About Munnar

Country: India | State: Kerala

Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 Days

Nearest City to Munnar: Kochi (120 Kms)

Best Time to Visit Munnar: October to March

Peak Season: December to January & May to June

At a distance of 120 km from Kochi, 284 km from Trivandrum, 142 km from Coimbatore, 134 km from Kottayam, 153 km from Thrissur, 100 km from Athirapally Falls, and 150 km from Madurai, Munnar is a fascinating hill resort located in Idukki district of Kerala. It is one of the best hill stations in India, and among the must include places in Kerala tour packages.

Munnar town is situated at an altitude ranging from 5000 to 8000 feet on the Kannan Devan Hills in Devikulam taluk and is the largest town in the Idukki district covering an area of nearly 557 sq. km. It is also called the Swiss of South India. This is also one of the famous places to visit near Kochi, Coimbatore & Madurai cities. Mattupetty Dam, Pothamedu Viewpoint and Tea Museum are among the must include places in your Munnar tour packages.

Munnar was once the summer resort of the British Governors of South India. Munnar is at the confluence of three rivers - Madurapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. In Tamil, Munnar means 'Three Rivers'. Munnar is home to some of the world's best tea estates. The majority of the plantations are owned by Tata Group's Kannan Devan Tea Estate. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi, which towers over 2695 meters. Trekking facilities are available to reach Anamudi on foot.

The tea plants covering Munnar hills make the feeling of seeing a wide green carpet. Munnar's mesmerizing greenery, mountains, calmness, lakes, and waterfalls attract honeymooners and tourists throughout the year. Mattupetty Dam, Echo point, Kundala Lake, Top Station, Anamudi peak, Devikulam, Nyayamkad falls, Thoovanam falls, Eravikulam National Park, and Attukal Waterfalls are the popular places to visit in Munnar.

Munnar is also known for Neelakurinji flowers, which blooms once in 12 years. The Kurinji season in Munnar is a magnificent sight as the hills and valleys are blanketed by Neelakurinji blooms. Munnar is a trekker's paradise too, which offers both soft and mountain trekking. Visit the wildlife sanctuaries around Munnar. One can watch the splendor of wildlife at the Eravikulam, Thattekad, or Chinnar wildlife sanctuaries. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and the process involved in brewing tea leaves. It is also known for being the spice center of Kerala. Over twelve varieties of spices including ginger, garlic, cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, coffee, tea, clove, and nutmeg are cultivated in Munnar and its neighboring villages.

The nearest airport to reach Munnar is Kochi, about 125 km away. The Kochi International Airport is not only well connected to the rest of the country but also different parts of the world. The nearest railway stations are Ernakulam (126 km) and Aluva (110 km). Munnar, Kerala is also well connected by road. Bus services are available from Kochi, Alleppey, Madurai, Idukki and Aluva.

Munnar offers different experiences throughout the year, while March to May is the peak season. It usually takes at least two full days to explore the Munnar sightseeing places.

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Other Info
Internet Availability: Average
STD Code: 04865
Languages Spoken: Malayalam, Hindi, English
Major Festivals: Details Not Available
Notes/Tips:
None

How to Reach Munnar

By Air

Nearest Airport: Kochi - Cochin International Airport (101 Kms)

By Train

Nearest Train Station: Ernakulam Jn (South) Railway Station (121 Kms)

By Bus

Nearest Bus Station: Munnar KSRTC Bus Station (0 Kms)

Top 13 Places to Visit in Munnar

Backwaters | Nature

#1 of 52 Places to Visit in Munnar

At a distance of 10 km from Munnar Bus Station, Mattupetty Dam is a storage Concrete Gravity dam situated on Top Station Road in Munnar. It is one of the best Munnar places to visit to experience the beauty of Munnar along with boating.

Constructed in 1953, Mattupetty Dam was constructed under the Pallivasal Hydro-electric project for water conservation and power generation. Now the dam is a vital source of electricity generation in Munnar and also a haven for many wild animals and birds due to its constant water availability.

The most attractive part of Mattupetty Dam is its still water which reflects the tea garden around. Visitors can engage themselves with water sport activities like speed boating organized by the District Tourism Promotion Council of Idukki (Munnar) and enjoy the pretty natural surroundings of this beautiful dam as part of Munnar holiday packages. Adventure .....

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Wildlife | Adventure

#2 of 52 Places to Visit in Munnar

At a distance of 16 km from Munnar, Eravikulam National Park is a protected wildlife reserve located in Munnar. Situated on Munnar - Udumalpet Road, it is one of the popular national parks in Kerala, and among the must visit places during Munnar tour.

