munnar trip experience essay

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.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on My Adventurous Trip
• Essay on GOA Trip
• Essay on Adventure Trip

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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Best Munnar Itinerary for 4 Days : A Comprehensive Guide

Planning a trip to Munnar and feeling overwhelmed with the myriad of options? Let me share with you a detailed Munnar itinerary for the perfect trip. As usual, I’ll give you a plethora of ideas to modify your trip plan based on your needs.

Located in Kerala, Munnar is one of the British-era hill stations famous for tea gardens and breathtaking views. Having travelled extensively in the Western Ghats of India, the mesmerizing beauty of Munnar still stands unmatched in my travel memories.

My first trip to Munnar was a comedy of errors during heavy rain. I fell in love with the place despite the weather playing a spoilsport.

My second trip to this Queen of hills was in November 2018, just a few months after the devastating floods that rocked the region. And yet, even amidst the remnants of Mother Nature’s fury, Munnar remained the epitome of beauty in my eyes.

I visited it again last year and have also helped people plan their Munnar vacation. So, if you’re looking for authentic insights and a stress-free travel plan, you’ve come to the right place.

Let me be your virtual tour guide as we embark on a journey to explore Munnar, the most beautiful hill station in south India . You will know about the best places to visit in Munnar as well as the tourist traps that you can avoid.

Pin the image below to save the post!

A Quick Outline

The Best Munnar Trip Plan (For 3-4 Days) at a Glance

I visited Munnar on extended weekends from Bangalore and tried to make the best out of the three days. However, if you are planning a road trip to Munnar, this 4-day 3-nights Munnar itinerary will be perfect. I have also shared ideas to modify the plan for shorter duration of stay.

It will give you time to rest, take care of the kids, and explore the local cuisine and the markets. This is the best Munnar itinerary for a family trip.

🌟If you have only one day at Munnar then I highly recommend this Munnar tour package for a day trip to Munnar from Kochi . You will love it and will be motivated to come back for a longer trip I promise.

Day 1 of Munnar itinerary:

Drive to Chinnakanal via Munnar, with a lunch-stop at Munnar town. Stop at a couple of viewpoints on the way.

Day 2 – Explore Chinnakanal:

• Excursion to Kolukkumalai Tea Garden in the morning
• After lunch visit the Elephant Abode Boating Center and then drive to Munnar
• Check-in to hotel in Munnar

Day 3 in Munnar:

• Visit Eravikulam National Park in the morning.
• Trek to Lakkham Falls (optional)
• Then after lunch drive to Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, and Echo Point

If you are planning to return on the same day, you should skip the Lakkham Falls trek. Then leave Munnar by 2 p.m. after visiting the lakes.

Day 4 – Departure:

Check out of the hotel and drive to Marayoor Sandalwood Forest.

Then visit Attukal Falls, CSI Christ Church, and Rose Garden in that order before you depart.

Why did I suggest staying so far away from Munnar town? And why do you need to shift hotels the next day? Do you really need to? How can I plan my Munnar sightseeing for each day?

You will find the answers to all these questions below. But let’s start with reaching Munnar.

How to reach Munnar

We have usually taken a long drive to Munnar from Bangalore. However, there are several ways you can reach Munnar.

By Air: The nearest major airport to Munnar is the Cochin International Airport (COK), which is approximately 110-120 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Munnar .

By Train: The nearest railway station to Munnar is Aluva Railway Station, which is about 110 kilometers away, followed by Ernakulam Junction Railway Station in Kochi which is 122 kilometers away.

From either of these stations, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Munnar. It will take around 3-4 hours depending on Kochi’s traffic.

By Bus: If you are based out of Bangalore, you can take an o vernight bus to Munnar bus station . There are several private and state-run buses connecting Munnar to prime cities in the southern India.

A road trip to Munnar is absolutely amazing. Be it on motorbikes or by car. If you are traveling from Bangalore, the plan below includes a map that you can use for planning your road trip. It is one of the finest routes to go for long drives around Bangalore .

Book a reasonably-priced, car transfer from Kochi to Munnar to avoid the last-minute rush.

However, reaching Munnar by overnight bus will help you optimize your trip in the best possible way. Board an overnight sleeper bus and wake up to the lush green scenery in the early morning. Reach Munnar before noon and have half a day to explore around.

Munnar Trip Plan in Detail – Day 1

Road Trip to Chinnakanal via Munnar

Living in Bangalore, I’ve generally traveled to Munnar by car. A road trip to Munnar promises a memorable journey that’s both thrilling and scenic. A long drive through the winding roads of the Western Ghats , the lush greenery and mist-covered mountain ranges are worth waking up at 4 a.m. for

Because if you are driving 400 km from Bangalore, you need to hit the road early and leave the city before the crazy traffic kicks in. You can read in detail about our monsoon road trip here .

However, if you are planning this vacation from anywhere else, then Kochi is the most likely starting point for you. It is well-connected to all major locations in India by rail and flights.

Assuming you start from Kochi the drive to Munnar is relatively shorter, taking about 3 to 4 hours. Let’s hope the dreaded Kochi traffic shows some mercy.

Lunch in Munnar

By the time you hit Munnar, hunger pangs may kick in. If you want vegetarian food, head to Saravana Bhavan. Otherwise, Rapsy restaurant is a nice multi-cuisine restaurant serving both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Stop at Chinnakanal Falls

Rightly known as the “Power House Waterfall” , the Chinnakanal Waterfall is your first treat in the region. Displaying nature’s raw power and beauty, its waters plunge with fervor. Though it’s a perennial fall, monsoons certainly add to its charm.

Best part? There is no entry fee, and you don’t even need to hike to see this. It’s right on the roadside on your way to Chinnakanal.

Stop at Lockhart Gap or the Gap Road viewpoint

Another stop on your way to the hotel can be the Lockhart Gap, also called the Gap-road viewpoint. This is the most famous viewpoint on the road to Chinnakanal, near the Lockhart tea factory. It’s named after the heart-shaped gap formed by two mountains here.

🌟But here’s a nugget from my experience. If you find the place crowded by too many cars parked at the famous site mentioned in almost all travel guides, just drive ahead. Munnar’s got many such nameless viewpoints at every turn on the road for you to see on your 3-day trip. They are equally beautiful, so don’t just fall into this tourist trap .

Best Places to Stay around Chinnakanal

Finally, it’s time to check in to your hotel and rest. You can choose from Chinnakanal’s vast range of accommodations.

Whether it’s a luxurious resort or a quaint homestay, you’re sure to find a perfect match for a quick rest and refresh. These are my top picks in this area.

🥇 Sterling Munnar

☑️Best Location ☑️Family-friendly ☑️Sustainable

It’s my top pick mainly because of its location. It’s located opposite the Tata tea estate. Besides it has a beautiful garden, children’s park, daily activities planned for families in the morning, magic shows, and Karaoke nights in the evening.

You can get in with a camera in your hand and explore the garden and the views freely. The watchtower within the resort’s premises also gives a spectacular view. You can see the Ayyankere Dam from here.

*Unfortunately, the price of this hotel has hiked since our last stay(possibly due to the location factor). At roughly Rs.7000 might not be the ideal mid-budget hotel for many.

🥈 Elephant Passage Resort

☑️5-star luxury ☑️Jacuzzi ☑️Infinity Pool

Just slightly higher than the current rates of Sterling Munnar, you can book a stay in this 5-star luxury resort. With breathtaking views, a jacuzzi room and an infinity pool, it is one of the best resorts in Munnar.

However, it is located in Anachal closer to Pothmedu , and further away from Kolukkumalai which we plan to visit next.

Check out other options and get best prices below.

🥉 The Sienna Village

☑️Great Location ☑️Affordable Luxury

Much cheaper than the other two and is located close to Sterling Munnar. This location is perfect as it is close to the highlights of day 2.

Fort Munnar is also a good option in this area. The tariff is similar to Sterling, but its restaurant is much cheaper.

Day 2 – In and around Chinnakanal

While most guides would point you to a tea factory in Lockhart or Kanan Devan Hills, I’ve got something different in mind: Suryanelli Tea Estate in Kolukkumalai . Not only is it among the highest tea estates in the world , but it’s also home to one of the oldest tea factories.

🌟 And hey, you might hear about catching the sunrise here, but I’ll not hype about it. From my experience, Munnar mornings are typically overcast, so it’s unlikely to catch the sunrise!

So, enjoy a good night’s sleep to replenish your body from the long journey yesterday.

Start off for Kolukkumalai

Have an early breakfast and try to start off by 9 am though. Breakfast should be light! Soon you’ll know why. 😉

Kolukkumalai is nestled in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district, right at the border of Kerala’s Idukki. Even though it’s technically in Tamil Nadu, Munnar is the best gateway to this hidden treasure.

You need to park your car and hire a jeep from the Suryanelli tea estate gate. From there, brace yourself for 9 kilometers of pure, adrenaline-pumping off-roading.

Kolukkumalai’s tea estate sprouted back in 1920. Hovering around 8000ft, this historic site offers captivating views of the valley.

You can also see Kodaikanal from here!

The Jeep Ride through Suryanelli Tea Estate

An hour of bumpy, thrilling jeep action costs you around Rs.2000 for a group of four. It’s totally worth it.

They’ll pause at waterfalls, a watchtower, and a viewpoint – and trust me, each stop is a camera moment. We needed more than an hour to let the joy sink in, and they didn’t do anything extra for that.

Suryanelli Tea Factory Tour

Here’s where you get up close with the art of tea-making at the Suryanelli Tea Factory.

See the factory machinery chug along and workers in their element, followed by some tea tasting. Pro-tip: grab some orange pekoe tea; it’s a steal here.

🎟️Entry fee to the tea factory : Rs. 100/-

Neela Kurinji Hike

Back in November 2018, I was hunting for the Neela Kurinji blossom here, but they were past their prime. Nonetheless, other hill-flowers kept the trek lively. It’s a year-round treat, and a great place of camping.

2 PM: Refuel in Chinnakanal

Chinnakanal is not a bustling city like Munnar. On your way back you will find a couple of small-scale no-frills restaurants serving hot and tasty meals. You can have lunch there or return to your hotel for lunch.

4 PM: Anayirankal Elephant Abode Boating Center

A vast reservoir from the 1960s, Anayirankal (aka. Anayirangal) Dam sparkles at the backdrop of the lofty mountains. In Malayalam (Kerala’s native language), it literally means “where elephants come”.

The clear blue lake with beautified lakefront is one of my favorite places in Munnar. It’s way less crowded than the famous Mattupetty dam and I love it for that.

It’s about 7km from Chinnakanal and a bit further from Munnar town. The rates? Adults pay Rs. 20, kids for Rs. 10, and if you drive, parking is Rs. 30.

The Speed Boat ride for a group of 5 runs at Rs. 750. For a more leisurely cruise, the Pontoon Boat fits 20 and costs Rs. 1600 for half an hour. Keep your eye out for the deer and elephants who come to the lake to quench their thirst.

Cruise Back to Munnar Town

Munnar’s winding roads and scenic landscapes are not just about the destinations they lead to; the journey itself is equally enchanting.

As you drive back to the heart of Munnar, the transition is palpable. The quiet trails of the tea gardens gradually make way for the lively hum of the city.

Do you really need to shift hotels?

You might not. The hotels in Munnar are usually less luxurious and more expensive than in Chinnakanal. But it’s important to reach Eravikulam National Park as early as possible the next day. So, it will be ideal, (though not compulsory) to shift to a closer location, that is in Munnar town.

Best Places to Stay in Munnar

After a day’s excursion, having a comfortable place to crash is crucial. Munnar offers a range of stay options to cater to varying preferences and budgets.

While most luxury resorts away from the town, here you can get no-frills hotels with great amenities.

I recommend staying closer to the market.

🥇 Isaacs Residency

☑️ Luxury Stay☑️Great Location

This is located near the city center, close to Hydel Park. With a hot tub, spa, and spacious mountain-view rooms, this is one of the best places to stay near the city center. It is 16 km from Eravikulam National Park, so you can drive there in 30 minutes.

