Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Munnar – Chase Waterfalls, Trek Peaks, and Sip Tea in Kerala’s Highlands
From misty mountains to lush tea gardens, the tourist attractions in Munnar promise an unforgettable escape into nature’s finest wonders…
Do the call of the monsoons sway you to the lush tropics of Kerala? If so, consider visiting the quaint town of Munnar – an idyllic hill station where clouds and lush greenery form a picturesque setting in the middle of rolling hills. This travel guide captures some of the most incredible tourist attractions in Munnar. In this article, we will look at a Munnar travel itinerary and some of the most asked questions about the place as well.
Where is Munnar hill station located?
Munnar is located in the tropical state of Kerala in the culturally rich south India. The nearest city to Munnar is Kochi and the town can be accessed by rail and road. It is 110 kilometers away from Cochin International Airport (CIAL).
Why this town captivates every traveler – A glimpse into the must-see tourist attractions in Munnar
Tea gardens and spice cultivations in Munnar
If you have seen pictures of bright green tea gardens carpeting hillsides, chances are that you have already glimpsed at Munnar. Nestled among the Western Ghats mountain range, this town is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Kerala. Cozy evenings spent tasting tea in tea gardens, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, make it an excellent escape for the mind and body. Tea plantation tours and stays at spice cultivation bungalows also make it attractive to newly weds and young families.
Wildlife and nature walks
The high altitude of the town (5,200 feet above sea level) has created a unique ecosystem for flora such as the neelakurinji to flourish. Munnar is also a nature lover’s trove, situated near the Eravikulam National Park and Chinner Wildlife Sanctuary.
Wildlife and birds you can spot at these parks and their surrounding areas include:
- The endangered Nilgiri Tahr
- Indian elephants
- Langur
- Martens
- Black and orange flycatcher
- Nilgiri pipit
- Nilgiri wood pigeon
- White-bellied shortwing
- Kerala laughing thrush
Drives and offroading adventures in Munnar
Munnar’s winding roads flanked with tea gardens and fog make it a motor biker’s paradise as well. Its interconnectedness with numerous scenic tourist spots in the Idukki district makes it the perfect pitstop for bikers going the long route.
Bike route suggestions: Bike across the Kannan Devan Hills to the Marayoor Sandalwood Reserve, the Mannavan Shola evergreen forest, Thoovanam waterfalls and towards the Devikulam Adventure Club.
Other cycling routes are:
- From Devikulam to Top Station
- From Top Station to Kundali Tea Estate
- From Kundali Tea Estate to Devikulam
- From Munnar to Suryanelli
Trekking the peaks of the Western Ghats – Meesapulimala, Kolukumalai, Anamudi peak, etc
Trekking in Munnar is a must-do activity when you visit, primarily because of the town’s proximity to many notable peaks such as the Anamudi peak and Meesapulimala on the Western Ghats. Some views and animals can be seen only on such treks.
The Meesapulimala trek has garnered lots of attention after a Malayalam film “Charlie” sighted the experience as a “once-in-a-lifetime’ adventure.
Now let’s look at some of the must-see tourist places in Munnar and why it is such a great destination in India!
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Munnar, Kerala
Munnar sightseeing is often ranked amongst the top tourist things to do in Kerala. It is no wonder that with all its natural beauty, culturally rich arts and homemade meals, Munnar stays in the heart of the tourists and locals alike. Here is our list of the best tourist attractions in Munnar:
- Neelakuruinji bloom
- Tea plantations
- Eravikulam National Park
- Kundala lake
- Top Station
- Attukal waterfalls
- Pallivasal village
- Echo Point
- Anamudi peak
- Meesapulimala
Already excited? Let’s delve a little more into each one of these unique Munnar experiences…
1. Neelakurinji bloom in Kerala’s tea hills
The humid slopes of the Western Ghats are home to a rare species of plants known as the Neelakurinji (strobilanthes kunthiana). These blue and purple blossoms are a delight to the eye as they cascade down Munnar’s misty hill slopes. What’s most interesting about the Neelakurinji bloom is that the flowers bloom every 12 years only. This makes it one of the most unique and rare tourist attractions in Munnar.
