short travel essay of munnar in malayalam

Essay on My Holiday Trip to Munnar

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100 Words Essay on My Holiday Trip to Munnar

Introduction.

My holiday trip to Munnar was an unforgettable experience. Munnar, a beautiful hill station in Kerala, is known for its serene beauty and vast tea estates.

The Journey

Our journey started early morning. The drive to Munnar was scenic, with lush greenery everywhere. We saw beautiful waterfalls and spice gardens on our way.

We stayed in a cozy resort surrounded by mountains. The mornings were magical with the misty mountains and chirping birds.

Exploration

We visited the famous tea gardens and learned about tea processing. A boat ride in the Mattupetty Dam was another highlight.

250 Words Essay on My Holiday Trip to Munnar

The prelude.

The anticipation of my holiday trip to Munnar began long before the journey itself. It was a welcome escape from the monotonous routine of college life. The prospect of exploring the verdant landscapes of this South Indian hill station, nestled in the Western Ghats, filled me with excitement.

The journey to Munnar was an adventure in itself. As our vehicle navigated the winding roads, the urban landscapes gradually gave way to lush green tea plantations. The air became cooler and fresher, hinting at the natural beauty that awaited us.

The Enthralling Beauty

Munnar, with its sprawling tea gardens, exotic wildlife, and mesmerizing waterfalls, was a sight to behold. A visit to the Eravikulam National Park offered us a chance to witness the endangered Nilgiri Tahr in its natural habitat. The sight of the majestic Athukad Waterfalls, cascading down the mountains, was a visual treat.

The Cultural Immersion

The trip was also an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local culture. We savored traditional Kerala cuisine, with its unique blend of spices, and witnessed Kathakali, a classical dance form. The warm hospitality of the locals added to the charm of the experience.

The Munnar trip was more than just a holiday. It was a journey of self-discovery, a chance to connect with nature, and an opportunity to experience a different culture. It served as a reminder of the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones and exploring the world beyond our textbooks. As I returned to college, I carried with me not just souvenirs, but also memories and experiences that enriched my perspective.

500 Words Essay on My Holiday Trip to Munnar

The journey to Munnar was a picturesque one. The winding roads, flanked by lush green tea plantations and misty hills, were a sight to behold. The cool breeze that kissed my face was a stark contrast to the sweltering heat of the city, and the aroma of the tea leaves filled my senses with an inexplicable calmness.

The Enchanting Munnar

Upon reaching Munnar, I was greeted by a sight that seemed straight out of a postcard. The undulating hills covered in emerald green tea leaves, the azure sky above, and the exotic wildlife added to the ethereal beauty of the place. The first day was spent exploring the local market, where I got a taste of the rich culture and traditions of the local people.

Exploring the Tea Plantations

The wildlife expedition.

Munnar is not just about tea plantations; it is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. I visited the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and was lucky to spot a few. The sight of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat was a sight to behold.

The Echo Point

No trip to Munnar is complete without a visit to the Echo Point. Standing on the edge of the cliff, shouting out my name, and hearing it echo back was a thrilling experience. The panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys from the point was simply breathtaking.

The Conclusion

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1-Day Munnar Itinerary

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Table of contents

1-day itinerary, mattupetty dam.

Photo point

The Blossom Hydel Park

Kundala dam, pothamedu view point, eravikulam national park, where to eat, blackberry hills munnar resort's hornbill restaurant, alibaba & 41 dishes - munnar, al buhari restaurant, purohit restaurant.

Popular road trips from Munnar

What's the weather like in munnar.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Munnar for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Munnar in January
• Weather in Munnar in February
• Weather in Munnar in March
• Weather in Munnar in April
• Weather in Munnar in May
• Weather in Munnar in June
• Weather in Munnar in July
• Weather in Munnar in August
• Weather in Munnar in September
• Weather in Munnar in October
• Weather in Munnar in November
• Weather in Munnar in December

All road trips from Munnar

• Munnar to Kochi (Cochin) drive
• Munnar to Bengaluru drive
• Munnar to Mysuru (Mysore) drive
• Munnar to Ooty (Udhagamandalam) drive
• Munnar to Mumbai drive
• Munnar to Kodaikanal drive
• Munnar to New Delhi drive
• Munnar to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) drive
• Munnar to Chennai (Madras) drive
• Munnar to Hyderabad drive
• Munnar to Madurai drive
• Munnar to Jaipur drive
• Munnar to Coimbatore drive
• Munnar to Pondicherry drive
• Munnar to Kalpetta drive
• Munnar to Alappuzha drive
• Munnar to Agra drive
• Munnar to Kanyakumari drive
• Munnar to Rameswaram drive
• Munnar to Pune drive
• Munnar to Udaipur drive
• Munnar to Mahabalipuram drive
• Munnar to Kathmandu drive
• Munnar to Kolkata (Calcutta) drive
• Munnar to Madikeri drive
• Munnar to Panjim drive
• Munnar to Thrissur drive
• Munnar to Yercaud drive
• Munnar to Tiruchirappalli drive

Explore nearby places

• Chithirapuram
• Kannan Devan Hills
• Chinnakanal
• Kanthalloor
• Blathykavala
• Nedumkandam
• Ramakkalmedu
• Chinnamanur
• Kothamangalam
• Muvattupuzha

All related maps of Munnar

• Map of Munnar
• Map of Pothamedu
• Map of Pallivasal
• Map of Devikulam
• Map of Chithirapuram
• Map of Kannan Devan Hills
• Map of Chinnakanal
• Map of Rajakkad
• Map of Adimaly
• Map of Suryanelli
• Map of Kanthalloor
• Map of Kottagudi
• Map of Marayur
• Map of Vattavada
• Map of Blathykavala
• Map of Valparai
• Map of Nedumkandam
• Map of Idukki
• Map of Ramakkalmedu
• Map of Thattekad
• Map of Thodupuzha
• Map of Chinnamanur
• Map of Cumbum
• Map of Theni
• Map of Kothamangalam
• Map of Vagamon
• Map of Dhali
• Map of Kodaikanal
• Map of Ayyampuzha
• Map of Muvattupuzha
• Map of Kumily

Munnar throughout the year

• Munnar in January
• Munnar in February
• Munnar in March
• Munnar in April
• Munnar in May
• Munnar in June
• Munnar in July
• Munnar in August
• Munnar in September
• Munnar in October
• Munnar in November
• Munnar in December

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Munnar; a jewel in the mighty Western Ghats, a heaven in God’s Own Country , a true treasure trove for the visitors, is one of the most stunning and enchanting hill stations in the country. Adorned by the beauty of the rolling hills, evergreen tea plantations, luscious spice gardens, winding trails, and much more, Munnar is one such destination that will fulfil all your dreams and will make your holidays extremely memorable.

Be it a family vacation, friends’ outings, corporate getaway, honeymoon, backpacking or any other trails, Munnar always serves as an ideal escapade to all. Jotted with captivating hills and mountains, gurgling rivers and cascading waterfalls, lush plantations and wildlife protected areas, this hill station in the Idukki district of Kerala is a must visit holiday destination for all.

For all those, who are planning for a soothing, pleasant and memorable vacation amidst the captivating marvels of Mother Nature, they must plan a trip to this gorgeous hill station. And to make their Munnar vacation more pleasant, here is a detailed tour guide to Munnar:

1 Ideal Time:

Carefully placed amidst the towering hills and mountains of the Western Ghats, Munnar is a year-round tourist destination. No matter what season it is, you can visit this pictorial hill station and feast on its natural charm and appeal. However, with every season, this hilly retreat changes its shade and essence. Let’s have a look on how Munnar changes its colours throughout the year, and when is the ideal time to visit this paradise on earth!

• Summer (March to May):

Summers in Munnar are marked by pleasant weather, moderate temperature, or the drop in the mercury level! The atmosphere remains quiet, calm and clearer as compared to other seasons. If you are planning a visit during this period of the year, you should never miss out sightseeing tours, nature trails, plantation visit, and other similar tours.

• Monsoon (June to September):

As the summer starts fading, monsoon makes its mark into the locales of Munnar. With its advent, the entire of Munnar gets caressed with a newer and more enticing shade of nature’s green. The ambience gets quieter than before and gets adorned with lush foliage. Along with the crispiness of a hill station, you will get to soak yourself in the aura of Mother Nature as whole of the ambience gets repainted by the nature.

• Winter (December to February):

Well, after the monsoons are over, comes the winter or simply the best time to visit Munnar! Pleasant weather accompanied by the tenderness of cold breezes makes the hill station an ideal place to plan honeymoons, family trips and other types of holidays during this season. For the adventure junkies, winter is the call to participate in enthralling activities like trekking, rock-climbing, rappelling, and others alike.

2 How to Reach

Being well-connected with some of the major cities and tourist destinations , Munnar is among the most well-accessible tourist places in Kerala . Whether you opt for flight, train or road journey, you can make it to this gorgeous hill station easily.

If you want to explore and discover the meticulous beauty of this stunning hilly retreat, you must opt for a bus journey! Taking you through the winding terrains through the rolling hills and lush plantation areas, a bus journey will get you closer to the enchanting beauty of this tourist destination in Kerala. For the bus commuters, they can avail direct buses to Munnar from almost all major cities in South India.

Though Munnar do not have any direct access to railway tracks, you can board a train to Aluva; around 110km, Ernakulam; 130km, or Madurai which is around 135km from Munnar. Arriving at any of these stations, you can avail direct buses to your favourite hill station in God’s Own Country .

Like any other tourist places in Kerala, Munnar can also be easily reached from Cochin International Airport which is around 110km from the hill station. Madurai International Airport in Tamil Nadu is also among the closest airport to Munnar; distance being 140km.

3 Places to Visit

Whether on a family holiday, having fun with friends, on a corporate getaway or others, one can find an array of places to visit in Munnar . Here are 10 of the best places to visit in Munnar:

• Mattupetty Dam:

Visit this dam; enjoy some of the most stunning natural views and the rich flora and fauna of Munnar.

• Kundala Lake:

At 1,700ft, Kundala Lake is one of the most promising artificial lakes in this hill station and and perfect destination to get acquainted with Munnar’s beauty.

• Top Station:

Enjoy the panorama of Munnar, satiate the shutter-bug in you with some of the awe-inspiring clicks of the vicinity.

• Mattupetty Dairy Farm:

Visit this dairy farm to know more about the roots of agriculture and livestock management in Munnar.

• Echo Point:

Amaze yourself with the mystical beauty and unravel an exciting phenomenon of Mother Nature.

• Eravikulam National Park:

Have a tryst with Munnar’s exotic wildlife! Spot some of the rarest and endangered wildlife species that thrives in this park.

