Munnar is a town in the Western Ghats mountain range in India’s Kerala state. Lying at 1600 m above sea-level, Munnar is amongst the most sought out travel destinations in the world. Never ending expanse of tea plantations , pristine valleys and mountains, mesmerising waterfalls, exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests, Munnar offers it all.
Best time to visit:
Though you can visit Munnar at any time of the year ,winter months are best time to visit Munnar. November to February is considered to be ideal time to visit this beautiful hill station as the weather is very pleasant at this time of the year.
How to reach:
The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, which is 110 kilometres away by road. From Cochin, you can hire a cab to get to Munnar. The Madurai International Airport is 140 kilometres away from Munnar. The Coimbatore Railway Station and the Kochi Railway Stations are the closest railway stations from Munnar that connects Munnar by train to all other major cities in India.
Top 20 places to visit in Munnar:
1. Tea Gardens:
Tea gardens are the top most attraction in Munnar. Spreading over the rolling hills these tea gardens look like a green carpet all around Munnar. One can enjoy a walk through these gardens or even can pluck fresh tea leaves with the permission of the officials.
2. Kannan Devan Tea Museum:
It is another important place to visit in Munnar. Also referred to as the Tata Tea Museum, the Kannan Devan Tea Museum is one of its own kinds of museums in India. The museum showcases the documentary about the history of tea plantation in Munnar. In another unit, the museum runs a tea processing factory with various functional equipment. The unit also displays old machines that were used in the initial days of the tea factory in Munnar in the late 19th century.
3. Mattupetty Dam:
Mattupetty is among the most visited destinations in the tourist places of Munnar. It is a beautiful picnic spot that regularly attracts visitors. The view of the valley from here is breath-taking and one gets to simply relax and enjoy the beautiful weather. The lush green tea plantations and forests in and around Mattupetty are ideal for trekking and host a large number of unique bird species.
4. Eravikulam National Park :
Eravikulam National Park near Munnar is perhaps the most beautiful forest patches in Kerala. It is situated in the Kannan Devan Hills of the southern Western Ghats, The national park is a protected area and is divided into three regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area that is in Rajamalai,
5. Anamudi Peak:
Nestled among the Nilgiri mountain range, Anamudi Peak is the highest peak in southern India. It is about 2,695 m (8,842 ft) high, and it’s a popular place to visit in Munnar for trekking. Anamudi Peak is located in the Eravikulam National Park. The area is covered with evergreen forests of bamboos and teak trees, and as you walk down the path, you will also see the rivers flowing through the valley.
6. Top Station:
Top Station is located around 32 km away from Munnar, on the Munnar-Kodaikkanal road, at a height of 1700 meters above the sea level. Top station is a beautiful place to visit In Munnar. It is surrounded by stunning green valleys, and on a clear day, you can get a bird's-eye view of the valley and admire the beauty of Munnar. It is also a heaven for campers, trekkers and hikers.
7. Echo Point:
Echo Point in is a popular tourist place in Munnar . It lies on the banks of a serene lake and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and evergreen forest cover. It is known for echoing your voices from the nearby mountains. Visit it on a silent and misty morning, and feel the magic yourself.
8. Kundala Lake:
Kundala Lake Munnar is situated at a distance of 20 kilometres from Munnar and on the way to the top station. This place is famous for rare Neela Kurunji flowers which blossom only once in twelve years. It also provides the opportunity to tourists to hire Shikara, pedal boats and rowboats to enjoy the scenic beauty around the lake.
9. Marayoor Dolmen:
Marayoor is an admirable picture-perfect destination where nature and history join hands. It is also known for its sandalwood forest. There is plenty to discover in Marayoor, from stunning waterfalls, serene rivers, rocky hills, bamboo forests, cave temples, paintings and sandalwood forests. Dolmens of Marayoor that dates back to the stone age is a major attraction here. The dolmens are made up of four slabs of rocks in which three of them are placed on the sides and the fourth one on the top that serves as the roof. If history and archaeology fascinate you, the Marayoor dolmen is a great place to visit in Munnar.