The Eravikulam National Park was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr. Earlier, the area was managed as a game preserve by the Kanan Devan Hills Produce Company. The government of Kerala resumed control in 1971 and declared the Eravikulam-Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary in 1975 and became a National Park in 1978.

The national park is spread across an area of 97sq. km and is a protected area. The park is extended into Tamil Nadu and is known as Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary. This region is famous as the natural habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Nearly half the world's population of this rare species is found in the area. Other .....

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Nature

#3 of 52 Places to Visit in Munnar

At a distance of 3 km from Munnar Bus Station, Pothamedu Viewpoint is a spectacular vantage point situated on Bisonvalley road in Munnar. It is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Munnar and among the must-visit places as part of Munnar packages.

Pothamedu Viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the Kannan Devan Hills of the Munnar region and it also offers a great view of the surrounding tea gardens. This stunning location is perfect for tourists, who love to view the refreshing plantations of coffee, tea, and cardamom and spend some time in the lap of nature with great views. If the day is clear, you can also see the Muthirapuzha River and Idukki Arch Dam from quite a height. Watching the sun slide down the horizon in the vast expanse of the Sahyadri ranges is one perfect way of spending your vacation in this quaint town.

Counted among the most scenic Munnar places to visit, this .....

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Museum

#4 of 52 Places to Visit in Munnar

At a distance of 3.5 km from Munnar Bus Station, Tea Museum is a wonderful place to visit in Munnar town. The museum is owned by Kannan Devan Hills Plantations Limited owned by Tata Group. Visit to Tea Museum is one of the top things to do in Munnar.

The museum exhibits different equipment used in tea manufacturing from early 20th century to late 20th century. Some of the items exhibited in the museum include the tea leave cutting machines, power making equipment, etc. The process of tea manufacturing is also explained in the museum.

The museum is situated in a scenic location on Pooyankuty Road on the outskirts of Munnar town.

Timings: 10 AM to 4 PM. Monday Holiday.

Entry Fee: Rs. 75 for Adults, Rs. 35 for Children below 12 years, Rs. 20 for Camera

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Adventure | Nature

#5 of 52 Places to Visit in Munnar

At a distance of 32 Kms from Munnar, Top Station is a breathtakingly beautiful place on Kerala - Tamilnadu boarder. From here, one can get 360 degrees view of the Western Ghats. This is one of the best Munnar tourist places and among the prime place to visit on a Munnar tour.

At an altitude of 2200 meters, this place is also known for the Neelakurunji Plant, which flowers only once every 12 years (next flowering year is 2018). The view point is at a distance of 2 kms from the road point and has to be trekked down. The trek path is very steep with deep valleys one side. One should be very careful while trekking to the view point, which offers lifetime memories. Top Station is the highest approachable road in South India.

The viewpoint at Top Station offers breathtakingly beautiful views of Kannan Devan Hills. The valleys all around, the misty mountains and distant waterfalls all .....

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Nature

#6 of 52 Places to Visit in Munnar

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 tourist places to visit in Munnar.

The tea gardens are owned by Kannan Devan Hills Plantations Limited owned by Tata Group and it is a private property. Visitors can take photographs at the entrance of garden without disturbing the plantations.

This place is situated on the main road with running traffic and tourists are advised to be careful while taking pictures standing close to the road.

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Backwaters

#7 of 52 Places to Visit in Munnar

At a distance of 20 km from Munnar, Kundala Lake is a picturesque lake situated on the way to Top Station from Munnar. It is one of the scenic places to visit in Munnar.

The lake is formed by Kundala artificial dam, which is a small dam in cured shape. The lake offer boating facility. The unique experience of boating in Kashmiri boats in this lake is a special attraction. These boats are also known as Shikara Boats. Kundala Lake is one of the best places for sightseeing in Munnar. The tea estates spread across Kundala are a real feast to the eyes.


There is also a golf course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd in Kundala village.

Boating Timings: 9 AM to 5:30 PM

Boating Fee (30 minutes): Shikara Boat - Rs 200 for 2 persons, Row Boats - Rs 150 for 4 persons, Pedal Boat - Rs 100 for 2 persons

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Hill Station

#8 of 52 Places to Visit in Munnar

At a distance of 18 km from Munnar Bus Station & 45 km from Idukki, Devikulam is a cute hill station near Munnar. At an altitude of 1800 m, it is one of the lesser-known hill stations in Kerala, and among the must-include places in Munnar sightseeing packages.