• Tea Museum:

Want to know more about the tea culture in Munnar? Visit Tata Tea Museum where you can learn about how tea leaves are plucked, processed and packed.

• Attukad Waterfalls:

On your visit to Attukad Waterfalls, you will surely be hold captive by its alluring beauty and enticing charm!

• Blossom International Park:

Flowers bring smile, flowers bring happiness, flowers bring prosperity! Visit Blossom International Park in Munnar, and you will feel the magic of flowers.

• Lakkom Waterfall:

Reality can overpower dreams, and Lokkam Waterfalls is a perfect natural wonder of Munnar to believe in this!

4 Things to Do

Though Munnar is known for its myriad list of activities and things to do , here is a list of some of the must things to do in Munnar :

• Nature Trails:

Munnar is a true treasure trove for the nature lovers. Nestled amidst the rolling hills and scenic meadows, it offers some of the most delightful options for the nature lovers to delve deep into the bosom of Mother Nature. Plantation walks, guided walking tours, and waterfall tours are some of the most sought after activities among nature lovers visiting Munnar.

• Adventure Activities:

For the adrenaline junkies, no other place can pump up their adrenalines like Munnar can! Be it exploring the immaculate beauty of Munnar while mountain biking or discovering the thrill trekking, hiking, rock climbing, and camping, this hill station serves as an ideal adventure destination. Adding more to the list, there are other enthralling options like wildlife spotting, trout fishing and paragliding.

• Leisure Activities:

For the leisure seekers, they can embark on sightseeing tours across the scenic locales of Munnar and make their holidays memorable.

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Exploring the world, one place at a time.

A complete travel guide to munnar: the tea capital of kerala, india.

• Post published: July 28, 2021
• Post category: India
• Post author: Charu Goyal

Home to misty waterfalls, winding paths, and an unending expanse of tea plantations, Munnar in Kerala is one of the most popular places to visit in South India. Blessed with pristine valleys, endangered flora and fauna, calming lakes, and verdant forests, it may very well be one of the most beautiful places in India too.

Situated at an altitude of 1600 metres above the sea level, Munnar is a picturesque hill station and town in the Idukki district of Kerala. Accessed via an encircling road that passes through a myriad of scenic waterfalls, thriving vegetation, and mesmerising views of the Western Ghats, it is a sightseeing gem that once served as a summer resort for the British colonists.

Being the first stop on my Kerala trip in February last year, I spent two days exploring Munnar with my best friend. Meandering around acres of tea estates nestled between humongous mountains covered with low-lying clouds, I instantly comprehended Kerala’s much enthused title of God’s own country. So much so that I nearly teared up at the thought of leaving.

However, planning our trip to Munnar wasn’t equally wistful. There is a lot of information out there about what to do and see in Munnar, but barely anything that clarifies the mystery that Munnar’s layout is. I kid you not, I must have spent hours looking at the map of Munnar and reading Kerala guides after guides to just understand which area to stay in.

So, if you are planning to visit Munnar and are in the same boat as I once was, then worry not. In this guide, you will find all the essential topics ranging from the different areas to stay in Munnar, how to get there, best places to visit, which tea plantations to go to, where to eat and so on. 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using any of those links, I may get a small commission. Thank you for your continued support!

Table of Contents

Where exactly is Munnar in India?

Munnar is the tea capital of Kerala, the southernmost state in India. Renowned for its natural beauty and wealth of pictorial sights, Kerala is one of the most incredible destinations to visit in Asia. Bordering the Arabian Sea on the west; it is an Indian state that is admired globally for its humid tropical wet climate.

Munnar is located at the union of Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala mountain streams in the South-Western Ghats of India. Its name fittingly translates to “three rivers” in Malayalam, the local language of Kerala. Sitting on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway (N.H. 49), Munnar is around 130 km from Kochi. Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu is also close at a distance of roughly 157 km.

Although Munnar is commonly referred to as a hill station and trains did go up to its town centre and beyond once, that is simply not possible anymore. There was a dreadful flooding in the area in 1924, which ended up destroying much of the railway and ropeway, connecting Munnar to other major Indian cities. You can find remains of the old railway tracks on the Kundala-Top Station route even today.

The longstanding railway station, however, now operates as the local office of Tata Tea. The old platform outside it has also been converted into a road. Yet, this doesn’t mean that Munnar isn’t easily reachable nowadays. Being one of the most sought-after hill stations in South India, Munnar is still well connected to nearby airports and stations via road.

How to best reach there?

Whether you are travelling from domestic Indian cities or visiting directly from international destinations, there are many ways to get to the town of Munnar. Here are the most common transport options to help you decide the best mode for you:

Since Munnar doesn’t have an airport of its own, the nearest one that you can fly into is in Kochi. Cochin International Airport is located about 125 km away from Munnar. It is well connected to most cities in India and around the world. From there, you can hire a private taxi to Munnar directly when you arrive or pre-book one and have it ready for you at arrivals. Check flights to Cochin International Airport here!

I flew into Kochi from Mumbai early in the morning and just booked the transfer to our hotel in Munnar at the airport itself. There is a booking counter right after baggage claim in the arrivals lounge and you can easily get fixed price transports from there (No, haggling wouldn’t make a difference). The entire process is really organised and hassle free as you get a booking slip upon payment and meet your driver outside.

CG’s tip: Just make sure to have the proper address of your accommodation with you and not of Munnar town simply. Munnar refers to both the town and its surrounding areas, so accommodations are sometimes further out or nearer to the centre. Depending on where yours is based, you might be asked to pay a little extra or less, so it is better to check beforehand. 

Our accommodation was actually higher up from the general drop-off point, so our AC taxi with two large suitcases cost us INR 3350 for the drop-off . If you are travelling alone or are tight on budget, then you can even get a bus transfer. There are several bus companies running frequent buses between Cochin International Airport and Munnar. Though, none of them are direct as of yet. If you would prefer a direct bus, then you can head to the closeby Aluva bus stop (12 km away) and get a bus to Munnar from there .

The closest railway station to Munnar is in Aluva (110 km), which is slightly nearer compared to the centre of Kochi. Angamaly (Kalady) Railway Station is also at a similar distance. But if you are looking for better connectivity to other parts of India with frequent express trains, then Ernakulam might be the best option.

The Ernakulam Railway Station in Kochi is at a distance of 130 km from Munnar and has more daily trains arriving from faraway cities like Mumbai and Delhi . The Madurai Railway Station in Tamil Nadu is also around 135 km away, so you can check online and see which one might be a better choice for your departure city.

Irrespective of which railway station do you arrive at out of the mentioned above, there are onward buses and taxis available for Munnar from all. You can either walk to the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus stand near your station and take a local bus, or get a prepaid taxi from arrivals / book a taxi from Kochi to Munnar online .

Snuggled between splendid hills, Munnar is one of the most beautiful places to drive to. Regardless of how you choose to get there, chances are that you will be arriving into town by road. One of the popular ways to travel to Munnar is hiring a car to self-drive or booking a taxi . Since most places to see in Munnar are very spread out, I personally think having your own vehicle can be a bliss whilst there.

Munnar is also well connected to numerous state and national highways across India via public transport. You can book buses online via redBus or turn up at a stop and buy a ticket in person. However, the local, state run buses by KSRTC might be a better choice as they operate more frequently to mountainous areas where many public buses don’t often go. When taking a KSRTC bus from Kochi to Munnar, you can expect to pay somewhere around INR 130 per person.

CG’s tip: If arriving in a private vehicle, do not forget to make pit-stops on the way to enjoy the abundant viewpoints as you gain elevation and snap pictures by the oodles of waterfalls that will surprise you en route. If coming by bus, then get a window seat and purely admire the verdant visions from your ride!

Onward Transport from Munnar

When it’s nearly time to leave, you can simply arrange for the transport in Munnar itself. Our next stop on the Kerala trip was Kumarakom and we got a private taxi for INR 3300 in Munnar town the night before. There are various travel agents and ticketing shops around town from where you can book your preferred onward transfer.

Buses operate daily from / to Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kochi, Coimbatore, Madurai and more. You can browse bus routes on the KSRTC website here. Alternatively, you can book a taxi or hire a car to anywhere you would like to go.

What is the best time to visit Munnar?

Munnar is one of those destinations that can be enjoyed throughout the year due to its adequate climate. Whether you are looking to find some solace during the scorching Indian heat in summer, or are thinking of a mountainous getaway during the winter season in India; Munnar, being a hill station, is a treat anyhow.

Summer (March to May)

Summer starts arriving in Munnar from March and usually lasts till May. With temperatures ranging between 19-35 degrees Celsius , it is a great time to visit Munnar and enjoy the cool air amidst acres of tea plantations. Early morning and night time in Munnar are generally cool throughout the year, so you will still get a hill station feel even in summer.

Munnar is also known to have less humidity and rainfall during the summer months. Because of this, you might notice a surge of prices when travelling to Munnar during this time as many domestic tourists head there to escape the heat. From hiking in the Western Ghats to going camping and exploring waterfalls, there are a plethora of activities that you can take part in in summer.

This time of the year is also when many seasonal activities like paragliding, rock climbing, rappelling and other adventure sports are available. You can also go on a trek to Anamudi – the highest point in India (outside the Himalayan Mountain Ranges) at 2,695 metres above the ground.

CG’s tip: Munnar could still experience light rain showers in the summer. It is a good idea to carry a light sweater or jacket and an umbrella or raincoat for your visit.

Monsoon (June to September)

Monsoon season in Munnar comes with its own charm. The arrival of shimmering rain transforms the sprawling tea estates and lush forests of Munnar into an even more alluring, verdant and vibrant scene. Cloudy skies and heavy waterfalls further add to the overall atmosphere and make way for a pleasant time.

Munnar experiences heavy rainfall with an average of 533 mm rain during the months of June and July. If you are planning to visit Munnar during monsoon s , then keep in mind that many touristic activities might not be available . The roads leading to Munnar and around it can also be slippery during this time, so I would advise to head there only during the day and not at night.

Having said that, most accommodations in Munnar are typically cheaper during monsoon (due to off-season). You can even book a room overlooking the lush hills and enjoy the view with a hot cup of chai when the rain pours. The town in general is quieter too, so it can be a more relaxing time to visit. However, with rain comes leeches, so be careful when going into grassy areas during monsoon. There could also be road blockages and landslides in monsoon, so I would personally avoid visiting then.

CG’s tip: Trekking and hiking might not be possible to do in Munnar during monsoon as the surface becomes slippery. Though, it might still be a good idea to carry footwear that you would not mind getting dirty along with some warm clothing and an umbrella or raincoat .