🥈 Abad Copper Castle

☑️ Affordable Luxury☑️Great Views

This popular Spa resort is located 16 km from Eravikulam National Park and 2km from the city center. It has great amenities and is also much cheaper than Issac Residency

🥉 Rheinberg Town Haus

☑️Pocket-friendly ☑️Good Location

Located 250m from Munnar bus station, it’s a convenient place for those who have a bus to catch for departure. It’s just 5km from Eravikulam National Park, so a great location for a neat budget hotel.

Check out other options and get the best prices below.

Shopping and Dining in Munnar Market

If you’re someone who loves to take back a piece of every place you visit, Munnar’s market won’t disappoint.

• Spices : Think cardamom, cloves, and more. Authentic and aromatic.
• Handmade Chocolates : A sweet souvenir, literally!
• Tea and Coffee : Munnar’s signature. Best enjoyed with memories of the trip.
• Al-Buhari : Known for its scrumptious array of dishes. Perfect to satiate those post-shopping hunger pangs.
• Rapsy’s Restaurant : If you’re in the mood for some comforting Indian-style Chinese or a hearty Kerala meal, this is the spot.

Day 3 – The Quintessential Munnar Sightseeing

Today we will see the main attractions of Munnar that everyone seems to talk about. Starting with Eravikulam National Park, we move on to Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and other places. Throughout our road trip, we will see a lot of tea plantations and stop to take pictures.

We will also skip some of the popular tourist places of Munnar like Carmelagiri Elephant Camp and Top Station. I will tell you why, later.

Explore Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park, a sanctuary for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr , is a major highlight when visiting Munnar. It’s situated about 15 km from the town of Munnar, and it always has a long queue for parking as well as entry tickets.

Getting inside the park requires a ride on the safari bus. Given that the average wait time for the bus is around an hour, I’d advise getting there early.

As you’re whisked away inside, you’ll catch glimpses of cascading waterfalls from your seat.

Eravikulam is unique, having both eco-sensitive zones and specific tourist zones. These designated areas ensure both wildlife protection and sustainable tourism. The jungle safari is also unique. The bus actually drops you at the safe zone and leaves. From here you can explore the place on foot and seek the elusive Tahrs.

Explore Lakkham Falls (Optional)

If the idea of trekking piques your interest, the park offers a guided 1-hour trek to Lakkham Falls. But if you prefer a drive, then you can take a detour outside the park right to the base of the falls.

Nestled within the forest, it’s an idyllic spot for those wanting to take a dip. The best time to visit? During or just after the monsoon. However, by summer and winter, the flow diminishes, making it less appealing.

Kanan Devan Tea Estate

Eravikulam is located in the Kanan Devan Hills – an ecological hotspot. But outside that you have the Kanan Devan Tea garden and tea museum. You will not have the time to visit the museum. However, you can still see the tea garden and try spotting the Anaimudi peak. It’s the highest mountain peak in Kerala.

2 PM Lunch at Munnar Town

With the morning’s adventure behind you, head back to Munnar town for some grub. Whether it’s a local delicacy or a familiar dish, there’s something for everyone here.

Drive to Kundala Lake via Mattupetty Dam

Kundala and Mattupetty dams are both significant in their own right. While Mattupetty Dam is a favorite among tourists, buzzing with activities like boating, street food, and shopping, Kundala Dam provides a more serene experience.

If you’re someone like me who prefers the road less traveled, Kundala Lake might just be your spot.

Stop at Echo Point on Your Way Back

Just a stone’s throw away from Mattupetty (around 15km from Munnar), Echo Point is exactly what it sounds like. It’s one of those fun spots where you can shout out and hear your voice reverberate back. It’s especially a hit among kids, so if you’re traveling with family, this is a must-visit.

Dinner at Munnar

Wrap up your day with a delightful dinner back in Munnar town. Whether you crave traditional Kerala dishes or something more pan-Indian, the town caters to all palates. And hey, if you’re still in the mood for some local shopping, the night markets are worth exploring.

Day 4 of Munnar Itinerary – Bidding Adieu

As the sun rises on your last day in Munnar, there’s a mix of eagerness and nostalgia. The trip is coming to an end soon, so let’s make the best out of it.

Explore the Marayoor Sandalwood Forest and Ancient Dolmens

Marayoor, approximately 42 kilometers from Munnar town, stands distinct due to its natural sandalwood forests. To reach the forest, expect a drive of roughly an hour.

The allure of Marayoor isn’t just limited to its fragrant trees. Scattered across the forest are mysterious structures known as dolmens. These megalithic tombs, often associated with prehistoric burial practices, offer a glimpse into the region’s ancient past.

Wandering amid these historical markers, you’ll be enveloped in the forest’s tranquility and history. Allocate 1-2 hours here; the ambiance and the historical intrigue warrant it.

If you’re setting a course for Bangalore by car, Marayoor Forest is conveniently located on your way back. You shouldn’t waste any more time and head back to Bangalore.

But if you are heading to Kochi from here or have a late-night bus to Bangalore, there’s a bit more that you can squeeze in.

Kanthalloor Waterfalls (Optional)

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous you can drive to the Kanthalloor Waterfalls, 13 km from Marayoor. It requires a short downhill trek in scenic forests.

Besides the lovely waterfall, Kanthalloor village is famous for orchard of apples and oranges. Remember this will take another hour or more, so you can skip this and head to Munnar town if you don’t have that time.

Visit Attukal Waterfalls

Located only 9 km from Munnar’s city center, Attukal Waterfalls is a sight to behold. After your Marayoor Trip, if you have enough time, you can drive to this spot.

Cascading waters set against lush greenery ensure your camera gets its due, and your spirits get a little lift.

Stop by CSI Christ Church

On your journey back to Munnar town, make a quick stop at the CSI Christ Church. Rooted in history and standing testament to time, this church, built in 1910, has a Gothic aura. The stained-glass windows and the serene ambiance inside allow a moment of introspection before you continue your journey.

Visit the Rose Garden

Before the final goodbye, make your way to Munnar’s Rose Garden. The array of flowers, not just roses, paints a kaleidoscope of colors, making it a sensory delight. It’s a gentle reminder of the beauty Munnar has offered over the past few days.

Depart from Munnar

While the aroma of tea gardens still linger, it’s time to set forth. Whether you’re driving down the winding roads to Bangalore, catching a bus, or heading towards Kochi, the memories of Munnar will accompany you, urging a return someday. Safe travels!

Some Munnar Highlights I Skipped in this trip.

Munnar is a treasure trove of experiences, waiting to be explored at every corner. While optimizing the trip plan so that you could see the best in 3 or 4 days, I intentionally skipped some major tourist places in Munnar. Here’s a list of those attractions, with a bit of my take on each.

Boating in Mattupetty Dam

Mattupetty Dam is often buzzing with tourists eager to sail its waters. But if you’re like me and prefer a quieter ambiance for boating, Anayirangal is where you’d want to be. Given the limited time in a 4-day trip and the crowd in the ticket-queue, I recommend skipping the Mattupetty boating experience.

Boating at Kundala Lake 👍

A serene alternative to the bustling Mattupetty is Kundala Lake. If you couldn’t boat in Anayirangal lake, you can kayak here. The scenery here is spectacular.

Elephant Riding at Carmelagiri Park 👎

Personally, I prefer observing elephants in their natural habitat rather than in a park. The thrill of spotting them in the wild during Anayirangal boat rides or on forest drives is unparalleled. Therefore, I haven’t included this in my top picks.

You can also book an offbeat excursion to Anakulum Elephant village to see wild elephants in their natural habitat. Besides that, the tour also includes hike to Anakulam waterfall and stops at smaller waterfalls and tea estates on the way.

Tea Museum at Kanan Devan Hills 👍

The Kanan Devan Hills tea garden, with its serene landscape, offers a reprieve from the crowd at Munnar Tea Museum or even Lockhart Tea Garden. However, if you’ve experienced Kolukkumalai, and toured the highest and oldest tea factory in India, then most other places pale in comparison.

Munnar Top Station 👎

Top Station holds historical significance as it used to be the highest railway station in the valley long ago. Now the railway station doesn’t exist but it’s a famous tourist spot in Munnar which is said to offer amazing panoramic views.

However, the heavy traffic coupled with endless queues can dampen the experience. My visit in November left me underwhelmed, as the view wasn’t clear. Didn’t help that it started to rain a bit as soon as we reached the Top station.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary 👍

While I haven’t personally set foot here, the tales I’ve heard paint a vibrant picture of biodiversity and pristine nature. Located roughly 60 km from Munnar, it offers trekking, wildlife watching, and an opportunity to experience the region’s flora and fauna. Tariffs vary based on activities, but typically, entry fees start at INR 90 for adults.

You can book a guided day trip to Eravikulam National Park and Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary in this tour by Munnar Info. I haven’t experienced this first-hand, but the itinerary looks promising and reasonably priced for someone without a car in Munnar.

Idukki Dam 👍

If Marayoor doesn’t fit into your plans, consider driving to the architectural marvel that is Idukki Dam. Standing tall at 169 meters, it’s one of the highest arch dams in Asia. Approximately 65 km from Munnar, it’s an excellent spot for picnics and boasts of panoramic vistas.

Culinary Delights in Munnar

Munnar, with its rich cultural tapestry, extends its wealth to the culinary arena. While the verdant slopes of Munnar are known for their teas, the kitchens in this region are brimming with flavors that beckon the gastronome in every traveler.

It’s also a great place for vegetarians and vegans. Puttu with Kadala curry, appam with vegetable stew and idiyappam with coconut milk are some of the most famous vegan dishes in Munnar. Kerala sadya , the full platter of rice, vegetables, curry, payasam and fruits served in banana leaf is a must-have when in Munnar.

In essence, Munnar’s culinary landscape is a testament to Kerala’s age-old traditions and rich flavors. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or a meat-lover, the town promises a gustatory journey that lingers long after the trip ends.

If you have read this far, you must have got your Munnar itinerary sorted by now. I want Munnar travel guide to be a comprehensive resource for your trip planning. So, here are a few more questions about the trip planning answered for you.

But before that, bookmark the best travel sites for Munnar, and India in general.

Top Travel Sites in India for 2024

🏨 Booking.com  for the best hotel prices (Price match and free cancellations)

🚗Get discounts on package tours and special experiences with Viator

💸Secure your vacation with travel insurance from Visitors Coverage

🚗Book local transport on 12Go

🚶🏼‍♂️ Free walking tours on Freetour

🛏️ For hostels around the world, check out Hostelworld

🛍️ Myntra for travel fashion and Amazon for travel gear

What is the best time to visit Munnar?

The ideal time to visit Munnar is between October and January. The heavy rain subsides in October leaving behind light showers and pleasantly cool weather. While the monsoon, from June to August, offers sensational views of hills studded with seasonal waterfalls it may bring intermittent heavy showers. Avoid the peak summer months, as it can get quite hot.

How about a 3-Day Munnar itinerary?

A Munnar itinerary for 3 days is the same as following my 4-day trip plan from Day 1 to Day 3. Since you need to depart on day 3 itself, depending on when you plan to leave, you can start right after your trip to Eravikulam, or after visiting the Kundala dam and Echo Point at Mattupetty.

Have an even shorter holiday? You can visit Munnar in 2 days but it’s not ideal . You should then confine yourself to the places in and around Munnar town. Visit the tea gardens, tea museum, Kundala Dam and Echo point on the first day. On the second day explore Eravikulam National Park and Attukal Waterfalls before you depart.

If you only have one day in Munnar, drive to the Kanan Devan Hills and enjoy the lovely views on your way. If interested, visit the tea museum before you drive to Mattupetty Dam which is the closest. You can stop at small waterfalls and abundant viewpoints on your way.

If time permits you can also visit the rose garden or hydel blossom park. Don’t trust absurd guides on internet which say you can explore Rajamalai (Eravikulam National Park), Attukad falls, Kundala dam all in one day. Book this one-day sightseeing tour to best optimise your schedule.

