Idukki (Kerala): Want to experience snow? then rush to Kerala's Munnar - the 'Kashmir' of South India.
Temperatures have been falling in and around Munnar, a popular hill station in Idukki district located around 1,600 metres above sea level.
"Areas like Pampadamshola, Vattavada received snow and tourists are making a bee line to Munnar. Temperatures in certain areas here have fallen to zero degree starting January.
According to local residents, it is very cold from midnight till dawn.
Suresh, a native of Munnar said that usually minus degree temperature is reported in December but due to rain in December, the temperature was normal.
"This is the first time that Munnar is experiencing such severe cold in this winter season," he added.
Minus one-degree temperature was recorded in Munnar including Kannimala, Chenduwara, Chituwara, Ellapetti, Lakshmi, Sevanmala and Lockat on early Wednesday. Munnar and its surrounding areas felt extremely cold. Many tourists came to visit the meadows covered with frost in the morning.
Notably, Munnar is home to unique species of greenery especially the neelakurinji (that blossoms only once in twelve years) besides the endemic species of Nilgiri Thar, grizzled giant squirrel, Nilgiri wood-pigeon, elephant, gaur, Nilgiri langur and the sambar.
And with snow clad meadows in areas like Vattavada and nearby areas, domestic tourists especially from Kochi, which has a good number of techies, are heading to Munnar.
Moreover, with the airports at Kochi, Coimbatore and Madurai all lying within 110 kms to 165 kms, resort owners are expecting a brisk business.
