Munnar

Munnar is an idyllic hill station, famous for its tea estates, exotic scenery, abundance of flora and fauna and craggy peaks.

One of the biggest tea-plantation area of South India, Munnar is one of the most beautiful and popular hill-stations of Kerala. Situated on the banks of three rivers- Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru, Munnar is also blessed with natural view-points apart from the tea-plantations. Munnar is divided into Old Munnar, where the tourist information office is, and Munnar, where the bus station and most guest houses are located. The Eravikulam National Park, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and tea plantations are its major attractions.

What's Best:

A new hub for the honeymooners. Extremely peaceful place. The pleasant weather is always a delight for the tourists

A very romantic place for the couples and honeymooners. Also, a favourable destination for the nature lovers and trekkers.

Tea Gardens in Munnar

Step into the boundaries of Munnar, and you will have all the reasons to call Kerala "A god's own country". Brace yourself up for one of the most romantic places in India, for the delightful weather, the endless lush green fields of tea-gardens and the hilly terrains of Western Ghats. Over the past few years, Munnar has become one of the most sought- after honeymoon destination leaving behind Srinagar, Manali, and Shimla. For those want to see much more than ice-draped peaks, Munnar is truly a paradise. An escape into the lap of nature, away from the hustle-bustle, into the world of tranquillity. That's Munnar for you!

Top Places To Visit In Munna:

1.       Rose Garden, Munnar

The Rose Gardens of Munnar is a unique and eco-friendly home stay experience, that attracts visitors, especially nature enthusiasts, from all over the world. The Rose Garden, spread over 2 acres of land, is an excellent stretch that is brimming with a variety of plants, including spices, crops like cardamom and vanilla, and a variety of other fruit trees. These agricultural plantations exude mesmerising and wonderful aromas, which make your stay at the gardens a rewarding experience. Located in Munnar in Kerala, on the National Highway 49, just two kilometres away from the city centre; the place is set 3,500 feet above the sea level and is a breathtaking sight to behold. The heart-warming blossoms and colourful flowers make the place a mini-heaven on earth. More Details

2.       Echo Point, Munnar

Located at an altitude of 600 ft. and at a distance of about 15 kilometres from Munnar, the scenic beauty of Echo Point is quite captivating. This picturesque destination is situated right in the lap of a quaint lake and lush green mountains, which makes it a visual treat for one and all. As the name suggests, this place is well known for its enthralling illustration of the phenomenon of echoing. As you scream, it is fun to hear your voice reverberate around the attraction again and again. More Details

3.       Elephant Arrival Spot, Munnar

Lying 18 km from Munnar, you can board an Elephant ride here to explore the wilderness of the region.

4.       Photo Point, Munnar

If tea and photography are your things, then this destination is the place for you! An ideal picnic spot away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Photo Point is a quaint place tucked away at a distance of 3 kilometers from the city center. This destination is famous for its lush tea gardens and aromatic spices. The route up to the spot is quite scenic as well and makes the entire journey worth it. More Details

5.       Mattupetti Dam, Munnar

Mattupetti Dam, situated 13 km off Munnar at 1700m above the sea level, is highly famous for the Indo-Swiss live stock projects. This picnic spot is also popular among its visitors for various activities like speed boating and horse riding.

6.       Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Munnar

Located 35 km off Munnar is the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, perched at an altitude of 8000 ft. above sea levels. This orthodox tea factory lays claim to being one of the highest in the world and is famous for its flavorsome tea.

7.       Top Station, Munnar

Deemed as one of the most beautiful destinations in Munnar by many, the Top Station is located about 32 kilometers away from the city center. This is the highest point in Munnar, and you can enjoy the panoramic view of the majestic Western Ghats from here. With its low-lying clouds and rich foliage, Top Station is a great example of natural beauty. More Details

8.       Atukkad Waterfalls, Munnar

Nestled 2 km away from Munnar amidst beautiful hills and lush green jungles, this pristine waterfall makes for romantic escapades and picnics site. However, the road to Atukkad is very narrow and needs a lot of experience to drive on.

9.       Marayoor, Munnar:

Marayoor is located at a distance of about 40 kilometers from Munnar. Lying on the eastern side of the Western Ghats, this is the only place in Kerala where a natural growth of sandalwood can be found. This place is also famous for its prehistoric sites, solid sugar molasses and the gentle waters of the Paramba river flowing close by. More Details

10.       Blossom Park, Munnar

Spread across a lush expanse of 18 acres, Blossom Park is famous for its activities such as water cycling, boating and skating. It is covered with a wide variety of flora and has romantic little provisions of tree houses and ropeways. It is located at a mere distance of 3 km from Munnar.

11.       Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park, Munnar

Located a 45 - minute drive away from Munnar, the Eravikulam National Park houses a rich and diverse variety of flora and fauna and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Also known as Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, this place was managed as a game reserve by the Kanan Devan Hills Produce Company before 1971. The control was taken over by the Karnataka Government in 1971 and it was declared a national park in 1978. Elephant, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri marten, Atlas moth (largest in the world), lion-tailed macaque, small-clawed otter and a rare tiger or leopard are some of the main animal species that can be spotted here. More Details

12.       Kundala Dam & Lake, Munnar

Situated in the laps of lush jungle is Kundala Dam & Lake laying 23 km off Munnar. This arch dam is famous for its Kashmiri-Shikara boat rides and pedal boat rides.

13.       Chinnakanal Waterfalls, Munnar

Flowing from a height of 800 m, Chinnakanal Waterfalls is a sight of sheer beauty. These falls lays just 16 km away from Munnar.

