Munnar, Kerala’s most popular hill station, is decked up to welcome Christmas-New Year holidaymakers. Last year, the tourism industry had come to a standstill owing to the pandemic-induced lockdown. “However, room bookings during December have been encouraging this year,” said a person involved in the local tourism sector.

Incidentally, hotels and resorts in Munnar have slashed their room tariff steeply to attract visitors and boost their business.

KSRTC’s sleeper coach

Among the new tourism initiatives, this year is the sleeper bus of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). It provides accommodation and sightseeing facilities at an affordable rate. Families too can stay safely in the sleeper bus, for which the fare is Rs 100 per person for a night.

Cycles on rent, PWD rest house

The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) has arranged cycles that tourists can rent out. Moreover, the general public has been permitted to stay at the resthouse of the Kerala Public Works Department. The tariff is Rs 600 for a room with a double bed a day. A dormitory that can accommodate five people is also available at the resthouse.

Other improvements

Authorities have arranged more facilities at Eravikulam national park, a major tourist attraction in Munnar. With a primary health centre and a feeding room for mothers visiting with infants, the park is now more tourist-friendly. Among the unique features of the park, which is teeming with flowers, is an orchidarium.

Tourists can also enjoy boating and sights of wildlife at places such as Mattuppetty, Kundala and Echo Point. Vattavada is yet another attraction. Cultivation of winter crops brings numerous visitors to the village.

Weather

Munnar is experiencing chilly weather at present with the mercury falling to 10 degrees Centigrade during the daytime. Later in December, the temperature would dip to even zero degrees Centigrade.