Munnar

Located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Munnar is a quaint and idyllic spot for all nature lovers. It is set at an altitude of 6000 ft in the district of Idukki, and it used to be the summer resort of the British rulers during colonial times. It is known for its green belt of lush forests and unending expanse of tea estates and is also home to some of the endangered species of animals like Neelakurinji and Nilgiri Tahr. It is known to be one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in South India due to its pristine valleys, mountains, and exotic varieties of flora and fauna. Munnar is a spectacular spot in Kerala, and its beauty attracts thousands of visitors every year towards it. What makes Munnar even more popular is the presence of three rivers that flow through this area, namely Mattupetti, Periavaru, and Nallathanni. Various viewpoints are segregated throughout this area, from where you can have a look at the stunning valleys, hills, and rivers. Its pleasant hills, pristine lakes, and rocky terrains have further made it a popular trekking and camping site. Some of the local attractions like Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and the elusive Nilgiri Tahr attract tourists from all across the world over here. Nestled between the beautiful hills of Munnar is a pristine waterfall named Atukkad Waterfall, where you can come for a romantic escapade. Photo Point is another stunning destination in Munnar filled with sparkling streams and calm woods and is an ideal spot for taking photographs. Trekking and camping are the most popular activities that you must try during your visit to Munnar. Apart from this, you can stay in a treehouse or visit the tea plantations for a surreal experience. A Safari tour of Eravikulam National Park and a Shikara ride in Kundala Lake should also be the top things to do in Munnar.

• Echo Point : Situated along the banks of the picturesque Kundala Lake, Echo Point is surrounded by misty clouds, hills, verdant meadows, and forests, which make a visit to this scenic place even more exhilarating. It is located 15 kilometers from Munnar, at an altitude of 600 feet above sea level. Echo Point is suitable for bird-watching, boating, and trekking. For anyone who loves to explore nature, Echo Point is the place for them.
• Atukkad Waterfalls : One of the four main waterfalls of Munnar, Attukad Waterfalls is a very popular site among adventure seekers. It is located in the mountainous Idukki district on the way from Munnar to Pallivasal. The cool, deep, speedily running waters of the pool formed at the base of the falls are just right for an enjoyable swim. The mountain stream too turns wild and untamed during this season, thus doubling up the pleasure. There are also a number of top-reviewed luxuriant resorts set in the woods near here.
• Tata Tea Museum : – Munnar is a place to find some of the best tea estates in the world. In fact, the history of Munnar is linked with its tea plantations. It is one significant employment opportunity for the people of Munnar. Kannan Devan Tea Estate is a Tata-owned tea estate in Munnar which is home to most of the tea estates of Munnar. The Tata Tea Museum, also known as KDHP Museum, is located 2 km from the Centre of Munnar. It is a part of the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea. This museum stands as a tribute to all the pioneers of the tea plantations of Munnar who turned it into one of the major tea distributors of Kerala. Tata Tea Museum is a one-of-its-kind museum in India. You can get to know about the establishment and progress of the tea plantation industry in India. Right from the manually operated tea roller to the fully automated tea factory, you get to know about every single fact related to the Munnar tea plantation’s automation.
• Eravikulam National Park : Eravikulam National Park is located at a drive of 45 minutes from the City Centre of Munnar and is situated atop the summit of Western Ghats. If you are an avid bird watcher, be ready to treat yourself to the sight of Black & Orange Flycatchers, Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, White Bellied ShortWing, Kerala Laughing Thrush, and Nilgiri Verditer Flycatchers. Apart from the vast array of wildlife that thrives here, you can easily spot the Nilgiri Tahr. It is renowned as the endangered species of mountain goat from South India. Eravikulam National Park is also accounted for the ravishing beauty of its rolling grasslands and Shola Forest cover.
• Rose Garden Munnar : The Rose Gardens of Munnar is spread over 2 acres of land, is an excellent stretch that is brimming with a variety of plants, including spices, crops like cardamom and vanilla, and a variety of other fruit trees. These agricultural plantations exude mesmerizing and wonderful aromas, which make your stay at the gardens a rewarding experience.
• Top Station : Top Station is the highest point in Munnar at 6276 ft. It is the top place to visit in Munnar to enjoy the panoramic view of the majestic Western Ghats and the valley of Theni District of Tamil Nadu. Every 12 years, the rare Neelarkunji flowers bloom here.
• Kundala Lake : Kundala Lake offers a plethora of natural gems to wanderlust tourists who are ready to go the extra mile for satisfying their nomadic drives. Located at an altitude of 1700 meters from sea level Kundala Lake is a must-stopover en route to Munnar. Rolling tea plantations on the slopes of the Nilgiris under the canopy of the blue sky above with the mild aroma of fresh tea leaves will make your holiday experiences richer than ever. One of the major attractions of Kundala Lake is the historical dam which shares its name with the lake. Riding through the tranquil waters of Kundala Lake on a Shikara boat in the midst of eternal greenery is something many honeymooners will yearn for. Kundala is the paradise of flowers. With the host of Cherry Blossoms flowers that bloom only twice a year, the surrounding area takes on a postcard-perfect look. The place is also the homeland of the world-famous Neelakurinji flower which blooms only once in twelve years.
• Pothamedu Viewpoint : Drenched in the mist and greenery, Pothamedu Viewpoint is a spot worth trekking to. It is one of the many places in Munnar which is worth visiting and is quite popular among tourists. The viewpoint from Pothamedu enables a panoramic vista of the valley and if the day is clear, you can also see the Muthirapuzha River and Idukki Arch. Dam from quite a height. The view is made of a series of emerald hill slopes where tea, coffee, cardamom, and pepper make a blanket of green all over the hills.