Winter (October to February)

Winter is the best time to visit a hill station like Munnar. With crisp afternoons, icy dawns, and pleasant dusks, it is easy to understand why most tourists head to Munnar between October and February. The average temperature in Munnar during this time is around 10 degrees Celsius . But since it is situated on high terrains and is surrounded by vast empty lands, the air tends to feel colder than that.

I visited Munnar in the beginning of February and loved the climate. The afternoons were hot enough to wander around in a t-shirt, but a jacket was still needed during auto-rickshaw rides and at night time. From hiking, trekking and mountain climbing, to gazing at waterfalls and walking amidst tea plantations, there were plenty of activities to engage in. Just remember that it is the busiest tourist season in Kerala, so you should expect to see large crowds!

From the month of November to January, Munnar sometimes experiences occasional snowfall and cold waves with recorded temperature dipping down below 0 degrees Celsius. If you are planning to visit during the blooming of Neelakurinji flowers, then September to October might be a better choice. But if weather is the deciding factor, then I personally found February to have been perfect .

CG’s tip: When packing warm clothes for the trip, make sure to bring layers with you. Since the temperature increases in the day and then drops again at night, it would be comfortable to have easily changeable options with you.

How many days are enough?

In order to see the best of Munnar, I would recommend visiting there for three full days. I was there for a short trip so could only stay for two days and thus, ended up missing a few things that I would have liked to explore and do. 

Most places to see in Munnar are spread out from each other and divided into routes according to their location. You will most likely have to dedicate a day to each route in order to see the touristic spots in that area. Since I was there for only two days, I could only do two routes. 

We were able to see quite a few places, but I have to admit that I felt a little rushed on the first day. Since we made our way from Kochi airport on the same day, we could not begin the tour early in the morning and hence had limited time. Even though the driving distance between Kochi and Munnar isn’t that much, the duration often takes longer due to the windy, singular road.

However, if you are short on time, then it is possible to do a private day trip to Munnar from Kochi. You’ll usually begin your journey at sunrise and be back in Kochi for dinner!

Where to stay in Munnar?

This is one question that I struggled with the most when planning my trip to Kerala. Since Munnar refers to both the town and its general surrounding area, many nice hotels and resorts there are actually located far off the centre. Having not been there before, I personally found it difficult to gauge how far away would it be okay to stay in terms of food, transport, touristic sites and so on.

I had always dreamt of staying at a beautiful accommodation with panoramic views of the plantations and the greenery that Munnar is known for. However, resorts like that can be scattered anywhere up to 20-25 kilometres of radius from the centre. So, if you do not have your own vehicle with you, it can become costlier to get around and to access the restaurants in the town centre for dinner.

So how do you choose where to stay? Well, know that Munnar is divided into three broad areas that each have something different to offer. Depending on what your preference, budget and purpose of the trip is, you can see which one suits your needs best and stay there. 

Old Munnar is a small settlement that is not too far from Munnar Town. It is a decent area with many budget accommodations and some nice viewpoints close by. If you are arriving to Munnar in a bus from Kochi, then Old Munnar is where the buses would usually stop first. Being in close proximity with a bus stop, Old Munnar is a convenient area to get to and from.

I visited Old Munnar to see some photo points and spice gardens around there, and the neighbourhood looked acceptable. I wouldn’t go as far as saying that this is the best area to stay in Munnar. But if you are after economical properties that are away from the town centre noise and traffic, then Old Munnar is a decent choice. Especially since it is still close enough to easily get there if needed.

From the research that I have done, Grand Plaza and Greenview Holiday Inn look like the best options in Old Munnar. Greenview Holiday Inn is located right on the Main Street connecting Munnar to Kochi, while Grand Plaza has some rooms with beautiful views going for it. Other properties like Deshadan Mountain Resort and Fragrant Nature Munnar are a tad further away, but come with beautiful tea estate views and luxury that is otherwise rare in the hills. The Abad Copper Castle Resort is also nearby and has great balcony views.

Munnar Town

Munnar Town is the commercial centre of the area. If you are looking to stay somewhere with easy access to restaurants, accommodations, ATMs and other tourism related services, then this is the best option for you. Though, it may not be the most postcard worthy choice. 

With many hotel buildings and shops nearby, the view in Munnar Town is merely ordinary. I stayed at a walking distance from the main market there and felt like I missed on the proper hill station experience that one would go to a place like Munnar for. Most places to sightsee in Munnar are also not actually in the centre, so it certainly lacks when it comes to scenery.

However, with an array of eateries present in almost every nook, I admit that it was convenient to grab a quick albeit delicious bite at any given time and just go for an escapade. Containing the town’s main taxi stand near the market, Munnar town also ended up being a convenient base to hire auto rickshaws or private cabs for day tours in and around Munnar.

You can check out my hotel in Munnar Town here . We just went there to sleep, so I cannot say much about the service. But, it was easy on the pocket. If you are looking for something more decent, then the nearby Tea County looks great.

Out of Town Munnar

If commercialised areas aren’t your thing and you would rather enjoy the idyllic views that Munnar is mainly famous for, then staying a little out of town might be the best choice for you. With numerous guesthouses, hotels, resorts and treehouses (!!) spread around a 20-30 minute drive from Munnar, there is a wide list of options to choose from for every budget when staying out of town.

Depending on what you choose (eg: a guesthouse by the tea plantations), there may be less restaurants situated close to your accommodation. But since most places like that have an on-site restaurant, you can always double check before making a booking or request for arrangements in advance. Nearly all out of town properties also have a concierge service and can make transportation s and day-tour s bookings for you. 

CG’s tip: If you are taking a bus to get to Munnar, then make sure to check which bus stop is closest to it. A lot of the properties are in or near Munnar Bypass, so buses usually stop there first before heading to the town.

One of the best out of town properties is the luxurious Kaivalyam Wellness Retreat . It is situated midst a beautiful spice plantation and has free shuttle bus services to the main town. The Elixir Hills Suites Resort and Spa and Blanket Hotel Spa also look equally stunning. If you like waterfalls, then you can even get a room with a view of a mesmerising waterfall at Blanket Hotel Spa. Last but not the least, The Panoramic Getaway also is a great choice.

How to get around Munnar?

Since most places to see in Munnar are far (like covering national parks and forest reserves far!) from the centre, you cannot simply walk to a landmark and explore independently. If you have your own vehicle with you, then yes, you can drive in any direction you like. But for most travellers, you will either need to use a public bus, hire an auto-rickshaw (tuk-tuk) or a private taxi.

CG’s tip: If you want to drive your own vehicle or take a bus, then remember to write down the timings, directions and other necessary information for the way back. Since some spots are situated even higher up than Munnar town, cellular network doesn’t really work there so you might not have any connectivity from time-to-time.

Public buses run all the way to Top Station and are easy to find from the town centre. However, due to the winding nature of the road taking you there and the distance involved, these buses can take longer than anticipated. 

I wanted to have more freedom in regards to being able to stop wherever I liked, so I didn’t personally try this option.

Auto Rickshaw or Taxi Tour

Because there are so many wonderful spots and directions to go explore when in Munnar, getting around in a privately hired vehicle may be your best bet. Depending on your budget, you can book a taxi or auto rickshaw for a day tour and have the drivers take you around your chosen spots and back.

Since most touristic sights around Munnar fall on a certain route, you will find taxi and auto rickshaw drivers offering customised tours for various different ones. These drivers almost always carry a route card / brochure with pictures of the most famous spots with them, so you can have a look at the options and go with the one that interests you best.

Depending on how further you opt to go and the duration of your chosen tour, a price will then be quoted to you. Auto-rickshaw tours are typically around INR 700-1000 per day and the taxi charges are nearly double that. The asking price can be at least twice these figures (especially if you are not from around there) so don’t forget to haggle beforehand. 

The four most common routes are towards the Mattupetti, Marayoor (or Coimbatore), Cochin, and Thekkady directions. We decided to take the Top Station / Mattupetti tour on Day 1 from the town centre and it cost us INR 900 for an auto-rickshaw option. For Day 2, we chose the Cochin direction tour (with the same driver) which cost us INR 1000 with a hotel pick-up and drop off. 

The best thing about our tour was that the driver was very accommodating and didn’t mind stopping at random stops for pictures. He was also very knowledgeable about the places we visited, so it was like getting a tour guide and a driver for the price of one. But, keep in mind that none of these tours cover entrance fees for any attractions.

Renting a Motorbike

This used to be a very popular means of getting in and around Munnar up to a few years back. With an encircling road situated right in the lap of nature, adventure loving travellers often enjoyed touring around in pocket friendly motorbikes to explore Munnar on their own. However, due to reasons unclear, this is no longer possible.

Though based upon my chat with my auto-rickshaw driver and other locals, it did look like there are actually multiple causes behind it. There seemed to have been some accidents involving the rental motorbikes in the past (which for a hill station like Munnar sounds likely) and seemingly fatalities too. 

However, I was also told that since other tour operators and locals weren’t benefitting with tourists hiring their own vehicle for cheap, the government had to intervene and prohibit motorbike rentals.

Places to see and things to do in Munnar

Where do I even begin with this one? For a town oozing with touristic sights and hidden gems, saying that there is plenty to see in Munnar would be an understatement. From seeing elephants in their natural habitat to visiting the most elevated tea plantation in the world, here are some places that you can explore on your next trip to Munnar:

Mattupetty Dam

Mattupetty Dam is a concrete storage gravity dam that is used to generate hydroelectricity in the area. It was constructed in the Idukki district in the late 1940s and is said to be the first of its kind in the entire state of Kerala. 

Surrounded by lush forests and verdant tea plantations that reflect beautifully on the water in the lake, it is also a much renowned picnic spot in Munnar. There are several stalls offering local delicacies like roasted corn and coconut water around. You can also bring your own food there and enjoy it by the lakeshore.

Mattupetty Dam is also known for spotting Asiatic Elephants. Due to the water availability in the lake, many such wild animals and birds can be occasionally seen from there. And if you like adventures, then there is also a beautiful trekking path leading to nearby forests. Water activities like speed and motor boating in the dam are available too.

Distance: 13 km away from Munnar Route: Munnar to Top Station / Mattupetti Direction route Opening hours: 09:30 am – 05:00 pm

Echo Point is a beautiful spot located at an altitude of 600 feet on the banks of a glistening lake. With panoramic views of three mountain ranges and evergreen forests, it is one of those places that is destined to leave you spellbound. 

Echo Point is also famous for its natural phenomenon of echoing. So, when visiting, make sure to shout something by the shore of the lake and hear your voice reverberate back to you in sometime. I will admit that I didn’t really expect much from it at first, but the moment you first hear your own echo, it truly is enthralling.

