Munnar -the centre of the state's tea growing district

Munnar, on the other hand, is one of the most sought after hill resorts in the neighbouring state of Kerala and the centre of the state’s tea growing district, Idukki. The name Munnar is derived from the Malayalam words, munnu and aaru, which means three rivers. Situated at a height of about 950 metres above sea level, Bangalore, officially known as Bengaluru, is the state capital of Karnataka. Bangalore is also the centre of operations of industrial activity and information technology. The 8841 ft Anaimudi is the highest peak in southern India and towers over the horizon of Munnar. Munnar is also famous for Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a flower that blooms only once in every 12 years. Eravikulam National Park, home to one of the endangered animal species the Nilgiri Tahr, Kurunjimala sanctuary, and Chinnar wildlife sanctuary are in Munnar. The distance from Bangalore to Munnar is approximately around 750 km. If one is hard pressed on time, take a flight to Nedumbassery Airport in Kochi from the Bangalore Airport. From Kochi Airport catch a cab or bus to Munnar. Munnar is around 125 km from Kochi. Taxi services are available from the airport which might cost around Rs. 3000 to reach Munnar. A bus ride may cost lesser. Private and KSRTC buses charge around Rs. 80 per person. Alternately, travellers can go from Bangalore to Munnar en route Coimbatore. In that case, they have to catch a flight to Coimbatore and then go to Munnar by road. The cheapest option is to travel by train. The nearest railway stations are at Aluva, 110 km from Munnar, and Ernakulam, 125 km from Munnar. There are several express and superfast trains passing through Aluva and Ernakulam from Bangalore. Some of the express trains from Bangalore are Kanyakumari Express, Bangalore-Kochuveli Superfast and Bangalore Intercity Express. State Transport, private buses and cabs are available from both Aluva and Ernakulam to reach Munnar. One can also get down at Coimbatore and go to Munnar by bus or cab. One can also drive down from Bangalore to Munnar by your own car. From Bangalore the NH 7 takes you through Hosur, Salem, Erode and Coimbatore. Munnar is about 160 km from Coimbatore. The road journey from Coimbatore passes through Pollachi, Udumalpet, Chinnar and Marayoor. The drive up through this route is enthralling and takes one through natural forests, waterfalls and tea plantations. Not to mention the panoramic view of the Western Ghats. You could also take the route from Coimbatore through Palakkad, Trichur and Kochi. The NH 49 from Kochi is narrow and winding and passes through Kothamangalam and Adimali where you pass through a natural forest. This route is scenic as well with many waterfalls on the way.