If you need a Munnar Travel Guide, don’t look any further, as you are already in the right place. Munnar is one of India’s best hill stations, famous for its beautiful hills, greenish plantations, and pleasant climate. No matter if you are planning to take a Munnar Tour Package or you are planning an individual trip, this guide has got you covered.
Munnar is an exquisite location situated in Kerala, and everyone is familiar with Munnar tourist places. This makes it a perfect place for anyone who loves nature; it is also excellent for couples and those who like to engage in adventurous activities. Being Kerala’s best tourist place, the town provides relief from the bustle and clamor of city life.
In this guide, you will learn the best places to visit in Munnar, how to get around, where to eat, and where to stay. There’s also advice on the best time to travel and what to do during your visit. Let’s explore Munnar!
Table of Contents
Best Time to Visit Munnar
Munnar is a hill station in Kerala, India, which is famous for its garden, nice weather, and tourism. The weather conditions determine the time to go for Munnar tourism, depending on the traveler’s preference.
From September to March, the climate is moderate, with an average of 10°C – 25°C, which most tourists consider the most favorable to visit. This is the best time for people to go out for tourism, trek, and view the beautiful green vegetation in the area.
The best time to tour Munnar is from June to August; although this is the rainy season, then it is less crowded, and the beauty is spectacular. During the monsoon session, the rains are good for the tea gardens, but sometimes it rains heavily, making it hard to do outdoor activities.
However, if you wish to see Munnar in its best spirit, the months of April and May should be preferable as the weather is warm, but not very hot, for this ideal natural delight.
List of the Best Places to Visit in Munnar
1. Echo Point
One of the most recommended tour sites at Munnar is Echo Point. Situated only 15 km from the city, it provides a different view of hills and valleys’ auditory and geographical beauty. One can just yell in the welcoming territory here, and their voices will rebound. This place is known to families and nature lovers who wish for fresh mountain air and incredible views. It also has the advantage of a tremendous bird-watching and beautiful photo environment. Echo Point is recommended particularly for those who are following the Munnar Travel Guide and searching for the best hill stations in Kerala.
2. Eravikulam National Park
Another must-visit site is the Eravikulam National Park, which is famous for being home to the Nilgiri Tahr, which is approximately 15 km away from Munnar. This park has stunning views of the hills and Innem’s fertile land, making it favorable for tourists searching for wildlife and nature photographers. This takes place through hikes in the park that affords visitors knowledge of the area’s ecology. Eravikulam National Park is one of the top attractions in any Munnar Travel Guide. It is an excellent place for tourists who wish to explore remote areas of God’s country and its wildlife.
3. Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty Dam, built 13 km away from Munnar, is not only a power site but also full of spots. A place that enjoys the loveliness of nature and bio-diversity, it contains several activities such as speed boating and Horse riding. Many visitors and locals have used it for a family picnic and appreciate Munnar’s natural beauty and fresh, calm wind, making it one of the places of interest to visit. The near and the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project gives an educative touch, thereby becoming a popular identity in Munnar Map for travelers and a perfect example of the presence of a man-made marvel amidst a natural setting in Munnar.
4. Pothamedu View Point
Especially when looking for the best Munnar tours, Pothamedu View Point offers stunning vistas of tea, coffee, and spice gardens, all sprawling beneath the realm of the clouds. Situated 6kms from Munnar, it is famous among the hikers and the photographers. It provides a vantage point that gives a glimpse into what Munnar, Kerala, is all about. Trekking and nature enthusiasts wishing to indulge in Munnar adventure activities would find Pothamedu one of the best travel destinations. It has to be included as the first choice when you are thinking of the best Munnar travel guide.
5. Tata Tea Museum
Tata Tea Museum is a must-visit travel place for visiting the best of Munnar , the epitome of tea heritage in Kerala. Located about 12 km from the town, the museum has details of tea making, from picking the leaves to preparing tea. Different types of tea are available for tasting, and outdated tools are used in tea production at the initial stage. For lovers of tea and history, the museum dedicated to the tea-making tradition of Munnar in Kerala is a must-visit and is recommended in all the Munnar travel guides.
6. Top Station
Top Station is the highest point of Munnar, located around 32 kilometers from the hill station town. It gives the tourists an incredible view of the western ghats and the foreground valleys. Also, with mystic clouds and cool weather, tourists, particularly photographers and nature lovers, including bees. The beautiful views of sunrise and sunset from here are noteworthy, and therefore, Top Station is definitely an included option in the list of best hill stations in Kerala. It is a famous tourist spot in Munnar for those who want to enjoy and embrace the beauty of Munnar.