You can also walk around the gentle slopes, trek, or go on a boating expedition while there. I, for one, even loved sitting and gazing at the incredible landscape in front. Echo Point is also home to misty low-lying clouds and some very tall trees.

CG’s tip: Echo Point is a beautiful spot to take Instagram photos in Munnar. So don’t forget to carry your camera with you and take some pictures to remember this natural paradise by.

Distance: 15 km away from Munnar Route: Munnar to Top Station / Mattupetti Direction route Opening hours : 06:00 am – 07:30 pm

Kundala Lake

Snuggled between green valleys, Kundala Lake is one of the most beautiful places to see in Munnar. Located at a height of 1700 metres above sea level, it is a tranquil spot situated on the way to Top Station. One of the well-known attractions to see when visiting Kundala Lake is the artificial Kundala dam. Also known as Sethuparvathipuram dam, it is said to be Asia’s first ever arch dam.

The lake is also a popular spot for boat rides such as the traditional Kashmiri Shikara boat. Other types of boating like row boating, paddle boating or speed boating are also available for hire. With the sun reflecting on the clear water and making it gleam in every direction possible, Kundala Lake is indeed a must visit sight for nature lovers. 

This area is also a significant place to see cherry blossoms. Blooming only twice a year, the cherry gardens surrounding Kundala Lake turn the entire lake into a more magical location. Being a paradise full of beautiful flowers, Kundala Lake is also home to the famous Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every twelve years. The next sighting of the Neelakurinji flowers is supposed to be in 2030!

CG’s tip: Kundala Lake looks even more mesmerising under the first rays of sun. Make sure to arrive here early in the morning to see it in all its glory.

Distance: 20 km from Munnar Route: Munnar to Top Station / Mattupetti Direction route Opening hours: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm (Boating closes at 04:30 pm)

Top Station

Top Station is the last stop on the Mattupetti direction route. If you are looking to enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the Theni district valley, then driving to the Top Station should definitely be on your Munnar list. It might not technically be a ‘top station’ anymore due to the destruction of the railway tracks there, but it is certainly still the ‘top’ of Munnar. On a clear day, you can even see Tamil Nadu from there!

Like most touristic sights in the Kanan Devan hills, Top Station is also best enjoyed early in the morning. Because it is located 1880 metres above sea level, it can get surrounded by clouds more easily. Once the clouds come in, it becomes harder to see the incomparable views that the location is famous for. Top Station is also popular to spot the rare Neelakurinji flowers. There are a few tea farms nearby too. If you like chai, then you can even grab a cuppa and some snacks at the Top Station and enjoy the misty view in front.

However, do keep in mind that it can get really crowded there. When I visited around sunset time in February 2020,  tourists in Munnar were very limited due to the coronavirus. I was told by my auto-rickshaw driver that sometimes it can even take an entire day to get there and back due to the traffic in peak season. 

Distance: 40 km from Munnar Route : Munnar to Top Station / Mattupetti Direction route Opening hours: 06:00 am to 06:00 pm

Spice Gardens

There are many spice gardens in and around Munnar. Although a tad touristy, doing a tour of spice plantations is interesting if you want to see how the indigenous spices (like turmeric, ashwangandha , pepper, etc.) of the region grow. Typically, you will start by buying your tickets from the counter and have a guide take you around. You can try the species you like, learn about them, take some photographs and then exit through the gift shop.

The one that I visited was part of the auto-rickshaw tour in Cochin direction. It is called Spice County and the tickets cost INR 100 per person. We were taken to the starting point of the plantation in a rather adventurous jeep drive. Our tour lady was nice and wasn’t giving any unnecessary information to try to sell the products from the gift shop. However, others could insist on purchasing something.

The Cinnamon Gardens Spice Plantation is another popular one to visit in Munnar.

Distance: 6 km from Munnar Route: Munnar to Cochin direction Opening hours: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm

Tea Plantations and Museum

You cannot go to Munnar and not visit a tea plantation or factory! With more than 1500 acres of land covered with tea, it is truthfully present in every corner there. You can drive past them and stop on the highway to take photos from the various viewpoints that you will come across. Or, go on a tour, learn how it is cultivated, engage in tea tasting and bring some back home.

But if you are looking to get those Instagram perfect pictures of yourself strolling around in tea fields, then know that most aren’t open to the public. The Tata Group actually owns the majority of them, so you will need a special permit to enter as they are usually surrounded by pointed wires. Nonetheless, there are hiking and jeep tours in Munnar that go through the tea fields, so you can do one at sunrise and get some beautiful photos.

Some plantations like Chinnakanal Tea Fields, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate and Lockhart Tea Estate also allow visitors to explore the tea fields with a purchase of a ticket. The Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is the highest organic tea factory in the world. A jeep tour of it was recommended to me by many locals and tourists. This walking tour takes you amidst tea plantations and involves tea leaf picking and tea tasting as well!

CG’s tip: I was only in Munnar for a short while so I didn’t get the chance to do a tour. But, the auto-rickshaw driver we went with knew some tea plantations that were open to enter (I double-checked with the staff there too) and on the way. If you can, I would recommend doing a tour though as I do feel that I missed out on it.

Pothamedu Viewpoint

Nestled amidst tea and coffee plantations, the Pothamedu Viewpoint offers panoramas of the nearby valley, is a good place for photographs, and is said to be beautiful at sunset time. 

We visited around noon on Day 2 and I personally felt that it wasn’t worth going out of our way to reach there. It might have been because I went to more scenic places the day before or the weather condition, but it didn’t wow me like the other places did.

Having said that, I did enjoy walking around the Pothamedu viewpoint and found a tea plantation that was open to visit. The area is also known to be a good hiking and trekking spot. But if you are visiting with young kids, then be careful as the drop on the other side is really high and there is barely any safety.

Distance: 5 km from Munnar Route: Munnar to Cochin direction Opening hours: 09:00 am to 07:30 pm

Eravikulam National Park

The Eravikulam National Park is one of the many wildlife parks near Munnar. Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr mountain ungulates, the highest peak of Anamudi, and the famous Neelakurinji flowers; it is a much-loved tourist destination in Kerala. 

Unlike other national parks around the world, the Eravikulam National Park actually gives visitors the rare freedom to walk around instead of doing a traditional (jeep) safari. There is a designated area where you can stay as long as you wish to and try to spot a Nilgiri Tahr. If interested, you can also book a private hiking tour with the park in advance and go on a 2-3 hour guided expedition. The Eravikulam National Park requires everyone to buy a permit to enter.

In their attempt to do right by the Nilgiri Tahrs, the Kerala government ensures that they remain undisturbed during the calving season. So keep in mind that each year the park remains closed sometime from January for three months straight. Since I visited Munnar in February last year, I could not go to Eravikulam National Park because of this reason.

CG’s tip: The park might be closed during monsoon too, so if you are heading to Munnar to view it, then don’t forget to check in advance.

Distance: 15 km from Munnar Route: Munnar to Marayoor / Coimbatore direction Opening hours: 07:30 am to 04:00 pm

Lakkam Waterfalls

Lakkam Waterfalls is a beautiful stream close to the Eravikulam National Park. It is one of the most serene places to see in Munnar and is also known as Lakkom waterfalls. You can visit here to simply admire the waterfalls amidst rich flora or go swimming in the crystal-clear plunge pool that forms at the bottom of the lake. The water is usually icy cold, which can be both a blessing or suffering depending on the season you are visiting in.

Lakkam Waterfalls is also known as a great trekking spot in the area, so you can also book a tour for the same if you like. Just remember to not hike there during the monsoon season as the rocks can be slippery. The waterfall is also surrounded by beautiful Vaga trees that make the area even more appealing.

Distance : 25 km from Munnar Route: Munnar to Marayoor / Coimbatore direction  Opening hours: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm

Some other noteworthy waterfalls to visit in Munnar are Attukal (aka Attukad) waterfalls, Cheeyapara Waterfalls, Chinnakanal Waterfalls and Kuthumkal Waterfalls. But since cascades are in abundance there, you will probably come across many more during your time in Munnar.

Where to eat in Munnar?

South Indian food is one of my all-time favourites so I was really excited to eat my weight in the local delicacies of Munnar. Here are some places that I would recommend for good vegetarian food in Munnar:

Saravana Bhavan: Saravana Bhavan is a well-known, vegetarian South Indian chain around the world. You can expect to find good quality and hygienic local specialities like dosas, idlis , appams, thalis and more here. It is situated in Munnar market and is easy on the pocket too. I had a Rava Masala Dosa along with some idlis and found everything really tasty. I also loved that the food was served on an authentic banana leaf. Unfortunately, we only went here on our last night; otherwise we could have gone back for seconds!

Tea Tales Café: Tea Tales Café is a newly opened eatery by an adventure company in Munnar. It is situated on a higher floor on a busy street in Munnar Town, making it less noisy if you sit inside (outdoor seating is available too). If you need a break from the local food, you can find good vegetarian and vegan options like sandwiches, pastas, smoothies, etc. there. They also have a huge spread of coffees and local teas.

Hotel Gurubhavan: Hotel Gurubhavan was located a mere 5-minute walk from our hotel, so we decided to visit it for dinner one night. We arrived earlier than the standard Indian dinner time, but the place was packed with local tourists within minutes. The price was very reasonable and the food was decent too (we ordered a dosa and some Indian curry with naan). However, they did make another family sit on our table and have us share it with them without even asking which was a little weird.

County Cuisine: Tea County is a hotel operated by the Kerala Government and its multi-cuisine restaurant on site is called County Cuisine. I personally didn’t get to visit it, but from the recommendations I got and the reviews online, it looks like a nice place to get some Indian and Asian food. The restaurant is vegetarian friendly and offers some nice views.

Rochas Restaurant: Rochas restaurant was another eatery in Munnar that was near our hotel. We had jeera aloo and paneer butter masala with some garlic naans and everything was nice. I personally wanted to eat idlis , but for some reason a lot of the South Indian food was available only for breakfast. Not something that I was expecting in Kerala, but it was a touristy place so maybe that’s why.

Other than this, we just had our meals in decent looking places close to where we were. Since Munnar is a hill station, you might not find a huge number of modern restaurants around. Our hotel didn’t have a restaurant on site, but if yours does, then you can always eat there.

What to buy in Munnar?

Munnar is known for many things so if you like souvenir shopping or bringing a loved one a little something, then don’t forget to check out the local markets in the town. Since Munnar is also referred to as the tea capital of Kerala, some tea is always nice to remember it by. I also brought some coffee home for my family and they seemed to really enjoy it.