When will Munnar’s neelakurinji flower bloom next?
The last bloom was in 2018 and it attracted botanists, nature lovers, photographers and travelers from all around the world along with locals who helped preserve its natural habitat. The next neelakurinji bloom is predicted to be in 2030. There will be several sightseeing tours available at that time for viewing of these flowers and their photo spots. So keep that in mind when planning your Munnar travel during that time.
Documented neelakurinji bloomings across the years: 1838, 1850, 1862, 1874, 1886, 1898, 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 and 2018.
Where can you see the neelakurinjis in Munnar?
- The grasslands of Eravikulam National Park
- Rajamala
- Koviloor
- Top Station
When is the best time to see this rare tourist attraction in Munnar?
Best times to see the neelakurinjis: From July to October (August to October is full bloom)
2. Tea plantations – one of the iconic tourist attractions of Munnar
Munnar’s cool weather and misty climate had made it ideal for tea cultivation for centuries. It is also known as Kerala’s tea hills. Records indicate that during the British colonial period (in the 19th century), planters from Europe and other lands chose to start tea plantations in Munnar’s hill slopes. A.H. Sharp was the European planter who introduced tea plantations for the first time in the town in 1880. He purchased around 50 acres of land and employed locals for the tea cultivation. Munnar has never looked back ever since.
Kanan Devan Tea Factory
The Kannan Devan Hills Plantation (KDHP) Tea Museum is one of the most fascinating and historic tourist attractions of Munnar. It details the evolution of the tea trade, early cultivators and the role of Tata Tea company in boosting the economy of Munnar with its tea business.
You can enjoy all the following experiences at Munnar’s tea museum:
- Tea tastings
- Tea making demonstrations
- Tea purchases – rare blends, white tea with special discounts and samples
- Workshops and interactive displays
- Heritage bungalow and plantation tours
3. Eravikulam National Park – A getaway to Munnar’s nature walks, treks and wilderness photo spots
The Eravikulam National Park is 97 square kilometers of sholas (tropical rainforests), grasslands and hill locks. Perched at 7000 feet above sea level, it is home to the Anamudi peak, the highest mountain south of the Himalayas.
What is Eravikulam National Park most famous for?
It’s wildlife and plants! Sightings of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, tigers, leopards, sloths, giant squirrels and civet cats are common along its slopes. The neelakurinji also inhabit the ambits of the park along with its pollinators like the Atlas moth, bees and butterflies.
You can explore Eravikulam National Park by means of a:
- Trek (the Lakkom Falls trail or the Gouldsbury trail)
- A stay at the Lakkom log house
- An overnight camp on the trails or rims of the park
Eravikulam National Park closes for 2 months in winter for the calving season of the Nilgiri Tahr. The updated months are mentioned in the park’s official website. The website also has the permits required for the visit.
4. Kundala Lake – Pristine boating destination in Munnar for families and couples
The Kundala Lake is an artificial dam created as a part of the Pallivasal hydroelectric project in Munnar. Its picturesque views and peaceful surroundings flanked with cherry blossoms and neelakurinjis make it a great picnic spot.
Boating in Kundala Lake is a particularly popular activity. The Kashmiri shikkara boats along with the regular row and pedal boats are available for visitors to see the ends of the lake at their own pace.
The Tata Tea golf course is another fun tourist attraction in Munnar’s Pallivasal area, where the Kundala Lake is located.
5. Top Station
Top Station was the highest railway station in the Kundala valley, and hence, got its name. A main center for tea trade, Top Station was initially a spot used to transport tea through the Kottagudi Aerial Ropeway to Kodaikanal. It then got a monorail designated for itself and later had a narrow gauge railway used to move tea and goods through the locality.
Why is Top Station one of the top tourist attractions in Munnar? – Because of its above-the-clouds views of course!