Adventure Activities in Munnar
1. Trekking in Munnar
Trekking is one of the major tourist activities in Munnar, as it provides stiff terrains that take tourists through the Western Ghats region. This activity enables tourists to use the beautiful green land and mountainous area, so adrenalin lovers consider it a must-go place. For those looking for a solitary trek or an adventurous expedition, Munnar’s trekking trails will last a lifetime, especially if you visit Munnar at the right time, i.e., after the monsoon season. Trekking should also form part of your Munnar Tour Package.
2. Camping in Munnar
Camping is another fantastic adventure activity that is greatly preferred by tourists visiting Kerala. The campsites in Munnar are among the best camping spots in South India, as one can have a clear view of the Western Ghats at night. This type of tourism will suit families and individual tourists who seek exposure to nature, particularly in the morning and evening or during the colder seasons of the year, and should be included in the Munnar Tour Guide.
3. Ziplining in Munnar
Another fascinating activity is ziplining across Munnar’s hilly terrain, valleys, and landscapes. This is a recommended activity for tourists visiting Munnar, where people are offered a bird’s eye view of the beautiful valleys enclosed by mist-laden clouds. Tropical leisure and adventure parks and resorts in Munnar meet all safety measures to provide people with safe adventures.
4. Jeep Safari in Munnar
A jeep safari tour can be arranged for traveling in the large area of Munnar since a jeep is comfortable for rough terrains. From visiting the extended tea estate to a wildlife trip to the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary at night in the jeep, the jeep safari is an adventurous and exhaustive tour. The Kolukkumalai jeep safari is especially famous, where tourists can enjoy the sunrise view from the highest peak of South India.
5. Rock Climbing and Rappelling in Munnar
Trekking and rappelling are some of the adventurous activities that can be experienced in Munnar. This is because the geography of the terrains in the two locations, hilly, rocky terrain, is ideal for the practice of these sporting activities. With experts’ help, these activities are quite adventurous for first-time climbers and professional ones as they let them climb up and get mesmerized by the view of Munnar.
6. Mountain Biking in Munnar
Mountain biking is a great way to explore the hilly terrains and beautiful valleys; this specific destination is Munnar. Some local hotels and resorts organize Mountain bike tours that enable cyclists to ride across different terrains, discover new tracks, and breathe in the fresh mountain climate. This is considered one of Munnar’s thrilling activities that attract those interested in mixing exercise with a small adventure.
Things to Do in Munnar
1. Trekking and Adventure Sports:
Take part in trekking, rock climbing, and paragliding.
The best time for these activities in Munnar is between September and March, as climate conditions are most appropriate.
2. Tea Plantation Tours:
Go to local tea farms for first-hand information on tea-making and quality teas.
Necessary background to Munnar’s cultural and economic setting.
3. Sampling Kerala Cuisine:
Some foods to eat include Appam with stew, Kerala beef curry, and fresh seafood.
Most restaurants in Kerala have sessions where tourists get a chance to learn how to prepare different local foods.
4. Boating at Kundala Lake:
Take a calm boat ride on Kundala Lake, accompanied by sloping hills.
Ideal for a relaxing day out with family or friends.
5. Shopping Local Market in Kerala:
Buy groceries, visit the chocolate factory, and get spices, homemade candies, and souvenirs.
Munnar’s markets are wonderful for souvenirs and gifts.
6. Visit the Blossom International Park:
It is a perfect place for families and recreational facilities such as boating, cycling, roller-skating, etc.
The park is well-maintained and the best place to relax and stroll.
7. Attend Cultural Shows:
Get to witness two Indian dance forms of, Kathakali and Kalaripayattu.
Cultural programs are performed in the different cultural centers present in Munnar.
The Munnar Festivals & Events: A Multi-Arts Celebration
Wildlife and Nature:
Munnar, one of the best hill stations in the entire area of Kerala, is not only beautiful from the perspective of the landscape but also has a vast cultural life to behold. When arranging their travel program with the help of a Munnar Travel Guide, which includes a list of local festivals and the list of things to do in Munnar, a trip will be even more exciting. Here is how Munnar goes above and beyond to embrace the festive spirit and enrich Munnar Tourism.
Onam ( August to September):
Onam stands out as the most important festival in Kerala, portraying richness and joy. One of the most popular festivals held in Munnar is Onam, which is depicted through the festive decorations, Kathakali dances, and Onam Sadya, which is a feast and is a major highlight that Active Holiday Travels recommends for travelers to Trinidad during this time. It enables people to sample the culture of Munnar in Kerala and appears as a significant activity on the Munnar tourist map.