The name Devikulam is a combination of two words Devi from the goddess Devi and kulam meaning pond. According to legend, the goddess Sita Devi bathed in Devikulam Lake now named Sita Devi Lake. The lake draws tourists not only because of its sacredness but also for the curative powers of its mineral waters. The lake is also idle for trout fishing. The scenic beauty, adventure sports, beliefs, and religion come together to make Sita Devi Lake a major tourist attraction in Devikulam.

The lush green open spaces and the high cliffs of Devikulam provide scope for hiking .....

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Nature

#9 of 52 Places to Visit in Munnar

At a distance of 15 kms from Munnar, Echo Point is a beautiful place situated on the way to Top Station between Mattupetty Dam and Kundala Lake. This is one of the major tourist places to visit in Munnar. Echo point is situate on the main road towards Kundala Lake on the backwaters of Mattupetty Dam amidst rolling hills.

This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Every loud call made from a spot on the lake embankment is returned manifold by the echo from the surrounding hills. Trekking and nature walks are popular activities in this scenic destination with beautiful views of the green hills. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.

This is a wonderful place for photography. Boating is also available at Echo Point.

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Nature

#10 of 52 Places to Visit in Munnar

At a distance of 16 km from Munnar Bus Station, Lock Heart Gap (also known as Lockhart Gap) is one of the most scenic places in Munanr situated on Munnar - Madurai (or Munnar - Thekkady) road. It is one of the prime attractions in Munnar.

Lock Heart Gap provides a panoramic views of the mountains and valleys of Munnar and it's one of the must visit place in Munnar. This is also a great sunset point on a clear day. This is situated close to the main road and easily accessible from Munnar. The road from Munnar to Lock Heart Gap is full of tea plantations and it is a nice stretch for photography.

The nearby Lockheart Tea Estate is another attraction which provides wonderful opportunity to learn tea dust making process.

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Heritage

#12 of 52 Places to Visit in Munnar

At a distance of 500 m from Munnar Bus Stand, Thirumeni Cultural Centre is an old style theater located in Munnar town. It is one of the must visit places in Munnar for cultural lovers.

Thirumeni Cultural Centre bestows you the chance of spending an evening in the beautiful set up of lush green hills, aromatic tea plantations, misty skyline accompanied with goose bumping performances of Kalarippayattu and Kathakali, the two very famous and respected art forms of Kerala.

Visitors can also head to the make-up room to see the artists getting ready and ask questions if you have. In the one hour duration, one can enjoy the spellbound performance of Kathakali art piece which tells stories in a form of dancing movements, gestures, and expressions. The musicians provided the perfect backdrop for the performance, helping to capture the mood and ambiance of the show.

Kalarippayattu at the same time is a form of Martial art and includes agile gymnastic movements, the hard work, .....

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Adventure

#13 of 52 Places to Visit in Munnar

At a distance of 4 km from Munnar Bus Stand, Lakshmi Hills are a set of 7 hills lined with forests and mesmerizing views in Munnar. It is one of the famous places for trekking in Munnar, and among the must-include places Munnar - Thekkady packages.

Lakshmi Hills range is on the northern side of NH 85 just before reaching Munnar from Kochi side. The Lakshmi Hills trek is a great opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. The green-carpeted meadows, imposing misty mountains, mystic mist clouds, and the chilling mountain breeze during the trek will give you the opportunity to reconnect with nature.

The Lakshmi Hills trek starts from old Munnar. The route is around 14 km including ascend and descend. The total distance can rise to 23 km if you chose to go to the topmost point at an altitude of about 1870 m. The starting point (from NH 85) is about 1450 m high, and the .....

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Waterfall

#14 of 52 Places to Visit in Munnar

At a distance of 18 km from Munnar Bus Stand, Viripara Waterfall is a stunning waterfall located on the way to Mankulam via Leksmi from Munnar. It is one of the popular waterfalls in the Idukki district, and among the prominent places to visit in Munnar.

Also called Kainagiri Fall, Viripara Waterfall is formed over the Kallar River. The waterfall is about 30 feet in height. The waterfall is close to the Letchmi Estate Tea Plantations. The water is cool, and swimming is allowed, but be careful as the rocks are slippery. There is a washroom and changing room facility as well. It is one of the great offbeat places to visit in Munnar and a great place for photography.

The waterfall is an ideal place to spend half a day. Additionally, the 4X4 Jeep adds to the excitement as it climbs up the rocky formations, providing a thrilling partial off-roading experience. One has to trek a few meters as the waterfall .....

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Top 5 Munnar Packages