From an altitude of 1700 meters, you can witness the merger of two states – Kerala and Tamil Nadu; specifically the hills of the Western Ghats and the Theni valley of Tamil Nadu. Climb up the Top Station watchtower and catch a glimpse of the nearby Neelakurinji bloom as well if you are travelling in the mass bloom years.
Top Station has benches and refreshments for those who need a break from climbing up the steps of the watchtower.
Top Station Sunrise Trek at Munnar
The Top Station sunrise trek is a great way to see the beauty of the surrounding landscapes in the silhouette of the rising sun. It runs in two sections and includes an overnight camp. Most trekkers who have undertaken the Top Station sunrise trek term it as an unforgettable experience with epic Top Station views!
If you are still interested in more tourist attractions of Munnar, the official Kerala tourism website also provides some guidelines.
6. Attukal waterfalls
The Attukal or Attukad waterfalls is a thundering cascade of water located on the Munnar-Pallivasal Road. There are numerous lookout points to enjoy these falls, the main one being the pool into which the waterfalls culminate at the very base.
Attukal waterfall treks are a treat for trekkers who want some respite from the heat. Winding through shola forests, small streams and wooden bridges, the 3 kilometer waterfall trek is sure to get you in the mood for a dip.
Night camping is another major attraction at Attukal. Fall asleep to the lull of water showering nearby at the pre-booked campsites.
Entry to Attukal waterfalls is free, however, there may be specialized guided tours which may charge a fee.
7. Pallivasal village – One of the lesser known yet historic tourist attractions in Munnar
Located about 8 kilometers from Munnar, this quaint village in Idukki district is surrounded with green tea plantations, several water bodies and misty mountain views. Pallivasal is where the first hydroelectric water project in Kerala was established in 1940 by the then Maharajah of Travancore. The Pallivasal Hydroelectric Project is located on the Mudhirapuzha river and includes two reservoirs, two dams, a diversion dam and a powerhouse.
What to do at the Pallivasal village:
- Soak in cloud-filled views of the valley at the Second Mile viewpoint
- Take a selfie with the artsy steam locomotive engine at Karadippara View Point
- Enjoy traditional arts and theatre at the Punarjani Traditional Village
8. Echo Point
En route to Top Station along the Munnar-kodaikanal road, along the banks of the Mattupetty dam, is Echo Point.
What captivates travellers about Munnar’s Echo Point?
A great spot for a picnic, some local food and nature walks, Echo Point is one of the must-see tourist attractions in Munnar. The place exudes with scenic charm and gives travelers a chance to enjoy its greenish waters alongside the resplendent Nilgiri Hills in a boat. An interesting observation about the Echo Point is that the water has a perpetually green color. And if you are lucky, you may find elephants and other wild animals descending the slopes for a water bath.
But the main phenomenon behind which the place got its name is an acoustic feature – When you stand at this point and shout, your words reverberate back to you. This echo phenomenon is why thousands of people flock to Echo Point every year.
9. Anamudi Peak – a thrilling adventure spot and one of the must-see tourist attractions in Munnar
This 8842 ft mountain is the highest peak in India beyond the Himalayas. The Anamudi peak is under the reserves of the Eravikulam National Park and is home to a large population of elephants, the lion-tailed macaque, gaurs, tigers and of course, the Nilgiri Tahr. It is surrounded by teak and blackwood trees.
Interesting fact: “Ana” means elephant in the local language Malayalam. The top of the mountain looks like the forehead of an elephant, and hence, it got the name “Anamudi.”
Anamudi peak has a strategic location, being in the cusp of three hill ranges – the Anamalai Hills, Palani Hills and Cardamom Hills. From the top of the peak, you can get breathtaking views of Thekkady, Munnar and Tamil Nadu.
Anamudi peak trekking:
- A 2-3 day trek beginning at the foothills of the Eravikulam National Park with stops at tribal villages
- A 2-hour trek from the park to the peak
- Kurinji trail
- Cascade walk along the Lakkam waterfalls
The rules regarding Anamudi peak’s trekking are subject to changes by the forest officials. Check their website and get the necessary approvals before beginning the trek. Trekking is banned in February and March as it is the calving season for the Nilgiri Tahrs
10. Meesapulimala – the ultimate thrill-seeker’s paradise and one of Munnar’s most exhilarating tourist hotspots!
The second-highest peak in the Western Ghats, Meesapulimala gets its name from the local language translation of “tiger whiskers” – a shape the peak oddly resembles. The peak is located 24 kilometers away from Munnar and makes a great day trip.