How to pack for Munnar?

Munnar has a pleasant temperate climate throughout the year. For people living in cooler regions, the bright sunny days of Munnar can feel quite hot. So just pack in comfortable clothes and a pair of good walking shoes.

No need to pack woolens in winter. Just a light jacket will be enough. Don’t forget to pack rain-jackets or umbrella to account for light showers all-year-round.

Hope this post helps you in Munnar trip planning. I have tried to include all important information. However, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

What’s Next?

Munnar and Alleppey are the two unmissable places in your Kerala itinerary . So, don’t forget to check out everything that you can experience in just one or two days in Alleppey here . From Munnar, you can drive to Thekkady for an exhilarating experience in the Periyar National Park.

Check out the best places to visit in Kerala to add to your bucket-list. To get more inspirations for making time for travel, subscribe to my newsletters and join the Backpack & Explore travel community.

I will leave you with the list of my favorite travel sites for planning you vacations in India.

Sinjana Ghosh is a full-time business professional with a penchant for writing and travel planning. Backpack & Explore is a journal of her travel stories and tips she collected from her experience. She is the author of the travel book “Postcards from India” which is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Notionpress.com

Wow, what an amazing and informative post! I really know nothing about this area, but thanks to you, now I feel like I do!

Some great tips here! I’m off to India in April and will definitely be saving this for later

Thanks Emma! That’s great to know that you are headed to India. Do keep Kerala in your itinerary

Munnar looks beautiful. There’s something about those rolling hills and tea plantations that takes you back to a different age. Although I would like to see it now, post-colonialism etc! Thanks for this comprehensive guide, I will bookmark for later use.

Thanks a lot Hannah. The rampant tea plantation by colonisers had a damaging effect on the ecosystem of western ghats. But they look gorgeous. Now there have been measures taken to protect eco-sensitive zones from commercialisation.

I’m not familiar with Munnar so found this post so educational. All of your recommendations are so beautiful and your itinerary is perfect!

Munnar is our favorite hill station in the whole of India! I love those carpeted tea fields, the tea museum and the scenice beauty. The waterfalls add to the beauty of this place. I must make another visit to Munnar to tick off all the places worth visiting 🙂

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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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The Revolving Compass

To share our love for travel….countless soul enriching experiences

4 days Munnar trip itinerary

On our recent trip to Kerala we were in Munnar for 3 days. And that is when we realised that a perfect Munnar tour package should consist of a Munnar itinerary for 4 days. Because with a minimum of 4 days in Munnar, you can cover most of the famous places to see in Munnar. And the best things to do in Munnar as well.

But, having said that, there are a lot more offbeat things to do in Munnar if you are a lover of nature like us. And you can always extend your 4 days Munnar trip itinerary by a few days. Or, drop some of the famous tourist places and include some of these offbeat places in your list, that I will include towards the end of the post. So, without further delay, let me start with the 4 days Munnar trip itinerary.

Table of Contents

Day 1 of the 4 days Munnar trip itinerary – Cochin to Munnar Road Trip

The drive from Cochin to Munnar is one of the most scenic road trips in India . To be able to do justice to it, start early from Cochin. On the way from Cochin to Munnar, there are several sightseeing places where you can stop. All of these are full of fun and excitement. So, make time to stop at these places while on your way from Cochin to Munnar. Some of these being –

Cheeyappara Waterfalls

Although there are multiple waterfalls on the way from Cochin to Munnar. But the Cheeyappara Waterfalls are right besides the highway. Even if you decide not to stop here, you can just slow down and admire it while crossing the site. After visiting the Athirapally waterfalls on our recent trip to Kerala and also so many other massive waterfalls of India, particularly the majestic waterfalls of Meghalaya , I will not say that Cheeyappara Waterfalls are exceptionally huge. Still it is impressive enough as it cascades down seven different natural steps of the hills. And it is also attributed to be more than 1000 feet tall. So, its really a nice attraction right besides the highway, particularly post monsoons when it is at the peak of it’s volume.

If you want, you can as well stop your vehicle here. There are lots of shops selling toys and some snacks on both sides of the road near the Cheeyappara Waterfalls. So, you can also relax and grab a quick snack or do a little shopping while here.

There are many other waterfalls on the way from Cochin to Munnar including Valara Waterfalls . But they are not as massive. And may require a little detour or trekking from the highway to reach them.

Spice Gardens of Munnar

Kerala is famous for it’s spices. Even in the ancient times, Kerala was one of the major exporters of all kind of spices including turmeric, cloves, cardamom etc. And so is it even today. On the way from Cochin to Munnar, as you cross halfway through the route, you will encounter many spice gardens of Kerala . These spice gardens offer guided tours through the garden. And also have a shop where you can make purchase of fresh spices. We had visited a spice garden on the way from Cochin to Munnar on our Kerala trip years back. And it was definitely a very exciting tour, wherein I learnt a lot about the benefits that different spices provide to our body, their medicinal values and a lot more. So, when on your way from Cochin to Munnar, do stop at the Spice Gardens for a quick tour.

The tea estates of Munnar

As breathtaking as any other attraction are the lush green tea estates of Munnar. The symmetrically planted tea plants covering the slope of the hills, with mystic clouds hanging above are a scene to behold. Just 7-8km before reaching the town of Munnar, you will witness some very beautiful tea estates along the slope of the hills. There is also parking space here. I am not sure if there is an official name of this site. But definitely you will recognise it as you see rows of vehicles parked alongside the highway. And people trying their best to capture this beauty in their cameras. You can even venture amidst the tea plants to let the fresh aroma of green tea leaves fill your senses. Just be careful not to damage the plants.

Other random sightseeing spots on way from Cochin to Munnar

Apart from the designated spots, you will cross through several spots as you drive in the winding hills from Cochin to Munnar where you cannot help but stop on a bend or a stretch to take in that breathtaking scene with which nature has bestowed Munnar. Aim to reach your destination by evening, before dark as the roads are winding, narrow and full of traffic including buses that ply between Cochin and Munnar.

Day 2 of the 4 days Munnar trip itinerary – Eravikulam National Park and around

Although the main town of Munnar is very small, the beautiful sightseeing places around Munnar are spread in all directions. So, you should define your Munnar trip itinerary in such a way that you cover the sights in one direction each day. That way, we recommend visiting the Eravikulam National Park and other sights in this direction on the second day of your 4 days Munnar trip itinerary. The places in this itinerary include :

Tea Museum of Munnar

The process of how tea leaves reach from the plant to our tea pot is really fascinating. And that is what you get to witness on this Tea Museum in Munnar.  And not just that, the Tea Museum also documents the journey of how the cultivation of tea started in the area of Munnar, how it evolved. How the early machinery of tea factories looked like. And how advancement has happened in this area over the years. This tea museum in Munnar was established in 2005 by Tata Tea Estate. The Tea Museum is also equipped with a tea tasting room where you get to taste the different flavours of tea including black tea, long leaf tea and green tea to name just a few. The timings of the museum are from 9:00am to 6:00pm on all days except Mondays and some holidays like Good Friday.

Eravikulam National Park

The next spot on the second day of your 4 days Munnar trip itinerary is Eravikulam National Park. A beautiful National Park where you park your vehicle in the base. And then take a ticket to get a ride up in the mountains. From there, you can trek the last 2km stretch. It was a beautiful walk when we explored the higher reaches of Eravikulam National Park years back. And the memory is still fresh as yesterday in my mind. You mostly get to witness the wild goats on this trek. And rarely elephants. But the walk up and down the slope through the breathtaking natural beauty surrounding you itself makes it worth it to explore this place. So, I highly recommend not missing Eravikulam National Park on your trip to Munnar.

8th Mile Gap Viewpoint

Another one of the most beautiful view points that Munnar is full of. 8th Mile view point is located 5km ahead of the Eravikulam National Park. It offers breathtaking views, fresh air, and a walk amidst the clouds to those who explore the area.

Lakkam Waterfalls

Lakkam Waterfalls is located further ahead of the 8th Mile Gap Viewpoint. It is one of the many beautiful waterfalls that you will get to witness while exploring Munnar. One can go right up to the waterfalls. Although not as massive as many other waterfalls of Munnar, but the location of Lakkam Waterfalls makes it special. On the way to Marayoor from Munnar, this waterfall is located hidden inside very dense forest area, with thick layers of flora along the winding path that leads to the waterfalls.

Marayoor Sandalwood Forest

The Marayoor Sandalwood Forest are the only location in Kerala where you can find natural sandalwood trees. It is also naturally very beautiful. And it is on the way from Lakkam Waterfalls to Muniyara. Another must visit destination on the second day of your 4 days Kerala trip itinerary.

Also known as “Dolmen”, Muniyara is a megalithic monument in the Marayoor district in Kerala. It is also the last site on your second day of 4 days Munnar trip itinerary. The caves date back to 2nd or 3rd BC. There were precious gems and other such stones discovered from these caves. The historians believe that Buddhist Monks achieved nirvana while praying and meditating for years in these places. Nevertheless, these are live symbols of how old and how rich the culture of India is, and how much back in the history the civilisation goes. A visit to Muniyara is definitely a must.

Day 3 of the 4 days Munnar trip itinerary – A day trip to Idukki Dam and around

Idukki Dam is one of the most beautiful offbeat and serene places around Munnar. If you decide to explore this area, some of the places you can visit on the third day of your 4 days Munnar trip itinerary include the breathtaking Idduki dam, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Thommankuthu Waterfalls – another massive cascading seven steps waterfalls, and several hill top view points like Hill View Park, Ramakkalmedu and Vandanmedu. Since the Idduki district is really vast and stretches all the way till Vagamon in the south west, it will be a long day if you decide to cover all of these points on a day trip from Munnar. So, if you are traveling with kids or elderly, I suggest, limit your trip to Idukki wildlife sanctuary and Idukki Dam. Otherwise, as an alternative, you can do this on trip on the third day in Munnar. And rather halt for the night in one of the other hill stations in Idukki like Vagamon.

Read : A perfect 5 days Kerala tour package

Day 4 of the 4 days Munnar trip itinerary – Mattupetty Dam and around

Mattupetty Dam in Munnar provides a breathtaking view of the layers of Nilgiri Mountains from across the river. Another must visit spot when in Munnar. However, there are several other places you can visit before and after the dam itself on this day of your trip. These include :

Flower Garden

Your first stop on the fourth and final day of the four days Munnar trip itinerary will be the flower Garden. More than a garden, it is actually a nursery. But it is so beautiful. With all the different varieties of flowers blooming in a glass house, it is definitely worth some instagram – favourite pictures. So, you can quickly stop here for a visit. And if you think you can, then do buy some exotic flowers and plants from here.

Photo Point

The next stop on today’s itinerary is a photo point wherein you get to stop inside a tea garden and take a snap. A typical memory that you will relate to your Munnar trip for the rest of your life!

Elephant Ride point

After Photo Point comes the elephant ride point. As the name suggests, you can enjoy a ride on an elephant here. You can also help bath or feed an elephant here.

Mattupetty Tea Factory

The next stop is Mattupetty Tea Factory. While the Tea Museum takes you on a documented journey of evaluation of tea gardens in Munnar. On the other hand, the Mattupetty Tea Factory will demonstrate how the tea leaves are plucked, processed, packaged and then transported to shops from where they reach our home and finally our tea pots. This is a very informative tour, particularly for the young kids in your group. So, highly recommend taking it.

Mattupetty Dam

Your next stop is Mattupetty Dam. The scene that I had witnessed standing on the Mattupetty Dam years back was one of the most beautiful scenes that I have ever seen in my life. With a vast picture perfect river, and then layers and layers of mountains right behind it in the shades of blue and green. As if God has himself painted it on a canvas and then breathed life into it! A must visit place it is to comprehend why Kerala is called “God’s own country”.