There are also many shops in Munnar town selling homemade chocolates. You can get flavours like fruit and nuts, chilli chocolates, white/dark, etc. The spice plantation I visited also had a chocolate shop near it, so it might be better to buy from them directly instead of a convenience store in the town.

Last but not the least, since Kerala is known for its Ayurveda practices, you can also buy essential oils, handmade soaps, incense sticks and other natural care products.

What to pack for Munnar?

•  It is really common for showers to appear from nowhere due to the high altitude of Munnar, so make sure to bring an umbrella or waterproof clothing.
• If you plan to take an auto-rickshaw tour, then it might be better to pack something to cover your face or eyes. There is a lot of dust when it’s windy, so we were thankful to have face masks and some eye gear .
•  A jacket ! Even if you are coming in the summer, places like Munnar do get cold at night, so it is useful to have a light layer in case you need it.

• Getting some light cotton clothes is also a good idea. The temperatures seem to fluctuate a lot so it can get really hot and humid during the day. I was there in February and was only comfortable in sleeveless maxi dresses or t-shirts during the day.
• Mosquitos are quite common in Munnar, especially near water bodies. Make sure to take some mosquito repellent with you.
• And of course, a camera! There are going to be countless photo opportunities for you in Munnar, so don’t forget to pack it. This is the one that I’m currently using.
• Munnar and especially Eravikulam National Park is great for wildlife photographers. So, if you have one, then bringing a zoom lens is also recommended.

Some things to know before visiting Munnar

• Even though there are ATMs in and around Munnar, I would recommend to always have some cash on you. The network in Munnar isn’t all that reliable and the auto-rickshaw and roadside vendors only take cash.
• If you are arriving into Munnar on the same day as taking a tour then I would recommend leaving the Top Station one for your second day instead. Since we could only start ours around mid-day, I felt a little rushed towards the end as it started getting dark before we could cover some spots.
• Even though there are a lot of hiking and trekking spots in Munnar, most are only accessible with a guide. If you rather go independently, then research in advance to double check if you are even allowed to access your preferred location.
• If you want to trek to the Anamudi Peak inside the Eravikulam National Park then you can get permission from the Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam.
• Last but not the least, please do not support elephant villages and other places that use animals as an attraction. Munnar is a place where you can watch them in their natural habitat drinking water by the lake, so there really is no good reason to contribute to animal cruelty.

Final Thoughts

Munnar is a truly incredible destination and it boosts so many interesting lakes, waterfalls, national parks and tea estates that you will never experience a dearth of options when visiting there. It may look like a small town at first, but the surrounding areas are so vast that there will always be new places to stumble upon. Aptly known as ‘Kashmir of the South’, Munnar truly is one of the best places I have visited in India so far!

I hope this detailed guide about Munnar helped you get a good hold of Kerala’s tea capital and inspired you to discover more of South India. If have any questions or would like to add anything, then please do not hesitate to leave a comment below. I love hearing from you! For additional information, you can also find highlights from Kerala trip on my Instagram account .

Safe travels, Charu xx

Want to keep reading? You may like “ Staying at Kumarakom Lake Resort in Kerala ” and “ 50+ Best Kerala Quotes That Make The Perfect Instagram Caption ” too.

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This Post Has 15 Comments

Did you visit Thekkady? That’s another stunning place in Kerala.

Hi Pradeep. No, I did not get to visit Thekkady on this trip unfortunately. It looks really beautiful though and I hope to travel there sometime soon!

Guess What? I was planning to go to Munnar and thought to visit your blog to see what you’re up to and whether any new post has been uploaded by you or not.

And I saw Munnar in the recent post :), you have covered everything in detail. Can you tell me something about the treks in Munnar? from your experience if you have managed to do?

Hi Vansh, thank you so much for reading the post. I am happy to hear that it has been helpful in planning your Munnar trip.

Since I was there only for two nights, I did not get the time to go on a trek myself. But I have heard some good things about the guys at Tea Tales Cafe. They also run their own adventure company, so if you like, you can enquire about treks in person when visiting their cafe in the town centre.

Please let me know if you have any other questions. And have a safe trip!

Thanks Charu for the Info. Keep Inspiring!

Wow, stunning! I will most definitely visit when I’m back in that part of the world because I LOVE tea and nature 🙂 And that food looks delicious!!

I hope you get to return this side soon, Natalie. It wouldn’t even be an exaggeration to say that the air in Munnar smells of tea. You’d really like it!

These tea fields look absolutely stunning and I love your photography! I think we would also love to visit the tea markets in town. Markets, in general, are always so interesting to us because we don’t have anything like that in the US.

Thank you for your kind words, Shelby. And yes, I get what you mean by that. Markets in India are a big thing and although noisy, they do have a charm of their own.

your photos are gorgeous, and all the food looks amazing! i’d really hope to visit munnar, when it’s safe, and i will use your post as a guide… it was so thorough & inspirational 🇮🇳

Thank you so much, Shelley. I hope that the situation here becomes better soon and that you are able to visit when it does. The entire state of Kerala has some of the best food that I have had in the country- I am sure you will like it too!

Lovely post, thanks for sharing! Munnar is on my bucket list and hope to visit soon.

Thank you for reading, Camilla! I hope you can explore Munnar really soon 💗

Interesting Travel Guide of Munnar-Kerala ! Thank you for this amazing post .I am surely going to explore this place.

Thank you for reading it, Pramod. I am pleased to read that you found it useful. Hoping you can go explore Munnar really soon 😊

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Planning a trip to Munnar? Try these scenic routes

The alluring hillocks of Munnar paints a perfect portrait of serene nature, often drawing hundreds of visitors to enjoy the misty mornings and lush tea plantations. The two routes to Munnar are particularly praised for its great natural beauty and has amazing sceneries and splendid views in store for the visitors. The Neryamangalam-Munnar route from Ernakulam and the route to Marayur are the best when it comes to incredible nature and fabulous tourist attractions.

Neryamangalam-Munnar route: 59 kilometres

This is one of the most chosen routes that is sure to thrill the travellers. There are plenty of sceneries and naturally beautiful places on both sides of the road until you reach Munnar. You could just stop your vehicle on the wayside and enjoy these views to your heart’s content. However, if you are travelling by bus, make sure to sit on the right side of the bus. The grand panoramic view of the hills and the valley is breath taking.

Sugarcane plantations and sandalwood trees beckon travellers to Marayur

Marayoor near Munnar is more than tea plantations

Only the Cheeyapara waterfall is on the left side. Meanwhile, the Neryamangalam bridge could be called the entrance or bridge to Munnar. The construction of the bridge began in 1924 during the reign of the regent queen of Travancore Sethulakshmi Bhai. Neryamangalam which receives the highest amount of rainfall in the state is often touted as the ‘Cherrapunji’ of Kerala.

Cheeyapara waterfall

The Cheeyapara waterfall is the first stop in this route. You could park the vehicle and enjoy the picturesque waterfall. Meanwhile, the Valapara waterfall is a few kilometres ahead. Park the vehicle on the left side of the road and walk a few metres to the right to reach the waterfall. Adimali town boasts of some amazing hotels and eateries that serve authentic local food.

Pallivasal and Attukadu waterfall

Pallivasal is a beautiful place to visit before Munnar. It is known for Kerala’s first hydro electric project. You could see the huge penstock pipes here. Turn to a small road in the right from Pallivasal to reach the Attukadu waterfall.

This small pathway through the verdant tea plantations looks straight out of an impressionist painting. There is a quaint tea shop on the side that adds to impeccable charm of the rural setting. If you are interested to enjoy the tea plantation, then you could walk to the waterfall. The waterfall looks fabulous from afar. The Headworks dam is another attraction before you reach Munnar. The water to the Pallivasal hydroelectric project is stored here.

Munnar town

As you enter the Munnar town, a spectacular river on the right side welcomes you. There is a grandis orchard too here. Meanwhile, the KSRTC bus station is just beside this area. Enjoy a stroll through the mesmerizing grandis orchard; however, you should be alert as bug bites could ruin your little trip. Moreover, the authorities warn against taking a swim in the river as it could be precarious .

As the name ‘Munnar’ suggests, it is a place of three lakes. Kanniyar Lake that flows from the Munnar side, Nallathanniyar Lake that joins the Kanniyar Lake and the Kuttiyar Lake that flows from Muttupetti are the three major lakes here. All these lakes would join together and then flow as the mighty Muthirapuzha River. This is the river that you see on the side as soon as you enter the Munnar town.

Munnar-Marayur route

Marayur is an enchanting land where pristine rain forests and exotic sandalwood trees lure you. The road to Marayur runs through the banks of the Kanniyar Lake. The verdant meadows are beautiful, but could be filled with bugs.

Eravikulam National Park

The Eravikulam National Park is one of the major attractions in Munnar. You could purchase the ticket from the entrance and then travel to Rajamala in the bus arranged by the forest department. Rajamala is world famous for the neelakurinji (Strobilanthus kunthiana) seasons that blooms once in twelve years. When it bloomed in 1994, the beautiful hills of Rajamala got covered in a splendid wash of blue colour and the pictures became a sensation. You can spot the Nilgiri tahr that is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills here. This is the perfect place if you wish to get away from the bustle of the city and enjoy some fresh air.

Ettam mile is one of the highest places in the Marayur route. This area gets covered in a blanket of mist in the dawn. Meanwhile, the twilights are magical here. You could spot the karinkurangu or the Nilgiri langurs in the nearby woods, if you are lucky. The road that descends from Ettam mile to Marayur is quite narrow and precarious. The Munnar-Marayur route is lined with flowering trees. The Jacaranda trees with its vibrant lilac-coloured flowers is an enchanting sight during the blooming season.

Lakkam waterfall

The Lakkam waterfall is beautiful and safe too. So, you can take a dip in the refreshing waters of the Lakkam waterfall. The forest department has made all the arrangements for the tourists to enjoy the waterfalls safely. Sandalwood forests on both sides of the road exude an exotic fragrance. However, these forests are separated by fences. A drive through this road is definitely a dream journey for any travel enthusiast.

The countryside

A few metres ahead of the Nachivayal forest station is a road that turns to the right. This road through the sandalwood forest leads to the marvellous countryside that is known for its sugarcane farms. You could also see how authentic Marayur jaggery is being made at the countless workshops here. Do not forget to buy the Marayur jaggery and the flavoursome garlic as they are the most iconic items here.

Aanakottapara hills is on the route from Marayur to Kanthalloor. The scene in Kamal Haasan starrer 'Anbe Sivam' where a bus turns over and slides into a gorge was shot here. Muniyara or the dolmens (single-chambered megalithic tomb) is the most amazing highlight of Aanakottapara. Meanwhile, the apple orchards in Kanthalloor are a must visit. Marayur offers you unending scenes and surprises; so, it is better to plan an overnight stay here.

