130 km away from Cochin,
Munnar was developed by the Scottish in the 19th century as a 'hill station' to escape the merciless heat of
Tamil Nadu. It is not hard to see why this gentle town reminded them so much of home. Thick swathes of mist surround you, the hills are verdant and the air crisp. The Raj legacy lives on in the town's bungalows that have large, shaded verandas.
But what wins you over are the tea, pepper, coffee and cardamom estates. Ana Mudi, the highest peak in
South India, flanks the town. The tea gardens run down rolling slopes, covering them in a blanket of effervescent green. Cycling down the town or leisurely walking, drinking in the sights is one of the most rewarding experiences in
Munnar.
