Situated at the confluence of the three mountain streams named Kundala, Nallathanni, and Muthirapuzha, Munnar is a beautiful hill station in Kerala. Munnar itself means “Three Rivers” in Malayalam. This popular hill station in Kerala beckons you with its unending expanses of tea gardens, rolling hills, misty mountains, and pleasant weather. It is a must-visit place during a trip to Kerala. Munnar is a great choice for families, honeymooners, and nature enthusiasts to explore the endless beauty of the region. Our Munnar travel guide will help you plan a trip to Munnar. We have covered all the essential information related to Munnar tours, like when to visit, how to reach, and the ideal duration for the trip. We have even highlighted the best places to visit in Munnar.
About Munnar
Munnar is a hill station, located in the Idukki district of the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. Situated at an altitude of 1600 m above sea level, Munnar was once the summer retreat for the British government in the colonial era. Now, it is a popular summer holiday destination in Kerala. People from around the world visit this magnificent hill station for a soul-rejuvenating experience. Its winding lanes and tea plantation spreads over stretches make Munnar a picturesque land. This exotic holiday destination has a lot to offer its visitors. Let’s see what things you can see and do in Munnar to make the most out of your trip.
Best Places to Visit in Munnar
Munnar is a beautiful tourist destination in India, loved by many people. Tourists who are visiting Kerala must visit this place. It is a popular honeymoon destination in Kerala, but adventure seekers and nature lovers alike also visit this exotic holiday destination. It's the unending expanses of tea gardens, cool climate, and misty mountains that attract tourists. This destination also has many things in store for tourists of all kinds.
Nestled amongst the panoramic scenery, Munnar offers a plethora of tourist attractions to explore. No matter whether you need a laid-back vacation or an adventure, these tourist spots offer a revitalizing retreat. Here are the best places to see in Munnar, which also offer some recreational activities to do.
Eravikulam National Park
Located in the lush green hill station of Munnar, Eravikulam National Park is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. Every tourist on their Kerala tour must visit this place. This park is breathtakingly beautiful and is famous for its rolling grasslands, natural wonders, rare wildlife, and the Neelakurinji bloom (a flower that blooms once in 12 years). People mostly make their way to Eravikulam National Park to spot Nilgiri Tahr. The park is a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure. Whether you are an adventure seeker, wildlife lover, or nature lover, the park has something to offer you.
Echo Point
One of the top attractions of Munnar is Echo Point. It is famous for its natural phenomenon of echo. It beckons tourists with its natural wonders and mystical allure. A perfect spot for a leisurely walk and a serene picnic with friends and family. Echo Point is located at an altitude of 600 metres, just 15 km from Munnar hill station. It lies on the bank of a lake. It gives a panoramic view of the surrounding hills. This picturesque attraction is a year-round tourist destination in Munnar. When in Munnar with your partner or family, you must visit this place to marvel at nature’s acoustic wonder and immerse yourself in serene surroundings. It offers an unforgettable experience.
Attukad Waterfalls
Attukad Waterfalls is a hidden gem in Munnar. In fact, it is one of the most spectacular destinations in Kerala. This destination attracts mainly trekkers who love to trek on scenic routes. Attukad Waterfalls is famous for its long trekking routes. The entire region is filled with sparkling streams. When you embark on this scenic journey, you get to see the beautiful cascades, scenic vistas, and sightings of rare flora and fauna. It is an ideal place to head out with family on a picnic and camping with family and friends.
Tata Tea Museum
Officially known as the Kannan Devan Hills Plantation, the Tata Tea Museum tells the transformation story of Munnar from an uninhabited stretch of forest to a tea plantation town. The museum will let you know everything about the history, cultivation, and processing of tea in Kerala. This museum is amidst the lush greenery and rolling hills. Here you will see the old machinery used for tea processing, the photographs that show the efforts of the adventure planters of that time.
Wonder Valley Adventure and Amusement Park
Munnar is not only a heaven for nature lovers, but also has many things in store for adventure seekers. The tourists on their Munnar tour with family or friends can enjoy adventurous activities in the Wonder Valley Adventure and Amusement Park. This is among the top attractions of Munnar, offering recreational activities and fun rides appropriate for children and adults. You can indulge in zip-lining and bungee jumping. Apart from this, the park also includes Charlie Chaplin Walk, Dashing Cars, and a natural waterfall. With over 35 fun activities, this amusement park has something for everyone.
Kundala Lake
If you are on a Munnar trip with family, you must visit Kundala Lake. It is a lagoon at a height of 1700 m above sea level. Kundala is a picturesque town where you can have a refreshing experience. The tea plantation, Kundala Lake, and Asia’s first arch-shaped dam are the main attractions of Kundala town. You can indulge in joyous boat riding on the lake and soak in the beautiful visuals of the Munnar region.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the best places to visit in Munnar is Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for its diverse landscapes and scenic beauty. This sanctuary is spread over an area of 90 square kilometres and offers a scenic view of the rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Popular for its varied flora and fauna, it is part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers looking to explore Kerala's natural beauty and ecological richness.