Munnar-Marayaur: 49 kilometres

Finding a place to stay the night won’t be a problem as good accommodation facilities are available in Kanthalloor and Marayur. An early morning drive to the Chinnar tropical forest would be a unique experience. Even though the Chinnar forest is a bit dry, it is still incredibly beautiful. The road runs parallel to the mountain ranges. You could grab a distant view of the Pambar Lake from here.

If you are an history enthusiast, then do not forget to visit the Aalampetty forest. You could enter the forest area after purchasing tickets from the Aalampetty eco development committee office. You can see the rare pictures that were drawn by early humans on the rocks.

The Thoovanam waterfall is known for its mesmerizing beauty. Interestingly, the forest department arranges trekking and accommodation facilities here. You can purchase tickets from Aalampetty and enjoy trekking to the waterfalls with the help of a guide. The Kerala-Tamil Nadu border is a few kilometres from here. The office of the Chinnar wildlife park is close to the border. Purchase tickets and enjoy a stroll through the banks of the Chinnar River. You could even stay in the tree houses in the woods. You could also spot rare faunas like Indian giant squirrels, Hanuman monkeys and Indian star tortoise.

Visitors from the northern part of Kerala can return from Chinnar via Udumalpet without driving back to Munnar. You will reach Coimbatore and then enter Palakkad.

Visit https://munnarwildlife.com for more details.  

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Though visited in February 2017 but still fresh in my memories

Our 1st visit to Kerala, where I got to know why it is called Gods own country, an ideal place to relax and forget about all your worries. Kerala is a beautiful state with beautiful people and the awesome food you can have. Here I am writing about my 4 days detailed journey to Kerala.

Once we reached Munnar, we checked into Grand Plaza Hotel and had our dinner there which was included in our plan.

Day 2- In the 1st half of the day, we covered Top station, Echo Point, Photo point, Mattupetty Dam , Rose Garden. Our driver suggested us to cover Top station first as normally people start with the lower places first and then proceed ahead to top station, we did the opposite to avoid the crowd and he was right, when we were coming back from the Top station, there were many people going there. We bought home made chocolate too. Again, Munnar to top station, the views are amazing, really beautiful.

After visiting all these places took a lunch break and had our meal in Shravan Bhawan. We took Kerala thali, ghee roast dosa, and few other things, everything was up to the mark, we loved the sooji payasam there. After having lunch and some rest in our hotel, we proceeded to KDHM, tata tea museum and Hydel Park and came back to our hotel by 6 PM.

It is better to include dinner in your hotel plan as Munnar does not have that many Restaurants.

Day 3- Our third day started with a delicious breakfast and then we proceeded to Alleppey. On our way, we stopped for an hour in Spice Garden Munnar, a beautiful forest where we got to know a lot about spices and Ayurveda. We reached Alleppey at around 4 PM and checked into Ramada Hotel where they upgraded our room and got the back water view rooms which were the icing on the cake. After checking in we got fresh and rushed to Alleppey beach to witness our first beach sunset.

We had our dinner in Thaff where we had Fish Pollichattu and Chicken Curry. The taste was average.

Day 4- This was a day at leisure as there is not much to see in Alleppey, what we actually wanted and as this is not the peak time, we got a deal for the houseboat for Rs 2000 for 2 hours and enjoyed our ride. The views were really beautiful, came back, enjoyed a little bit in our hotel after which we had our light lunch in a small bakery. Now was the time for shopping, bought few sarees from Maheswari, not sure if it is a reliable showroom or not but got lovely sarees.

Now was the time for Backwaters sunset in a shikhara. Trust me guys Shikara is much much better than a houseboat, you feel the waters in Shikhara, and we also enjoyed small canals, the experience was breathtaking.

We went to Royal park for Dinner and order fish fry, peas masala, egg masala and parotta and they all were delicious.

Day 5- Checked out of the hotel and reached Cochin airport in 2 hours, time to say final goodbye with heavy hearts, we would have cried, we loved Kerala that much.

The driver, the food, the views, the people, the hotels, the combined experience of them all made our journey really beautiful and unforgettable.

When are you planning to go ?

A very detail review. Thank you for sharing. :)

Planning on August 23rd 3018...

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Mesmerizing experience to KERALA-Munnar, Nature at Its Best

I visited Kerela-Munnar in the month of December which is the best time to visit (Beginning of winters). The weather was very pleasant and it was cold. I had a beautiful experience at Kerela backwaters and beaches with greenery all around with nature at its best. Kerela has very clean and beautiful roads and is best for road trips where you can enjoy the nature’s beauty. We had a home stay at “Home of Joy” resort in Changanassery, kerela. It is a mini resort in a calm and quite place with lots of grennery around. We had a comfortable stay here. Since it is a home stay, they also had a facility of kitchen. We visited “Alappuzha” beach which was clean and beautiful with some food joints on the beach. We had a wonderful experience on houseboats in “Alleppey Backwaters” where we enjoyed beautiful view, sightseeing, beautiful sunset which bought dazzling orange sky. We were surrounded by nature which had lots of coconut and banana trees, beautiful sky and chirping of birds, trust me it felt like paradise. We experienced kerela authentic food which had delicious sambhar, appam, idli, dosa, kerela style prawn and chicken curry.

A beautiful hill station “MUNNAR” which is a 7-8 hours drive from kerela is a must visit place. Munnar is a town and beautiful hill station in idukki district of kerela. Roads from kerela to munnar is comfortable and tree shaded where on your way to munnar you will experience beautiful sightseeing, exotic waterfalls, beautiful valleys, green rolling hills ,various shades of green, emerald tea plantations, organic farms and breathtaking scenes the more you reach on height.

Munnar is all about weather, enjoying immense beauty of tea gardens, green lush hills, pure air and the place overall. Munnar is a very beautiful hill station and a extremely peaceful tourist place. One should not miss tea manufacturing factory, waterfalls and garden farms for organic spices.

Munnar has a speciality in organic and medical spices and herb. We stayed at “Tea country” resort which is a 4 star property. This resort is situated between the green mountains and valleys having villas and cottages. We had a warm and friendly welcome. Hospitality was great right from the check-in till check-out, perfect room services with wonderful amenities and  food was very appetizing with good amount of varieties. This resort has a beautiful ambience having colourful flowers and lots of greenery around where we could feel so close to nature. We also experienced mesmerizing view of munnar from our room.  We visited organic farm which was about organic herbs, tea, coffee and whole spices. We had a live experience on manufacturing of tea where we saw all stages of making of tea at tea factory. Munnar is a immensely beautiful, peaceful and a very clean hill station.

My trip to kerela-munnar was incredible and a memorable one!

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Munnar Tourism Guide

The Indian state of Kerala has the town of Munnar in the Western Ghats mountain range. A hill station that served as a former retreat for the aristocracy of the British Raj, it is surrounded by undulating hills that are peppered with tea plantations that date back to the late 19th century. Lakkam Waterfalls, trekking routes, and the 2,695m-tall Anamudi Peak can all be found in Eravikulam National Park, which is also the home of the critically endangered Nilgiri tahr.

Visit the Eravikulam National Park in Munnar to see the abundant wildlife there and the Nilgiri Tahr. Additionally, there is the family-friendly Wonder Valley Adventure and Amusement Park. It is recommended to take a relaxing boat trip to Mattupetty Dam, close to a well-known dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project.

Tourism in Munnar is characterized by lush meadows with tea and cardamom plantations and a pleasant climate. A Munnar tour guide will take you on leisurely excursions through coffee and tea plantations, treehouse accommodations, camping and hiking through picturesque landscapes, viewing rare wildlife in national parks, and shikhara rides. It continues to be one of Kerala's most well-known hill resorts. Some of the top tourist attractions in Munnar are Devikulam, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi Peak, and the Munnar Tea Museum.

Like the colonial lords who used this hill station as a summer hideaway, tourists may flee the oppressive summer heat here. The greatest time to visit Munnar would be between September to May because the temperature is pleasant and not too cold during this period. However, this place may be visited all year round.

Munnar's romantic locations

Couples can go on thrilling hikes across these vast tea estates and look for the stunning Neelakurinji blooms. Any vacation to Munnar should include a lot of entertaining sights to see and experiences, in addition to these. These activities include a nature safari to see the renowned Nilgiri Tahr, boat rides on the Devikulam Lake, a trip to the Mattupetty cattle hamlet, and a tour of Kolukkumalai, the tallest tea plantation in India.

Eravikulam National Park

The Idukki District of Kerala is home to this national park, which spans a surface area of 97 square kilometers. Eravikulam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has 26 species of animals, 132 species of birds, and 19 species of amphibians. Your holidays would be memorable if you go on a jeep safari in Eravikulam National Park to see elephants or Nilgiri Tahr. Plan a trip to well-known waterfalls like Valara and Cheeyapara if you're a nature lover.

Why should you visit Munnar?

The ideal location to connect with nature is Munnar. Munnar is a visual pleasure, from the vast tea estates to the lush hills and cascading waterfalls. It's a good idea to take the journey to Munnar because you can see beautiful scenery along the way. After the long travel, it's time to unwind at one of the many lovely Munnar resorts, which provide all the amenities you need for a peaceful stay.

Most roadside eateries are tidy and provide hearty meals at relatively reasonable costs. Eat rice that has been steam-cooked with rasam or sambar on a banana leaf. After dinner, savour a payasam (dessert). Don't skip a hot cup of coffee if you want to stay attentive throughout the drive. State and federal highways connect Munnar to many cities, making it easily accessible. It is easy to drive on these roadways because they are well-maintained. NH49 passes through the town. You will enjoy driving to Munnar, whether coming from Kochi or a little further away from Chennai or Bengaluru.

Cuisines in Munnar

The Kairali thali, idiyappam with vegetable stew, fish in Kerala curry, spicy chicken fried, appam and idli, and dosas are all recommended for foodies. After indulging in delectable fare, buy locally made crafts, home-ground coffee, tea, aromatic oils, and traditional clothing from Kerala dyed, such as saris, stoles, and shawls. Spices, different types of tea and coffee, and aromatic oils like lemongrass, eucalyptus oil, and citriodora are treasures you can purchase on this hilly excursion. On this Munnar tour guide, foodies should taste the Kairali thali, idiyappam with vegetable stew, fish in Kerala curry, spicy chicken fried, appam, idli, and dosas.

