travel essay to munnar

Essay on My Holiday Trip to Munnar

Students are often asked to write an essay on My Holiday Trip to Munnar in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

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.

Our trip to Munnar was refreshing and filled with wonderful memories. It is a must-visit place for nature lovers.

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

My holiday trip to Munnar was a refreshing escape from the humdrum of city life. Nestled in the verdant landscapes of Kerala, Munnar is a tranquil hill station known for its sprawling tea plantations, exotic flora and fauna, and a serene atmosphere that provides a refreshing solace to the soul.

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 next day was dedicated to exploring the tea plantations. An early morning walk amidst the sprawling tea gardens, with the sun peeping from behind the hills, was an experience worth cherishing. I also visited a tea factory where I learned about the intricate process of tea making, from plucking the leaves to packaging the final product.

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

As I bid adieu to Munnar, I carried with me memories that I will cherish forever. From the tranquil tea gardens to the exotic wildlife, every moment spent in Munnar was a refreshing break from the monotony of city life. This trip to Munnar was not just a holiday; it was an experience that rejuvenated my mind, body, and soul.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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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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20+ Things to Do in Munnar, Kerala (2024) – Ultimate Munnar Travel Guide!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: January 1, 2024

Categories INDIA , KERALA

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

Munnar was by far my favourite stop of my week in Kerala with India Someday. As we wound our way up the hill from Fort Kochi, I already knew I was going to love it. 

There just seemed to be an endless jungle for miles, with rolling hills, wildlife, and waterfalls. It seemed like I had found the Gods Own Country everyone had been talking about. 

There are a thousand places to visit in Munnar while you’re here but I’m going to boil it down to the very best to guide your itinerary. 

From tea plantations and tastings, swimming in waterfalls, visiting wildlife parks, and being amongst the clouds with epic viewpoints. You’ll be spoilt for choice! 

Here are the top 20 things to do in Munnar – your ultimate Munnar travel guide!

Heads up: my trip to Kerala was a sponsored press trip with India Someday . But, all opinions and photos are my own. Click here for a review of their services , or see my full itinerary here !

Tips for visiting Kerala 

• I flew to Cochin Airport from Delhi via a 3-hour domestic Vistara flight for less than $50! Skyscanner is my go-to for checking cheap flight prices.
• In Kerala the locals speak Malayalam, they even have their own songs and films that have been recorded in the language. As one of the most literate states, they speak excellent Hindi and English
• Kerala is a politically appointed Communist state, so you’ll see lots of communist flags and artwork around the area.

• Getting around Kerala can be quite a minefield with public transport. But, there are buses and trains. I would personally recommend a hire car for your time here.
• You’ll need travel insurance, I always choose World Nomads for their flexible policies.
• I stayed connected with my Keepgo WiFi Hotspot , these kept my mobile roaming charges capped! But, getting a SIM card in Delhi is also a great option that provides you with 1GB per day for 30 days. 
• In Kerala they use the rupee, I always found that State Bank of India (SBI) was the best as they take foreign cards as they don’t charge you extra for withdrawals.
• Kerala is a little more conservative than its neighbour Goa, but not as conservative as Delhi, so make sure that you dress appropriately. But, it’s not uncommon for tourists to wear strappy tops, dresses that show your legs and shorts either. In Munnar, it does get quite cold in the evenings, so bring a warm jacket!

Where is Munnar in Kerala?

Munnar is a hill station in the South of India that is exactly 1,532 metres above sea level! 

As well as having acres of dense jungle, it’s also home to the highest peaks outside of the Indian Himalayas. 

The Munnar as we know it today, with its tea plantations and factories, was founded by British explorers in the 19th century. Since then, it expanded and became accessible for tourists all over the world! 

Thousands of people head up the hill each year to enjoy a holiday in cooler temperatures in amongst nature. It has some of the best views I’ve seen in all of Kerala!

When is the best time to visit Munnar?

Personally, I always avoid peak times to travel. I always find this makes hotel prices go up threefold and the place are so busy you can’t really enjoy them! But, it couldn’t be helped this time.

While I was visiting, it was a Navratri Festival in October and so a lot of domestic tourists were visiting Munnar over this time. That made the roads extremely busy as well. 

Like a domino effect, all the attractions were packed out and the roads were jammed too!

The peak season of Kerala is September to March which is the best time to visit for the weather. But, I’d expect big crowds. 

April – June is the summer months, which although hot, is the perfect time for wildlife spotting. It will be busier due to everyone wanting to escape the heat in the clouds.

Another great time to visit is in Monsoon from July – September. The rains will fall, making all the jungle nice and lush, plus there will be lots of waterfalls to enjoy in full force! 

I would suggest the in-between seasons at the end of March or the end of September. This is still counted as the ‘off’ season so everything will be cheaper and you’ll avoid some of the heavier crowds too. 

How to reach Munnar 

The easiest and most convenient way to reach Munnar is to self drive from Alleppey or Kochi. This means you can take your time, stop where you like and have the freedom to go sightseeing.

But, there is the option to hire a driver if you don’t plan on driving and also take a shared taxi too. 

Public government buses are available but I’d recommend this as your final option or if you’re on a shoestring budget.  

Click here to ready my complete Munnar road trip guide, with sightseeing, lunch stops, and more!

Do trains run from Kochi to Munnar Hill Station?

Although Munnar is technically a hill station in India, that boat sailed as soon as the British left. 

There used to be a train that would run up to Munnar and even Top Station, but now both of those are relics and what is left was moved to museums. 

In fact, the old train station in Munnar is now a factory and what is left of Top Station is simply cement!

The only way that you can get up to Munnar from Kochi is to drive up the winding hills by car or bus…

Kochi to Munnar bus

There are public buses but there aren’t really many governments/private buses (like on  redbus.in ) designed for tourists to get here. 

So, you’ll need to do a bit of working out in order to reach where you’re trying to go.

If you decide to take the public buses, you will probably end up getting around three buses in total and the journey will take around 5/6 hours without stopping. 

Speaking from personal experience with riding hundreds of hours on local buses, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re on a tight budget! Imagine honking, crazy drivers going way to fast and lugging all your luggage around in the sweaty heat…

The whole journey will probably cost you less than 100 rupees though so it is a bargain if you’re willing to make the effort. 

Kochi to Munnar by self driving, taxi or a tour

If you have your own car and can self-drive up to Munnar, this is your best bet! 

Not only will having your own transport mean you have more freedom and can stop where you like, but when you get to Munnar all your sightseeing can be done by car too. 

Most tourists tend to hire a private taxi or sharing car to make their way up from Fort Kochi to Munnar. Or, you can do a day trip to Munnar too.

To me, hiring a car makes the most sense as once you’re here, getting around can be quite a challenge without one. 

But, if you are backpacking or you’re without a means of transport, have a look at some of these day trips to Munnar here;

Private Day Trip around Munnar

Munnar Guided Bicycle Tour

How long will I need to stay in Munnar? 

I would say to make the very most of the area you’ll need at least 3 days. 

That way you have time to actually make your way up here (the drive can take 4-6 hours from Kochi or Cochin airport) and then do some proper sightseeing.

Munnar is split up by certain road ‘routes’ and it’s best to stick to one per day. 

As most of the roads are winding, if you try to do too many or more than one route you may find you spend most of your time in traffic. 

The most popular is the Top Station route, so if you don’t like crowds or traffic I’d avoid that and look for a different way to spend your time.  Luckily, in this list, I have around 20 things to do in Munnar, so you’ll have plenty of options!

20+ things to do in Munnar – The ultimate list!

Are you ready for the ultimate Munnar bucket list? I may be biased, but I think the below has a great mix of the best things Munnar can offer.

There is historical places, culture, tea gardens, foodie stops, viewpoints, waterfalls and wildlife. So, you won’t be bored!

Here are the top Munnar tourist places.

1. Take a selfie at Cheerappaya Falls

This is most likely the first waterfall you’ll see in Munnar and it’s worth stopping for a few snaps…along with half the other tourists that are heading up this way haha!

This is one of the most popular pit stops and so you’ll see tourist cars backed up for miles along here. 

Cheerappaya Falls has often been nicknamed the seven steps waterfall as it cascades down seven tiers of a rocky cavern. It also falls from 300 metres, so it’s really pretty and perfect for photos! There’s a small viewing platform at the bottom. 

As I was the only western tourist there, I felt bad as the crowd parted ways for me to take some photos. But, I took the opportunity! 

There will be crowds here with selfie sticks and tacky food and gift stalls too. But, it’s worth it, even to stretch your legs on the long drive.

Read more about the prettiest Munnar waterfalls here

2. Visit Valara Falls 

Valara Falls is another spectacular waterfall stop that almost goes hand in hand with Cheerappaya. 

Although you can’t really get close to it, you can see this waterfall crashing from 1000 metres high over the jungle! 

The origin of this waterfall is the Western Ghats of the Deviyar river. My guide told me that the water flow in October was ‘weak’ compared to Monsoon (July – September). But, it didn’t look very weak to me haha. 

It is just a pitstop at the side of the road and this time with no viewing platform. So, you can stop and hop over the road to take some snaps.

Just be careful of traffic on your way over as there will be cars zooming down the Cochin – Munnar highway in both directions. 

3. Eat a traditional Malayali curry on a Banana Leaf

Okay, so this is a little touristy. But, having a curry on a banana leaf in South India is a staple bucket list territory. 

Not only is having a curry on a banana leaf totally cool, but it’s also a great way to try a range of Kerala dishes. Kind of like a typical Thali, but on a leaf!

You will get a big pile of rice in the middle of your plate…or errr…leaf and it will be surrounded by little bowls of chutneys and curries. Some of these will be sweet, so make sure you ask which ones are desserts before you have it with rice lol. 

I tried my traditional curry at Clay Oven, which had 3/4 curries, 2 chutneys, rice, a banana, banana chips, and pappad! Safe to say I was extremely full afterward. 

I washed it down with a fresh pineapple juice and you could stick a fork in me after that. This is definitely something you need to try while in Munnar! 

4. Stop at Kallar Falls 

There are so many pretty waterfalls and what amazed me was how many are just a stop on the side of the road. You really don’t have to go far to enjoy the beautiful landscapes around here.

One of these accessible waterfalls was Kallar Waterfalls in Munnar. It flows down a rocky river, under a bridge so it’s a great place to stop to take some waterfall photos.

Unlike other waterfalls in Munnar, you can’t go trekking or swimming in this one. It’s just for a quick photo. But, worth putting on your list. 

5. Admire the views from Karidipara Viewpoint

This was one of my favourite viewpoints in the whole of Munnar. 

After our long drive from Fort Kochi, it felt good to finally reach the top and take a tea break. It’s even better when you know that you’ll be sipping on a chai with epic views!

Karadipara Viewpoint is a roadside restaurant that is just outside of Munnar on the Cochin – Munnar highway. 

So, you can enjoy lunch or a chai with the views from the seating area or pay to enter the viewing platform below. 

From here, you can see endless hills and, as we got here at sunset, the lighting was perfect for photos. 

Entry to the viewing platform is 10 rupees a person but the views are priceless!

6. Watch Kalaripayattu, a Kerala martial arts performance 

Kalaripayattu is an ancient form of Martial Arts that originates from the time when the warriors of Kerala used to be here! 

The training for Kalaripayattu starts when a boy or girl is young and is seen as a lifelong profession. 

With each level of training, the weapons get more intense. For example, you start off with wooden sticks and make your way up to swords and maces. 

I was so excited to see this performance and I went to the most famous which takes place in Punarjarni Traditional Village in Munnar. 

It almost felt like a colosseum when I arrived and we were going to watch gladiators fight! We saw men and women fight with sticks, swords, kicking footballs triple their height, and even jump through burning hoops of fire! Don’t forget to join in for a few cheesy photo ops!