Munnar Tea Festival (January):
This flashy event showcases Munnar as a valued tea country through drama, cultural dances, tasting sessions, etc., all about the famed tea products.
Christmas & New Year Celebrations (December):
Christmas and New Year are the special occasions that are celebrated with full zeal and enthusiasm in Munnar. Churches are adorned with stunning decorations, and there is music, caroling, partying, and feasting, among other celebrations.
Vishu (April):
One of the popular festivals of Keralites, which is celebrated as New Year; people switch on the illumination, parade, drama, mimicry, and other joyous programs to unite people.
Sabarimala Temple (November – January):
Although this forms the highlight of interest throughout the Munnar district, the Sabarimala pilgrimage contributes mainly to the tourist population, with local celebrations a bonus.
How to Reach Munnar?
By Road:
If you are thinking about how to reach Munnar, then there are two best ways to get there: by road. Public transport facilities are available throughout the year from major South Indian cities, thus making it easy for tourists to get into this fantastic hill station. Traveling by bus to Munnar site is an excellent chance to see the nature of Kerala state more closely. The drive involves serpentine roads with extensive hills of plantations throughout the place, making it very scenic and enjoyable.
By Train:
Train travel must always be one of the best means of road travel since India is properly connected by rail. Besides, using road transport is more economical than using an aircraft. However, this medium dictates that one has to compromise on time.
Unfortunately, Munnar does not have its own railway station, but it is possible to get there from Aluva, Ernakulam, and Madurai stations, approximately 110 km, 130 km, and 135 km, respectively. The above-mentioned junctions are conveniently connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Mangalore, and Chennai. The time that will be taken will depend on the place of the starting point. Hence, a train from Mumbai to Aluva will take 27 and 36 hours, while a train from Bangalore will take 9 to 13 hours. On arrival, people can hire a taxi to go to Munnar or take either a state or a public transport bus.
By Air:
You can fly to Cochin International Airport, approximately 110 km from Munnar. The second one is Madurai Airport, which is also known as Madurai International Airport in the state of Tamil Nadu, at a distance of about 140 km from Munnar. Cochin and Madurai are connected to several other places in India, and options are available by road for the journey to Munnar from both these airports.
Where to Stay in Munnar?
Being one of the most attractive and picturesque places in the southern part of India, Munnar is known as a unique hill station, so choosing a place to stay there is not an easy task. This part of the Munnar travel guide will provide various recommendations for accommodation, giving both the budget traveler and the luxury seeker a chance to find a place to stay which will fit the purpose of their Munnar tour.
Whether hotels in Kerala, guest houses, or beach resorts in Kerala for combined hill and beach tourism, Munnar has it all, defining itself as the most wanted tourist destination in travel guide articles.
Budget Accommodations:
1. Green Ridge Holiday Home
Facilities: Comfortable, neat rooms, hot water provision, in-house restaurant.
Price: Starting from ₹3000 per night.
2. Misty Mountain Resort
Amenities: Cosy rooms, friendly staff, scenic views.
Price: Starting from ₹2000 per night.
Mid-Range Accommodations:
1. The Panoramic Getaway
Amenities: Spacious rooms, modern facilities, restaurant, spa.
Price: Starting from ₹5000 per night.
2. Elysium Garden Hill Resorts
Facilities: The facility has good quality rooms, a garden, a restaurant, and other amenities like recreation.
Price: Starting from ₹5000 per night.
Luxury Accommodations:
1. Windermere Estate
Facilities: Cottages, airport transfers, meals, spa and recreation.
Price: Starting from ₹10000 per night.
2. Fragrant Nature Munnar
Facilities: Beautiful rooms, swimming pool, gym, restaurants, bar.
Price: Starting from ₹8000 per night.
Final Words
Munnar, indeed, is a dream place that charms any traveler with its natural scenery, opportunity for adventure, and cultural significance. Munnar caters to everyone, whether you need a romantic, family, or adventurous holiday. From the tea gardens and wildlife parks to the mesmerizing waterfalls and scenic vantage points, this Munnar travel guide outlines all these facets to create an unforgettable trip. Thus, tourists can select their places of interest with one of the Kerala tour packages, including Munnar.
It is now time for you to plan your visit to this enchanting hill station and experience nature’s true Colors. Summertime is always favorable with pleasant weather and lush green surroundings, but Munnar has something to offer every time of the year, so no matter when you visit here, you will have memories to treasure.
