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Rajmalai National Park: The home of the Nilgiri tahr, a mountain goat that looks like an ibex, the sanctuary (Vaguvarai) is just 16 kilometres from Munnar and easily accessible by auto. The view of the valley from the park is fabulous.

The tahr has an interesting history. Rajmalai is today the home of the largest population of tahr, an endangered species. But 150 years ago in these very same hills the goat census dropped perilously as a result of the widespread slaughter of them by the army of the Duke of Wellington, who camped here during his offensive against Tipu Sultan. Tame and friendly goats they unfortunately became an instant addition on the camp menu. The goats learned to keep away from the human species. But an American researcher, Clifford Rice spent years researching this species and tamed them once again by giving them salt. And today the tahr, with its characteristic brown coat and short horns, is readily approachable and very visible at the park. If you're lucky you may see a number of other species of wildlife like elephants, sambar, gaur and perhaps a leopold or a tiger. The park is a beautiful place to wander through. Alternatively you can attempt to stay at the forest bungalow in the park (take permission from the forest officer at Devikulam).

Devikulam lake (Lake of the Goddess): A pretty little lake not far from Munnar. Views from here of the highest hills of the Western ghats are great. In the middle of the lake is located an island with a fishing lodge on it. Tiny boats from the edge will take you to the island where it pleasant just to laze around under the trees. Take permission from Tata Regional Office at Munnar to visit the island.

A stroll through the tea estates: If you walk out of Munnar town, within minutes you are surrounded by miles of tea estate. It is pleasantly drizzly and cool out on the slopes and cloudy. If yiou wish to see the way a tea plantation works, again contact the Tata Regional office at Munnar for permission to see one of their tea factories.

Christ Church: A cute little church in the heart of the town. Have a peek at the plaques inside to get a proper flavour of the Munnar of yesteryears.

The bungalow of a plantation manager: Walk into the house of a tea estate manager and it is literally like walking back a few decades into history. It is a burrasahib's life and the style hasn't changed a wit since the Raj. If you are lucky enough to befriend any of the tea company officials then try to wangle a visit to his bungalow.

Kerala Livestock Development Board at Mattupatty Lake: Thirteen kilometres away from Munnar, it is an Indo-Swiss dairy project in an almost Swiss setting. The project details are interesting as is the location. No Emmantal cheese available however.