It is well worth going to see a Kalaripayattu in the evenings here in Munnar. 

Click here for more details on how to book tickets online, prices depend on your seat category.

7. Go off roading in a 4WD Jeep 

Although you can access most of Munnar in a car on the main roads, the most fun way to explore is by going off-road into the jungle!

You can hire a 4WD Jeep, or take a tour in one, and go riding around tea plantations and access viewpoints that are hidden to the public! 

I’m not going to lie to you, it is a bumpy ride. So, ladies come prepared with a good bra ;) but it was the most fun I had in Munnar and it feels like a real adventure.

I travelled with Route 49 Adventures while I was here and we went everywhere in our Jeep. It’s definitely a way to explore Munnar in style.

8. Visit the Letchmi Hills and tea plantation

If you’re looking for a perfect photo spot to capture the tea fields, then the Letchmi Hills is a popular choice. 

As well as the fact you can go on a trek through these hills, Tata owns a part of it for the Kanan Devan Tea Plantation too. 

We took our jeep, off-roading through the Letchmi hills to have a look at some of the viewpoints. It was spectacular and had some of the most breathtaking views of the tea fields I had seen in Munnar. 

When we got here, the visibility was quite low due to it being almost dark and the fact that the rains had caused a bit of mist on the hills. But, despite this, I still think the photos came out amazing.

The best time to visit would be at sunrise when the lighting is softest! 

Read more: the best tea gardens in Munnar

9. Spot a Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam National Park 

If you’re looking to visit one of the many wildlife parks in the area, Eravikulam is a great choice. It’s one of the oldest national parks in Kerala.

Not only does the park provide breathtaking views, including the highest peak of Anamudi, you get the chance to spot a Nilgiri Tahr deer as well! 

Eravikulam used to be a game reserve during the British Era, so many people from all over the world came here to hunt deer and other animals.

But, now the park has been set up to protect them and they are proud to have the largest Nilgiri Tahr population in the world! 

You will have to buy a permit to enter the park and you’ll be walking for just a few kilometres on solid concrete to spot one. But, it’s worth it for the views even if you don’t get to see a deer! My top tip would be to leave as early as possible.

Read more: my essential tips for visiting Eravikulam

10. Go swimming in Lakkam Falls 

Another waterfall that sits in the wider Eravikulam Plateau is Lakkam Falls. The reason why this waterfall is special is that you get to swim in the lagoon beneath it!

Although it is part of the national park, you don’t need a permit to enter and it only costs 20 rupees for a standard ticket. But, if you want to explore further, enquire about the treks they have too. 

When you’re finished taking photos of this pretty waterfall, you can change to go swimming. I will warn you now it is cold in the water, but as it was so humid, I didn’t care.

When I was walking around here, I felt a little nibble on my toes! Then, I realised I was getting a natural fish spa haha. I put my GoPro under the water to see them. It looked freaky. 

Ladies, I would not pack a bikini to swim here but change into some modest clothing that covers you up to respect the culture. Trust me, I’ve learned from experience.

Read my guide for more details on visiting Lakkam falls here

11. Visit Lockhart Tea Plantation 

Seeing a tea plantation is one of the top things to do in Munnar. But, you may be surprised to know that many of them are blocked off to the public so you can’t enter them.

That means that there are crowds of people outside taking photos. 

Personally, I wanted to get in amongst the fields and escape the crowds. So, I was really happy to discover that Route 49 Adventures have a permit to enter private tea plantations so you can go trekking inside them.

We took our 4WD Jeep into Lockhart Tea Plantation, one of the oldest in Munnar, which had picture-perfect views with the backdrop of the mountains too. 

As part of our tour, we got to stop and take lots of photos, go trekking, meet the tea plantation workers and then head to the tea factory too. 

This private tour was the highlight of my trip and I would 100% recommend you take this route if you really want to explore a tea plantation and escape the endless tourists.

Read more about my trip with Route 49 adventures here

12. Learn how tea is made at Lockhart Tea Factory 

If you want to get stuck in and learn about the history of tea production in Munnar, then you must visit one of the Tea Factory Museums. 

Lockhart Tea Factory is one of the oldest tea factories in the area that still produces tea today.

In their factory, you can go on a guided tour to see the whole cycle of tea production, from the wilting process to oxidation which decides which type of tea it will be, to packaging. 

You do have to put shoe covers on to enter the factory and photos inside are strictly prohibited. Not to mention the smell is so intense! 

But, you can browse around the museum to see photos and equipment that used to be used during the colonial era. Plus, they also have a tasting area, café, and some fantastic viewpoints that you can relish in too. See here for details.

As well as Lockhart Tea Factory, there is the Munnar Tea Museum which is part of the Kannan Devan Hill Tea Factory. This is the oldest and largest tea production in Munnar and produces 22 million kilos of tea each year.

13. Go for a tea tasting at Tea Tales Munnar! 

To finish our tour, we went on a tea tasting at Tea Tales Munnar which allowed us to sample some of the amazing teas grown here. 

Although this was part of the tour with Route 49, I’ve put this separately as you can go for a tea tasting without buying the whole tour. 

Unfortunately, on my visit, the power went out halfway through due to the rain but as they say, the show must go on! 

We tried all sorts of teas like Munnar Green Tea, Pekoe Tea, even Rose Tea. I loved learning about how each tea is made and how the type of tea depends on how it’s produced and oxidised.

If you’re on a budget and don’t want to have a whole tea tasting, pop into Tea Tales Munnar has a menu where you can sample teas individually to get a taste.

14. Visit Christ Church – the oldest church in Munnar 

If you’re looking for an activity to escape the rain, you may be interested to know that C.S.I Christ Church in the city is the oldest church in Munnar. 

It’s a quaint stone building that was built in 1910. If you make your way around the building, you can find the old baptism pool still intact! 

You will need to take your shoes off to enter the church, but the inside is completely stunning. You’ll find stained glass windows, chandeliers, and even London exchequer stamps on the walls.

A lot of third and fourth-generation British people whose fathers worked here, visit to find the names of their relatives on the walls or buried in the graveyard. 

It is still an active church today, so avoid visiting during service time in the morning and evening. 

15. Try a local favourite snack – a deep fried banana!

I always love trying local snacks when I travel and a popular treat with locals here is to eat a deep-fried banana! 

We stopped off at a random tea and cake shop in Munnar for a snack when I spotted them at the counter. My guide recommended that I try one and it was actually amazing! 

We had ours fresh out of the pot and I would recommend looking for someone who has just made a piping hot batch of them.

In the UK, we aren’t shy of battered sausages, pineapple, burgers, pizza, and even chocolate bars. If it’s food that can go in the fryer, it’s edible. So, I’m happy to have added a battered banana to my tick-off list.  

16. Drive up to Top Station to see Tamil Nadu 

This wasn’t my favourite activity by a long shot but as it’s one of the most popular things to do in Munnar, I can’t avoid putting it on the list. 

Top Station is one of the highest viewpoints in Munnar and you may be surprised to know it’s actually on the border of Tamil Nadu, a different state in India entirely!

It used to be a terminal shipment station for transporting tea that was part of the Kundala Valley Railway until 1924. After the great flood of 99, it was never rebuilt. 

The reason why I wasn’t a fan is due to the busy roads with endless traffic, the fact that you have to walk through miles of food stalls to get to the view, and then finally the ‘view’ we had travelled 2 hours for was shrouded in clouds! 

But, you may get lucky though. It’s best to leave as early as possible before the clouds roll in. So, sunrise treks and camping up here are popular.

If you are one of the unlucky ones like me, I would recommend grabbing a chai and waiting it out a while. We did that and eventually, some of the views did appear.

If you want to know more and whether a drive up to Top Station is worth it, read this post

17. Make an echo at Echo Point

There are a few activities that are worth stopping for on the Top Station route and Echo Point is definitely one of them.

It’s a gorgeous reservoir that sits in the hills and a phenomenon happens here where if you make a loud noise, it echos back! Hence the name. 

It reminded me of a book I used to read as a child called the Little Beaver and the Echo. Where he’s lonely and eventually finds a friend through his echo haha. So, it did bring back the child in me! 

A lot of families stop here for picnics and for boating on the lake. To save time, I would suggest pulling over before the main car park as it’s horribly congested through the day. 

But, if you plan on spending a while here, find a spot, pack a picnic and enjoy the amazing views.

18. Spot wild elephants on the side of the road! 

PLEASE DO NOT visit the elephant camps in Munnar. They are not ethical and the process to ‘break’ the elephants to make them friendly to tourists is barbaric. 

You don’t need to ride an elephant to enjoy them in Munnar, in fact, you can see wild ones just on the side of the road! 

I was lucky enough to see 5 elephants on my trip here and it was much more special seeing them this way than visiting one on some farm. 

As well as seeing wild elephants, I saw a Nilgiri Tahr, a Nilgiri Langur, and the Nilgiri Buffalo (which is rare) too. I was incredibly fortunate as I had a naturalist from Route 49 adventures who pointed them out to me! 

Keep your eyes peeled as you drive around.

19. Visit a spice farm to learn what grows here

Spice farms are a little touristy, but if you are interested in learning what spices grow around Munnar that go into cooking the local food, it’s worth a visit. 

Most of the spice gardens are the same where you head around on a tour of a spice farm with a guide who shows you the various plants where they take spices. You can try some of the spices on your way around and exit through the gift shop. 

I was warned by my homestay owner that you should be careful buying spices here and make sure it’s a genuine product. 

The most popular is Cinnamon Gardens Spice Plantation where they have over 100 species of spices, herbs, and Ayurvedic medicines.

20. Go boating at Mattupetty Dam 

Mattupetty Dam was the first concrete storage gravity Dam to be installed in Kerala. It was installed to prevent floods, conserve water and generate power in the 1940s.

Nowadays, it’s a popular tourist spot for those visiting Munnar. Here, you can walk over the Dam to get spectacular views of the reservoir. 

There’s also a lot of tourist activities here like boating, zorbing, speed boating, and paddleboarding. Many families bring picnics and you can also find a lot of stalls selling food, hats, and gifts to bring home too. 

Did you know that Mattupetty is also known as Cattle Village, this is because an Indo-Swiss farm is nearby and you can visit to see lots of varieties of cows. 

You have to drive over the Dam to be able to park here and it can get congested as it’s a one-way road!

Where to stay in Munnar 

If you’re looking to really experience the magic of Munnar, then you need to stay outside of the city and in the countryside. That way you can relish in all the peace and quiet!

India Someday booked me into Mistletoe Munnar for a few evenings. 

My double room was clean and spacious with a huge bathroom and hot water on demand. But, the highlight was the epic views from my private balcony! 

I loved having breakfast here in the morning and taking in the views from the comfort of my own terrace. 

I would highly recommend them. Click here to see Mistletoe’s dates and rates.

Where are you heading next in Kerala?

I spent a week in Kerala and travelled from Fort Kochi to the hills of Munnar and also the backwaters of Alleppey.

So, make sure you read some of my informative articles to help plan your Kerala adventures;

One Week Itinerary for Kerala  

The top sites in Fort Kochi 

Chinese Fishing Nets – tips to not get scammed ! 

What to expect during a Kathakali dance performance 

Where to stay in Fort Kochi 

Save these amazing things to do in Munnar for later!

Friday 22nd of April 2022

You should have visited marayoor, kanthaloor area!! Always try to avoid top station.. nothing worth to see there

Sophie Pearce

Hi Aditya, thanks for the tip! I'll have a look for next time :) sophie x

Ashish Khokhar

Thursday 21st of April 2022

Hey! The way gave a vivid description of the activities in Munnar, I'm feeling so enchanted to pack my bags and head straight to this heavenly abode.