• Munnar Jeep Safari : The Jeep safari in Munnar takes visitors through the many attractions of Munnar including its sprawling plantations, forests, and valleys, providing glimpses of the region’s diverse flora and fauna. Kolukkumalai, a picturesque hamlet, is one of the attractions explored on the safari; it is known for its Tea Trail and for its views of the magnificent mountains.
• Tree Houses in Munnar : Staying in a Tree House is emerging to be the new vacation thing and it is definitely going to be one of the most exotic experiences of your life. Located amidst lush green spice plantations and tea estates, living here is one of the most unique things to do in Munnar.
• Trekking in Munnar : Perched atop the undulating peaks of the great range of Sahyadri, a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO, Munnar is a mesmerizing hill station in Kerala that offers a plethora of trekking trails for the trekkers to explore. The whole range is covered with carpets of greenery, low slopes covered with some of the world's highest tea plantations and rainforests rich in biodiversity, endemics and spice plantations, and hills with their crests hidden behind a blanket of fog along with stretches of rugged terrains.
• Mountain Biking : Mountain Biking is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Munnar. The thrilling activity is taken up by localities and tourists alike as the picturesque areas like Suryanelli, Vandanmedu, Anamudi Shola, Kundala, and Marayoor can be best explored on these bikes. Besides being a form of exercise, you can also wander about the beautiful tea estates without any fear of pollution or fuel availability.
• Rock Climbing and Rappelling : Rock climbing and rappelling are some of the popular activities offered in and around Munnar.
• Paragliding : Explore the lush green tea estates of Munnar on foot. It always is a good idea to lose yourself in the lap of mother nature. But it is less addictive than beholding the beauty of Munnar tea while brazing up in the sky. So, switch your mind to explore Munnar in a new way and cruise over the rainbow clouds above the converted tea bungalows, green meadows, and waterfalls. Grip yourself by the remarkable feeling of paragliding in Munnar at an average elevation of 1,600 m (approx.) from sea level. Hook the beauty of Munnar in an all-new way, let the lush greenery below your feet, and return home with a memory of competing with gravity for a few minutes.

• The Lake View Munnar Resort
• Amber Dale Luxury Hotel and Spa
• Parakkat Nature Hotels and Resorts
• The Leaf Munnar
• Devonshire Greens Leisure Hotels and Spa

• Copper Castle Restaurant
• Sree Mahanveer Restaurant
• Taste the Brews

• Attukal Pongala : This is the one and only temple festival in the world where women assemble together to make offerings by cooking a pudding for the goddess in the Attukal temple. It is taken home after the chief priest of the temple will come and sprinkle the holy water and will shower the flowers.
• The Pongala Festival : It is celebrated during the Malayalam month 'Kumbha' (Feb-March) in the Makam Nakshathram. The ten-day-long celebration commences in the Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham (Feb - March) on the Karthika Nakshathram.

The Best Time to visit Munnar is between September to March because of the pleasant weather. Summers (April - June) are a little warm, but one can still visit Munnar during this season. Monsoon season (July and August) experiences heavy rainfall which could hamper your travel plans due to landslides and road blockages and hence this period should be avoided.