Things to do in Munnar
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Top 15 Places You Must See On Your Munnar tour

Munnar must be the reason why Kerala is the country’s most sought after honeymoon destination. Mist on rolling hills, endless greenery of the tea gardens and a nippy weather, after all, make for a perfect romantic setting.  But that’s not it. There’s much more to this quaint hill station, write Ami Gandhi.

 

Located in the Idukki district of Kerala, Munnar has South India’s largest tea estates and plantations. It’s also a commercial centre for some of the world’s tea growing estates. It’s a typical tiny town with traffic-clogged lanes, however to discover the essence of Munnar you need to wander a little away from it. Move a few kilometres outside the town and clouds will welcome you to their paradise. You will feel on top of the world—yes, quite literally above the clouds! Dive yourself into some adventure or just unwind, and relax, Munnar has something for every mood. Here’s a list of unusual as well as popular places on Munnar tourist map.

  1. Tata Tea Museum

things to see in Munnar

Driving through a surreal rippling mosaic of yellow-green tea bushes, you already know that tea plantations are Munnar’s claim to fame! Munnar is home to some of the world’s highest tea-growing estates spanning a legacy of over 125 years.  A visit to the Tata Tea Museum is a must when you are here. Tea enthusiasts can not only sample varieties of teas but also get to know how they are processed. The museum recalls the history and growth of tea estates in the area. A 1920 Pelton Wheel, tea roller and a rail engine wheel are other attractions housed in the museum. It also stocks a fascinating array of powdered tea in a plethora of flavours. These locally grown and produced teas have been perfected over several decades and make for wonderful gifts. Include this in your itinerary if you are looking for places to visit in Munnar in 1 day.

Location:  Tata Tea Museum, Nalluthanni Estate, Munnar

Distance: 1.3 km

Price:  Rs 75

 

  1. Eravikulam National Park:

For those who love the flora and fauna, Eravikulam National Park is your place. Get up close to some of the world’s last Nilgiri tahr (a variety of mountain goat). Existing only in the mountain grasslands of the Western Ghats, the tahr is as endangered as the tiger. Be prepared to walk a lot; it’s definitely a place for trekkers. But the walk is definitely worth it and you’d know it only when you reach the top. The park is also home to rare Nilgiri Wood Pigeon and Kerala Laughingthrush, you will easily spot them in plethora of exotic trees. You should also reach the park before 8.30am to get glimpse of sun kissed tea plantations, rolling hills and placid lakes. Include this in your list of places to visit in Munnar in 1 day, while visiting the tea musem.

 Entry Fee – Rs 65 per person for Indian Citizens and `245 for Foreign Nationals

Duration – 4-5 hours

Best Season – September-May

Timings – 08:00 am – 4:30 pm every day

 

  1. Anamudi Peak

Things to do in Munnar

Fall in love with nature all over again at Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South India. If bonfires and camps on top of the mountain amaze you, then camping in Munnar should be on your to-do list. A camp day begins with trekking on the mountains, reaching the campsite and staying around the tea gardens to witness the sunrise, birds chatter and picturesque sunset. Camps are lit up late in the evening and dinner is served besides the bonfire. A memory to cherish! Please note, treks to the peak are allowed with permission from the Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam. Make this a part of your trip to visit places in Munnar in 3 days.

Distance:  10.8 km from Munnar

Best time to visit: September to May

 

  1. Lakkam Waterfalls:
Pic: Tour My India

It takes about an hour from Munnar to reach the majestic Lakkam waterfalls. Falling from the height of 50 feet, it’s a sight to marvel at in the wilderness of the Western Ghats.  Lakkam waterfalls cascade down from the rocky cliffs and offer a serene setting. We recommend you to visit the falls right after monsoon as the water gushes down strongly amidst the dense flora that adds to its mesmerising beauty.

Location – Udumalpet Road, Marayur

Distance – 40 km from Munnar

Best time to visit – October to January

 

  1. Rock Climbing

If you are looking for some adrenaline rush while on your trip to Munnar, include rock climbing at Gap Road in your tour. The stunning landscape makes it one of the popular spots among adventure enthusiasts.  You can opt for free as well as for guided climbing. The experts will teach you how to climb steep surfaces with safety and precision. With all the techniques and special gears, experienced people can opt for natural surfaces while beginners should try their hands on man-made ones.

Location – Gap Road

Distance – 15 km away from Munnar

Best time to visit – September to May

Price –  Rs 500 onwards

  1. Cycling in Silent Valley Tea Estates

Now, you may not find this on Munnar tourist map typically but we assure you it will be an experience to remember. Make this a part of your plan for one day while looking for places in Munnar in 3 days. Hire a cycle and paddle around the most stunning views in Munnar. Inside the estate, you will pass through gum estates, pine forests, and thick green hills. The finish point of this trail is at about 2400 meters, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the valley.

Location – Silent Valley Tea Estates

Distance – 25 km from Munnar

Best time to visit – September to May

Price –  Rs 3,000 onwards

  1. Attukal Waterfalls

Set amidst undulating terrains, the waterfalls is frequented by tourists and locals. The sight of the rolling hills and boisterous water makes for a picture that will remain in your heart forever.

You just have to cross a narrow bridge to see water cascading from a towering height. If you are feeling adventurous, we recommend trekking along the hill slopes of this waterfall. Monsoon is the best time to experience the grandeur for the fall.