Hi Ashish, I'm glad you liked the post! Munnar was such a great area of India. Thanks for reading, Sophie x

Tuesday 7th of July 2020

Wonderful pictures! Kerala is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, great travel guide, and thanks for giving such a information about Munnar.

Thanks Bharat! I'm so happy you liked the post. Munnar is so beautiful :) Sophie x

My Study Times

Education through Innovation

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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Munnar rises as three mountain streams merge  - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1,600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. One of the most sought after honeymoon destinations in Kerala, Munnar is replete with resorts and lodging facilities that fit a wide rage of budgets. Sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue once in every twelve years, will bloom next in 2030. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2,695 m.  Let us now explore some of the options in and around Munnar that would provide travellers ample opportunities to enjoy the captivating hill station of Munnar.

Eravikulam National Park

One of the main attractions near Munnar is the Eravikulam National Park. This park is famous for its endangered inhabitant - the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations caressed by blankets of mists. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of the Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years. 

Anamudi Peak

Located inside the Eravikulam National Park is the Anamudi Peak. This is the highest peak in South India, standing at a height of over 2700 m. Treks to the peak are allowed with permission from the Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam.

Another prime draw for visitors, located about 13 km from Munnar Town, is Mattupetty. Situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level, Mattupetty is known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides, enabling one to enjoy the surrounding hills and landscape. Mattupetty's fame is also attributed to the dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, where one can encounter different high yielding breeds of cows.

Pallivasal, located at about 3 km from Chithirapuram in Munnar is the venue of the first hydro-electric project in Kerala. It is a place of immense scenic beauty and is often favoured by visitors as a picnic spot.

Chinnakanal & Anayirangal

Near Munnar Town lie Chinnakanal and its waterfalls, popularly known as the Power House Waterfalls, which cascade down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with a scenic view of the Western Ghat ranges. When you have traveled about seven kilometers from Chinnakanal, you reach Anayirangal. Anayirangal, 22 km from Munnar, is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by tea plantations and evergreen forests.

Top Station

Top Station, which is about 32 km from Munnar is at a height of 1700 m above sea level. It is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. Travellers to Munnar make it a point to visit Top Station to enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. It is among the prime spots in Munnar to enjoy the Neelakurinji flowers blooming over a vast area.

Munnar has a legacy of its own when it comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects of the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses artifacts, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell about the origins and growth of tea plantations in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit.  Read more on Munnar

Trek to Meesapulimala  Let us now explore some of the options in and around Munnar that would provide travellers with ample opportunities to enjoy the captivating hill station of Munnar.  Meesappulimala - a destination for the highly adventurous is the second highest peak in the Western Ghats and a trekking trail via Rhodo Valley. The package includes guide service, breakfast, lunch, evening tea & dinner. To know more, click here

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Aluva about 108 km and Angamali, about 109 km

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, via Aluva - Munnar Rd, about 108 km

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Latitude: 10.091234, Longitude: 77.060051

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Munnar Itinerary: 22 Must-Try Activities and Offbeat Adventures

If you’re searching for a Munnar itinerary, it’s likely that, just like me, you’ve been lured in by Munnar hill station in Kerala’s misty Western Ghats.

Surrounded by sloping tea plantations, spindly silver oaks, and dense vegetation, it’s no wonder that small-town Munnar is high up on many travellers’ Kerala bucket lists. The evergreen tea plantations are certainly striking.

In fact, the Munnar region is one of the largest tea-growing regions in the whole of India. With that title comes a host of tea-themed activities ideal for your Munnar itinerary, including tea plantation treks and factory visits.

However, that’s not the only way to experience the hill station and its surrounding mountains. This is hub for adventure adventures, which includes everything from trekking and bamboo rafting to abseiling and ziplining.

It’s also culturally rich, hosting temples, sacred art form performances, and opportunities to try traditional Kerala dishes. Whether you’re looking to witness endangered species in the wild, pump up some adrenaline, or take a peaceful break in the hills, Munnar is the right place to do so.

You may be looking for things to do at Munnar hill station for one, two, or three days. You might even be lucky enough to have a whole week or two to carry out your Munnar itinerary.

No matter your time limit, I’ve put together a round-up of the best 22 activities for your Munnar trip itinerary. This includes what I view to be the most essential activities in Munnar, along with offbeat travel experiences that will give you something special to tell your family back home.

In case you’re in need of some practical advice for Munnar too, I’ve also covered what Munnar is famous for, the best time to visit, and a one-day and two-day itinerary.

If you’re putting together a full Kerala itinerary, check out my guides to places to visit near Thekkady and things to do at Alleppey and its backwaters and what to wear in Kerala depending upon the season and destination.

Table of Contents

Munnar Itinerary: What is Munnar famous for?

It’s hard to ignore the jumbo-sized tea plantations that make up the Munnar region. The cooler mountain climate is ideal for growing tea, which is why the hillsides are carpeted with bristly tea bushes and tall silver oaks used in the tea production process.

Aside from its role in tea production, the Munnar region also has a reputation for being a refuge from Kerala’s sometimes-intense heat. At between 1500 and 2500 metres above sea level, the Munnar region has a cooler climate than the rest of Kerala.

This is one of the reasons why adventure sports are so popular on every Munnar itinerary. Plus, the scenery is fantastic; there are sections of dense jungle, tea plantations, designated nature reserves, lakes, and waterfalls.

To sum it all up, Munnar is best known for:

• Tea plantations and tea factories.
• Scenic mountain roads.
• A cooler climate than most of Kerala.
• Mountains and nature reserves.
• Wildlife such as nilgiri tahr mountain goats, elephants, and tigers.
• Outdoor activities, including adrenaline sports.

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Munnary Itinerary: What is the best time to visit Munnar?

The best time to visit Munnar is during the winter months  between December and March , when the average temperature is 22 degrees celsius.

This is especially true if you’re planning on including outdoor activities such as treks and cycling in your Munnar itinerary. The cooler weather makes intense activities far more pleasant.

As soon as April hits, the temperature begins to climb.  July and August are monsoon season , so you should bear in mind that you might experience more rainfall than usual. The benefit of this is that the waterfalls will be more impressive.

Munnar Itinerary: Must-Try Activities in Munnar

1. visit the highest tea plantation in the world..

Munnar has more than 50 tea plantations that stretch for miles over the region’s hillsides. So, visiting Munnar without getting to know the inner workings of a tea plantation would be a shame.

Not all tea plantations run tours. In fact, most restrict access to tea pickers and workers only. There are a few plantations that let visitors look around.

These include the long-standing  Lockhart Tea Museum , the first tea estate planted in Munnar, and the peaceful, more offbeat Chinnakanal Tea Plantation.

Perhaps the most notable of all of Munnar’s tea plantations is the  Kolukkumalai Tea Plantation , the highest tea plantation in the world. The tea estate is based 7900 feet above sea level and it’s so huge that it spans across Kerala and Tamil Nadu (the neighbouring state).

Established in the 1920s, Kolukkumalai Tea Plantation has a tea factory, a tea museum, and an organic café so that guests can have one of the highest cuppas of their life. They produce tea (or ‘mind medicine’, as the estate calls it) the traditional way, without any pesticides or chemical fertilisers.

The estate runs sunrise tours, factory visits, tea estate hikes, and tent camping, ideal for any Munnar itinerary. The only way to get there is by jeep.  Route49,  an offbeat tour company based in Munnar, runs a jeep safari and tea tour that will transport you 25 kilometres through the valleys and Lockhart Gap, before heading onto the tea plantation.

The tour also has the possibility of heading into rural Tamil to meet the plantation workers or stopping for views of South India’s second-highest mountain on the way there.

2. Watch Kathakali, Kerala’s sacred art form

Kathakali may sound like a musical theatre show on the surface: actors and actresses with elaborate makeup and costumes take to the stage to tell a story through dance and music.

However, the dance drama is also a  sacred Kerala tradition  that has carried the stories of Hindu epics through generations in an easy-to-understand art form that is accompanied by narrated music.

It combines classical dance with expressive techniques such as eye dancing.  Punarjani Traditional Village  runs Kathakali performances everyday at 5pm and tickets are available on the door for just 200 rupees.

3. Spy on endangered mountain goats in Eravikulam National Park

With two sharp horns that curl back over the skull, nilgiri tahr are endangered mountain goats that are indigenous to the mountains in southern India.

One of your best shots at spotting these dignified creatures is in Eravikulam National Park, 15 minutes’ drive from Munnar hill station.

A trek through the national park also provides spectacular views over the misty tea plantations. If you’re lucky enough to be there at the right time, once every 12 years, neelakurinji plants paint the Western Ghat hills purple – an attraction that brings in thousands of tourists.

4. Build and float your own bamboo raft

One excellent day trip from Munnar hill station is Periyar Lake, which is located two to three hour’s drive from Munnar.

Bamboo rafts have been used for centuries by tribespeople to cross the rivers in Kerala. This activity will give you the chance to weave your own raft from bamboo poles, coir ropes, and inflated rubber tyres.

Not only does this provide an insight into the artisanship behind building a raft, but there’s also an exhilarating four-kilometre trek through the jungle to get to the launch point.

If you stand in the shallows long enough, expect to have your feet nibbled by harmless red garra fish – a free pedicure before you board the raft and navigate using a bamboo stake.

5. Take the Top Station trek

Top Station used to be home to the highest railway station on the Kundala Valley line, but nowadays, there’s little evidence of such a thing. Top Station is a hot trekking destination instead. There are views of the Western Ghats and miles of tea bushes, but one of the most interesting places en route is Echo Point. Stop and call out your name – or another personal sentiment – and the echo will reverberate off the hills for a few seconds.

6. Zipwire over tea plantations

Taking in the tea plantations on foot may give you a sense of the life of the workers, but zipwiring will give you a bird’s eye view. There are several zipwires in Munnar that will send you gliding over the bristles.

In fact, Munnar has the longest zipline in India at nearly two kilometres in length. It’s called Eagle’s Flight (although, note that it’s currently closed for maintenance, so you’ll need to keep an eye out to see if it reopens).

7. Watch  Kalaripayattu,  Kerala’s traditional martial arts form

In ancient times, Kalaripayattu was reserved for the ‘kalari’ (the battlefield). Now, visitors in Munnar can watch the martial arts in action at 6pm everyday at Punarjani Traditional Village.

Fighters use hand combat and weapons such as staffs, knives, and spring swords to compete against each other. The fighters also use acrobatic techniques to dodge attacks, including rolls and dives.

8. Go tea tasting

It’s likely you’ve seen enough tea plantations by now and hopefully you’ve learnt how the leaves go from bush to brew too.

A tea tasting session will help you to distinguish between different types of tea too. The  Tata Tea Museum  on the Nallathanni Estate turns back time to the beginning of Munnar’s tea tales and records how tea was brought to India by the British.

The demonstration room is where you’ll get to put your tastebuds to work. A local guide will teach you how to tell the difference between different types of tea leaves from around the world, as well as the unique aromas of the teas cultivated in Munnar.

21. Fill up on Sadya, a traditional Kerala meal

With so many treks and outdoor activities on a typical Munnar itinerary, it’s likely you’ll be looking for something substantial as fuel.

Luckily, Sadya (Kerala’s traditional meal) is fit for a banquet. Sadya is served on a banana leaf and features a range of condiments such as pachadi (pickle), thoran (a vegetarian coconut-style curry), salt, chilli, and sides such as banana coated with jaggery and pappadam. It’s one of the best food in Kerala district .

One by one, the server adds fluffy rice, sambhar (lentil and ghee stew), and other dishes such as kalan, kurukku kalan, puliserry, and moru curry. With your right hand, you’ll get to combine, scoop, and slurp this delicious vegetarian meal that has been served at banquets in Kerala for centuries.