Boating Center

After the Mattupetty Dam comes the boating center where you can enjoy a boating on the river. Boating is operational here from 9:00am to 5:00pm, depending on the weather conditions. And imagine being in the middle of the heavenly scene that you just witnessed from the Mattupetty dam – thats what you get when boating here. So, once again, I highly recommend enjoying a boat ride here.

A place characterised by a panoramic view of a breathtaking lake, and the green farmlands and meadows stretching all around it – thats how I would describe Echo Point. With horses riding on the bank of the lake, small shops selling hand crafted wooden artwork and craft pieces, and some local snacks, this place is simply heaven. Take a stroll, or enjoy a horse ride, or, do a shopping. Enjoy the place however you want. The natural beauty of the area is sure to bewitch you.

Kundala Dam and Boating

A little further from Echo Point is Kundala Dam. Here you can enjoy the natural scenery around. And also enjoy a pedal boat ride on the lake.

Top Station Munnar

As the name suggests, this last spot on your 4 days Munnar trip itinerary today is located at the top of a hill. Where one can trek to, and then observe breathtaking views of the surroundings. Due to the altitude, from here, you can get views of the beautiful valleys and mountains of Munnar like from nowhere else. Also, if time permits, from here, you can even visit Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and Kurinjimala Sanctuary (where the rare Neelakurinji Flowers bloom).

After completing these 4 days in Munnar, you can head back. Most probably you will proceed to Cochin from Munnar. And then either proceed to your next destination or back home from here. On our own trip to Kerala, we headed from Munnar to Alleppey via Cochin. And reached Alleppey around 3 in the evening. Although we had a leisurely breakfast and started by around 10am from Munnar.

What if I want to make a Munnar trip plan of 3 days

If you have only 3 days time, I will suggest visiting these places in Munnar and skipping the rest. Just because they are more famous and you should not return back home with a feeling that you didn’t cover some of the most popular spots in Munnar worth visiting. Otherwise, even the other places are equally beautiful. Visit these places on your 3 days trip to Munnar –

• Eravikulam National Park and around
• Matuputty Dam and around

What if I want to make a Munnar trip plan for 2 days

To be very honest with you, 2 days is way less a time to visit Munnar. One day will almost be gone in reaching Munnar from Cochin until you are taking an overnight bus from Cochin to Munnar. And with just one full day at hand, you will have a really tough time selecting which of the above mentioned 3 directions around Munnar should you go. If you must, I will prefer the Eravikulam National Park and around because I liked this route and the sights on this route the best. However, if you are travelling overnight and have two full days to explore Munnar, then just as I mentioned above, choose to visit these two directions around Munnar :

What are some of the offbeat places to visit in Munnar

Some other places in Munnar, which are offbeat, not so famous, not so crowded include :

• Chinnakanal Waterfalls

The Chinnakanal Waterfalls is a beautiful cascading waterfalls located almost 15-16 km before the Munnar town. It was located very near to where we stayed this time – Abad Copper Castle . The waterfalls originated from high up in the Devikulam Hills. And it is actually possible to trek down to the bottom of the waterfalls. Thus, Chinnakanal Waterfalls forms for a good picnic spot where one can enjoy a few hours. And it is often devoid of the crowd of usual tourists that head to other more famous locations in Munnar.

A small , green and beautiful botanical garden almost 6 km before the main town of Munnar, Hydel Park is an idle spot if you wish to skip the crowd at the main botanical garden of Munnar. Although not very big, it can be a nice spot for kids and family to relax for a while.

• Pothamedu View Point

A viewpoint almost 5km before the town of Munnar, right besides the resort “ Abad Copper Castle ” , Pothamedu Viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the valley. There are a couple of very small tea and snack shops here. And some offbeat trekking trails nearby that you can take to randomly explore the area. Since, this viewpoint was right besides our hotel, we visited here twice during our stay – once in the evening and the next time in the morning. Both the times, the views from here were beautiful and it was not at all crowded.

If you have more time at hand, we highly recommend exploring these places.

Which of the above are places to visit in Munnar for couples

If as a newly wed or a couple you are looking for places which are not so crowded, which are offbeat or less explored then head to these locations in Munnar :

• Boating in the river

Although I must say, when we visited Munnar years back, we enjoyed even some of the crowded spots as a couple. Because no matter what the place, we were able to find our own slice of heaven and enjoy it. Be it taking a picture in a tea estate, or a boat ride on one of the lakes, or the trek up in the mountains in Eravikulam National Park. Also, to be honest, these spots were not so crowded then. So, if you don’t mind, you can once visit all the spots that you want or that time permits you.

Related read : Must visit places in Kerala – God’s own Country

What are some offbeat things to do in Munnar

Stay in a tree house in munnar.

Munnar is one of the few places in India that has several “tree house” accommodations. Staying in a tree house up above the land is an adventure in itself. And something very high on my kids bucket list. Although we couldn’t do it this time, I highly recommend experiencing a tree house stay when in Munnar.

Try camping in Munnar

Did you know that Munnar has several campsites. The camps are adventurous, cost effective and even family friendly. So, if camping has been on your bucket list, Munnar is the right place to try it out.

Go for a random trek in Munnar

One morning while walking near our resort, we took a detour from the main road to a trail leading to the valley, crossing through breathtaking tea estates. There were no vehicles on this route. And hardly any other traveler besides us. This is where we discovered utter peace, except for the beautiful chirping of the birds and the occasional rustling of the leaves. It was as if my senses were amplified and I could pick on the beautiful sounds of nature while on this trail. In front of our eyes stretched beautiful tea estates and the valley beyond. I am sure each and every corner of Munnar is filled with such beauty. And will highly recommend you to explore your own random trekking trail when in Munnar than going the usual route.

Enjoy an early morning walk in Munnar

On our recent trip to Munnar, wherein we stayed at Abad Copper Castle , a little outside the main town of Munnar, we enjoyed several early morning walks around the area. The mornings in Munnar are particularly refreshing. With mist filled sky, cloud hovering low, you can feel the freshness as you breath into the morning air. The early morning beauty that we got to see was a sight to behold. So, if you are a morning person, I highly recommend taking an early morning walk in Munnar, particularly out of the main town area.

Trek to a river bed for a picnic

There are several rivers flowing around Munnar. Like there was one right besides our hotel – Abad Copper Castle . And we enjoyed beautiful views of this river right from the restaurant of our hotel. You can actually ask your accommodation if it is safe to trek down to the river bed. They might even guide you to the spot. You can get a picnic basket packed and enjoy a serene picnic around the river bed. Away from the hustle and bustle of the main sightseeing places in Munnar.

Make a time-lapse video

Every trip is about creating wonderful memories, isn’t it ? Years back when we had visited Munnar, we had visited almost all the places in Munnar which are famous and visited by everyone who lands in Munnar. So, this time around, we decided to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty of Munnar without rushing ourselves. One of our favourite things to do was to sit by the window in the restaurant of our hotel. And make time-lapse videos of the passing by clouds as we enjoyed a hot supper, taking in the views of the river passing by and the beautiful hills behind!! Try one on your next trip to Munnar.

Ask your accommodation to arrange for a nearby expedition like a waterfall visit

Since there was a lot of rush on our recent trip to Munnar at all the tourist places. Our hotel manager informed us of a lesser known offbeat waterfall nearby which we could enjoy without any crowd. I am sure Munnar is full of such beautiful locations. So, instead of rushing for the most famous, most crowded locations and spending lots of your time either standing in queues for entry or in the traffic, I highly recommend going on your own trail to discover a naturally beautiful spot around where you are staying. And heading there instead.

Related read : Things to do in Kumarakom – the backwater retreat of Kerala

What is the best time to visit Munnar

Munnar has a pleasant climate all through the year. So, you can visit this hill station anytime. There might be heavy rainfall in the monsoon months though. And this year, for the first time, there was flooding in the lower areas. So, the route to Munnar was disturbed during the monsoon season of July to September. October to March is the best time to visit Munnar in my opinion. Particularly the month of October because right after monsoon the hills are so green and serene. But, avoid holiday season. This time around, we visited during the Dussehra vacations. And as a result there was so much rush at all the sites. That we had to simply skip many of them.

How to reach Munnar

Cochin is the nearest airport to Munnar. So, most of the tourists fly into Cochin International Airport and then take a cab to Munnar. Although the route from Coimbatore to Munnar is also very scenic. We self drove from Cochin to Munnar. As this is also one of the best routes to reach Munnar. It takes around 4 hours to drive from Cochin to Munnar. The roads are very winding. And one of the most challenging ghat roads that we have drove in South India when compared to other hill stations and ghat roads of South India that we have visited like Bangalore to Ooty tour , Bangalore to Kodaikanal , Bangalore to Yercaud to name a few.

Where to stay in Munnar

Munnar has all kind of accommodations. Being a typical tourist destination, Munnar caters to all types of tourists. While couples can have a luxurious honeymoon experience at resorts like The Vibe Munnar. There are ample resorts and hotels that cater to groups and families with young kids like . And then there are backpacker friendly hostels and dormitories as well as homestay and campsites in Munnar. You can browse the complete list of accommodations in Munnar here from our partner website booking.com

We will highly recommend staying out of the main town of Munnar. Which has grown many folds since our first visit to Munnar years back on our 5 days trip to Kerala. It is a lot more green and serene as you step right outside the main town borders. We ourselves stayed at the Abad Copper Castle Hotel on our recent trip to Munnar. It was a small but beautiful property. With awesome views of the mountains and valleys from it’s rooms as well as a beautiful river flowing right besides the property.

General tips on visiting Munnar

• Carry some light wooden cloths no matter what the season, since Munnar gets cold in the evening all the time. In winters you will need to carry proper jackets and sweaters.
• Munnar is a small town, and if you are staying in a hotel on the outskirts, then keep all basic medicines and other requirements stuffed as you might not get anything around.
• You can get cabs for day trips if you are not driving on your own, but do book in advance in peak seasons.
• Munnar tends to get crowded in holiday seasons and during school holidays. So, avoid these seasons if possible. We met with a lot of crowd when we visited. And had to drop visiting some of the places due to crowd.

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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.

Travel insurance is essential for any trip abroad. If you’re in an accident or experience an emergency, you need adequate cover. I recommend  Staysure  for single or multiple trips per year and SafetyWing for digital nomads.

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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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

1-Day Munnar Itinerary

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• Munnar in 1 day
• 2-Day Munnar Itinerary
• 3-Day Munnar Itinerary
• 4-Day Munnar Itinerary
• 5-Day Munnar Itinerary

Table of contents

1-day itinerary, mattupetty dam.

Photo point

The Blossom Hydel Park

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

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

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Popular road trips from Munnar

What's the weather like in munnar.

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

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

All road trips from Munnar

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

Explore nearby places

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

All related maps of Munnar

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

Munnar throughout the year

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

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Munnar?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 1-Day Valparai Itinerary
• 1-Day Kumily Itinerary

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Munnar Travel Guide for 2024

• by Vishnu Ramachandran
• April 5, 2023 March 7, 2024

At an elevation of 5200 feet above sea level, Munnar is one of Kerala’s most beloved hill stations. Home to endless tea plantations and foggy mountains, this beautiful hill station in the Idukki district of Kerala is a wonderful place to spend a great vacation. Beautiful views of the Western Ghats, amazing tea plantations and spice gardens are among some of the treasures that await you at this gem of a place. This is a curated 3 days Munnar Travel Guide. This Munnar Itinerary covers most important places to visit & things to do in shortest route & time.

Table of Contents

How to reach Munnar

By Road -The best way to enjoy your journey to Munnar is to take a bus ride. There are frequent buses to Munnar from most major South Indian cities, and the journey through the winding terrains and the tea plantations is really a memorable experience!

By Air – The Cochin International Airport is is nearest airport at around 110 km from Munnar. It is easy to get a bus to Munnar once you arrive at Cochin.

By Rail – The nearest railway station is  located at Aluva at around 110 km from Munnar. One can take a bus to Munnar after arriving at Aluva.