 Location – Udumalpet Road, Marayur, Kerala

Distance – 9 km from Munnar

Best time to visit – September to May

 

  1. Mattupetty Dam

 

Things to see in Munnar
Pic: Tour My India

A perfect spot for a casual evening at 1700 metres height gives you some splendid view of mountains surrounding the hill. Go boating in the lap of nature and keep those binoculars handy, as a rare bird may come out of the dense forest around you. Tourists usually include the sight in places to visit in Munnar in 2 days.

 Location – Munnar-top station highway, Mattupetty.

Distance – 11.3 km from Munnar

Best time to visit – September to May

  1. Thoovanam Falls

Located inside Chinnar wildlife century, the falls are close to Kerala-Tamil Nadu border and are 4 km away from the Alampetty check post. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy the nature while you take a dip in the crystal clear water. Note: Only guided tours are available for trekkers and tourist. So plan your travel accordingly.

Location – Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki District, Marayur.

Distance – 50 kilometres from Munnar

Best time to visit – September to May

10. Carmelagiri Elephant Park

things to see in MunnarA private park located on the Munnar Top Station highway, Carmelagiri Elephant Park offers elephant safaris of short duration. A fun stop over, especially for kids, you can also watch how elephants are bathed, what they eat and where they dwell. The park offers various tours, ranging from excursions for 1 hour to a half day or a full day.

The park is about a 15-minute drive from the town center of Munnar. You can easily get affordable auto-rickshaws and taxis to reach the park. You can also rent a cycle and reach here through Munnar’s scenic roads.

Location – Mattupetty Road, Munnar, Kannan Devan Hills.

Distance – 6.5 kilometers

Best time to visit – September to May

Fees –  Rs 500 onwards

11. Echo point

Yell out and listen to your voice coming back to you amidst the green hills, placid lake and a hundreds of visitors. About 15 km from Munnar lies the famous Echo point. Stop by the point and shout to your heart’s content. You can also take a walk in lush green surroundings and get breathtaking views of the valley.

Tip: Keep your expectations low about this place since there isn’t much to do here than enjoying the echo. Keep it in your itinerary as a 15-minute stopover 

Location: Echo Point, Munnar

Distance: 15 km from Munnar

Best time: November to March

12. Kannan Devan Hills

It is said that when the first British men came to Munnar, they hired two local guides who were Mudhuvan tribesmen. The guides took the British to various spots, which left them in awe of the place. It is believed that the two guides were named Kanan and Devan, and that’s why the British named the hill range as Kanan Devan.

Located on high ranges the hills is home to wild animals like deers, bisons and elephants. The hills stand out for its stark beauty of undulating grasslands and shoals. It’s a favourite tourist attraction, so we recommend you to get prior bookings. Visit Kannan Devan Tea museum for sampling some colonial teas.

 Location: Idukki

Best time: November to May

13. Punarjani Traditional Village

Things t do in Munnar
Pic by Purva Bhatia

Do not miss the opportunity to watch Kathakali and traditional martial arts, Kalarippayattu at Punarjani Traditional Village, owned by a group of youth. Decked up in traditional attire the artists gracefully perform kathak on the tunes of Carnatic music. Enjoy the essence of South India through this dance. The artists’ lucid expressions and gestures cannot stop you from appreciating their efforts. Try to reach half an hour before performance time and you can see the Kathakali artist putting on the elaborate make-up. And an Instgram-worthy moment is on its way, be ready.  The experience will certainly stay with you for a long time especially if you are watching it for the first time.

Location – Punarjani Traditional Village, 2nd Mile, Kochi – Madurai – Dhanushkodi Road, Pallivasal

Distance – 8.7 km

Price –  Rs 200 per person

14. Kolukumalai Tea Plantation

If you are looking for an orthodox tea-making experience, head to Kolukumalai Tea Plantation.

Did you know, at 7,900 ft, Kolukumalai is the world’s highest elevation tea plantation? Thanks to the producers, the tea here is still processed by old techniques to retain its high quality. The process involves seven steps: withering, rolling, sieving, fermenting, drying, fiber extraction, and grading. The entire process happens in the small factory that has not been changed since the 1930s when it was built by the British.

Location – Meesapulimala, Idukki

Distance – 35 km from Munnar

Best time to visit – September to May

15. Photo Point

Located 3 km from Munnar, on the way to Mattypetty, this place is a treat for eyes (and your camera!). Dense tea plantations, small rivulets and rolling hills make this place ideal for a day picnic. The road leading to Photo Point is marvellous too. Its scenic beauty apart, it also has aromatic spices.

Location: SH18, Kannan Devan Hills

Time: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

From emerald green tea estates to breathtaking rolling hills, from clean air to endangered species, the scenery in Munnar is breathtaking. You need to keep your picture postcard imagination of the backwaters in your pocket, forget the humidity, and wrap woolens around your neck to enjoy the serenity of the hilly climes at Munnar in God’s Own Country.

Munnar comes alive in the mornings. Do not miss waking up early and watching the sunrise. Take a long walk in mountainous Munnar and soak in the idyllic surroundings and feel the magic.

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Location: Munnar is located in the Ananmalai Hills 1520 metres above sea level

Climate: Very heavy monsoons from June to September. Annual rainfall 270cm

When to go: Munnar is a pleasantly cool and refreshing place to visit at most times of year. Winters are too cold and monsoons are steady

Packing tip: Take a plenty of warm clothes

Getting there: By road-Kottayam is 148 km away

By Air-The nearest airport is at Madurai

 

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