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Munnar Itinerary: Offbeat Things to Do in Munnar

1. go on a tea plantation village tour.

Without workers and pickers from the village, the tea plantations’ work would roll to a halt. However, many visitors to Munnar miss out on learning more about this integral puzzle piece in Munnar’s misty tea plantations.

Route49  runs a tour of a tea plantation village, where generations have dedicated their lives to tea picking and live in vegetable farms and houses built by the British. The guide will introduce you to the tea plantation workers, and over a brew, of course. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about their lifestyle and their working conditions, and you may be lucky enough to watch them at work too.

2. Sink your teeth into parotta and egg curry

If there’s one dish that Munnar hill station is known for, its parotta and egg curry. Delectably flaky and crispy, the flatbread is made up of a series of thin layers that crumble to the touch, similar to pastry.

Traditionally, the Munnar version of parotta is a panfried mix of maida flour (Kerala-style wheat flour), oil, ghee, water, and egg.

In Northern India, this is usually served with a meaty stew, but the roadside stalls in Munnar serve parotta with egg curry.

3. Take a jeep into rural Tamil Nadu

Munnar is only an hour’s drive from Kerala’s border with Tamil Nadu, the neighbouring Indian state. If you fancy seeing two states in one trip, book a jeep to take you on the mountain passes and over the border.

The journey itself is thrilling enough, with views over the Western Ghats range, lakes, ravines, and roads that cling to the edge of the mountain.

You might want to arrange a farm tour to see how they grow chilli, red bananas, lime, mango, and other plants. Look out for the ox carts too, which are used to transport the harvest to the auction.

4. Abseil from the mountains in Munnar

Scenic as they may be, Munnar’s mountains aren’t just there to look good. It’s also possible to get up, close and personal with the rock faces by abseiling (or rappelling, as many tour operators call it).

It’s not quite as strenuous as the region’s rock climbing activities, which will require you to scale the rock faces from the bottom to the top.

Instead, abseiling involves wearing a harness and lowering yourself backwards down a vertical rock face while pushing with your feet.

One thing is for sure: there will be plenty of views over the evergreen landscapes and your heart-rate will increase.

5. Check out a cardamom plantation

Munnar is ideal for growing cardamom, a spice that flavours Kerala dishes such as biryani and dry beef curry. Seeing the inner workings of a Cardamom plantation is just as exciting as a tea plantation visit.

The difference is that the cardamom pods thrive in limited sunlight, so the thicker foliage attracts a cluster of wildlife such as squirrels and birds.  Windermere Estate , a British colonial-style resort with peaceful bungalows, is based on a cardamom plantation and runs a four-kilometre plantation trek for its guests every evening.

6. Go trekking in the Lakshmi Hills

With seven misty peaks and steep, uphill paths above the clouds, the Lakshmi Hills are a peaceful trekking destination for your Munnar itinerary.

You might want to set yourself the goal of covering all seven hills or head there for a shorter trek and plenty of pitstops or picnics over the tea plantations.

Most treks take between four hours to a full day.

7. Cruise  Kundala Dam in a  shikara boat

Shikara boats are used across Kerala for everything from transporting cargo to fishing and harvesting aquatic food.

On Kundala Dam, under an hour’s drive from Munnar hill station, visitors can take a peaceful round of the reservoir on shikara boats. They seat six people and a driver, who paddles at the rear of the boat.

8. Cycle between eucalyptus trees in Vattavada

Cycling is popular in Munnar, given its hills, hairpin bends, and intense scenery. Many resorts or hotels arrange biking tours around areas such as Anamudi Shola, Suryaneli, and Kundala, but Vattavada (an hour’s drive from Munnar) is a unique setting for a two-wheel ride.

Here, the scenery takes a slight break from purely terraced tea plantations and features tall eucalyptus trees, conifers, and vegetable farms.

9. Go temple hopping in Devikulam

In Devikulam, half an hour’s drive from Munnar, you may want to begin by going trout fishing on the Sita Devi Lake or snapping a few pictures of the Pallivasal Falls.

However, the hill station also has several Hindu temples. These include the Ganesh Temple, Mariamman Temple, and Ayyanar Temple.

10. Hunt down the Attukad Waterfalls

Surrounded by dense jungle and hiking trails, the Attukad Waterfalls are as much a trekking destination as they are a great place to snap a few pictures.

There’s a natural pool at the base of the falls where you can cool off after a trek. The waterfalls are at their fullest between July and August, which is monsoon season in Kerala.

11. Go boating and elephant-spotting on Mattupetty Dam

Mattupetty Dam, 25 minutes’ drive from Munnar, is on a known elephant crossing, so it’s one of the likeliest places for spotting a wild elephant herd (taking a bath, no less).

If there aren’t any elephants frolicking in the water, you’ll just have to make do with a peaceful boat ride while gazing over the Western Ghats.

12. Hike between Marayoor’s sugarcane farms and prehistoric murals

An hour and 15 minutes’ drive from Munnar hill station, Marayoor is a hamlet carpeted in sandalwood forest and sugarcane plantations.

As well having scenery other than tea plantations, the Marayoor Forest Range has a 2000-year-old prehistoric site where there are rock paintings and relics.

Once you’ve explored the sandalwood and prehistoric paintings, you might want to stop by one of the open sugarcane plantations and taste jaggery fresh from the boil.

13. Go on a nighttime jungle patrol

Strap on your sturdiest hiking boots and join arms with a group of armed guards as they take their nightly jungle patrol in the  Periyar Tiger Reserve .

Their role is to look out for poachers, who are most active between 4am and 7am, and a small numbers of visitors can join the patrol to experience the jungle during the dead of the night.

The reserve is located a few hours’ drive from Munnar, so this activity should be part of a one-night excursion or form your next destination.

Munnar 1-Day Itinerary: How can I spend 1 day in Munnar hill station?

While it’s impossible to cover the entire Munnar region in one day, the trick to spending one day in Munnar is to plan a quality activity for the early morning, late morning, afternoon, and evening.

You don’t want to waste too much time commuting between destinations, so you should stick to activities that are within a short drive of each other.

Early morning:  Take a sunrise tour of the  Kolukkumalai Tea Plantation

Late morning:  Take a tea plantation village tour with  Route 49

Afternoon:  Go zipwiring and/or mountain biking

Evening:  Enjoy a traditional Sadya meal, followed by a Kathakali and Kalaripayattu show at  Punarjani Traditional Village

Munnar 2-Day Itinerary: How can I spend 2 days in Munnar hill station?

If you’re spending two days Munnar, there’s more scope to travel to spots further away from Munnar.

To make the most of your time, schedule activities for each day that are within a short drive of each other and closely consider where you’ll stay the night to maximise your time effectively.

For example, you might want to experience a treehouse stay, go camping, or sleep on a cardamom plantation.

Early morning:  Take a sunrise tour and factory visit at Kolukkumalai Tea Plantation

Late morning:  Go tea tasting at the Tata Tea Museum

Afternoon:  Go zipwiring over a tea plantation or cycling on Munnar’s mountain passes

Evening:  Take a traditional Sadya meal, followed by a stay on the cardamom plantation at  Windermere Estate

Early morning:  Take a sunrise trek to Top Station

Late morning:  Go for a Shikara ride on Kundala Dam

Afternoon:  Visit Echo Point and go boating and elephant-spotting on Mattupetty Dam

Evening:  Return to Munnar and watch a Kathakali and Kalaripayattu show at Punarjani Traditional Village

Munnar Itinerary: How To Get Around Munnar

1. Autorickshaw or car taxis

The easiest and most convenient way to get around Munnar is by  autorickshaw tax i. They cost a fraction of the price of a  traditional car taxi . However, cars provide more comfort for longer journeys and more protection in the event of a crash.

If you are visiting an offbeat destination in Munnar, you can arrange for your taxi driver to pick you up from your destination at a pre-arranged time.

2. Rent an autorickshaw for the day

Renting an autorickshaw and driver should cost you around 600-800 INR for one day. There are often autorickshaw drivers offering their services on busy streets in Munnar.

Local bicycle rental is possible in Munnar, often from bigger hotels. This is a slow but scenic method of transport and should be reserved for safer, less-busy roads and short journeys. You should be experienced with road cycling.

While the hill stations of Ooty and Munnar are deserving of an individual trip, Ooty has a cooler climate than Munnar and a higher elevation. Both destinations are popular for their wildlife, lakes, waterfalls, and outdoor activities. Munnar is best-known for its tea plantations, while Ooty is known for its scenic steam railway line.

Munnar is famous for its tea plantations, wildlife, nature reserves, lakes, outdoor activities, and wildlife such as nilgiri tahr, elephants and tigers.

Ideally, at least two days should be spent in Munnar due to the longer journey times across mountainous terrain and diverse attractions. The ideal amount of time to spend in the Munnar region is between two days and five days.

Katie Treharne

I’m Katie, the owner of Escape Artist Katie. I have been travel writing since 2018, including writing for luxury travel magazines and publications such as Wanderlust.

As well as being a digital nomad who works and lives abroad permanently, I’m a big advocate for  offbeat travel  and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.

I hope you found my article useful – find out more  about  me here or keep up with my travels on  Instagram .

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The rolling hills around Munnar, South India's largest tea-growing region, are carpeted in emerald-green tea plantations, contoured, clipped and sculpted like ornamental hedges. The low Western Ghats scenery is magnificent – you’re often up above the clouds watching veils of mist clinging to mountaintops. Munnar itself is a traffic-clogged administration hub, not unlike a North Indian hill station, but wander just a few miles out and you'll be engulfed in a sea of a thousand shades of green.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Lockhart Tea Factory

One of several working local tea factories open to the public, Lockhart dates from 1879 and sits 10km southeast of Munnar. Guided factory tours explain…

Around 1.5km northwest of town, this KDHP-owned museum is a demo model of a working tea factory, but still shows the basic process, along with a…

Old Train Station

Now housing Tata offices, this pale-yellow 20th-century building was Munnar's train station during the colonial era and part of the Kundala Valley Light…

CSI Christ Church

Constructed in neo-Gothic style in 1911, with granite imported from the UK, Munnar's oldest church contains a series of plaques commemorating prominent…

A central Hindu temple towards the north end of Munnar.

Munnar's main mosque, at the north end of town.

Mount Carmel Church

Munnar's main church, overlooking the bazaar.

St Anthony Statue

Landmark statue in Munnar's central bazaar.

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Munnar Travel Guide

History And Culture Of Munnar

• How To Get To Munnar
• Best Time To Travel To Munnar

Getting Around Munnar

Breaking stereotypes about munnar, go check out, a guide to exploring munnar.

One of the prettiest destinations you will visit, Munnar is a place unlike any other. Lush green rolling hills, tea plantations as far as the eyes can see and the Western Ghats for company, these are just some of the reasons why Munnar is one of South India’s most loved hill stations.

The images of iconic green rolling hills and expansive tea plantations are considered some of the most definitive images of Kerala as a destination along with the backwaters. Apart from being a popular tourist destination, Munnar is also home to some of the largest tea producing estates in the world, most notably Tata. An administrative town surrounded by nature, winding lanes and truly exotic flora, Munnar is considered one of the most romantic destinations in the country and is a place that you’ll find yourself keep coming back to.

While there aren’t many records of Munnar’s history until British surveyors explored the region in the 18th century, Munnar’s earliest record is of it being a forest in the Travancore kingdom, inhabited by the Muthuvan tribe. British resident John Daniel Munro first visited Munnar to settle a dispute between the Travancore kingdom and Madras. Munro was mesmerized by the beauty of Munnar implored the Poonjar Royal Family to lease him the land. He set up the North Travancore Land Planting & Agricultural Society in 1879. Munro instructed the society to cultivate coffee and cinnamon, and thus transformed the land.