Shopping in Munnar

After chowing down on delectable meals, purchase gifts such as aromatic oils, traditional dyed clothing from Kerala such as saris, stoles, and shawls, tea, spices such as cloves, cinnamon, pepper, and cardamom, local handicrafts, and freshly ground coffee. Start arranging your vacation to Munnar now to take in the natural beauty of its misty hills, waterfalls, lush green meadows, tea farms, variety of flora and wildlife, and unusual landscape. Enjoy the splendor of nature on your journey to Munnar, which features misty hills, waterfalls, lush green meadows, tea estates, a wide variety of flora and wildlife, and unusual vistas.

With its abundance of mountaintops, mist-covered hills, lush meadows, dense forests, and crystal-clear lakes, the stunningly gorgeous heaven of Munnar is ideal for environment enthusiasts.

Indulging in unusual experiences and enjoying the region's abundant natural beauty are the main focuses of travel and tourism in Munnar.

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Top Things to Do in Munnar

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Best Time To Visit Munnar

When it rains, Munnar glows with faded green, and you can sense the freshness around you. Let the green be greener during the monsoon season. When Munnar is covered with luxuriant green vegetation, the monsoon season has a special beauty. Due to the off-season, this is also an excellent time to take advantage of hotel rate discounts.

In Munnar, March marks the start of summer, and the weather is still pleasant, with temperatures between 19 and 35 degrees Celsius. The Tata Tea Museum, the tea fields in Munnar, and other attractions can all be visited at this time. Carry breathable cotton, but also a poncho because summertime showers are frequent.

The greatest time of year to visit Munnar is winter. The weather in Munnar is nice in the winter, and the minimum temperature at this time will drop to about 10°C, making it the ideal time for a getaway or a honeymoon.

How To Reach Munnar

Cochin International Airport is close to Munnar, about 125 kilometres away. Each of India's main cities is easily accessible from the airport. From the airport to Munnar, regular taxi services are consistently offered.

You can take a bus or a cab to Munnar after you arrive in Kochi, Aluva, or Ernakulam. For instance, you can purchase tickets from the bus terminal next to the Aluva train station counter or through the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) website.

Ernakulam, or Kochi, is home to the closest railway stations. The trains from different areas of India, such as Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, Mangalore, etc., converge at this important juncture. A little over 120 kilometres separate Aluva Railway Station from Munnar, making it closer.

FAQs about Munnar

• Q1. What are the best romantic activities for couples in Munnar? There are many romantic activities for couples in Munnar, including visiting the Rose Gardens, viewing the tea plantations, relaxing at the Attukal waterfalls, and taking a trip to the Pothamedu viewpoint. To heat your romance, visit these sites with your significant other.
• Q2. Which Munnar attractions are best for families with children to enjoy? The following are some options if you're seeking family-friendly things to do in Munnar: Visit Kundala Dam Lake as number one. Check out the Kalari Kshethra. Take a trip to the tea gardens Take part in the tea-making classes. Spend the day at Fun Forest Adventure Park.
• Q3. What is the ideal time to visit Munnar? November to February is the best time to visit Munnar. Munnar's mild winters make them by far the finest times to visit. It's the ideal time of year to take a vacation or go on a honeymoon because the minimum temperature lowers below ten degrees Celsius.
• Q4. What is Munnar famous for? The hills of Munnar, known for their evergreen tea plantations, can enchant tourists with their rolling beauty and charm. While tea plantations cover most of the hills, some are captivated by mesmerizing waterfalls, beautiful vegetation, and other things.
• Q5. Which hill station is known as Mini Munnar? Amanda Hills- a place blessed with natural beauty and is often called a lover's paradise is referred to as Mini Munnar.
• Q6. What is the best cuisine of Munnar? All of the well-known dishes from traditional Keralan cuisine may be found in Munnar's cuisine. Everything is practically a staple in this country, from Idli, Vada, and Sambhar to the popular Banana Chips. Other than that, many businesses will feature menus with various cuisines and selections. One could also want to stop by the bazaar's early-morning food stalls, which might provide a tasty breakfast. You might not want to miss the well-liked cardamom tea while you're here.
• Q7. What is the best way to reach Munnar? The closest airport is in Kochi, 130 kilometres away. The nearest railhead, 120 km away at Angamaly, is followed by Kochi station as a second option. Kochi and Munnar are connected by both public transportation (buses) and taxis for tourists.
• Q8. What places can one visit in and around the city of Munnar? The best locations to visit include Kodaikanal, 49 km from Munnar; Ooty, 152 km away; Anaimalai Hills, 24 km away; and Kolukkumalai, 17 km away; and Thekkady, which 54 km away.
• Q9. How much does it cost to travel to Munnar? The packages for Munnar start at INR 4498. They can be further customized based on the number of people, the number of days, the hotel category, the type of vehicle, and customizations.
• Q10. What are the various means of transport available to reach Munnar? All varieties of transport are available to visit Munnar. Airways, Trains, and buses are available from various stations and terminals that offer travelling to Munnar. After reaching Munnar, one can opt for local transportation like auto, taxi, etc., to enjoy their stay at Munnar.

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The "Queen of Hills" of South India carpeted with green tea fields, misty hills, lush forests, and milky waterfalls!

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About Munnar

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Munnar is nestled in the Kannan Devan hills, which provide a lush and serene setting. This panoramic hill station offers breathtaking views of low-flying clouds and foggy valleys, making it a charming little heaven with a pleasant climate ideal for a family vacation, a friends' escapade, a solo adventure, and a romantic honeymoon.

Munnar, Kerala, seems like a place out of a fairytale with its postcard-like endless expanses of tea plantations and undulating hills. Munnar tourism offers a wide range of activities for tourists of all kinds and ages.

Once an exclusive resort for the elite of the British Raj, Munnar is a sought-after destination for nature enthusiasts as well as for peace seekers who just wish to relax in its midst. Perched so high above the clouds, the whole of the Western Ghats opens up before your eyes when you're in Munnar, offering a spectacular display of blue and green enveloped by white haze.

Munnar as a hill station has many things to offer including boating (in the reservoirs of its many dams), elephant safari, trekking, parasailing, hot air ballooning, camping, and wildlife safaris in its jungles and the Eravikulam Sanctuary.

Munnar Tourist Places

Nestled amidst untouched nature's bounty and endowed with breathtaking panoramas of the misty green hills of the Nilgiris, there are several places to visit in Munnar that offer a refreshing escape from urban chaos and polluted metros to everyone.

With a plethora of tourist places in Munnar, Kerala, tourists are sure to have a gala time during their vacation.

ALSO SEE -  Best Places to Visit in Munnar With Map

Munnar Top Station: Perched at a height of 1,700 meters and overlooking the panoramic Western Ghats, Top Station leads the list of Munnar tourist attractions. Trekking to high elevations like Top Station which offer a stunning view of the town surrounded by hills and valleys is one of the most preferred things to do in Munnar.

Eravikulam National Park: Home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr, this national park abundant in endemic flora is best for Munnar tourism. Spread across an area of 97 kilometers, this is one of the most sought-after places for Munnar sightseeing.

Pothamedu Viewpoint: Drenched in mist and greenery, Pothamedu Viewpoint is an important aspect of Munnar tourism and a stunning locale perfect for trekking and gazing at the panoramic views of the surrounding Nilgiri hills bathed in cotton-candy clouds.

Attukad Waterfalls: Nestled amidst beautiful hills and lush green jungles, this pristine waterfall is one of the best places to visit in Munnar for romantic escapades, fun family picnics, and adventures like trekking and hiking.

Suryanelli : A resort settlement in the Chinnakanal village in the Idukki district, Suryanelli is surrounded by carpets of lush green tea plantations. Conquering Munnar's hills and meadows with a fun ride through its hairpin bends and winding roads is one of the most exciting things to do in Munnar.

Wonder Valley Adventure and Tourism Park: This amusement park is one of the few places to visit in Munnar to enjoy myriad fun activities like Dashing Cars, 12D Rider, Charlie Chaplin Walk, and a natural waterfall all under one roof. This is one of the most thrilling Munnar tourist places packed with oodles of fun and joy and it has something for everyone.

Tea Estates: Your trip to Munnar in Kerala is incomplete without visiting one of its gorgeous tea plantations. Walking in these lush estates filled with the fragrance of tea plants and learning about all the exquisite varieties of tea is one of the best things to do in Munnar.

Mattupetty Dam:  Set right in the lap of nature and Munnar's most scenic hills, the Mattupetty Dam is a popular locale for Munnar sightseeing. This picturesque dam and its surrounding lake area, hills, and forests make up one of the most excellent Munnar tourist places where you can relax, have a picnic, and soak in the stunning sceneries of mist-covered hills.

Anamudi Peak: Rising to a towering height of 8,842 feet, Anamudi is the most sought-after Munnar place to visit. Being the tallest peak in the Western Ghats, it is named the “Everest of South India”. The captivating beauty of this peak brimming with exotic wildlife in Munnar attracts many photographers and nature lovers.

ALSO SEE -  Munnar Trekking: Top 10 Experiences To Have

Things to do in Munnar

Famous for its lush green plantations, rich wildlife, and stunning waterfalls, Munnar in India calls every enthusiastic traveler to get bathed in its scenic charm. Here is a list of fun things to do on your Munnar trip that will surely give you and your loved ones an awesome time at this hill station.

Stay in a treehouse: Situated amidst a vast stretch of untouched wilderness and scenic tea and spice plantations, the treehouses in Munnar hill station in Kerala offer a peaceful retreat for anyone who wants to escape the town for some time. Staying in a treehouse in Munnar district will give tourists a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate tours: Bask in the beauty of nature, feel the fresh air filling your lungs, and relish an unmatched experience of walking through tea estates amidst the mountains of Munnar in Kerala. 

Camping at Top Station: Perched at a height of 1,880 meters above sea level, Top Station in Munnar Kerala India offers an amazing panoramic view of the Western Ghats and Theni Valley. Get a chance to see rare Neelakurinji flowers and go for adventurous trekking as you enjoy this unique camping experience at Top Station.

Safari in Eravikulam National Park:  Tucked high up on a mountainous plateau, Eravikulam National Park in Munnar district offers a chance to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Home to the rare floral species of Neelakurunji that bloom once every 12 years, this national park in Munnar India is a treat to the eyes and an excellent opportunity to get up close and personal with nature and experience exotic wildlife.

Enjoying a shikara ride in Kundala Lake: Built on the Periyar River and surrounded by the Western Ghats is the picturesque Kundala Dam and Lake lying 23 km off Munnar. Located at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level, the top of Kundala Dam offers a panoramic view of natural greens. Riding through its sparkling blue water surrounded by lush greenery on a shikara boat is the perfect way to explore Kundala, the paradise of flowers.

