The hill station of Munnar is getting ready to welcome visitors during the peak of the winter season. The place witnesses the largest tourist footfall during this season, which lasts from October to February. Of these five months, December and January are considered peak.
Meanwhile, the mercury has already dipped to 5°C in the area and fog often blocks visibility. By January, temperatures would reach sub-zero levels. Most tourists prefer to visit Munnar during this time.
A major change witnessed this year is the absence of 'festival hike' in room rates. Many hotels are, in fact, offering discounts of up to 25% to attract tourists. According to office-bearers of the Munnar Hotel and Restaurants Association, around half the hotel rooms in Munnar have already been booked.
There are approximately 7,000 hotel rooms in the area.
The tourism sector in Idukki district is on a strong comeback trail after the devastating floods. During the months of October and November, 1191 visitors enjoyed the boat ride in Idukki reservoir. The boating, which had been suspended when the shutters of the Cheruthoni Dam in Idukki were opened, was resumed in October. Now the facility is available for tourists on all days.
The following figures give an indication of the arrival of visitors in Idukki during the previous two months.
Thekkady:
October – 20,112
November – 36,960
Eravikulam national park, Munnar:
October – 79,514
November – 47,253