Best time to visit

Munnar climate is known to be very pleasant throughout the year, making it an year-round tourist destination in Kerala. Summers (March to May) are pleasant with crisp blue skies and it is the perfect time to indulge in sight-seeings and trekking. The temperature usually do not go beyond 25 degrees and evenings are always cool.

Monsoons (June to September) are the wettest time at Munnar. Landslides are common which causes delays in travel plans due to safety issues. Winters (October to February) are considered the best time to visit Munnar. The temperature tends to drop to minus degrees and slight snowfalls are also seen in some high points.

What to pack?

It is good to pack some jackets and woolens while visiting Munnar as the climate remains cool throughout the year. Pack comfortable shoes and good breathable socks if you plan to hike or trek.

Make sure to carry sunscreen lotions as winter sun tends to damage your skin and even in the cold, your skin needs protection! It is always a good idea to carry your own first aid kit while traveling.

Where to stay and transportation

Munnar has a variety of choices for accommodation starting from home stays to luxury resorts. It is advisable to pre-book your accommodation as last minute bookings can prove to be expensive and difficult. There are various tree houses in Munnar which will make your stay memorable.

Check the price of Munnar Hotels – Check Now

Hiring jeeps from Munnar town is a good option to explore & complete your Munnar Itinerary perfectly, if you do not have a vehicle of your own. You can bargain with the drivers to get best rates.

Munnar Itinerary for 3 Days

Top station.

Its better to start your day early as the morning fog is something you shouldn’t miss while at Munnar! Start your journey towards Top station early in the morning .

The Top Station is located around 17.3 km from Munnar town. At an elevation of 5577 feet above sea level, Top Station is the highest point in Munnar.

It offers a panoramic view of the Munnar town and the Western Ghats from its view point and is an important place to add to your Munnar Itinerary. You can also taste some of the best roasted sweetcorn on cob.

The visiting time is from 6 am to 6 pm and there is no entry fee. It takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour to visit Top Station. After visiting Top station start your journey towards Vattavada .

Vattavada –  Kerala’s first self-sufficient village

Vattavada is located around 8 km from Top Station which will take around 30 minutes to reach. It is famed to be Kerala’s only self-sufficient village .

They produce a variety of vegetables and crops that are rarely seen in other parts of Kerala like apple, orange, plum and strawberry .

The Kurinjimala Sanctuary and the Pampadum Shola Sanctuary are some of the best places to visit near Vattavada. Due to time constraint we are not adding those to this Munnar itinerary.

After finishing Vattavada village, start your journey back to Munnar Echo point .

Image source

Located 31.5 kms from Vattavada, the Echo Point, as the name suggests, showcases the echo phenomenon. Visitors are often seen to yell out to the cliff and hear their echos in return. Other than this, boating facilities are also available here.

The Echo point is also a view point for the famous ‘ Neelakurinji ‘ flowers that bloom only once in 12 years! The visiting time is from 7 am to 6 pm , with an try fee of Rs.30 for adults and Rs. 15 for children . Finish Echo point and move to Madupetty Dam .

Madupetty Dam

The Madupetty Dam is located at 1.3 km from Echopoint. This picturesque lake with crystal clear water and a backdrop of beautiful emerald mountains is a must visit spot in your Munnar itinerary.

The dam visiting hours are from 9:30 am – 5 pm , with an entry fee of Rs.10 . Boating prices vary according to type of boat being hired from Rs.200 to Rs.700 .

Leave for Suriyanalle

After boating start your journey to Suriyanelli by around 4 pm as it takes 3 hours to reach Suriyanelli from Munnar town. Stay overnight at Suriyanelli.

Check hotel prices at Suryanelli – Click Here

Sunrise at Kolukkumalai

Witnessing the sunrise at Kolkkumalai Sunrise Point is one of the most popular things to do while at Munnar. Located in the Theni District of Tamil Nadu, the foothills of Kolukkumalai lies at a distance of 8.7 km from Suriyanalle town. It is famed to be the highest tea plantation in the world.

The Kolukkumalai Jeep Safari is the only way to reach the top and it is available at a fixed rate of Rs. 2000 per Jeep. Most of the time the Jeep is arranged by travel agencies or you can always find one at the Jeep Safari counter at the Kolukkumalai estate entrance.

We recommend you to read our Munnar travel guide on Kolukkumalai – Trip to World’s Highest Tea Plantation

It is necessary to take this safari early in the morning to be able to catch the Sunrise. Once back at Suriyanelle town, you can opt for breakfast at Hotel Siva, which is the only restaurant in Suriyanalle.

Return to Munnar Town

Return to Munnar town and opt for lunch at Hotel Maharani or Saravana Bhavan. By around 2 pm, leave for Eravikulam National Park.

Eravikulam National Park

The Eravikulam National Park is located at a distance of 7.6 km from the Munnar Town. A treasure trove of a variety of flora and fauna, the Eravikulam National Park is also the first national park to be established in Kerala. 

The Anamudi peak which is also one of the highest peak in Kerala at an elevation of 8841 feet above sea level is situated within the park. Private vehicles are not allowed in the park. It is one of the most recommended place in this Munnar travel guide.

The park provides safaris and also it is accessible by feet. The park is known be the perfect spot for sightings of the Nilgiri Tahr , which is classified as an endangered species.

The visiting hours is from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with an entry fee of Rs.15 for Indians and Rs.200 for foreigners. Extra charges maybe be applicable for cameras.

Drive back to Munnar town from national park and stay overnight. Pre-book your stay at Munnar town for the night to avoid last minute rush.

Leave for Marayoor

Marayoor is located at a distance of 32 km from the Eravikulam National Park. Famous for its sandalwood forest and rock paintings, Marayoor is a great place to add to your Munnar itinerary. It is also said to be a part of the ancient stone age civilization, and you can also find rock paintings dating back to the 10000 B.C.

Marayoor cultivates sugarcane in huge numbers. It is also the producer of some of most purest jaggery in Kerala.

Marayoor Sandalwood Forest

This natural Sandalwood forest is protected by the Forest Department of Kerala. The visitors often walk through the forest trail enjoying the unique aroma of the sandalwood. The visiting hours are from 6 am to 6 pm and there is no entry fee.

Plan to leave the Sandalwood forest by around 1-2 pm. Have lunch at the Marayoor town. After the lunch leave to Kanthalloor. The road towards Kanthalloor is so beautiful. You will be able to see beautiful mountains and greenery.

Kanthalloor

Kanthalloor is located at a distance of around 14 km from Marayoor. The Kanthalloor Waterfalls is one of the most popluar places to visit in Munnar. Visitors can enjoy a cool bath because of the chilling mountain waters in this waterfall. Kanthalloor also cultivates a variety of fruits and vegetables not commonly seen in other parts of Kerala.

Stay at Kanthalloor or Marayoor for that night.

Check Hotel Prices at Kanthalloor – Click Here

Return back to Munnar town and say good bye to Munnar.

Hope this Munnar travel guide helps you to plan your Next Munnar Trip. If you need any help to know more about Munnar you can contact us with your query.

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Munnar faqs.

Distance to Munnar from Coimbatore is around 157kms. Take NH83 to reach Udumalpet. Take Munnar-Udumalpet road to reach Munnar. There are several private and public buses running between Coimbatore and Munnar

Munnar is located around 439kms away from Bangalore. If coming through road take NH44 towards Coimbatore. Take turn towards Udumalpet from Avinashi. Take Munnar-Udumalpet road to reach Munnar. Private buses runs between Munnar and Bangalore.

Total distance from Chennai to Munnar is around 590kms. By road take NH32 to reach Tiruchirapalli. Take NH83 towards Theni. Take turn towards Bodimettu and reach Munnar.

• Author Details

A proud Malayali, Lover of solo travel, photography & Poetry.

2 thoughts on “Munnar Travel Guide for 2024”

Very nicely detailed guidance for those coming for first time to Kerala and in particular to Munnar

Hi Vijay, Thank you so much.

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15 Best Things to Do in Munnar, Kerala: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Read about the things to do in Munnar with top Munnar sightseeing attractions along with the best places to visit near Munnar. Munnar is the most beautiful hill station in South India, nestled between tea plantations, rolling hills, waterfalls, and wildlife with the best breathtaking views which must be included in the Munnar sightseeing itinerary. Whether you are in Munnar for one day or two, you will love this Beautiful and fascinating hill station of Kerala.

Munnar is located 4 hours away from Kochi and 3 hours from Thekkady a prominent place in Kerala. This beautiful hill station has everything you ask for! From tea plantations and tastings, scenic valleys, numerous streams, swimming in waterfalls, visiting wildlife parks, and being amongst the clouds with epic viewpoints. You will be surely spoilt for your choice!

Adorned with rolling hills and tea plantations covered with cotton-white mist with ultra-blue skies flying right over your head, Munnar is definitely the go-to place once in your lifetime. There are so many things to do in Munnar and there is something for everyone- whether adventure seeker, honeymoon couple, or solo traveler!

Here are the top 15+ things to do in Munnar – the ultimate Munnar Travel Guide!

There is no dearth of interesting  things to do in Munnar . Plan your itinerary by picking your preferred activities from our list below that will enhance your travel experience in Munnar on your blissful vacation in Kerala.

• 1 Where is Munnar in Kerala?
• 2 What is the Best Time to Visit Munnar?
• 3.1 Are there any trains from Kochi to Munnar??
• 3.2 Kochi to Munnar by Bus
• 3.3 Kochi to Munnar by taxi or a Tour
• 4.1 Admire the Views from Anayirangal Viewpoint
• 4.2 Visit the Tea Plantations at Devikulam
• 4.3 Learn how Tea is made at Lockhart Tea Factory 
• 4.4 Pothemedu Viewpoint and Attukad Waterfall
• 4.5 Spot the Nilgiri Thar at Eravikulam National Park
• 4.6 Drive up to Top Station to See Tamil Nadu 
• 4.7 Chase the Flowers at Munnar Botanical Garden
• 4.8 Visit Mattupetty Dam
• 4.9 Make an echo at Echo Point
• 4.10 Watch the Kalariyapattu Show- the ancient art of Kerala
• 4.11 Try adventure and Trekking in Munnar- Anamudi Peak OR Meesapulimala
• 4.12 Visit Chocolate Factory in Munnar
• 4.13 Kolukkmalai Peak at Sunrise and Tea Estate
• 4.14 Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Lakkam Waterfalls
• 4.15 Lakkam Waterfall
• 5 How many days of trip is good for a trip to Munnar?
• 6 How to Get Around Munnar
• 7 Best Places to Stay in Munnar
• 8 Shopping in Munnar

Where is Munnar in Kerala?

Munnar is a hill station in South India, in the state of Kerala, in Idukki District which is located 1,600 meters above sea level!  Blessed with abundant natural beauty, Munnar is often referred to as the Kashmir of South India.

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 to tourists all over the world! It is a favorite destination among many people and people visit it for its cooler climate throughout the year.

Of all places, I have visited in Kerala, Munnar is one of the best among them. I would love to return here again and again. The popular tourist places in Munnar are replete with charming vistas of tea plantations, rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and stunning waterfalls.

Also Read: Beautiful Hill Station of South India- Kodaikanal

What is the Best Time to Visit Munnar?

No matter the time of year, Munnar manages to entice travelers to taste the serenity! so, be it winter, summer, or monsoon, Munnar is equally beautiful and as thrilling. The Peak season of Kerala is from October to March which is the best time to visit for the weather. During this time, the general climate is cozy and snuggle-worthy! But due to peak season, expect big crowds and jammed roads due to traffic.

April – June is the summer months, which although hot, is the perfect time for wildlife spotting. The climate can get quite warm during the daytime, while evenings incline towards being chilly. 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 to September. The rains make the jungle nice and lush, while mist cloaks the atmosphere, plus there will be lots of waterfalls to enjoy in full force!  One must experience this natural beauty when it is at its freshest. Although the region is absolutely breathtaking during this time, it is still deemed as the off-season. As such, travel and accommodation will be more affordable, and one can optimize on great deals.