14.       Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Munnar

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats and is one of the twelve such facilities in Kerala. This region is richly populated with a wide array of indigenous flora and fauna which makes it an extremely popular tourist destination. Chinnar houses a myriad variety of medicinal plants, and its animal population includes species such as grizzled giant squirrel, star tortoise, gaur, spotted deer, tufted gray langur, slender loris, crocodile, wild elephant, tiger, leopard and many birds. More Details

15.       Trekking, Munnar

This place is a trekker??s paradise offering some of amazing trekking trails here. Trekkers would love the trails from Gap Road to Bison Valley Spices Village and from Pothamedu.

16.       Pothamedu View Point, Munnar

Pothamedu View Point, situated 6 km off Munnar, is adorned with stretching hills and lush green mountains. One can witness the spectacular wide views of tea, coffee and cardamom plantations of the area. Trekkers and hikers would love the adrenaline rush of this place.

17.       Rock Climbing and Rappelling, Munnar

Rock climbing and rappelling are some of the popular activities offered in and around Munnar.

18.       Tata Tea or KDHP Museum, Munnar

Located in the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea around 2 km from Munnar, the KDHP Museum showcases a variety of antiquities, the most famous being the burial urn excavated from the vicinity of Periakanal Estate, dating back to 2nd century AD.

A 30 minute documentary feature by the museum will take you through a historical sojourn of the place. Visitors then proceed to the factory to understand how tea is processed.

19.       High Range Club, Munnar

Run by Corporate Planters, this High Range Club is associated with 41 other clubs in the country and also with 2 overseas clubs offering a variety of amusement activities.

20.       Floriculture Centre, Munnar

Against the backdrop of tea plantations, you will find a well-manicured garden called Floriculture Centre. The park features a large variety of flowers and some herbal plants maintained by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation.

21.       Chithirapuram, Munnar

Situated 10 km off Munnar, Chithirapuram is a place famous for its rustic environ and old world charm. It also houses old playgrounds and courts, bungalows, sleepy little cottages and tea plantations adding to the charm of the village.

22.       Mattupetti Indo-Swiss Farm, Munnar

Established in 1961, Mattupetti Indo-Swiss Farm is a place where Tamil migrant labourers had once reared their cattle. Today, this highly specialized dairy farm bestowed with cool climate and abundance of fodder is managed by the Kerala Livestock Development and Milk Marketing Board (KLDB).

With more than 100 varieties of high-yielding cattle being reared, the dairy farm is one of its kinds.

23.       The Christ Church, Munnar

Established nearly 110 years ago by the British tea planters, the Christ Church draws visitors from far lands.

24.   Anamudi Peak inside Eravikulam National Park, Munnar

Anamudi, the highest peak (2,695 m) of Western Ghats and South India lies south of the Himalayas and towers over the sanctuary. The slope of the hills is home to the Atlas moth, Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, and tigers.

Trekkers will find trekking facilities available. Tourists can walk up to 2 kms up the foothills. However, special permissions from the Forest Department are required to scale the peak.

25.   Lakkom Water Falls, Munnar

This small little waterfall 25 km from Munnar is a part of Eravikulam stream of Eravikulam National Park. It is one of the main tributaries of Pampar River and is ideal for swimming in privacy.

26.   Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Munnar

Bird watching and spotting can become an addictive joy with the help of trained guides. The Thattekkad Sanctuary is home to some of the rare species of birds such as Crimson-Throated Barbet, Bee-eater, Sunbird, Shrike, Black winged Kite, and the Night Heron.

Other birds that can spotted here include The Indian Pitta, Ground Thrush, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Large-billed Leaf-warbler, Jerdon's Nightjar, Indian Cuckoo, Darters, Cormorants, Frogmouths, etc. While you are there, do savour the joy of bon-fire and fishes on grill under the open sky. Also called Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, this place came to light in the year 1983 on basis of recommendations made by famous ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali. Spread over 25 sq. km, it shelters over 500 species of birds and rare birds such as Wynaad laughingthrush, rufous babbler, and white-bellied blue flycatcher.

27.   Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Munnar

Situated close to Valara Falls is another beautiful waterfall known as Cheeyappara Waterfalls. These falls serves as a major attraction of the region cascading over seven steps. One can easily reach the place by a bus, taxi or auto rickshaw.

28.   Valara Falls, Munnar

Fed by the Deviyar river, Valara Falls is located at 40 km from Munnar. Enveloped by Neriamangalam town in the east and Adimali in the west, the place offers some absolutely stunning sights.

How To Reach Munnar

Kochi at 130 km is the nearest airport. Angamaly is the closest railhead 120 km away, with Kochi station as the next alternative. Regular buses and tourist taxis connect Kochi to Munnar.

How to Reach Munnar by Flight

Munnar does not have its own airport. If you wish to fly to Munnar, the nearest airport is Cochin International airport, which is located at a distance of 110 km from Munnar. From here on, you can hire a cab or board the Kerala road transport buses directly to Munnar.

How to Reach Munnar by Road

Munnar is well-connected from the main cities of Kerala. You can find a huge number of public buses from all the major cities of Kerala. Buses are also available from Tamil Nadu to Munnar at a reasonable fare.

How to Reach Munnar by Train

The nearest railway station to Munnar is Aluva, located approximately 100 km away from Munnar. To cover the rest of the journey you can either catch a bus or hire a private taxi.

Bus

Local government buses are available with ticket priced between INR 5 - INR 25

Cab

Local cabs are easily available for hire. The fare is approximately INR 1000 to INR 1500 for 150 km.

Auto-rickshaws

Most of the autos have metres and they are a cheaper mode of transportation than taxis

Bike-rental

Bikes are easily available for rent at a tariff of INR 300 - INR 400 for one day.