Hiking to Anamudi Peak: Rightly called the “Everest of South India”, Anamudi Peak is an idyllic destination for adventure activities like trekking and hiking. Rising to a towering height of 8,842 feet, the captivating beauty of this peak in Munnar hill station Kerala attracts many photographers.

Mountain biking at Suryanelli: Ride through hairpin bends and winding roads of Munnar for the most exhilarating experience! Conquering its hills and meadows as you bike through the most enchanting landscapes of Munnar tourism. Mountain biking through the beautiful countryside of Munnar is one of the most exciting adventure activities in Munnar.

Picnic at Lakkam Waterfalls: Surrounded by vega trees and surging cascades, Lakkam Waterfalls is the perfect holiday destination for couples during their Munnar trip. If you want to relax in the lap of undiscovered nature, Lakkam Waterfalls in Munnar is the best place to be!

While the hill station itself is a relatively typical urban center (if a little downtrodden), just a few kilometers out is where the magic truly happens. From Top Station to Eravikulam National Park, Anamundi Peak, and Mattupetty Lake, there is no end to the natural beauty of Munnar. Myriad homestays and nature resorts open the doors of Munnar's treasure troves to you, making this one of the top honeymoon destinations in India!

Each of these places to visit in Munnar tourism has plenty of nature’s bounty and scenic vistas for every traveler. Plan your Munnar tour with us and explore this beautiful hill station.

Popular Questions About Munnar

Best time to visit munnar.

Plan your trip during best season to experience the best of this stunning destination

You can visit Munnar throughout the year except for the Monsoon season in Kerala. The best time to visit Munnar is October and November and then from January to May when it is comfortably cold.

Munnar remains a pleasant destination throughout the year. Its high elevation and dense forests mean it stays cool during the hot and humid summer months, while the colder winter days coincide with many colorful festivals.

ALSO SEE -  Best Time To Visit Munnar

It's still wise to avoid the monsoon months if you're traveling for outdoor excursions and adventure. On the other hand, if you're looking for an off-season quiet holiday, you can visit during the monsoon period when the excessive rainfall turns Munnar's scenery most breathtaking!

The monsoon season spans from June through October. Torrential rain and widespread drizzles replenish Munnar's greenery. The mountains, forests, and waterfalls are at the peak of their luscious verdant magic. It's also an excellent time to spot animals profiting from the renewal of nature's bounty.

The weather is cooler and drier between October and February. While this is the perfect time for outdoor activities and sports, beware of the peak season prices from December to January, as well as larger crowds.

Between March and May, Kerala's summer hits its peak, with sweltering and humid weather, making conditions less than ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing in the plains. Munnar, however, still enjoys comfortably cool weather during this time. It stays relatively cool due to its high elevation, enabling travelers to explore to their heart's content!

So, when planning your Munnar holiday, you should consider visiting it in the best time to visit Munnar between September and March.

How to Reach Munnar

The nearest airport to Munnar is Kochi International Airport which is well-connected to many international and domestic metros like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kochi. The nearest train stations are Aluva, Ernakulam, and Madurai.

ALSO SEE -  Nearest Railway Station To Munnar

Regular KSRTC bus services, private coaches, pre-paid taxis, and cabs are available at all the bus stops, KSRTC terminals, airports, and train stations to keep Munnar connected to the rest of the state and neighboring states.

Distance from other cities

Kochi to Munnar : 124 km (4 hours)

Bangalore to Munnar : 527 km (10.5 hours)

Chennai to Munnar : 589 km (11 hours)

Alleppey to Munnar : 162.5 km (4 hours 49 minutes)

Thekkady to Munnar : 91 km (3 hours)

Coimbatore to Munnar : 155 km (4.5 hours)

Ernakulam to Munnar : 122 km (4 hours)

Explore the beautiful hill station of Munnar and experience all that Munnar tourism has to offer by booking your trip with Iris Holidays.

The nearest airport to Munnar is Kochi International Airport. It's well-connected to most major cities in India like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kochi. It's also connected to cities in South East Asia and the Middle East. From Kochi, you can travel by bus, train, or cab to Munnar. Pre-paid taxis are also available.

The nearest train stations are Aluva, Ernakulam, and Madurai, although they are all over a hundred kilometers from your final destination. Regular bus services connect these towns to Munnar via a direct bus route. Cabs and private taxis are also available.

Local bus routes to Munnar usually depart from Kochi, taking about six hours to reach the hill station via Aluva, which itself is only four hours away. However, the state-owned KSRTC buses travel to Munnar from all major cities in Kerala, including Kochi, Madurai, and Aluva. You can purchase your tickets online on the KSRTC website or at the bus terminal counter in the train stations. Though economical, traveling by a KSRTC bus can be a hassle with excess luggage.

Munnar Tourist Attractions

Eravikulam National Park

Anamudi : Everest of South India

Mattupetty Dam

Thommankuthu Waterfalls

Life of Pi Church in Munnar

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Munnar Echo Point

Chokramudi Peak

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Ask a Question

If you are looking for a holiday package or a tour itinerary, please enter details here.  Ask only general travel related enquiries here.

Questions on Munnar

Asked by Shivaprasad H S from, India, August 18, 2024 21:01: PM

When the tickets are available for online booking for boat race?

Review Answers(1)

Answered by Niranjana(Travel Advisor), August 18, 2024

Tickets will be available from the first week of August. We would highly recommend you to reach 1 day prior since there will be multiple traffic restrictions on the day of the race. You can book a combined tour package + boar race ticket from any tour operator

Asked by Kornika Ganguly from, , August 14, 2024 00:00: AM

Do you arrange solo tour holiday packages with pick up and drop Kochi to Kochi airport/railway station?

Answered by Niranjana(Travel Advisor), August 14, 2024

Yes, We do provide solo private tours for females. There are multiple customers who have reviewed our solo tour experience on TripAdvisor and other websites. We would be happy to help

Asked by Ere Santos from, Canada, August 10, 2024 00:01: AM

Which Treehouse will be a part of this package ?

This is the best honeymoon package that i came across among all the kerala travel websites. can you let me know which treehouse will be a part of this package..

Answered by Niranjana(Travel Advisor), August 10, 2024

Thanks for letting us know that this is among the best Kerala Honeymoon Packages that you came across. We have multiple treehouse partnerships and would suggest the best option available as per the availability on your travel dates and the arrangements you are looking for.

Asked by Akhila from, , July 20, 2024 17:29: PM

Wayanad tour package from Bangalore

Need a trip itinerary for 3 days wayanad trip from bangalore.

Answered by Niranjana(Travel Advisor), July 20, 2024

We will be shortly sending you the details of a private Wayanad trip from Bangalore. Our team will be in touch and will work with you for designing this package

Asked by Madhu from, India, July 18, 2024 04:15: AM

3 days Trip to Munnar

I wish to know about a trip for 3 days to munnar for 3 people, with pickup and drop from kochi.

Answered by Niranjana(Travel Advisor), July 18, 2024

3 days is a good enough time to visit Tourist Attractions in Munnar. Please share your details through a request

Want to visit munnar.

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Designed 12500 + Tour Packages | Kerala and International Tour Specialist

Misty Munnar Tour Package

8450 / $130.

Thrills on Hills Munnar Honeymoon Package

11860 / $182.

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17340 / $267, our trip designers would love to create a personalised package for you.

Designed 7500 + Tour Packages | Kerala, India and International Tour Specialist

Designed 7500 + Tour Packages | Kerala and India Tour Specialist

Designed 7500 + Tour Packages | Kerala Tour Specialist

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Our tours are consistently recognized by prestigious organizations across the travel industry and TripAdvisor. We have won the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence from 2014 till 2022 consecutively for 9 consecutive years. We design our unique tours based on extensive knowledge of Kerala tourist destinations strives to offer personalized top-notch service.

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Essay on My Favourite Tourist Place | Visit to a Munnar

[box type=”shadow” align=”” class=”” width=””] Essay on My Favourite Tourist Place |  Visit to a Munnar |An essay on tourist place Munnar (Kerala) | Visit to a Munnar (Kerala) | Holidays to Munnar (Kerala) | Paragraph about Munnar (Kerala)[/box]

If somebody is looking for a beautiful tourist spot cum hill station with impeccable beauty, then Munnar is a perfect value for money choice.

Munnar is in Kerala. It is situated at an altitude of 1600mts to 1800mts above sea level, this valley is covered with a green carpet of huge tea plantations along with coffee and cardamom plantation. It has an abundance of exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries.

This hill station is located in Idukki district of Kerala. It has derived its name from the two Malayalam words Munnu(3) and aaru (river). The three rivers are Muthirappuzha, Chanduvarai and Kundali. This place is famous for its peak Anamudi, which is the highest peak of peninsular India.

The main attractions of Munnar are given below:

1. Pothamedu view point: It is a magnificent view point which will show tea, coffee and cardamom plantations of the valley. Also, it is a great trekking and hiking place.

2. Devikulam Lake: It is also known as Sita Devi Lake situated 7km firm Munnar and is famous for it’s crystal clear water. According to belief, Sitadevi, wife of Lord Rama bathed in this lake.

3. Rajamala park : It is composed of beautiful meadows and gorgeous valleys situated just about 12 km from Munnar town. It has a rare species of Mountain goat called Nilgiri Tahrs. Also it is famous for its flower Neelakurinji, which blooms once in 12 years.

4. Pallivasal is the site of first hydropower project in Kerala

5. Attukal is a vista of glittering waterfalls and rolling hills.

6. Mattupetty: situated 13 km away from Kerala town. The Mattupetty Lake and dam is famous for its highly specialized dairy farm, where more than 100 varieties of high yielding cattle can be seen. The main attraction at the vicinity is its Kundala Tea Plantation and Kendall Lake.

Other visiting places are Chitirapuram, Echo point, sandalwood forest Marayoor, Rock cave, Etc.

So overall after reading this article one may well imagine the landscapes and greenery. Overall it is a paradise for nature lovers. To stay here is also a sweet experience because there are lot of tourist cottages and resorts. Hotel budgets have also a large range and it fits in every pocket. The only thing to take care is the water system, if planning to stay in a budget hotel or lodges.

Shopping in Kerala can be done in Old Bazar and New bazar. Old bazar is for local handicraft items.

To get there is also very flexible. All the three means are available. The best time to visit Munnar is from September to March. Though Monsoon makes Munnar beautiful but better to avoid it to avoid less interrupted trips. And of course woolens need to be carried as it is cold here.

About Charmin Patel

Blogger and Digital Marketer by Choice and Chemical Engineer By Chance. Computer and Internet Geek Person Who Loves To Do Something New Every Day.

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Picturesque Munnar town is spread in a blanket of green around a hill station, at an altitude of 6,000 ft. in the district of Idukki.

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