I would suggest the months of March or the end of September which is still counted as the ‘offseason so everything will be cheaper and you can avoid the heavier crowds too. 

How to Reach Munnar?

Kochi is the nearest airport to reach Munnar. The most easiest and convenient way to reach Munnar is by taking a taxi or cab from Kochi. Kochi is 130 km from Munnar, so it may take 3-4 hours if there is no traffic! Otherwise, you can self-drive a car.

If you are traveling from Alleppey then take a halt at Thekkady and if you are traveling from Kochi- you can take many pitstops along the way for waterfall visit or pitstop for sightseeing whenever you like! it is totally safe to drive from Kochi to Munnar.

If you are on a shoestring budget, you can take Public transport and reach by bus to Munnar.

Are there any trains from Kochi to Munnar??

The Kundala Valley Railway, set up by the Kannan Devan Company for the transportation of tea, is one of them which was devastated by a flood in 1924. They had set up the railway station. 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. 

The building that acted as the main railway station is today the regional office of Kannan Devan Hills Plantations Company Private Limited (KDHP). The remains of the railway and the ropeway still exist on the Kundala – Top Station route.

Today, 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 by Bus

Munnar is well connected by Road from major south Indian states like Kochi, Bangalore, Madurai, etc. You can always take an overnight bus from these cities to reach Munnar. If you are traveling from Kochi, then you can opt for Kerala Road Transport Corporation(KSRTC) Buses and you can book the tickets online.

Deluxe and super deluxe buses are also available to reach Munnar from Kochi. The cost may vary according to the services you choose from INR 200- to INR 300 per ticket and takes 3-4 hours.

Kochi to Munnar by taxi or a Tour

Most tourists or travelers opt to hire a taxi or cab to reach Munnar. If you have your car with a driver, means you have more freedom and can stop where you like and all your sightseeing can be done without hassles. It makes perfect sense to hire a cab/car to get around Munnar.

But, if you are on a budget or you have no transport option, then, Book this Day trip to Munnar from Kochi .

10+ Best Things to do in Munnar- Complete list!

Read about the Best recommendations for Munnar Bucketlist and below is a great mix of things to do in Munnar. As I said Munnar has everything from tea plantations, rolling hills, viewpoints, and historical places to wildlife! You will not get bored for a moment when you visit this beautiful hill station in India.

Here are the top tourist attractions of Munnar that you can easily cover in 2 days.

Admire the Views from Anayirangal Viewpoint

Munnar has so many tea plantations and rolling hills of tea gardens. Munnar has so many man-made wonders like dams that are built around lakes. The dams here have the ability to beckon visitors with their architectural majesty and stunning beauty. Munnar has a plethora of lakes and dams, but Anayirangal Dam stands out and deserves a special place in your Munnar itinerary. 

The name ‘Anayirangal’ is the amalgamation of two Malayalam words; ‘aana’ which means elephant and ‘irangal’ which means descend. As the name suggests, elephant herds come down to drink water from the Dam. There are lakes and tea plantations adjacent to the Dam, which adds extra gorgeousness to this reservoir.

You can take a boat ride in the reservoir and it will take you close to the dense forest. The boat will help you steal glimpses of wildlife in the forest. The boating timing is 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

You can take a view of the whole reservoir and dam from the road adjacent to it and you can search on the GPS map ‘ Anayirangal Viewpoint ‘. The views from the top are stunning and give you a panoramic view of the landscape.

So, when you are doing a road trip through Munnar, don’t miss this must-visit sightseeing place Munnar for its views.

Visit the Tea Plantations at Devikulam

Devikulam is about 7 KM from Munnar and is famous for its tea plantations. 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 by the public so you can’t enter them.

But you can find Devkulam Viewpoint and it has an entry fee, which may allow you to enter the tea Plantations with beautiful surrounding views. You can take lots of photographs here with picture-perfect views with the backdrop of the mountains.

You should visit this place early in the morning to get the best experience. The morning mist, the fresh air on the hills, and the panoramic views from the top are what make this trip unforgettable.

Alternatively, you can always take a Private 4WD Jeep tour at many of such Plantations like Lockhart Tea Plantation if you really want to explore a tea plantation and escape the tourist circuit. There are so many local tour agencies that can book it for you.

Learn how Tea is made at Lockhart Tea Factory 

If you are really keen on knowing about Tea and the history of Tea, you must stop by one of the Tea factories in Munnar. I have visited tea factories in Darjeeling, so I was not very keen on the Process of it. But if it is your first visit, I highly recommend taking a Private Tea Estate and Tea Factory tour.

I visited Lockhart Tea Factory in Munnar which is one of the oldest tea factories in the area that still produces tea today. The factory follows the Orthodox Tea Manufacturing process instead of Modern machinery.

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. They give insights into the making of black tea, green tea, and white tea in traditional ways.

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

Inside the Factory, you can also visit Munnar Tea Museum. This is the oldest and largest tea production factory in Munnar and produces 22 million kilos of tea each year.

Tour Cost: INR 200 per person for Indian tourists and INR 400 for foreign Nationals.

Chase the Waterfalls of Munnar – Chinnakanel Waterfall

Munnar has so many waterfalls which you can chase during your Munnar sightseeing itinerary. You will spot this tempting waterfall right on the side of the road. The source of the waterfall is the river Devikulam and it is surrounded by lush greenery. One can take snaps, bath, enjoy the fall, and sit there for hours; you just can laze around the fall as much as you want. During the monsoon season, it appears like gallons of milk are being thrown from a height!

You can also visit nearby Seethadevi Lake(Devikulam Lake). According to legend, Mother Sita, the wife of Lord Ram of the Ramayana epic, once took a bath in the Lake. Since then this came to be known as Sita Devi Lake.

You can find pristine beauty, untouched and unspoiled by the works of mankind at this lake. If you are a water baby, must visit the waterfalls of Munnar and Chinnakanal should be one of the best places to visit in your Munnar sightseeing itinerary.

Other waterfalls you can visit in Munnar are Lokkam Waterfall, Nayamakad waterfall in Kanan Devan Hill, Cheeyapara waterfall on the way to Kochi, and Thoovanam waterfall in Chinnar. The waterfalls are the top places to visit in Munnar.

Pothemedu Viewpoint and Attukad Waterfall

Pothamedu View Point is known for its scenic environs, which offer a panoramic view of Munnar and its adjoining valley blanketed in lush green. You can gauge the height at which the viewpoint is, when you look down upon the winding serpentine roads, with tiny cars and vehicles making a climb up the mountain top. 

During the Monsoon time, you can spot the waterfalls flowing through the valleys and tea plantations from the height. The best time to visit the Pothemedu viewpoint is at sunrise or sunset. The exquisite location is perfect for those who seek to be amidst nature and love to view the refreshing tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations. Also, who love adventure sports, Pothamedu Viewpoint offers hiking and trekking opportunities as well.

Pothemedu is one of the must-visit tourist places in Munnar which offers 360-degree views of Munnar.

You can visit nearby Attukad waterfalls which flow through the mountains overlooking the tea gardens.  The Attukal waterfalls are popular for their cascading flow and which makes them appear like white froth due to the force. The falls are especially mesmerizing in the monsoon due to the mightier force and greenery all around.

Spot the Nilgiri Thar at Eravikulam National Park

One of the Top Places to visit in Munnar is Eravikulam National Park, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. The National Park is located 8 km from Munnar town, covers an area of 97 sq km, and stands out for the ravishing beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas.

The Eravikulam National park is famous for housing the endangered mountain goat of South India , the Nilgiri Tahr – the native mammal of the Western Ghats. Also, Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom just once every 12 years, are another highlight of this park, which is located on the 2,700-meter-high Anamudi hill .

The Nilgiri langur, Atlas moth (largest in the world), lion-tailed macaque, small-clawed otter, Indian bison, and a rare tiger are some of the main animal species that can be spotted here. You can also behold a view of the Anamudi Peak from the Park, which is the highest peak in all of South India . The Eravikulam national park is one of the most popular places to visit in Munnar which will surely make your Munnar sightseeing quite interesting.

This park allows a walking safari from a drop point. It is ideal to book a ticket online in advance so as to avoid the line in the Park.

Timings: 08.00 AM to 02:00 PM Entry Fee: INR 200 for Indians and INR 500 for foreign Nationals

September to November and April to June is the best season to visit Eravikulam National Park.

Drive up to Top Station to See Tamil Nadu 

The ultimate destination among places to visit in Munnar is a Top Station and must-see places in Munnar. At an elevation of 1700 Metres in the Kannan Devan Hills, Top Station is the highest point in Munnar, overlooking the silent valley of Tamil Nadu. Also, you may be surprised to know it’s actually on t along with the Kerala-Tamil Nadu states.

Its name as it used to be the highest railway station in the valley. It was the uppermost railway station of the Kundala Valley Railway way back in the early 1900s. 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 1999, it was never rebuilt. 

Top Station offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and lush valleys below.

Top Station is heaven for hikers and adventure lovers. It provides a 360-degree view of the Western Ghats with mountains, trekking trails, and waterfalls on a clear day.

The best time to visit Top Station is Sunset. The rolling hills provide a perfect backdrop for stunning views of the sunset.  Kurinjimala Sanctuary is close to Top Station which is popular for the rare Neelakurinji flowers. These flowers bloom once in 12 years. 

Chase the Flowers at Munnar Botanical Garden

The weather of Munnar is perfect for flowers that bloom throughout the year. Located on the highway, near Government Engineering College Munnar- it attracts so many tourists throughout the year. The botanical garden has a wide variety of flowers and plants that are spread across 5 acres.

You can enjoy the spectacular garden which houses around 150 varieties of flowering plants, an open theatre, beautiful landscapes, walkways, a canteen, a souvenir shop, and spice shops. Don’t miss this one of the best places to visit in Munnar.

Entry Fees: INR 20 per person and INR 10 for children below 12 years Timings: 09:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day

Visit Mattupetty Dam

Mattupetty Dam is one of the popular tourist Places in Munnar. The dam of Mattupetty is a dam storing waters from the confluence of the mountain streams of the Muthirappuzha River, Chanduvarai River, and Kundale River. More than the dam, the catchment area has lovely scenery overlooking the hills and also serves as a picnic spot. 

The dam has an abundance of water at all times of the year which makes it a biodiversity hotspot. The Munnar Tourism Government has also set up many activities around the dam which include watersports, boating, Zorbing Paddleboarding, etc. Many families bring picnics and you can also find a lot of stalls selling food, hats, and gifts to bring home too.

You can even go for a hike inside the Shola forest surrounding it. So, Mattupetty Dam is one of the best places to visit in Munnar if you are looking for some adventure activities.

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 is actually 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 is a great way to spend time here while taking a walk in the lush greenery surrounding the place. It is an ideal picnic spot. A lot of families stop here for picnics and for boating on the lake.  This is also a prime viewing spot for the Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every twelve years. Don’t forget to add this one of the top things to do in Munnar to your bucket list.

Watch the Kalariyapattu Show- the ancient art of Kerala

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 saw Men fight with sticks, and swords, kicking footballs triple their height, and even jump through burning hoops of fire!

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

Try adventure and Trekking in Munnar- Anamudi Peak OR Meesapulimala

If you think Munnar is just about tea plantations or a relaxing Hill station, you are totally wrong here! Anamudi is the highest Peak of Munnar and Meesapulimala is the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats. Situated on the top of the Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi peak is the pride of Kerala. Also, it is the highest point in India outside the Himalayan-Karakoram Mountain range and offers a view of lush green valleys and tea plantations.

Declared a world heritage by UNESCO, Meesapulimala consists of eight hills spreading across like a mustache, giving it its name. Once you are at the peak of Meesapulimala, you can witness the true beauty of Munnar. It is priceless! 

Meesapulimala Trek

This trek requires one full day of dedicated trekking. Meesapulimala is located 40 km away from Munnar Town and requires 4-6 hours of walking along the route and the trail leads to a wonderful mountaintop above the clouds.