This would not be the only transformation Munnar would go through. The introduction of cultivating tea would rapidly change everything. Towards the late 1900s, a lot of companies including the Finlay Muir and company (one of the biggest tea producers) realized the potential of producing tea in the lush hills of Munnar and quickly bought 33 estates to ramp up their tea production efforts.

In 1963, Tata group made its entry into the tea industry along with Finlay, they formed the Tata Finlay group and by extension Tata Tea Limited was founded. This led to two things, tea became the most largely produced crop in the region, making Munnar the tea haven that it is today. People started to take note of Munnar as a destination. The urge to see the beautiful tea plantation and unwind amidst these beautiful hills led to Munnar becoming one of the prominent tourist destinations in the world.

The culture of Munnar is influenced by the Muthuvan locals, various British customs and a combination of influences from Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Tempted to visit? Here’s how you can visit!

Also Read: Best Homestays In Munnar

How To Travel To Munnar

Getting to munnar by air.

Munnar is a relatively small hill station and does not have an airport of its own. The closest airport to Munnar is the Cochin International airport, which is about 3 hours away. Cochin is extremely well connected to most metros and tourist attractions in the country. Flying into Cochin and driving to Munnar is one of the most popular options for people traveling from outside South India.

Getting To Munnar By Train

Munnar doesn’t have its own railway station. Aluva is the closest, about 100 km away. The other major railway station is Ernakulam Junction, about 120 km away. If you’re traveling from Tamil Nadu, the closest railway station is Madurai Junction, which is 169 km away.

Getting To Munnar By Road

Since Munnar is a hill station, a part of the journey can only be completed by road. Driving to Munnar from most places in Kerala is four to seven hours away. Some places in Tamil Nadu like Madurai and Coimbatore are also four to seven hours away, thus making Munnar an extremely accessible destination.

Best Time To Visit Munnar

Winter months are the best time to visit Munnar, anytime from September up until March is ideally the best time. Summer months from April to June are also relatively pleasant and definitely a good enough time to visit. Avoid the monsoon months, i.e. from June to August. Munnar receives a lot of rainfall and your plans to explore Munnar during this period can be severely disrupted. If you find yourself in Munnar in August, try to attend the Onam celebrations that are widely celebrated across the valley.

Munnar is full of winding roads and the distances between destinations aren’t exactly walkable. We recommend having a vehicle at your disposal to truly make the most of Munnar. Hiring a car or renting a bike is the best way to explore the wildlife and the beautiful tea gardens that Munnar has to offer .

“Munnar is just the tea gardens.”

Munnar’s tea gardens are unlike none other, there are few things as relaxing as spending a day in the tea gardens surrounded by the Western Ghats. However, Munnar has a lot more to offer in and around it. Eravikulam National Park in Munnar is one such example. The park is home to tigers, leopards and other endangered flora and fauna is a must-visit during your trip to Munnar.

Similarly, Chithirapuram, Echo Point, the Marayoor Sandalwood Forest and the Attukad Waterfalls are some other spectacular places in and around Munnar that you can experience. So you see, Munnar is actually a lot more than just tea gardens.

Also Read: Coonoor Travel Guide

Eravikulam National Park

Located in Munnar at an elevation of 2,000 meters above sea level, Eravikulam National Park is home to tigers, leopards, Nilgiri tahr, the Indian sambar, wild jackals, and other exotic flora and fauna. The national park is known to house some of the rarest and the most endangered species and is a must-visit.

A popular picnic spot around a lake, Echo Point is one of the most popular destinations in Munnar and is a favorite among campers and photographers.

Mattupetty Dam

Another popular picnic spot. Mattupetty Dam is a water conservation and hydroelectricity generation project. It’s surrounded by nature and is home to a plethora of birds and animals and is famous among families since it offers activities like nature walks and boating.

Attukad Waterfalls

The trek up to Attukad waterfalls is an exciting one. Surrounded by dense vegetation, this secluded waterfall has become a hotspot among locals and travelers alike!

Top Station

You’d be forgiven for thinking you are surrounded by clouds. Top Station at an 1,800-meter elevation, is the best place to get a panoramic view of the mountains around you as you look down at Munnar. Top Station offers mesmerizing views of all the nature around Munnar.

Marayur/Marayoor

Home to the only sandalwood forest in Kerala. It’s suggested that the Pandavas in Mahabharata visited Marayur. It’s extremely famous among tourists and history buffs alike for its ancient dolmens and Neolithic rock paintings that go all the way back to the Stone Age.

Also Read: Tourist-Worthy Places To Visit In Thrissur

Is 1 Day Enough For Munnar?

No. We recommend that you spend at least 3 days in Munnar to experience this hill station to the fullest. Make sure that you visit the Echo Point, Mattupetty Dam, Top Station, and Attukad Waterfalls when in Munnar.

Is Ola Available In Munnar?

No, Ola cabs aren’t yet available in Munnar. You can however get an auto rickshaw or board a bus to get around.

Is There Snowfall In Munnar?

Munnar does experience light snowfall and frost during the winter months, but you shouldn’t be expecting snowfall like in Shimla or Mussoorie.

Is Munnar Worth Visiting?

Yes! Munnar isn’t arguably the most popular destination in Kerala for no reason. Acres upon acres of tea plantations, lush green landscape, and a climate that’s invigorating all year round make it the perfect vacation spot. Also, the other popular hill station, Idukki, is also quite close by!

What Is The Speciality Of Munnar?

Munnar is best known for its tea plantations, verdant hilly landscapes, and national parks with sparkling streams and rivers cutting through the landscape. It’s also close to Anamudi, the highest peak in South India.

Which Is The Best Month To Visit Munnar?

The winter months of November to February are the best time to visit Munnar, with an average temperature range of 10-28°C. The summers are quite pleasant too, but it rains very heavily during the monsoon.

Which Is The Best Area To Stay In Munnar?

You can choose to stay in the town if you want easy access to public transport (most tourist spots are at some distance from the town). Kannan Devan Hills and Suryanelli make for great places if you want to be amidst nature. Munnar has no lack of places to stay. Check out Unstumbled’s curated list of the best hotels in Munnar to find places best suited to your tastes and budget!

Which Is The Coldest Place In Munnar?

Munnar itself is the coldest place in Kerala, but the places around the town that are at a higher elevation are naturally colder.

How Far Is Thekkady From Munnar?

Thekkady is about 91 km away from Munnar if you take the SH19. The trip would take you roughly three hours. There are also bus services plying between the two hill stations.

How Can I Reach Munnar Top Station?

Once you’ve reached Munnar, take the SH18, which connects the town with the Kerala State Boundary. Follow the road for about 35 km and you’ll reach Top Station.

Is It Safe To Drive From Kochi To Munnar?

It’s quite safe to travel from Kochi to Munnar. But if you’re driving your own vehicle, we’d advise caution as the roads are quite windy. A better option would be to hire a driver who’s well-versed with the route or get a cab.

South India

Places to See

Eravikulam national park, echo point, mattupettey dam, attukad waterfall, top station, marayur.

Best time to visit

October to june.

What's the weather like?

Pleasant throughout the year. summers are warm and pleasant too. monsoon months are best avoided due to heavy rains..

Food you must try

Mixed vegatable thoran, elaneer payasam, malabar parotas and chicken, puttu, karimeen fry.

Malayalam, Tamil, English

No (Cochin Airport is the closest)

No (Aluva and Ernakulam are closest stations, Madurai station is close if traveling from Tamil Nadu)

• Exploring Munnar
• Things To Do In Munnar
• Trip To Munnar

Places to Visit in Munnar | Munnar Tourism

Munnar, South India’s most sought after hill station is not only a favorite tourist spot but also the centre of tea estates in Kerala. Munnar, an exotic hill station with enclosed calm of serenity and beauty is the most visited destination in South India.

This hill station is a heavenly beauty situated at an altitude of about 1600 meter from the sea level was once the summer resort of British government in South India. The colonial Bungalows in the hillocks boasts of the glorious past of this place.

The pleasant romantic climate and the laid back atmosphere in Munnar made it the most preferred honeymoon location in the country. The word Munnar literally means three rivers. As the name refers Munnar lies in the confluence of three rivers Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala at Idukki district.

One of the major attraction of Munnar is the Tea plantations. There are more than 12000 hectares of lush manicured tea fields forming an picturesque background for the place. For adventure lovers there is the challenge of climbing the highest peak of South India.

The beautiful valley covered with coffee, tea and spice plantations, the misty hillsides sheltering so many endangered species of wildlife and stunning waterfalls will be a refreshing experience. But the most refreshing is the pure unpolluted air.

There are also a variety of interesting things you can do here. You can see wild animals, play golf or do some trout fishing. The list is endless. You can also visit any tea plantations to understand the process.

The aroma of the place will stay with you for long. Neelakurinji flower one of the rarest and most beautiful flower which blooms once in twelve years is found in the valleys over here. When these flowers blooms it covers the entire region with its beautiful violet colour. Enjoy the rare sight of this flowers.

Places to Visit in Munnar

1. eravikulam national park.

This national park was the once the hunting place of the British. Today this park protects wild animals at its best. This national park is situated at an elevation of 7000 feet above the sea level. This sanctuary is famous Nilgiri tahr, a highly endangered wild goat. This is the proud of Munnar.

The outstanding beauty of the grasslands is another attraction of Eravikulam National Park. Anamudi, the highest peak in South India is situated in this park. There are many kinds of rare flora in this hills.

Rajamalai, the tourism zone in this national park is an ideal place for seeing high elevation shola grassland system and visitors are taken to this place for enjoying this beautiful sight.

Learn more about Eravikulam National Park..

2. Munnar Tea Museum

Run by the Tata Tea, the museum tells us about the evolution of tea industry in Munnar. There is an interesting array of relics and artifacts and photographs from the past. You can also understand the complex tea processing from the adjacent tea processing centre. This is an aromatic experience.

3. Pothanmedu View Point

Located on an elevated cliff at the entrance of Munnar this scenic spot offers the magical view of Munnar. From here one can see the beautiful valleys as a green carpet covered with Tea, Coffee and Cardamom plantations. Not only the pleasure of watching but also this place is a challenge for adventure lovers. This place is ideal for trekking and hiking in Munnar.

4. Mattupetty

Located at a height of 1700 meters Mattupetty is famous for its dairy farm. Close to this wonderful farm is the beautiful Mattupetty lake and dam which is a famous picnic spot. Mattupetty Dam has a huge reservoir. A visit to this place is an exhilarating experience with boating and occasional sight of various wild animals like elephants and Sambar.

5. Attukal Waterfalls

Located deep in a valley at a distance of 8 km from Munnar this is a must visit place. Attukal in Munnar is an ideal place for long trekking. With undulating hills and rocking waterfalls Attukal offers an awesome sight.

6. Nyayamakad

For a breathtaking beauty of Talayar Valley on one side and Munnar Valley on the other visit Nyayamakad Gap located on Munnar Coimbatore road. This beautiful spot with incredible waterfalls is a pleasure to watch. Nyayamkad is located at distance of 10 km from Munnar.

The breathtaking beauty of water falling from a height of 1600 meters is an amazing experience with its surrounding natural beauty. This is a popular picnic spot as well as an ideal spot for trekking. You can spend some quality time with your loved one’s or enjoy the adventure of trekking.

7. Devikulam

The most sought after destination in Munnar, Devikulam is an ideal hill station with exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain breeze. The Sita Devi Lake in hear is an ideal picnic spot with its charming ambiance and mineral rich water.

Devikulam offers the visitors the delight of trout fishing. Devikulam lake is just 13 km away from Munnar. before trout fishing you have to get a permit and also have to bring the equipment. Another location for trout fishing is Gravel Banks which is situated at the remote corner of Nyayamakad Estate.