Meesapulimala trip highlights include:
- Treks by the KFDC (Kerala Forest Development Corporation) – base camp tents, glass-ceiling stays and special access to parts of the hills available according to different packages!
- Seeing Pandava caves on the way to Rhodo Valley
- Enjoying the Rhododendron bloom during the descent from the mountain
- Jeep safaris to explore the mountain’s surroundings
And that sums up the top 10 tourist attractions in Munnar, Kerala!
Traditional foods in Munnar that can lighten up your tastebuds
Kerala is home to some delicious tangy and tasty meal preparations, most of which are based on rice (often matta rice).
While in Munnar, don’t forget to try some of their unique foods such as:
- The marayoor sharkara or marayoor jaggery
- Tea blends (of course!)
- Kerala sadhya – A detailed guide to which is here.
- Appam with stew
- Kottayam red fish curry
Also, sample some of the homemade chocolates and spices (cardamon, mace, cloves and pepper), most of which are cultivated by small home owners in their backyards.
Additional FAQs about tourist attractions in Munnar
1. When is the best time to visit Munnar?
Munnar is best experienced in the winter season (October to March). The rains settle down and mist hangs loosely around mountains, creating the perfect atmosphere to enjoy all the sights hill station has to offer. This is also peak season, so you might have to make bookings in advance to avoid crowds.
2. Is 2 days enough to explore Munnar’s sights?
Two days is good enough for Munnar sightseeing. Choosing a weekday rather than a weekend would be a good idea. The main Munnar attractions are the tea plantations and national parks, which you can split among the days.
A snapshot of Munnar’s beauty and scenic wonders on Travel and Trots YouTube channel:
3. Can you give me a 2-day itinerary for Munnar?
Here is a compilation of what you can see in Munnar in 2 days:
Day 1:
Morning: Take a scenic drive along Kolukkumalai or the Tata tea gardens. Visit the Kanan Devan Tea Museum.
Afternoon: Water fun at Mattupetty Dam and shikkara boat rides at Kundala Lake. Also, try your echo at Echo Point.
Evening: Climb aboard the Top Station watch tower and enjoy the evening views.
Day 2:
Morning: Enter the Eravikulam National Park and try to spot the Nilgiri Tahr. Anamudi Peak can also be seen on this trek.
Afternoon: Roam through the spice plantations of Munnar and enjoy cloudy views of the Western Ghats at Lockhart Gap. Alternatively, take a quick dip in the cool waters of Attukal waterfalls.
Evening: Soak in an ayurvedic massage or a cultural dance program at Pallivasal theatre.
4. How is the weather at Munnar?
Munnar weather is the coolest in January and February with highs of 23 degrees celsius and lows of 13 degrees celsius. Carry a light jacket with you when you travel to the town, especially the high-altitude viewpoints. May tends to be the hottest of months with highs of 36 degrees celsius.
Final Thoughts
This article aimed at showcasing the best tourist attractions in Munnar. Munnar has plenty of adventure and activities for all ages and types of travelers. It is most famous for its tea gardens, misty hillslopes and trekking options. This also makes Munnar a great honeymoon destination and is worth a trip if you are looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
If this list inspires you to book a ticket and fly to Kerala, then comment below and share this article with your friends and family. If you have any questions, you can mention that in the comments and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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References:
- Kerala Tourism official website – https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/munnar/202/
- Kerala.com Travel Division (Munnar) – https://www.munnar.com
- Eravikulam National Park official website – https://www.eravikulamnationalpark.in/landing/axRegister.php
More about Kerala:
- Taste this mouthwatering banana leaf banquet comprising of 24+ curries, rice, pappadom and milk and jaggery desserts – The Kerala sadhya