Munnar Rose Garden
The Rose Garden in Munnar is a floral paradise. It is officially known as KDFC (Kerala Forest Development Corporation). Due to its wide collection of roses, the place is popularly known as the Rose Garden. People who love plants must visit this paradise. Here you will see the different varieties of roses and other ornamental plants. This garden is located just 2 km from the Munnar town. Exploring the Munnar mystic hills and the tea plantation, visiting the Rose Garden will be a pure treat to your eyes.
These were the best places to visit in Munnar, Kerala. Whether you are on a trip with friends, family, or your partner, you must explore these beautiful destinations. Apart from soaking in the scenic landscapes of Munnar, you get several adventurous activities to enjoy. Let’s see the top things to do in Munnar.
Top Things to Do in Munnar
Munnar is not only a romantic destination in India that has enchanting landscapes and verdant stretches around but it also offers a variety of activities to enjoy. Whether you are a nature lover who admires natural beauty and wildlife or you are an adventure seeker who wants to indulge in adventures, Munnar has something for every tourist. Here are the best things to do in Munnar:
Mountain Biking
Imagine yourself cycling through some of the most breathtaking tea-growing meadows and enjoying the enchanting landscapes. Does it fascinate you? If so, mountain biking is what you must do in Munnar, Kerala. Doing this as the first thing in the morning is what will let you enjoy the beauty of the mesmerizing hill station. You will pass through tea plantations and their adjoining villages.
Boating
Munnar is not only about experiencing the misty mountains and lush greenery, but you also get some recreational activities to enjoy, like boating. Kundala Lake is one of the best places to see in Munnar, where you can enjoy pedal boating, row boating, and shikara rides. Besides, you can even indulge in motorboating at Mattupetty Dam.
Elephant Safari
Kerala and elephants have a deep connection. They are an integral part of Kerala’s cultural and religious life. And, when you are in Munnar, Kerala, you must not miss the experience of an elephant ride. Go for an elephant safari in Carmelagiri Elephant Park, which is an appealing attraction in Munnar. They offer 10 to 15-minute elephant safari rides through the park.
Ayurvedic Spa
Ayurveda is deeply rooted in Kerala’s culture, and you can experience this specialty in Munnar as well. Many resorts feature spa centres that offer soul-rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments.
Best Time to Visit Munnar in Kerala
Munnar is a hill station; hence, the climate is often pleasant here. It is a popular summer holiday destination in Kerala. So, you can visit here during the summer season from April to June. It’s the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing. The summer season has its own charm in Munnar. The evenings are soothing, and the views of the blooming flowers are charming.
However, the best time to visit Munnar in Kerala is generally during the winter months from October to March. You will get pleasant and cool weather with clear skies. Couples on their honeymoon trip usually visit Munnar during winter.
Ideal Duration for Munnar Trip
In general, people opt for a 2-day Munnar tour package. While it is sufficient to explore Munnar, it is not enough to explore the multitude of spaces Munnar has. Munnar is a popular hill station and tourist destination in Kerala. Brimming with natural beauty, the hill station has myriad things to explore. So, 3 days are ideal for a relaxed Munnar trip. This allows you enough time to visit the key attractions and explore the beauty of the hill station. And if you are planning to do trekking or camping, then you will need 4 days in Munnar.
How to Reach Munnar
Munnar is a paradise for nature lovers. It enthrals tourists with its misty mountains and expansive tea gardens. This hill station is one of India’s beautiful destinations to visit and a must-visit destination for every Kerala trip plan. But the question is, how do you reach Munnar?
Well, Munnar is a popular hill station in Kerala. Hence, it is well-connected with the major cities of Kerala by road. But you can also reach Munnar by flight or train. Here’s how you will reach Munnar by bus, train, and flight.
How to Reach Munnar by Flight
Boarding a flight is the fastest and most convenient way to visit Munnar. However, Munnar does not have its own domestic or international airports. The nearest airport to Munnar is the Cochin International Airport. You get direct flights from different parts of the country, like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, etc. Once you are here, take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Munnar while enjoying a scenic road trip.
How to Reach Munnar by Train
Munnar does not have a dedicated railway station. To travel to Munnar by train, you will have to arrive at Ernakulam Junction or Aluva. These two are the nearest railway stations to Munnar. Ernakulam Railway Station is the major railway hub and is well-connected to the rest of the country. You get trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore. Ernakulam is only 130 km from Munnar, which will take 3 to 4 hours by road to reach Munnar.
How to Reach Munnar by Road
Munnar is well-connected to the major cities of Kerala. You get regular private and government buses from the major cities of Kerala to Munnar. Besides, buses are also available from Tamil Nadu. The road trip to Munnar is the perfect choice for you if you want a trip filled with breathtaking views. So, you can book a personal taxi or cab to reach Munnar from your city.