There are many more places around Munnar which worth a watch. Some of them are Top Station, Marayoor, Kollulkumally Tea Estate, Chinnar wildlife Sanctuary etc.

Shopping in Munnar

Munnar is the perfect place for buying high quality fresh tea. You can search for different flavors of tea in Munnar. Tata Tea sales outlet is the best place to purchase tea in a reasonable price without any worry. Also there are small roadside shops and markets.

Next to tea the strawberries and spices are the specialities of Munnar. Strawberries are available seasonally in selected outlets. At Tata Tea’s Srishti Welfare Centre you can buy high quality delicious strawberry preserve and handmade greeting cards.

Spices are available in almost all shops. You can buy different varieties of spices here. Spices are packed in small transparent packs. If you purchase bulk amounts there will be attractive discounts.One can also buy souvenirs from here.

Where To Stay in Munnar

Munnar being a popular tourist destination has so many good hotels and resorts for all budgets. It's better to reserve accommodation in advance specially on holidays and weekends. Some of the best hotels and resorts in Munnar are Tea County, Abad Copper Castle, Edassery Eastend, Hotel Royal Retreat, Munnar Inn, Hotel Hill View, Hotel Las Palmas, Cloud9 Resort, Lakeview Resort, Oak Fields Resort, Hotel Lonely Planet, Hotel Autumn Trees etc.

Places to Eat in Munnar

Munnar is dotted with so many small eateries. In a very cheap price you can have Delicious Vadas, bondas, Bhajis, chapatis, Puris and Dosas with hot tea. You can also have all veg and Non Veg dishes in various restaurants in Munnar.

Rapsy Restaurant and Hotel Azarika are famous for chicken and Mutton Biriyani. For vegetarian Saravana Bhavan and Arya Bhavan is there.

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Munnar Tourism

• Things to Do
• Places to Visit
• Best Time to Visit
• How to Reach
• Essential Information
• Travel Guide

Munnar Travel 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.

Things To Do in Munnar More Details

With plenty of scenic beauty around the city, the city is the best place for an outing to peace your life. There are a lot of adventures and beautiful memories to make in Munnar. One may do the following when at Munnar

Places to Visit Munnar More Details

With a peaceful stillness all around, Munnar is filled and surrounded by bounties of nature, which drives many tourists to this place every year. Some of the must-visit places in Munnar are:-

Best Selling Munnar Tour Packages

Excursion Places in Munnar

There are numerous mind-blowing wonders in Munnar and the areas close by. These are some of the must-see sights in Munnar:

Just 90 kilometers separate Kumily and Munnar. One of the top tourist destinations close to Munnar is Kumily, well-known for its spice plantations. Peermade, which is just 100 kilometers away, is another worthwhile visiting location. Some places close to Munnar that one can see on their journey include Kumily, Peermade, Parunthumpara, Periyar National Park, Chalakudy, Athirapally, Guruvayoor, Ernakulam, Nelliyampathy, Sabarimala, etc. Munnar, a haven of astounding beauty, is ideal for nature enthusiasts as it is home to several mountaintops, mist-covered hills, verdant meadows, lush forests, and immaculate lakes. You can go on nature hikes at the Kolukkumalai tea estates because Munnar's travel and tourist industries primarily highlight the area's abundance of natural beauty. Eravikulam National Park is located in Kerala's Idukki District and 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. Spend some time in the Eravikulam National Park during your busy day to see the critically endangered Nilgiri Tahr. On a journey to Munnar, you may also stop by the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, which is home to a grizzled giant squirrel, and the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see one.

Best Time to Visit Munnar More Details

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 More Details

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.

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.

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.

FAQs About 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.

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.

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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A Perfect Travel Guide to Munnar, Kerala

N estled amidst the sprawling tea plantations and undulating hills of the Western Ghats, Munnar stands as a testament to the natural beauty that Kerala embodies. This iconic hill station in Kerala , with its verdant landscapes and temperate climate, serves as a tranquil retreat for tourists and locals alike.

In this article, we will delve into the multifaceted allure of this hill town, detailing how to reach Munnar and the must-visit places that encapsulate its quintessence.

How to Reach Munnar by Air?

The hill station is not directly served by an airport. The nearest airport to Munnar is Cochin International Airport, situated about 110 km away. Another nearby airport is Madurai International Airport, located 164 km from Munnar. To reach the hill station from either of these airports, private taxi services are readily available.

Estimated travel times to reach Munnar are as follows:

From Cochin International Airport: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes

From Madurai International Airport: Around 4 hours and 30 minutes

How to Reach Munnar by Rail?

Munnar hill station lacks direct rail connectivity. The closest railway station to Munnar is Aluva Railway Station, situated 108 km away. Two other viable railway stations include Ernakulam Junction, which is around 125 km away, and Madurai Junction, distanced at approximately 152 km from Munnar. Taxi services can be conveniently hired from any of these stations for the onward journey to Munnar.

Estimated durations for road travel to Munnar are:

From Aluva Railway Station: Roughly 3 hours and 15 minutes

From Ernakulam Junction: About 3 hours and 30 minutes

From Madurai Junction: Approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes

How to Reach Munnar by Road?

Reaching Munnar inevitably involves some form of road travel, regardless of your initial mode of transportation. Fortunately, the hill town boasts excellent road connectivity with various regions of Kerala, so this shouldn't be a concern.

Regular bus services to Munnar are available from almost all major cities within Kerala. However, many tourists opt for the freedom and flexibility of renting a car for the journey. The route to Munnar is dotted with picturesque landscapes, making the drive itself a memorable part of the experience. For those looking for the most straightforward road route to Munnar, the drive from Cochin is a popular choice. Covering approximately 126 kilometres, this drive typically takes around 4 hours to complete.

Places to Visit in Munnar

1. tea plantations and museums.

No visit to Munnar is complete without exploring its world-renowned tea plantations. At the Tata Tea Museum, there are educational guided tours where you can learn about the intricate processes of tea making—from plucking the leaves to the final brew. Some plantations also house museums where you can delve deeper into the history and significance of tea production in the region.

2. Eravikulam National Park

A protected area situated in the higher altitudes of the Western Ghats, Eravikulam National Park is home to several endangered species, including the Nilgiri Tahr. The park is one of the best places to visit in Munnar and offers a unique opportunity to observe these rare animals in their natural habitat.

3. Attukal Waterfalls

This awe-inspiring waterfall offers more than just panoramic views. The surroundings are ideal for trekking and hiking, attracting adventure enthusiasts from around the country. Whether you're there for the photography or simply to take in the natural beauty, Attukal Waterfalls doesn't disappoint.

4. Mattupetty Dam

Located just a short drive from Munnar, Mattupetty Dam is another stunning locale. It’s not just the dam that attracts tourists, but also the serene lake where one can enjoy boating and the surrounding hills that are perfect for trekking.

5. Pothamedu View Point

If panoramic vistas are what you seek, Pothamedu View Point provides a vantage like no other. Overlooking a conjunction of three rivers, this viewpoint is ideal for a tranquil escape from the humdrum of daily life.

Where to Stay in Munnar?

For a family vacation that ticks all the boxes—beauty, leisure, and unforgettable experiences—look no further than Club Mahindra Munnar Resort, one of the best resorts in Kerala . Nestled among the lush hills and serene valleys of Munnar, this is the perfect place for families to bond and create cherished memories.

Witness the captivating art of Kalarippayattu within the resort itself, tantalize your taste buds with a traditional Sadhya feast at their in-house restaurant, the Tea Room, and let your little ones unleash their energy in the kid-friendly Play Area.

What sets Club Mahindra Munnar Resort apart is its location amidst the sculpted tea plantations that define Munnar's landscape. Enveloped by this emerald scenery, the resort offers spacious rooms furnished with beds so soft, you'd be tempted to laze the day away. And why not? With awe-inspiring views unfolding right before your eyes, you might find it hard to leave your comfortable cocoon. This is what makes this one the best resort in Munnar .

So, for a vacation that promises both adventure and tranquility, wrapped in luxurious comfort, Club Mahindra Munnar Resort is the destination that you and your family must experience.

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.

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Travel Essay on Munnar

Nestled in the verdant embrace of the Western Ghats, Munnar unfolds like a canvas painted with hues of lush greenery, mist-kissed hills, and pristine landscapes. This charming hill station, situated in the southern Indian state of Kerala, has etched its place on the map as a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and wanderers seeking solace amidst breathtaking panoramas. As I embarked on my journey to Munnar, the anticipation of encountering the picturesque tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, and the tranquil ambiance held the promise of an unforgettable adventure.

Quick Overview:

• Tea Plantations: The Verdant Blanket: Munnar is renowned for its sprawling tea estates that carpet the undulating hills, creating a mesmerizing visual tapestry. The lush green tea bushes, meticulously manicured, offer a sensory symphony, with the scent of fresh tea leaves wafting through the cool mountain air.
• Anamudi Peak: The Roof of Kerala: Towering over the landscape, Anamudi Peak stands as the highest point in South India, offering a vantage point for those seeking panoramic views of Munnar’s breathtaking terrain. The trek to Anamudi is an adventure in itself, leading through dense forests and unveiling the region’s diverse flora and fauna.
• Matupetty Dam: The Reflecting Reservoir: The serene waters of Matupetty Dam mirror the surrounding hills, creating a serene expanse that beckons visitors seeking tranquility. Boating on the dam provides an opportunity to soak in the natural beauty while catching glimpses of the wildlife that frequents the water’s edge.
• Attukal Waterfalls: Nature’s Cascading Symphony: Hidden amidst the hills, Attukal Waterfalls captivate with their cascading beauty. The journey to the falls involves a trek through lush landscapes, unveiling the raw and untouched facets of Munnar’s natural allure. The rhythmic sound of water crashing against rocks resonates in this secluded sanctuary.
• Eravikulam National Park: The Abode of Nilgiri Tahr: Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, Eravikulam National Park is a biodiversity hotspot that showcases the region’s rich flora and fauna. The undulating landscapes, dotted with vibrant blooms, create a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

A Symphony of Serenity:

Munnar, with its lush tea plantations, mist-covered hills, and cascading waterfalls, is a haven for those seeking respite from the cacophony of city life. The verdant blanket of tea estates, stretching as far as the eye can see, is a testament to the region’s role as a leading tea producer. Strolling through the plantations, I found solace in the rhythmic plucking of tea leaves, a harmonious activity that seemed to resonate with the tranquility of the surroundings.

The trek to Anamudi Peak was a highlight of my Munnar expedition. Scaling the highest point in South India, I was rewarded with panoramic vistas that stretched to the horizon. The journey through dense forests, vibrant with the calls of native birds, added a layer of adventure to the experience, creating memories that would linger long after I descended from the peak.

Matupetty Dam, with its reflective reservoir and boating opportunities, offered a serene interlude in my exploration. Gliding across the tranquil waters, I marveled at the mirrored images of the surrounding hills, losing myself in the tranquility that permeated the atmosphere.

Attukal Waterfalls, hidden in the heart of Munnar, provided a sensory delight. The trek to reach the falls immersed me in the untouched beauty of nature, and as I stood before the cascading waters, I felt a profound connection with the raw energy and magnificence of the natural world.

Eravikulam National Park, with its diverse ecosystem and the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, underscored Munnar’s commitment to conservation. The undulating landscapes, adorned with vibrant flora, showcased the delicate balance of nature and left me in awe of the region’s biodiversity.

Conclusion:

As I bid adieu to Munnar, I carried with me the echoes of its serene landscapes, the scent of tea leaves, and the symphony of cascading waterfalls. This hill station, with its natural grandeur and tranquil ambiance, is a testament to the incredible beauty that Mother Nature unfolds in her hidden corners. Munnar, with its tea-clad hills and pristine vistas, is not just a destination; it’s a sensory journey that lingers in the heart—a symphony of serenity and splendor that beckons all those who seek refuge in the arms of nature.

Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.

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Munnar Travelogue – Vacation at Munnar

Munnar Travelogue by Roopsen C V: After enjoying our stay in Kochi, we were truly looking forward to our next destination – Munnar. We had some idea about Munnar after reading Munnar Travelogue at munnar.org.

Munnar sits above 1800 metres from sea level and is one of the most popular hill stations in South India. From munnar.org, I came to know how beautiful it was, but we were truly amazed as the car approached this majestic region as the morning clouds dusted the mountain tops. The kids in their woolen jacket observed the hills, greenary and water falls through the window, which forced them to shout “wow” many times.

Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted as we checked into the hotel. Grabbed quickly the complimentary breakfast from the hotel itself. We really wanted to get a feel for Munnar, so we travelled in a rickshaw and had the driver took us around, especially off the beaten path, where the locals shop, eat and relax. To me, this is the way to see a new location – through the eyes of the local community.

Munnar Sightseeing:

We headed to our first destination – the Eravikulam National Park. The park is located about 12 km from Munnar. This park is home to endangered Nilgiri Thars, butterflies and birds. In my opinion, it is a great place for trekking and relax. I just couldn’t stop taking pictures of the Nilgiri Thars and the tea plantations from above the hills.

Our driver told us about Neelakurinji, a plant flowered only once in twelve years. Munnar was over crowded in 2006 when it bloomed last time. On the way back to Munnar town, where our resort was located, we had seen several water falls.

We were then taken to the Tata Tea Museum located at Nallathanni Estate. This museum is worth to visit. It is exclusively on tea with curios, photographs and machineries. The process of tea production was narrated by the friendly guide over there. Then we visited the CSI Church, constructed on rock without any plaster during the British rule. We walked to the Munnar vegetables and fruits market from the church. Purchased some fresh strawberries and other fruits with unfamiliar names.

We had spent some time at the garden nearby the town. The children were anxious to see the picturesque floral scenery and do everything!

Day 2 at Munnar

Next day we had visited Devikulam Lake, Mattupetty Dam, Top Station and Kundalai Dam. We returned back the resort after having the food from a restaurant in Munnar town.

Day 3 at Munnar

On the third day, every one got ready for Marayoor trip. It is located about 40 Km away from munnar. I remember, we had seen sandalwood forest and Muniyaras at Marayur. After a hurry shopping, we returned back to the hotel early as we had to leave Munnar next day morning.

We will come back again. May be when Neelakurunji blooms next time.

We are all greatful to “munnar.org” for introducing a wonderful place. Google lead us to “munnar.org” and it lead us to real Munnar!! And now our Munnar travelogue is published here. Thanks again.

My Yearly Trip to Munnar

Munnar Travel Tips

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Jacaranda trees in full bloom attract visitors to Munnar

Bright, blue flowers of Jacaranda trees hovering over the green carpet of tea plantations are drawing visitors in good numbers to Munnar. Popularly known as Neelavaka, the flowers can be seen in Munnar, Chinnakanal, Thalayar, Pallivasal and Lakkam. People halt to take pictures of the flowers along the Munnar- Utumalpet interstate highway. Along the highway, Jacaranda trees can be seen on both sides of the road from Lakkam. It can be found along the road at a distance of about two kilometers from Lakkam. Jacaranda trees can be seen at the foot of Umiyamala rock in Vaguvarai village which is 18 km from Munnar.

For the residents and the visitors, the flowering season of Jacarandas is a beautiful sight even in hot summer. Antony Muniyara, a visitor said that this year the trees are in full bloom. The flowering season of Jacaranda is from February to April. Jacaranda tree saplings were planted by officials who were employed in the tea gardens of Munnar during the British era. They came here as a part of colonization and planted Jacaranda tree saplings along the roadsides and in the mountains. Jacaranda trees grow up to a height of about 8 to 15 meters. The speciality of this tree is that the flowers remain on the tree for a long time without falling off.

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

Things to do in Moscow: how to visit Moscow | Unmissable, cool & unusual

• September 2, 2023

What are the best things to do in Moscow? What to do in Moscow? First, I will list the main places to visit by theme, passing by the must-sees, but also more unusual places in Moscow. Then, I will describe what to see in Moscow in one day and how to visit Moscow in 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 days. Let’s go!

Good to know. For more information, click on the places to open the dedicated blog posts.

Main places to visit in Moscow & best things to do in Moscow

I worked in Moscow and I loved this city for its dynamism and energy. We find there from time to time to see friends, remember good memories and enjoy this giant city! Then the time has come for us to share with you our practical guide.

TOP 5 must-see places in Moscow

• Moscow Red Square
• St. Basil’s Cathedral
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Bolshoi Theatre

Places of cultural, historical and religious interest in Moscow

• Novodevichy Convent and cemetery
• Tretyakov Gallery
• Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• Kremlin Izmaïlovo (pseudo-historic place, recently built in the image of the old, one of the best things to do in Moscow for your Instagram account 😉 )
• Park and ancient village of Kolomenskoye

Visit Moscow of the Soviet era

• Moscow State University and Sparrows Hill
• VDNKh and the Museum of Astronautics, one of the key landmarks of the Soviet era in Moscow
• GULAG Museum
• Metro stations
• The Stalinist skyscrapers, scattered all over the city

Less touristy places in Moscow

• Gorky Park and the GARAGE museum
• The old Krasny Oktyabr factory
• Zaryadye Park
• Center for Contemporary Art, WINZAVOD
• Business center, Moscow City

Main districts of Moscow to visit

• Patriarch Ponds
• Tchistye Prudy
• Kuznetsky most
• Arbat Street

However, regardless of the length of your stay, whether you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days or in 2, you need a visa. The article Obtaining a tourist visa for Russia could then be useful in any case.

What to do and see in Moscow in one day?

List of things to see and do in Moscow in one day:

• Go to Red Square
• Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral
• See Kremlin walls (but not to visit)
• Visit Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Discover Kuznetsky most districts and see Bolshoi Theatre building
• And if you have time at the end of the day: go to the Sparrows Hill or to the Moscow City for a beautiful view

Things to do in Moscow in 2 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, there are 2 purposes: do not miss the essential places of Moscow and optimize travel.

• First day: Red Square , Saint Basil’s Cathedral , Zariadye Park, Bolshoi Theatre , Kremlin
• Day 2: Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the former Krasny Oktyabr factory on Balchug Island, Gorky Park, Moscow State University (one of the Seven Sisters buildings ) and Sparrow Hill

As 2 days os really short, be sure to choose an accommodation in the best districts where to stay in Moscow .

Walking on Red Square in Moscow: one of the unmissable things to do in Moscow

Iconic place and one of the must-see places in Moscow and even in Russia! Besides, if there was only one place to visit in Moscow in 2 days, this place would then be Red Square, without hesitation. Therefore, starting the city tour with Red Square is ideal . Several buildings are on the square, but not all of them have to be visited. Check out my blog post about Moscow’s Red Square in detail to learn more and not miss anything.

Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside

Even more emblematic than Moscow’s Red Square! Built in the middle of the 16th century under the orders of Tsar Ivan Le Terrible, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful monuments of Orthodox art, and definitely one of the unmissable places in Moscow. Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside is one of the most beautiful things to do in Moscow!

• Visit estimate time : 1h30
• Entry ticket : 700 RUB. Tickets can be purchased on the cathedral’s official website 45 days before the tour.
• Audio guide (recommended): 500 RUB
• Opening hours : June to August 10 am-6pm; from November to April: 11 am-5pm; May, September, October 11 am-5pm. Cathedral closed on Wednesdays. Entrance is closed 45 minutes before closing.
• Find out more in the dedicated article: Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow

Take a walk in Zariadye park: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow after visiting Red Square

Zaryadie Park is just a 10-minute walk from St. Basil’s Cathedral, so it’s easy to include in your itinerary if you’re going to visit Moscow in 2 days. From its heights, you can see the red walls of the Kremlin. But, the most impressive point of view is the platform which overlooks the Moskva river. A must see! And clearly one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

• Open 24 hours a day
• Good to know! Park Zaryadye is also a place to visit in Moscow in winter. Find out more here: What to do in Moscow in winter?

See the Bolshoi Theatre and discover the Kuznetsky Most district

The Bolshoi Theatre is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy entrance tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets

The Bolshoi Theater is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets are located north of the theater. It is therefore very pleasant to find them to leave the main axes of the megalopolis.

Visit the Moscow Kremlin

Visit Kremlin is on top of things to do in Moscow. A place of power for centuries, the Kremlin then shows us a whole different image when viewed from the inside. If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, the Kremlin is certainly one of the must-see places in Moscow.

• Opening hours : Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thursday.
• See our blog post about visiting the Moscow Kremlin

Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Savior

This impressive Moscow Cathedral is the seat of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is a must see if you visit Moscow in 2 days and clearly one of the things to do in Moscow. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior was first built in 1883 in memory of Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s Grand Army. Then in 1931 Stalin ordered its destruction. It was then rebuilt again (identically) only in 2000.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 15. At the foot of the Kropotkinskaya metro station.
• Opening hours . Daily: 10: 00-17: 00, except Monday: 13: 00-17: 00
• Free entry (some closing restrictions, for example a short)

Good to know! In orthodox religious places, one must avoid excessively uncovered clothing. Women should cover their heads. After visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you can explore Bolotny Island and Gorky Park. This is one of the routes our guide to Moscow.

The old Krasny Oktyabr factory: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow

If you cross the Moskva River by a pedestrian bridge which is located just in front of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the city and at the same time you can discover Balchug Island. Furthermore, if you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, you can include this island in your itinerary between the cathedral and Gorky park. Here is the old confectionery factory Krasny Oktyabr, which has gradually turned into a fashionable micro-district. There are then some elements of street art, cafes and restaurants and some Moscow bohemian side. At the end of the island you can see a gigantic 98-meter-high monument dedicated to the Russian reforming tsar Pierre The Great.

Good to know! You can find on this island are the trendiest nightclubs in Moscow. On weekends, there are taxi caps after midnight so there are so many people. On the other hand, if you go there in winter and during the day, the island is quite empty and less interesting to see.

Gorky Park is one of the TOP places to visit in Moscow, because it allows you to better understand the life of the locals and their rhythm. In fact, it’s a huge entertainment park. For example, in winter there is a giant ice rink and in summer – free dance or yoga lessons, sandy beaches for playing volleyball, an outdoor cinema. So, like the locals, have a Stakantchik (ice cream or cooked corn), and enjoy the atmosphere of the place: that’s one of the interesting things to do in Moscow to discover the city.

• Where? Krymsky Val 9. 20 minutes’ walk from Krasny Oktyabr, along the quays.

Sparrow Hill and Moscow State University

The Sparrow Hill, Vorobiovy Gori in Russian, is the highest point in Moscow. It is rather known to Russians, but less to travelers. A nice view on Moscow opens from the hill, and in particular on the Luzhniki Stadium. In addition, on the hill itself is the Moscow State University: an impressive skyscraper from the Soviet era.

• How to get there? By bus T7 (35 min) from Oktyaborskaya station, near Gorki Park. By metro (Vorobiovy Gorki station) + climb the hill on foot. On foot along the Moskva along the Gorky Park (1h30) + climb in funiculars.

Good to know! It is possible to cross the Moskva river by funicular. We actually tested it and it was pretty cool! That is one of our favorite things to do in Moscow!

What to do in Moscow in 3 days?

If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days, it would be interesting to dive into the Soviet era which strongly marked the country and the city. After the Bolshevik Revolution, the capital was transferred from Saint Petersburg to Moscow, in order to mark the change of power. Moscow then became the world showcase for communist ideology. Here are the best things to do in Moscow for 3-day-trip!