10. Mount Carmel Church:
Boasting colonial architecture and exquisite artworks, the Mount Carmel Church is among the most popular place to visit in Munnar. It is a Tranquil Catholic church, founded in 1898, set on a hill with views of the town. Beautiful architecture of this church will surely mesmerize you.
Have Only 48 Hours in Munnar? Here's A Complete Guide On What To See And Do.
11. Chinnar Wildlife Sacntuary:
Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is amongst the most promising location to enjoy nature in its full swing. It is one of 18 wildlife sanctuaries among the protected areas of Kerala. It has earned the name for being the only rehabilitation centre for the Indian star tortoise in India. The beautiful Sandalwood Forest nearby is highly recommended for a visit. One can view herds of gaur and elephants strolling around casually in this area.
12. Pothamedu Viewpoint:
The amazing view point of Pothamedu is situated at about 5 kilometers from Munnar. It offers a panoramic view of Munnar and the surrounding hills covered with coffee, cardamom, pepper plantations and tea. You can trek your way through them to reach the vantage point. On clear sunny day, you can even see the distant Muthirapuzha River and Idukki Arch Dam from here.
13. Punarjani Traditional Village:
Punarjani, meaning rebirth, is a traditional cultural village located about 8 kms from Munnar town. This traditional village showcases two performing arts 'Kathakali', a classical dance drama and 'Kalarippayattu', a traditional martial art of Kerala. In addition to these, it also promotes Ayurvedic therapies.
Timing for Kathakali show: From 5 p.m to 6 p.m
Ticket price: Rs. 200 onwards
Timing for Kalarippayattu show: from 6 p.m to 7 p.m
Ticket price: Rs. 200 onwards.
14. Cheeyappara Waterfall:
Cheeyappara Waterfalls is a beautiful waterfall on the highway to Kochi. Cascading down the rocky slopes, it is a magnificent seven-step waterfall right by the side of the road. You can take a quick dip in the pool formed below or just watch the water gushing down the rocks. The surroundings of Cheeyappara Waterfalls also offer several opportunities for trekking and forest walks. One can spot several exotic plant and animal species in the area.
15. Photo Point:
At a distance of 4 km from Munnar Bus Station, Photo Point is a beautiful spot on Mattupetty road lined up with tea gardens on both sides. As the name suggests, this place is a famous photography point in Munnar due to its breathtaking background of mountains surrounded by lush green tea gardens. Photo Point is one of the best places to visit in Munnar.
16. Rose Garden :
Munnar Rose Garden is a beautiful garden with hundreds of rare varieties of flowers and herbal plants. With large tea plantations in the background, this place can be visited during a trip to Munnar. It is spread across a few acres of land. This place has an amenity center for tourists and a sales outlet, in addition to hundreds of rare varieties of flowers, cactus, shrubs, creepers and herbal plants.
Timings: 10 AM - 5 PM
Entry Fee: Rs. 30 for Person
17. Attukad Waterfall:
Atukkad Falls is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Munnar. This majestic waterfall falls from a great height. One can enjoy swimming at the pool formed at the base of the waterfall. Some of the other favourite activities to do here are trekking and picnicking.
18. Lockhart Gap View:
Lock Heart Gap also known as Lockhart Gap is one of the most scenic places to visit in Munanr. Situated on Munnar - Madurai road it is one of the prime attractions in Munnar.Lock Heart Gap provides a panoramic views of the mountains and valleys of Munnar. This is also a great sunset point on a clear day. The nearby Lockheart Tea Estate is another attraction which provides wonderful opportunity to learn tea dust making process.
19. Carmelagiri Elephant Park:
Carmelagiri Elephant Park is a kids friendly tourist attraction in Munnar and an ideal place for elephant trekking along with your family and friends and one gets to know in person on the daily routines, special exercise walks, bathing rituals, training procedures and specific diets of elephants. After hearing about all these you can also take a relaxing elephant safari through the tea plantation of Munnar.
20. Chokramudi Peak:
Being one of the highest peaks in Munnar, with an altitude of around 7,200 ft, Chokarmudi peak gives a spectacular view of the tea plantations, Anamudi peak, and Idukki Dam. It is isolated from other hill ranges of Munnar. Sunrise at Chokramudi Peak is a sight that you should not miss if you’re at Munnar.
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