Also, you can trek to the Anamudi Peak and experience how it feels to be on top of the world but make sure you have taken permission from Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam.

Apart from it, there are other few Munnar trekking destinations and you can do night camping along with it! Who knows Munnar offers this experience too! Don’t miss visiting Meesapulimala which is one of the best Munnar tourist places.

The prices are common and some include meals and/or snacks:

• Sunrise trekking – 600 INR
• Soft trekking – 450 INR
• Full-Day trekking – 900 INR

Visit Chocolate Factory in Munnar

When you are leaving Munnar, you will come across so many chocolate shops across the city center. but how about visiting a Chocolate factory in Munnar??

Surely, the chocolate capital of the world is ‘ Brussels ’ in Belgium, which is the home of the two biggest chocolate companies in the world  Godiva and Leonidas. But In Kerala Munnar is the natural hub of homemade chocolates, where anyone with a sweet tooth love to visit and taste chocolates.

I visited the MACOFA chocolate factory on the Kochi-Munnar road. I was surprised to see the chocolate factory and buy fresh chocolates straight in front of me! Even it was more surprising that Munnar offers a large amount of Cocoa to chocolate manufacturers making Munnar a favorite spot for Homemade chocolate.

Here you can learn about cocoa production, processing, chocolate making in factories, and all. The best thing is that Cocoa beans are used instead of cocoa butter in making homemade chocolates in Munnar. Homemade chocolate is the real attraction of Munnar for sweet tooth lovers.

The factory has a processing unit and a shop that sells different varieties of chocolates. You can also buy dark chocolates here.

You can visit the MOCOFA factory from   8:00 AM – 7:00 PM from Monday to Sunday

Places to Visit Near Munnar

Kolukkmalai Peak at Sunrise and Tea Estate

If one of the most beautiful places you want to visit in Munnar then it is – Kolukkmalai! Located 40 km from Munnar Kolukkumalai is a small village located near Suryanelli in Kerala. The place actually belongs to Tamilnadu! Perched at an approximate height of 8000 ft above sea level, the world-famous Kolukkumalai Tea Estate has its record as the world’s highest tea plantation on the lofty Kolukkmalai hills.

In addition, Kolukkumalai’s time-tested tea factory still sticks to the orthodox (handmade) methods of tea processing it has practiced since the colonial era. Due to the rough and crooked pathway, the estate is accessible only by jeep from a drive through the town of Suryanelli and tea plantations owned by Harrisons Malayalam Ltd onto a narrow, serpentine, and rocky dirt path leading up to Kolukkumalai tea estate.

Kolukkumalai Trekking

When you arrive at the estate, there is a trek of around 3 km to see the most captivating and sparkling dawn. The Sunrise is the feature of Kolukkumalai amid mists and clouds, the sight is stunning. You have to start the trek from Suryanelli and it needs uphill climbing for 4-5 hours. It is a total of 15 Km trek up and down.

You can book the trek and day excursions package from Kolukkmalai Tea estate . They have a camping facility in the estate for the sunrise treks. After the trek, you can visit Kolukkmalai’s top viewpoint, Tiger faces rock, and the nearby top station view and Tea Estate along with the tea factory. The sunrise at Kolukkmalai is one the best places to visit in Munnar if you are a sunrise seeker.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Lakkam Waterfalls

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is 1.5 hours away from Munnar Town. Located on the Kerala-Tamilnadu border in the Anaimalai Hills is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is home to the Great Grizzled Squirrel of India. Numbering less than 200, they are among the most endangered species on the planet. One can view herds of gaur and elephants strolling around casually in this area.

While making the journey to Chinnar one can spot the Deer, Sambar, Hanuman Langur, and peacocks alongside the road along with many species of birds in the sanctuary.

You can combine the trip to Chinnar with the beautiful sandalwood forest, some caves, and the gorgeous Thoovam waterfall.

Lakkam Waterfall

Lakkam waterfall is located near Chinnar wildlife sanctuary and you can get to swim in the lagoon beneath it!

You don’t need a permit to enter the waterfall and it only costs INR 20 for a standard ticket. But, if you want to explore further, you can do some treks too.

How many days of trip is good for a trip to Munnar?

Munnar is the most beautiful place in Kerala, I would say to make the very most of the area you will need at least 3 days. Munnar is split up by certain road ‘routes’ and it’s better to stick to one route per day. The most popular is the Top Station route, so if you don’t like crowds or traffic, you can avoid it and look for a different way to spend your time. 

With proper planning, you can still cover all the tourist places in Munnar in 2 days. You cannot do everything in just 1 day! You can cover all the mentioned places in 2 days trip to Munnar. Here are the suggested 2 days Munnar itinerary for you .

Day 1 : If you are arriving from Kochi, on the way visit the Cheeyapara waterfalls, and Devikulam Tea Plantations, then go to the tea factory visit Lockhart Tea Museum, and the Chinnakanal waterfall. Visit the Pothemedu viewpoint in the afternoon and if time permits Attukal waterfall. Keep the evening reserved for shopping in Munnar Town.

Day 2: Visit the Top Station(40 km from Munnar), Visit Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Botanical Garden. Keep the evening reserved for the Cultural show Kalariyapattu or Kathakali. Later go for some tea-tasting sessions at one of the cafes in Munnar town.

Day 3 : Start Early Morning and reach Eravikulam National Park and later visit Chocolate Factory and Head to Thekkady/Kochi.

How to Get Around Munnar

Depending on your budget, you can rent a bike, or auto-rickshaw, go by car or move around on the state bus. The common price for hiring an autorickshaw for the day is 800-1000 INR.

Most of them will offer the following options:

• Mattupetti direction : Rose Garden, Forest Honey Bee Hive, Photo Point, Elephant Park, Mattupetti Dam, Elephant arrival spot, shooting point, echo-point, Kundala Lake, Top Station.
• Marayoor direction (in some local booklets Coimbatore direction) : Tea museum, Nyamakad waterfalls, Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak View, Luckom waterfalls, Sandalwood forest, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Cochin direction : Blossom Park, Pothamedu View Point, Spice plantation visit, Attukad waterfalls, Dream Land Fun Park.
• Thekkady direction : Lockhart Gap & Rock Cave, tea plantation view, Chinnakal Waterfalls, Anayirangal Dam view, Spice plantation view.

As I said each of the directions above takes almost the whole day, so take it easy and do a one-direction trip every day whether by auto or by car. Alternatively, you can skip a few places and can combine other places as per your choice and sightseeing Munnar itinerary.

Best Places to Stay in Munnar

Shopping in munnar.

Munnar is famous for its Tea Gardens, so of course, you should buy fresh tea from here. Other than tea, you can buy Coffee and spices. Being famous for its exquisite taste and aroma, the tea grown here comes in many different varieties. So are the coffee and spices. 

If you want to shop in Munnar do so in the street shops in the local markets. They are the best places where you can find local produce, handicrafts, tea, coffee, spices, and hand-woven garments. Also, Munnar is famous for its handmade chocolates- a must-buy from Munnar. You can visit Main Munnar Town Market for shopping. Also, almost many tourist places in Munnar have small markets surrounding them, which you can explore for shopping in Munnar.

I hope this Munnar travel guide on Things to do in Munnar will help you to plan your trip. Pin it for the later!!

Mayuri Patel, owner of the fernwehrahee Blog loves to travel and helping you to plan your Next Trip! She is full time Travel Blogger, dreaming about her next adventure! Join her Journeys where she takes you to destinations around the world with the pinch of history & culture!

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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)

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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

• Where to Stay

Tea Valley Resort

Mangalappillil Homestay

Chandy’s Windy Woods

Lake N Hills Resorts

Latitude: 10.091234, Longitude: 77.060051

Geographical Information

Rainfall: 275 cm.

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Essay on My Favourite Tourist Place | Visit to a Munnar

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

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

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

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

The main attractions of Munnar are given below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Charmin Patel

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

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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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.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Munnar. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

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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By Air, By Road, By Train: A Thorough Travel Guide To The Rich Diversity Of Munnar

Munnar, a heart-stopping beauty in india, exhales serenity, every time it attracts a bulk of tourists and travellers to its abode..

By: Shrestha Purkayastha Published: Nov 13, 2022 01:00 PM IST

Munnar, a heart-stopping beauty in India, exhales composure and serenity, every time it attracts a bulk of tourists and travellers to its abode. Munnar happens to be that gorgeous location in Kerala that one can simply not describe in just a few lines. Everything in its store gets us differently energised. To pen down the beautiful experience of visiting this destination in your diary, keep reading for a detailed insight into how to reach Munnar by air, train, or even by road. By Shrestha Purkayastha

Here’s everything you need to know before planning your trip to Munnar

The destination.

Famously known as the ‘ Kashmir of South India ’, this place is planted at an altitude of 6,000 feet in the region of Idukki, Munnar used to be the chosen summer destination of the former British rulers during the colonial days. This breathtakingly amusing destination comprises virginal lush green mountains and valleys, the fragrance of aromatic spices in the air, boundless tea plantations and so much more! With a summed-up area of close to 557 square kilometres, Munnar in Devikulam Taluk is Kerala’s biggest panchayat and is smoothly reachable from both Coimbatore and Kochi.

The closest airport to Munnar is the Cochin International airport which is only 125 kilometres away from this dazzling destination. You can also find taxi services that are easily accessible from the airport to Munnar and commonly charges 3,000 INR. The Cochin airport is ideally connected to all the primary towns and cities in the country as well as a good number of foreign cities .

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The state government public transport is what majorly connects Munnar to the cities of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. There are innumerable tour providers who manage packed bus services to Munnar from Cochin. Additionally, you may access buses to the cities like Kochi. Which is 124 kilometres, Madurai, which is 152 kilometres, Thiruvananthapuram, which is 281 kilometres, and Thrissur, which is 148 kilometres.

The closest railway station to Munnar is one from Kochi or Ernakulam. It is a central junction in South India from where you can access trains for the main cities of the country counting Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Mangalore, Thiruvananthapuram , and others.

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• Things to do in Munnar

Stop by a Munnar tea plantation

Tea will follow you all around in the flourishing landscape of Munnar. It is the peculiar altitude and climate of Munnar which created the valleys of the district perfect for the growth of a plethora of spices. However, it was tea that happened to be the major cash crop back then. In the current date, many private tea estates involving TATA, own these plantations. It is the blanket of these aromatic plantations that complement the hills altogether. So, any kind of trip to Munnar encircles around tea, and it would genuinely be careless of you to not explore a bit more about it on your tour to this place.

Behold the sight of a countryside dressed with Neelakurinji flowers

The breathtaking hills of Munnar magnetically draw tourists and travellers from all over the world to perceive an extraordinary happening with their own eyes. This remarkable event is the blossoming of Neelakurinji flowers, which shows up once, only once every 12 years, and Munnar is the sole harbour where you should be during the period of this blooming. Neelakurinji blossoms in close to 40 varieties and a maximum of them are blue in colour. Last seen this year, during the period of September-October, the time for beholding them starts in the month of August and continues till the month of October. In Munnar, one can view this mesmerising sight from Eravikulam National park, Kovilur, Rajamala, and Kadavari. Especially nature admirers and Botanists keep looking forward to this time of the year.

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Pass the word at the echo point.

Situated at an elevation of 600 feet and at 15 kilometres distance from Munnar, the picturesque landscape of Echo Point is way attractive. This beautiful destination is located straight in the lap of a serene lake and rich green hills and mountains, which makes it a true-blue viewable treat. This place is popularly known for its bewildering displays of the echo experience. As you raise your voice, it is hair-raising to hear your own voice getting repeated amidst such heart-throbbing abode. This makes it one of the most drawing things to do in Munnar.

