 species of snakes and 34 species of mammals, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary offers a diverse range of wildlife. Visitors have the opportunity to observe various animals such as Indian elephants, langurs, Hanuman langurs, Indian star tortoises, spotted deer, and panthers. The sanctuary is particularly renowned for its birdwatching opportunities, with more than 245 types of birds, including yellow-throated bulbuls, being spotted here. Additionally, the sanctuary is home to the Manjampatti white bison, a unique variant of the gaur known for its ash-grey color, unlike the typical black coloration of most gaurs. The vegetation within the sanctuary consists of rainforests, wet grasslands, and a dense sandalwood forest. The park is traversed by the Pambar and Chinnar rivers, which serve as the primary water sources and are inhabited by over 42 species of fish.

Deep within the lush vegetation of the sanctuary, the magnificent Thoovanam waterfall enhances the natural beauty of the area. For panoramic views of the sanctuary, visitors can ascend the watchtower located within the park. The sanctuary also provides designated areas for the tribal communities residing there. Among the eleven tribal communities in Chinnar, the main inhabitants of the park are the Pulayars and Mutuvas, whose primary occupation is farming. Chinnar is also recognized as one of the few places in the world where dolmens, ancient stone tombs from the Neolithic period, can be found.

For those visiting Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, it is convenient to stay in Munnar and make a day trip to the sanctuary. However, if desired, there are a few accommodation options available within the park itself. Transportation can be arranged through local providers.

Located at Nullatanni Estate in Munnar, the Kanan Devan tea museum stands as the country's inaugural tea museum, showcasing the growth and historical significance of this picturesque district. It serves as the sole tea plantation in Kerala accessible to tourists. With an impressive count of 16 tea manufacturing units, seven tea gardens, and an annual production of 22 Million Kilograms of tea, Kanan Devan Hill Plantations currently holds the esteemed title of being the largest tea company in South India.

Upon entering the museum, one's attention is immediately captivated by the presence of a remarkable granite sundial, crafted by the Art Industrial School in Tamil Nadu back in 1913. The museum's interior is adorned with an array of equally intriguing artifacts. Notably, it houses the original tea roller, known as the 'Rotorvane,' which dates back to the year 1905. Among the other fascinating items on display are an iron-age burial urn from the 2nd century BC and the rail engine wheel of the Kundale Valley Light Railway. Additionally, the museum proudly exhibits the 'Pelton Wheel,' which once played a vital role in the power generation plant of the Kanniamallay estate during the 1920s. One of the museum's rooms showcases a collection of antiquities, including a magneto phone, an iron oven, old bungalow furniture, and a wooden bathtub.