Which Hill Station is Called the Kashmir of South India?

India has many hill stations that attract the tourist not only from India, but also these hills attract many foreign travellers. These hill stations are known for their cool climate, natural ecosystem, and misty mornings.

In India, there is a famous hill station which is called the Kashmir of South India. But do you know which hill station it is?

Explore this article and learn which hill station is called the “Kashmir of South India”.

Key Takeaways

• Munnar in Kerala is called the Kashmir of South India.

Which Hill Station is Called the Kashmir of South India?  

Munnar Hill Station is called the Kashmir of South India because of its cool weather, green valley, natural beauty, rolling green hills and vast tea plantations.

Why is Munnar is Called the Kashmir of South India?

Munnar Valley is called the 'Kashmir of South India' because of its location, misty blanket of cloud, cool climate, rivers, streams, and rocky hills that resemble the scenic view of Kashmir.

Like Kashmir, which is known for its mountainous region, cool climate, rivers, flora & fauna, the Munnar Valley also exhibits these things. 

Here in Munnar, it has a beautiful climate and weather, with vibrant greenery, natural landscape, misty mornings, and the home of the incredible wonder, the Neelakurinji flower.

History of Munnar Valley

Munnar Valley has a rich history that is known for its tribal heritage, British colonial influence, and the growth of the tea industry in India

Before the arrival of the British in India, this region was inhabited by indigenous communities such as the Muthuvan, Malayarayan, and Mannan tribes.

During the colonial period in the 19th century, the British recognised this place for its cool climate and fertile hills.

Around the 1870s, this region was surveyed by one of the British officer, John Daniel Munro, who played an important role in the development of the Munnar region.

By the 1890s, this region had seen the rise of tea plantations across the Kannan Devan Hills in the Munnar region.

How Did Munnar Get Its Name? 

The name of Munnar Valley is derived from the Malayalam language, which is “Moonu”, which means “three”, and "Aaru", which means “river”.

Over time, “Moonu Aaru” evolved as “Munnar”, which means “place of three rivers”. So, Munnar Valley gets its name due to its location at the confluence of these three rivers, which are:

1. Mudhirapuzha River

2. Nallathanni River

3. Kundala River

 This hill station is near this river that makes the green landscape with fertile land and are known for famous tea plantations.

Location of Munnar Hill Station

Munnar Valley is located in the Idukki district of Kerala, which is situated on the Cardamom Hills in the Western Ghats at an elevation of 1600 metres. 

It is around 130 km northeast of Kochi and 150 km northwest of Madurai. It lies very close to the border of Tamil Nadu. Many of you think that this valley lies in Tamil Nadu, but it does not.

Places to Visit in Munnar Region

Munnar valley, which is also known as the “Kashmir of South India", offers various sightseeing. Here are the top places to visit in the Munnar region, which are the following:

1. Lakkom Waterfalls

2. Rose Garden

3. Eravikulam National Park

4. Cheeyappara Waterfalls

5. Attukad Waterfalls

6. Sengulam Dam

7. Pothamedu Viewpoint

8. The Blossom Hydel Park

9. Lockhart Gap

10. C.S.I Christ Church

11. Carmelgiri Botanical Garden

12. Talayar Tea Factory

13. Mattupetty Dam

14. Thoovanam Waterfalls

15. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

So, this was all about the Munnar Valley, the Kashmir of South India, that attracts tourists from all over the world. In 2026, during the monsoon, you all can plan a trip to Munnar.