Have a fun time by riding on an elephant at the Elephant Arrival Spot

Considered one of the most enjoyable things to do in Munnar, the Elephant Arrival Spot is the spot where one can ride an elephant and freely discover the jungles and deserted lands of the region. The meadow comprises quite lengthy paths where the ride commences and the elephants are extremely trained for that matter, plus it is an entirely comfortable ride you can go for without any additional fear of the creature. It is one of the most friendly and joyous activities for travellers regardless of age group.

Sail through the waters of Kundala Dam and Lake on a Shikhara

Resided in the lap of the rich green forest is the Kundala Dam and Lake placed 23 kilometres off Munnar. This arch-shaped lake is renowned for its Kashmiri-styled Shikhara boat ride and also pedal boat rides. Additionally, lovely cherry blossom flowers flourish here two times a year, and you’ll also come across Neelakurunji flowers which blossoms once every twelve years. Altogether, this destination is absolutely ideal to relax in the dreamlike charm of nature .

Visit the Wildlife Safari at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is planted in the Western Ghats and is equally a sector of the Idukki region. This district is opulently abundant with a vast chain of homegrown fauna and flora which altogether builds a swanky destination for tourists. Chinnar is home to an endless collection of medicinal herbs and plants, and if at all plants and animals excite you then there could be no better choice than taking out some time to drop by this place. The blend of changeable forests planted here is perfect for some primitive trekking as well.

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Shrestha Purkayastha

With a well-built background in English Honours and Mass Communication, Shrestha is a writer who holds a fair experience in understanding and creating content in terms of writing. Previously, her professional exposure counted working with Curly Tales as a content writer. Besides the routine designation, she\'s a photographer and an artist by passion, .. Read More a trained singer by heart and of course an independent writer by an incomparable zeal. The interesting disclaimer is, she’s always on the run for her comical laugh and hilarious escaping excuses. Read Less

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Detailed Tour Guide to Munnar

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

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

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

1 Ideal Time:

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

• Summer (March to May):

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

• Monsoon (June to September):

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

• Winter (December to February):

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

2 How to Reach

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

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

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

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

3 Places to Visit

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

• Mattupetty Dam:

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

• Kundala Lake:

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

• Top Station:

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

• Mattupetty Dairy Farm:

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

• Echo Point:

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

• Eravikulam National Park:

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

• Tea Museum:

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

• Attukad Waterfalls:

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

• Blossom International Park:

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

• Lakkom Waterfall:

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

4 Things to Do

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

• Nature Trails:

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

• Adventure Activities:

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

• Leisure Activities:

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

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My Yearly Trip to Munnar

Munnar Travelogue by Vivek G R. Want to escape from your tension and worries. Have a trip to Munnar. Stay there for 3-4 days and return back with a calm mind.

Every year I used to visit Munnar and stay there for about 4 days. I had visited various parts of Kerala and in my opinion, Munnar is the most beautiful place in the state. What attracted me to Munnar is it’s climate, calmness and the beauty.

Usually I start my trip to Munnar early morning from Ernakulam. The 4 hours journey to Munnar is really amazing. After reaching Munnar, I immediately check-in to a hotel and have a bath. Then go to some restaurant. Have some food- mostly Chapatti and Chicken Curry. Come back to room and have a deep sleep.

Evening at Munnar

Wake up in the evening hearing the music or mantra from the nearby temple or the sound of ringing bells from the church at the city centre. It depends on my mood, I go to the temple or the church and stay there until the ceremony is over. Take a walk through the curved roads in between the tea estate, watching nature’s beauty.

When it gets dark, I go to the Thattukada and eat some hot porotta and beef fry. Later to the bar, buy a bottle of alcohol-free beer and a packet of salted cashew nut, and return to the room. After the TV is switched on, pour the beer to my glass. Sip it, chewing the cashew nut and listening the music from the TV. May be it takes about an hour to finish a Bottle. Fall to bed, mostly in the same pants and shirt I wear. Wakeup in the middle of night feeling the cold weather, cover myself with the blanket provided by the hotel and go to sleep again. Wake up only when I wish to be.

Usually during my Munnar trips, I don’t read newspapers or watch news channels which brings disturbing stories. There is no particular time schedule or I even don’t look at my watch. Mostly, I switch off my mobile.

There are some great picnic spots near Munnar. But it cannot be enjoyed alone. Some of the places are Mattupetti, Bodimettu, etc and used to visit those places only if someone is accompanying me.

I enjoy staying at Munnar and have a careless life for 3-4 days every year, which makes me feel refreshed.

I often recommend Munnar to my friends and most of them enjoy their trip as I do. Wishing you a great time at Munnar.

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Visit the beautiful hill station Munnar for 3 nights 4 days

Ever wondered what it would be like travelling to Munnar in Kerala . Not sure about what can be done in Munnar? Read below on how you can enjoy and experience a perfect holiday by travelling to Munnar for 3 nights and 4 days. With this itinerary, Enjoy the sloping tea plantation, gushing waterfalls and the chill breeze wandering around Munnar, one of the most exotic destinations in India .

The Wonderland of Munnar

Situated in God’s Own Country is a beautiful paradise to all those who love nature. Munnar is a romantic hill station in Kerala for travellers of all ages with diverse things to do . Just like the saying ” Love is in the Air”, fall in love with Munnar at every step of the way. Located over 5200 feet above sea level, the hill station is enchanting and charming. Munnar has got a wide range of flora and fauna and is also home to some of the unique plant and animal species.

Day-wise Munnar Itinerary

• Day 1 – Arrive into Munnar, Kundala Lake
• Day 2 – Lakkam Waterfall, Eravikulam National Park
• Day 3 – Echo Point, Carmelagiri Elephant Park, Kolukkumalai
• Day 4 – Ayurvedic Spa, Shopping, Departure

Munnar is a beautiful place to visit. Surrounded by tea estates and clouds, the place is truly a beauty. As soon as you arrive in Munnar, check into your hotel and get refreshed. Journeys can be long and tiring, so take a quick power nap and get refreshed. In the afternoon, head to a nearby and taste the famous dishes of Kerala cuisine. It doesn’t matter if you are vegetarian or if you eat meat, the cuisine has something for all kinds of food lovers.

After a fulfilling lunch, head to Kundala Lake. It is an artificial dam built on the way up to Top station. Spot the rarest flowers – Neelakurinji, a flower that blossoms once in 12 years only or go on a boat ride. The lake has a splendid view that every individual can view. The view is truly scenic and breathtaking. Going on a boat ride can be a beautiful way to enjoy nature. Get wet in the dew drops that are on you while you go boating amidst the foggy cloud. The Kundala can be visited by paying an entree fee of just Rs 10 per person.

Activities Covered:

• Tasting the Kerala Cuisine for lunch

If you are planning to go on a boat ride, be sure to negotiate the price for boating. There are no fixed prices as such and you might end up paying a lot. INR 350 would be an ideal amount to be paid.

Next in the itinerary, on your second day in Munnar, start the day with a scrumptious breakfast. Head to Lakkam Waterfall. Located in between Munnar and Marayoor, the waterfall is surrounded by tall trees and blissful cascades. If you happen to love swimming, head to their pool areas, known to be a safe and cleanest spot. While you are there, enjoy a picnic with your family and loved ones.

Once you are done chilling at the waterfall, head to Eravikulam National Park. Located in Kannan Devan Hills in Munnar, the park is quite famous for Nilgiri Tahr and it is one of the astonishing National Parks in Kerala . The Nilgiri Tahr, considered to be endangered has made a home at Eravikulam Park. Explore the dark forest and sanctuaries of Munnar by going a wildlife safari ride.

Daring hearts! Let’s explore the thick and dark forests, biosphere reserves, national park and sanctuaries of Munnar. Who knows, you could be lucky to spot some endangered and nearly extinct animals and birds. The largely visited and famous wildlife areas of Munnar are Eravikulam National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Spread across 97 square kilometres, the park is home to many animals and birds. The park is open to the public throughout the week between 7 AM – 6 PM. The entry fee for the park is INR 90/-

• Safari ride

Start your day a little early. Head to Echo Point located at Kannan Devan Hills. Go on a small trek and reach the viewpoint of Echo point. Echo point is a famous tourist spot filled with locals and travellers visiting here over the weekend. If you love nature, head here early in the morning to catch a breathtaking sunrise as the cold wind brushes your face smoothly.

Post an eye-catching sunrise head to Carmelagiri Elephant Park. Located in the rocky regions of Munnar is this elephant park. Go on elephant rides and aid your kids to learn more about them. Give them a chance to have their ‘haathi mere saathi’ moment and have fun in the wilderness.

Finish your day by visiting Kolukumalai. The region is famous for tea plantation. Breathe the fresh aroma of tea. Located above 7900 feet, Kolukkumalai is one among the highest tea plantations to exist in the world. Visit the old tea factory cum museum and obtain the knowledge of how tea is produced. Buy different flavours of tea from the factory to take something back home. The tea factory is open on all days throughout the week except on Sundays. The entry fee to enter the factory is INR 75 per person.

• Elephant ride
• Visiting the historical tea factory

Vacationing can also be tiring at time. Kerala is quite famous for spices and its aromatic and therapeutic oils and massages. Relax your body muscles by indulging in an ayurvedic spa, after all, it is what Kerala has been known for. Spend your day at leisure and head for some souvenir shopping after a good time at Spa. And then it is Adios to Munnar after your 4-day long vacation and you can head back to reality.

• A relaxing day at the spa
• Souvenir Shopping

With this amazing itinerary, Get a chance to adore the beauty of nature in Munnar with Pickyourtrail . Explore Munnar by booking Munnar tour package with Pickyourtrail or leave us a Whatsapp message with your name and other details. We will get back to you at the earliest and help you plan a beautiful vacation that will be filled with amazing memories. Unlock safe travel with Pickyourtrail.

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My Summer Vacation to Munar

Essays Eravikulam National Park , Essays , Kerala , Munar , Summer vacation , Vacation trip to Munar 0

Last Updated on March 4, 2017

My Summer Vacation to Munar:

• Our Summer Vacation this year was an enjoyable one
• We went with our Family to a beautiful place –
• The beauty of the place proved it belongs to the God’s own Country, Kerala
• We stayed in a resort located in the middle of the forest for 4 days
• My visit to was an unforgettable experience in my life

My Summer Vacation to Munar: (Short Essay)

Once the examinations were over this year, we planned to visit , a wonderful place filled with so many destinations. We went to for a week since my father was able to pause his business activities for a while. It was a nice and relaxing trip for us. The weather in was very pleasant when we reached there. We heard there are many waterfalls in ; we visited the Chittamkal waterfalls and Attukal Waterfalls. We enjoyed our walks through the roads with Tea Gardens in both the sides. The most fascinating day of the trip was when to went to the hill station, Devikulam which is located very near to .

My Summer Vacation to Munar: (Brief Essay)

Every year, we used to visit famous destinations in our Country. This year, we planned a long trip to the mind blowing haven of peace – . is yet another pride of the God’s Own Country, Kerala. There are many reasons people visit , we heard. We wanted to explore the place and enjoy its unfolded splendor as a part of our family recreation.

We planned a trip with our uncle’s family so that we can enjoy together. It was a sunny day when we started from our home town but as we moved towards we felt very pleasant and cool. On our way, we enjoyed the Flora and Fauna, valleys, hills and waterfalls. The best thing about is the Tea Gardens everywhere. We really loved walking along the Tea Gardens and took a lot of photos there.

The waterfalls in are endless and we enjoyed the scenery over there. One of the adventurous experience in is the Eravikulam National Park.  In this National Park, we saw an animal that is about to extinct – Nilgiri Tahr.  The Eco Point was a thrilling Experience where we had fun shouting our names loudly and hearing it back the same way. We also went to the Blossom International Park, which is a Garden with admirable flowers and mind blowing surroundings.

Our Summer Vacation to is an unforgettable experience in our Life. The natural scenery, waterfalls, rivers and much more that we found in kept us so attached with the place that we wished not to leave at the last day.

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Though visited in February 2017 but still fresh in my memories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When are you planning to go ?

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

Planning on August 23rd 3018...

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