Are you looking for a thrilling and memorable adventure in the lap of nature? Do you want to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Western Ghats and the rich biodiversity of Kerala? If yes, then you should definitely visit Anamudi, the highest peak in South India and a trekker’s paradise.
Anamudi is a majestic mountain that rises to an elevation of 2,695 metres (8,842 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Eravikulam National Park, near the hill station of Munnar, in the Idukki district of Kerala. Anamudi is also known as the “Everest of South India” because it is the highest point in India south of the Himalayas.
Anamudi derives its name from the Malayalam word “anai-mudi”, which means “elephant’s head”. This is because the shape of the mountain resembles the broad forehead of an elephant. Anamudi has a rich history and culture, as it is associated with many local legends, myths and folklore. It is also a sacred place for many communities, as it is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
It is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, as it boasts of a diverse and unique flora and fauna. The mountain is home to many endemic and endangered species, such as the Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once in 12 years and cover the slopes with a purple hue; the Nilgiri tahr, which is a rare and elusive mountain goat; the Raorchestes resplendens frog, which is a newly discovered species that is found only on the summit of Anamudi; and the Nilgiri marten, which is a small and agile carnivore.
Anamudi is also a dream destination for trekkers and hikers, as it offers various trails and routes that suit different levels of difficulty and experience. The most popular trail is the one that starts from the Eravikulam National Park entrance and leads to the viewpoint of Anamudi peak. This trail is about 4 km long and takes about 2 hours to complete. It passes through lush green meadows, dense forests, rocky terrains and streams. The trail offers stunning views of the valley and hills around, as well as glimpses of the wildlife in the area.
Another trail that leads to Anamudi peak is the one that starts from Rajamala, which is about 15 km from Munnar. This trail is about 10 km long and takes about 4 hours to complete. It passes through tea plantations, spice gardens, waterfalls and bridges. The trail offers panoramic views of the Anaimalai Hills, the Palani Hills and the Cardamom Hills.
A third trail that leads to Anamudi peak is the one that starts from Naikolli Mala ridge, which is about 20 km from Munnar. This trail is about 12 km long and takes about 5 hours to complete. It passes through grasslands, shola forests, bamboo groves and orchids. The trail offers spectacular views of the Kodaikanal Hills, the Vattavada Valley and the Kurangani Hills.
A fourth trail that leads to Anamudi peak is the one that starts from Kurangani, which is about 40 km from Munnar. This trail is about 18 km long and takes about 7 hours to complete. It passes through coffee plantations, pine forests, rhododendron bushes and caves. The trail offers splendid views of the Theni Valley, the Bodinayakanur Valley and the Bodi Hills.
You may also like to read: The Magic Wonderland of Munnar
Other Activities That Visitors Can Enjoy At Anamudi Peak:
Camping: There are many camping sites near Anamudi peak where visitors can pitch their tents and spend a night under the stars. Camping at Anamudi peak is a great way to experience the wilderness and tranquility of nature.
Safari: Visitors can also take a safari ride from the national park entrance to the viewpoint of Anamudi peak. During the ride, they can enjoy watching the beautiful forest cover and spot some of the animals and birds that inhabit the park.
Plantation visit: Visitors can also visit some of the tea and spice plantations that are located near Anamudi peak. They can learn about the cultivation, processing and history of these crops, as well as taste some of their products.
Picnic: Visitors can also plan a picnic on the green meadows or near the streams that surround Anamudi peak. They can relax, enjoy the scenery and have a fun time with their friends and family.
Photography: Visitors can also capture some of the amazing views and moments that Anamudi peak offers. They can take photos of the mountain, the valley, the wildlife, the flowers and the people.
Other Nearby Attractions and places to visit in and around Munnar
Eravikulam National Park:
This is one of the most popular and visited national parks in Kerala. It covers an area of 97 sq km and is home to many species of animals, birds, plants and butterflies. It is also famous for its Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once in 12 years.
Mattupetty Dam:
This is a large dam that is built on the Mattupetty river. It is a major source of hydroelectricity and irrigation in the region. It also offers boating and fishing facilities for the visitors.
Tea Museum:
This is a museum that showcases the history and culture of tea in Munnar. It displays various artifacts, machinery, photographs and documents related to tea production and trade. It also has a tea tasting session where visitors can sample different varieties of tea.
Top Station:
This is a viewpoint that is located at an altitude of 1,880 metres (6,170 feet) above sea level. It offers a stunning view of the Western Ghats and the Tamil Nadu plains. It is also the highest point in Munnar.
Marayoor:
This is a town that is famous for its sandalwood forests, rock paintings, dolmens and waterfalls. It is also known for its jaggery production, which is made from sugarcane.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:
This is a wildlife sanctuary that covers an area of 90 sq km and is home to many species of animals, birds, plants and reptiles. It is also known for its medicinal plants, tribal settlements and archaeological sites.
