Kerala Tourism - Plan your trip with complete Kerala travel guide including top places.

Munnar Kerala

Located in the Idukki district of Kerala, Munnar is an enchanting hill station and is also known as ‘Swiss of South India’ and ‘Kashmir of South India’. Munnar literally means ‘Three Rivers’ and is settled on the confluence of 3 rivers - Madurapuzha, Kundala and Nallathanni. It used to be the summer resort of the British Governors of South India and is home to world’s best tea estates.

Munnar is the home to Anamudi, the highest peak in South India. The Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years, serve as another magnificent form of tourist attraction, when these bloomed flowers wrap the valleys and hills. Munnar is also known to be the spice centre of Kerala as more than 12 varieties of spice cultivation takes place here.

How to Reach -

  • By Air - The nearest airport from Munnar is Cochin International Airport, approximately 125 km away from Munnar. Flights from all major cities of India land here.
  • By Rail -Ernakulam junction at Kochi is the nearest railway station from Munnar, at a distance of about 124 km, well connected with all the significant cities. Aluva railway station also connects to Munnar and is at a distance of 108 kms approx.
  • By Road - Once you land at Cochin International Airport or alight from Ernakulam Junction or Aluva railway station, roads are steadily connected to Munnar. You can either book a cab or board Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses to reach Munnar by road.
munnar in kerala
munnar tour

Best places to visit in Munnar

Meesapulimala - Meesapulimala is the second highest peak in the Western ghats and a trekkers' paradise. This is a perfect spot for solitary confinement amid nature for some time. Even if you do not choose to trek, the scenic beauty surrounding you will suffice to bring peace to your soul.

TATA Tea Museum - Dedicate a couple of hours at TATA Tea Museum at Nallathanni Estate, to get a visual experience of several gradations and modulation of the most popular beverage, tea. The estate is the world's second largest manufacturer and distributor of tea. Visiting the museum, you must attend the special screening show about the process of tea making at 10 am or 2 pm.

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate - Viewing the tea plantations amid the mist of clouds offers an ultimate level of satisfaction to the eyes. Located at the height of 2400 metres above sea level, the place is worth capturing in memory as well as in lenses.

Nyayamakad Waterfalls - Although a normal waterfall, still captivating. Watching the local women picking up tea leaves seems to be in a rhythm. Spend an hour here admiring the beauty of the fall and the nature surrounding it.

Echo Point - On the way to Top Station, Echo Point lies at a distance of 15 kms from Munnar. At an altitude of 600 ft, the spot is famous for echoing phenomena and the lush greenery covering the valleys.

hillstation
hillstation

Top Station - The highest altitude in Munnar, the Top Station offers the best panoramic view from its top, hence a must visit place at Munnar. You need to be favoured by luck to get clear weather to view the sightings from Top Station, as Munnar receives frequent rainfall and the place is covered with mist and clouds most of the time.

Kundala Lake - A perfect place to visit early in the morning, Kundala Lake is located approximately 20 kms from Munnar’scentre. Enjoy a ride at Shikara to get the captivating view of the sun’s reflection falling on the lake. If you visit between August to October, then you can also get hold of the sights of bloomed Neelakurinji flowers.

Eravikulam National Park - Eravikulam National Park wears the crown of UNESCO World Heritage Site and also the natural habitat of the endangered mountain goat Nilgiri Tahr. September - November and April - June is the best time to visit the national park and its uniqueness lies in the walking trails, unlike the other national parks that offer jeep safari.

Anamudi Peak - The highest peak in the Western Ghats and South India, Anamudi peak is also known as the Himalaya of the South. It is nestled inside the Eravikulam National Park and if you intend to trek here, you need to get special permission from the forest department.

Mattupetty Dam - The eye capturing beauty of the Mattupetty Dam encompasses the beautiful lake and the tea plantations. Engage in a boat ride on the lake to imbibe nature and serenity to the fullest. Visit the Indo Swiss Dairy Farm, very close to the dam. However, entering there requires prior permission and only 3 out of 11 cattle sheds are open for visitors.

hillstation
hillstation

Pothamedu View Point - Adorned with tea, coffee and cardamom plantations, Pothamedu is an offbeat destination that serves fantastic views from its top point. The drive to the viewpoint is filled with enthralling scenery and is an ideal spot for hiking and trekking activities.

Atukkad Waterfalls - The cascading beauty falls from an altitude of 100 ft and is accompanied by tea plantations and dense foliage. The viewpoints of Atukkad Waterfalls bestow a true treat to the tourists’ eyes.

Cheeyappara Waterfalls - The waterfall makes its way through seven steps that offers a picturesque beauty, especially when watched from the bottom area of the second step.

Must do activities

1. Stroll through the tea estates - The emerald green tea gardens carpet over the rolling hills of Munnar. Taking a stroll through these plantations and tasting the tea at TATA Tea Museum and Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is worth capturing in memory.

2. Ride elephant at Carmelagiri Elephant Ride - On the way to Mattupetty Dam visit the Carmelagiri Elephant Park to experience an elephant ride through the foggy forests and the uneven paths. Also watch the elephants following commands of the instructors and demonstrating timber dragging and indulge in feeding and bathing them.

3. Experience a tree house stay - Nestled amid the tall trees and surrounded by the tea plantations, book a stay at treehouses to experience the combination of excitement and serenity. The eco-friendly treehouses are built from choir, bamboo, straw, wood and hay, and the chirping of birds make the mornings interesting and musical.

4. Enjoy at Wonder Valley Adventure Park - This amusement park is a place to involve in numerous fun-filled activities, especially for the couples. Some of the intriguing activities include wave pool, rain dancing spot, flowing river, Charlie Chaplain walk, bungee jumping, climbing elegant tree houses, etc.

5. Indulge in adventurous activities - Munnar comes with a wide array of activities to dare you to demonstrate your courage and love for thrill. Engage yourself into various activities like trekking, hiking, paragliding, cycling, rock climbing, rappelling, etc.