VDNKh, visit Moscow of the Soviet era

VDNKh is a large exhibition center in the north of Moscow, where there are still several striking witnesses of the USSR. The most interesting are the Museum of Cosmonauts and the Statue of the Worker and the Kolkhozian , which will certainly impress you with its size!

GULAG History Museum

The explanations of the museum are very well done. We really have the feeling of going back in time. If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days and you are interested in history and this subject in particular, I recommend this museum. Visit the GULAG History Museum is one of the most interesting things to do in Moscow.

Discover the Patriarche Pounds district

It’s a nice neighborhood in Moscow where you can come across rather affluent locals, but not necessarily very bling-bling. Take a walk in this area is really a cool thing to do in Moscow! In addition, the Ponds of Patriarch is one of the places of Bulgakov’s novel “Master and Margarita”. As this is an interesting area to see, we have included it in a walking tour of Moscow. The route ends at the Moscow Kremlin, which is very convenient, because you will be able to visit Moscow in 3 days by optimizing your trips.

What to visit in Moscow in 4 days: TOP things to do in Moscow in 4 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 3 days, you will already see a lot of things. On the other hand, if you stay one more day, you have plenty to do! The Novodevichy Convent, the Tchistie Proudy district and the Izmaylovo Kremlin are very good candidates for you, if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days.

Visiting Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

The Novodevichy Convent is one of the most brilliant examples of Russian architecture, according to UNESCO. This beautiful complex was built in 1524 and today consists of the convent, but also of a cemetery whose status could be compared to that of Père-Lachaise in Paris. Visiting Novodevichy Convent is one of the great things to do in Moscow, if you want to go a little bit outside of the center!

Discovering Tchistye Proudy district

It’s one of the most popular areas of Moscow, with many cafes, restaurants and bars nearby. It is therefore a place to discover if you want to visit Moscow in 4 days. It is just as pleasant for a stroll as for the discovery of local life. For example, in winter the pond turns into an ice rink.

Visiting the Izmaylovo Kremlin, one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

The Izmaylovo Kremlin is more of a tourist than a historic place. On the other hand, it is a pretty impressive place to discover, especially on weekends. Inside the Kremlin, there is a flea market where you can find a little bit of everything, but mostly good souvenirs to bring from Moscow. For example, chapka, traditional Russian scarves or matryoshka (Russian dolls). Add the Kremlin and the Izmaïlovo market to your itinerary if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days, because it is a nice and very colorful place! Visiting the Izmailovo Kremlin is one of the things to do in Moscow, if you want to put colors in your Instagram account! 😉

In 4 days, we will have the opportunity to see several Moscow: Classic Moscow, Moscow of old Russia, Soviet Moscow and a little bit of the new Moscow. So what to visit in Moscow on the 5th day of travel?

What to visit in Moscow in 5 days?

Art lovers will be delighted to discover the Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, while others will prefer to stroll along Arbat Street, see the buildings of Moskva-City or visit Bunker 42.

Admiring Russian art at Tretyakov Gallery

Founded in 1856 by an industrialist and great lover of art, the gallery has grown over the decades, and then bequeathed to the state. Today the collection includes more than 140,000 pieces, 15,000 of which are paintings. Visiting the Tretyakov Gallery is one of the things to do in Moscow if you want to discover Russian art!

• Where? Pereoulok Lavrouchinski 10. A 5-minute walk from Tretiakovskaya station
• Opening hours. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Closed on Mondays.
• Entry tickets. 500 RUB.

Visiting the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts presents the treasures of ancient Egypt, the paintings of Rembrandt and Cézanne, a fine collection of Impressionism.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 12
• Opening hours. Daily: 10: 00-20: 00, except Thursday: 11: 00-21: 00. Closed on Mondays. The boxes close an hour before closing.
• Entry tickets. The prices vary according to the collections from 300 to 750 RUB.

Walking on Arbat Street

All Russians know Rue Arbat. So, walking on Arbat street is one of the things to do in Moscow. However, after the years, little by little it became very touristy. This is a pedestrian street only. There are souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes there, but it is no longer the most authentic neighborhood in the city.

Seeing the buildings of Moskva-City (Moscow City)

Moskva-City is Moscow’s business center, much like Paris’s Defense district. The skyscrapers of Moskva-City are among the tallest in Europe: 373 meters high! Very nice place to see at dusk.

Good to know! You can admire a nice view of Moscow City from the docks of Tarasa Shevchenko. It’s especially beautiful in the evening with all the lights on.

Bunker 42, one of the most unusual things to do in Moscow

Bunker 42 is a secret military complex which was to be used by the Soviets in the event of a nuclear attack: a space of 7000 m² 65 meters underground!

• Where? 5 Kotelnitcheski Lane, 11.
• Prices. 2200 RUB per person
• Opening hours. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Restaurant inside. Original, but rather a tourist trap.

What to visit in Moscow in 6 days or more?

There are still so many places to see, because Moscow is a big megalopolis and there is always something exciting to do there. For example: the ancient Kolomenskoye village or the WINZAVOD contemporary art center .

If you are interested in history and want to see Russian cities on a rather “human scale”, it would certainly be interesting for you to discover the cities of the Golden Ring . For example, it is very easy to get to Sergey Posad from Moscow (less than 2 hours in train). Visiting the Golden Ring is one of the best things to do in Moscow if you are staying more than a 5-6 days.

There are still plenty of places to see in Moscow, however I did my best to list here the best things to do in Moscow, what to see in Moscow in one day, but also in 2, 3, 4 or 5 days in Moscow!

Moscow travel tips:

• Airport transfer: how to go to Moscow?
• Where to stay in Moscow (hotels, districts)?
• Tourist voucher for Russian visa
• Christmas and New Year in Moscow
• What is the best time to visit Moscow?

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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Gunmen Kill 60 at Concert Hall Outside Moscow, Russian Authorities Say

The Islamic State claimed the attack, the deadliest in the Moscow region in more than a decade.

By Valerie Hopkins ,  Ivan Nechepurenko ,  Aric Toler and Anton Troianovski

• Published March 22, 2024 Updated March 23, 2024, 2:50 a.m. ET

Several camouflage-clad gunmen opened fire at a popular concert venue on the outskirts of Moscow on Friday night, killing about 60 people and wounding more than 100, Russian authorities said, making it the deadliest attack in the capital region in more than a decade.

Hours after the mayhem began, the Russian national guard said its officers were still looking for the attackers. State media agencies reported that there had been up to five perpetrators.

As gunshots boomed through the building containing the concert hall, one of the largest and most popular music venues in the Moscow area, fire erupted in the upper floors of the structure, and the blaze intensified after an explosion, causing the roof to collapse.

The Islamic State, through an affiliated news agency, claimed responsibility. U.S. security officials, including a senior counterterrorism official, said they believed the attack was carried out by the Islamic State in Khorasan , a branch of the terrorist group that is active in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran. They spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

Multiple videos posted on social media and verified by The New York Times show several people entering Crocus City Hall, a sprawling shopping and entertainment complex in suburban Krasnogorsk, northwest of Moscow, and firing rifles. Other videos show people running past bloodied victims lying on the floor or screaming at the sound of gunshots, while photos show bodies lined up outside the building.

A woman who gave her name only as Marina said in a text message that she was standing in line for a concert outside, in the cold, about 8 p.m. when people without overcoats started running out of the building, saying they had heard shots.

“As soon as I heard automatic rifle shots, I started running, too,” she said.

The state news agency TASS reported that emergency services had dispatched helicopters to try to rescue people from the building’s roof, where flames and smoke could be seen billowing into the night sky.

At least 115 people were hospitalized after the attack, five of them children, according to the Russian minister of health, Mikhail Murashko. The injured include 60 adult patients in serious condition, the minister said. Another 30 people were treated and released.

The Russian leader, Vladimir V. Putin, made no immediate direct public statement, issuing only a statement through a deputy prime minister, Tatyana Golikova, that expressed hopes for the recovery of the injured and gratitude to the doctors treating them.

Russia’s Investigative Committee, the country’s equivalent to the F.B.I., said it had opened a criminal case into a terrorist act and dispatched its investigators to the site. RIA Novosti said that a special police unit was working inside the building.

John F. Kirby, a spokesman for President Biden’s National Security Council, told reporters that the White House had “no indication at this time that Ukraine or Ukrainians were involved.” Mykhailo Podolyak, a top adviser to Ukraine’s presidential office, said in a video statement that “Ukraine has absolutely nothing to do” with the attack.

On March 7, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow issued a security alert that warned that its personnel were “monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts.” The statement, which did not say anything about the extremists’ affiliation, warned Americans that an attack could take place in the next 48 hours.

Pro-Kremlin voices seized on the U.S. Embassy’s warning to paint America as trying to scare Russians. On March 19, Mr. Putin called the statement “obvious blackmail” made with “the intention to intimidate and destabilize our society.”

The attack on Friday was connected to the March 7 warning, according to American officials briefed on the matter. They added that the United States alerted Russia privately at the time about intelligence it had about Islamic State activity.

Statements of condolence and outrage came from around the world, including the leader of China, Xi Jinping, and governments of the United States and other countries that are at odds with Russia. Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of the opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, who died in a Russian prison last month, said on social media, “All those involved in this crime must be found and brought to justice.”

The attack came on a day when 165 missiles and drones attacked Ukraine, constituting what the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, said was “the largest attack against Ukraine’s energy grid since the start of Russia’s war.”

The attack began around 8 p.m. local time, minutes before a sold-out performance by the veteran rock band Piknik was scheduled to start. The concert hall has 6,200 seats, according to its website.

“At least three people in camouflage burst into the ground floor of Crocus City Hall and opened fire with automatic weapons” and threw incendiary devices, a correspondent for RIA Novosti reported from the scene. “There are definitely wounded.”

In videos filmed inside the concert hall, audience members are heard screaming and seen crouching as repeated gunshots echo outside the hall.

Russia’s emergency service said it had sent 130 vehicles to the scene and three helicopters to drop water on the blaze that gutted the upper floors. The fire was mostly extinguished shortly before 5 a.m. Saturday, according to the regional governor, Andrey Vorobyov.

Shootings are rare in Russia, where the state tightly regulates the possession of firearms. One of the deadliest ones occurred in 2022, when a gunman killed 18 people and wounded 23 others in a school in the town of Izhevsk.

However, attacks have struck across the Russia in recent decades, events that the authorities often described as terrorism. A 2011 suicide bombing at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport killed 37 people, and two coordinated suicide bombings in Moscow subway stations in 2010 killed about 40 people.

In 2004, 172 people died in a siege at a Moscow theater by Chechen separatists. The police pumped a sedative gas into the theater to incapacitate the attackers, but the gas killed 132 hostages.

The complex where the attack took place on Friday was developed by the Azerbaijan-born billionaire Aras Agalarov, whose son, Emin, is a famous pop star. Former President Donald Trump held the Miss Universe pageant at the same complex in 2013, and world-famous performers like Eric Clapton, Dua Lipa and Sia have also performed there.

Alina Lobzina , Julian E. Barnes , Neil MacFarquhar and Victoria Kim contributed reporting.

Valerie Hopkins covers the war in Ukraine and how the conflict is changing Russia, Ukraine, Europe and the United States. She is based in Moscow. More about Valerie Hopkins

Ivan Nechepurenko covers Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, the countries of the Caucasus, and Central Asia. He is based in Moscow. More about Ivan Nechepurenko

Aric Toler is a reporter on the Visual Investigations team at The Times where he uses emerging techniques of discovery to analyze open source information. More about Aric Toler

Anton Troianovski is the Moscow bureau chief for The Times. He writes about Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. More about Anton Troianovski

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

• Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.