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate:
This is a tea estate that is located at an altitude of 2,160 metres (7,090 feet) above sea level. It is the highest organic tea plantation in the world. It offers a scenic view of the mountains and valleys, as well as a tour of the tea factory.
Anayirankal Dam:
This is a dam that is built on the Anayirankal river. It is a scenic spot that offers boating and fishing facilities for the visitors. It also attracts many elephants, bisons and deer that come to drink water from the reservoir.
Devikulam Lake:
This is a lake that is located near the town of Devikulam. It is a picturesque spot that offers boating and fishing facilities for the visitors. It also has a legend that says that Goddess Sita bathed in this lake during her exile.
Attukad Waterfalls:
This waterfall that is located between Munnar and Pallivasal. It is a spectacular sight that offers trekking and hiking opportunities for the visitors. It also has a bridge that connects the two sides of the waterfall.
Echo Point:
This is a point that is located near Top Station. It offers a panoramic view of the hills and valleys, as well as an echo phenomenon where visitors can hear their voices reverberate.
How To Reach Anamudi:
Anamudi peak can be reached from different modes of transport, such as air, rail and road. The nearest airport to Anamudi peak is Cochin International Airport, which is about 150 km away.
The nearest railway station to Anamudi peak is Aluva Railway Station, which is about 130 km away.
The nearest bus station to Anamudi peak is Munnar Bus Station, which is about 13 km away. From there, visitors can take taxis or jeeps to reach Anamudi peak.
Where to stay near Anamudi
If you are planning to visit Anamudi peak, you will need a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the mountain. Fortunately, there are many options available for different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best hotels and resorts near Anamudi peak that you can choose from:
Deshadan Mountain Resort:
This is a 3-star hotel that is located about 6.6 km away from Anamudi peak. It offers cozy rooms with balconies, a restaurant, a spa, a garden and a terrace. It also provides free breakfast, free parking and free WiFi for the guests. Click here to book your stay at this property.
Abad Copper Castle:
This is another 3-star hotel that is located about 7.7 km away from Anamudi peak. It offers spacious rooms with views, a restaurant, a coffee shop, a fitness center and a game room. It also provides free breakfast, free parking and free WiFi for the guests. Click here to book your stay at this property.
Parakkat Nature Hotel & Resorts:
This is a 5-star hotel that is located about 8 km away from Anamudi peak. It offers luxurious rooms and suites with balconies, a restaurant, a bar, a spa, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. It also provides free breakfast, free parking and free WiFi for the guests. Click here to book your stay at this property.
The Tall Trees Munnar:
This is a 4-star resort that is located about 7.2 km away from Anamudi peak. It offers elegant cottages with fireplaces, a restaurant, a coffee shop, a spa, an indoor pool and a playground. It also provides free breakfast, free parking and free WiFi for the guests. Click here to book your stay at this property.
Windermere Estate:
This is another 4-star resort that is located about 10.4 km away from Anamudi peak. It offers charming cottages with views, a restaurant, a library, a spa, an outdoor pool and a garden. Click here to book your stay at this property.
These are some of the best places to stay near Anamudi peak that will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. You can compare the prices, facilities and reviews of these hotels and resorts before making your reservation.
Best Time To Visit Ananmudi:
The best time to visit Anamudi peak is from September to May, when the weather is pleasant and clear. The summer season (March to May) is ideal for trekking and hiking, as the temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C.
The monsoon season (June to August) is not recommended for visiting Anamudi peak, as the rainfall can make the trails slippery and dangerous. The winter season (December to February) is good for enjoying the scenic beauty and wildlife of Anamudi peak, as the temperature ranges from 5°C to 15°C.
Anamudi peak also hosts some special events or festivals during different seasons, such as:
Onam: This is the harvest festival of Kerala that falls in August or September. It celebrates the homecoming of King Mahabali, who was banished by Lord Vishnu. It involves various cultural activities, such as boat races, flower carpets, dances and feasts.
Pongal: This is another harvest festival of Kerala that falls in January. It celebrates the bounty of nature and the gratitude of the farmers and the cattle. It involves various rituals, such as cooking rice in earthen pots, offering prayers to the sun god, and exchanging gifts and sweets.
Neelakurinji festival: This is a rare and unique festival that occurs once in 12 years, when the Neelakurinji flowers bloom and cover the slopes of Anamudi peak with a purple hue. It attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims who come to witness this natural wonder and seek blessings from Lord Murugan, who is believed to reside on the peak.
Munnar flower show: This is an annual event that takes place in January or February, when the Munnar town hosts a flower show that showcases various varieties of flowers, plants and orchids. It also features cultural programs, competitions and exhibitions.
Anamudi peak is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, adventure and culture. It is a place where you can experience the best of Kerala’s beauty, biodiversity and heritage. It is a place where you can challenge yourself, explore yourself and discover yourself.
You may also like to read: Highest Peaks in Western Ghats
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Anamudi peak today and get ready for an unforgettable journey.
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Anamudi peak awaits you!
