Munnar Tourist Places: Traverse Through the Emerald Trails and Unlock Nature’s Best Kept Secrets

Munnar feels like heaven on earth and you’ll certainly agree with us after you pay a visit to this enchanting hill station in God’s Own Country – Kerala. Standing at an impressive elevation of 1500 metres, the place has rolling valleys dense with tea plantations and an impressive veil of mist that plays peek-a-boo with the tourists! Munnar tourist places are worth exploring because of their picturesque views, surrounded by pristine blue skies and welcoming climate all year round. Munnar is also famous for being south India’s largest tea-growing region. 

Just imagine standing on top of a hill, feeling that breeze ruffle your hair while relishing the warmth from a cup of freshly brewed tea – isn’t that satisfying? Munnar offers you this and so much more!

If you are planning a trip to this place soon, here are some of the best Munnar tourist places to explore. 

Read on!

Munnar Tourist Places: Tea Estates and Museums

The list of the best Munnar tourist places is never complete without the mention of the tea estates. Munnar is the largest tea producer in the southern belt and houses some of the most reputed tea plantations in the country. 

Tata Tea Museum

The Tata Tea Museum in Munnar is also popular by the name – the Kannan Devan Tea Museum. This is one of the best Munnar tourist places and should be a sure-shot addition to your itinerary list. It takes about three hours to cover the entire place and you can also indulge in tea tasting and tea leaf plucking.

The museum houses all the tools and equipment required for procuring leaves and processing them to make high-quality tea. At 10.00 AM and 2.00 PM, special shows are arranged for visitors to provide them with detailed information about tea leaf plucking, harvesting and tea making. It is also possible to hire a guide if you want to get in-depth information about the founding of the estate and how it became one of the best in the country. 

Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM – closed on Mondays.
Entry Fee: INR 75 for adults; INR 35 for children; INR 20 for cameras 

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

The Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is the highest tea plantation in the country and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. It is one of the best Munnar tourist places to explore if you like to click pictures with scenic backdrops. The tea estate stands at an elevation of 2500 metres which is even higher than Munnar’s average elevation!

Here, you can learn more about tea making, choosing the right tea leaves, how to select the best tea leaves from the market and more. You can indulge in tea tasting and also see various equipment used in harvesting tea leaves and learn details about how these tea leaves are distributed across India and exported to other nations. It takes about three hours to explore the entire stretch of the tea gardens. 

Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM – closed on Sundays
Entry Fee – INR 75

Munnar Tourist Places: Natural Attractions

Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park houses some of the most interesting animal, plant, reptile, amphibian and bird species in the country. It stretches across an area of 97 square kilometres and also has the Anamudi Peak on its premises. If you visit at the right time, you will see the gorgeous Neelakurinji flowers on the peak that bloom once in every 12 years!

The next blooming season is expected to be around 2030. The national park is home to Nilgiri Tahr – the mountain deer, Indian Mujtac – the barking deer, stripe-necked mongoose, dusky palm squirrels and Indian porcupine. The park also has some of the rarest insects that are not found anywhere else in the country. 

Timings: 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Entry fee: INR 65 and INR 245

Attukad Waterfalls

Attukad Waterfalls is undoubtedly one of the best Munnar tourist places to visit on your trip. The tourists have to cross a wooden bridge to access these falls, otherwise, there is no other way to reach the place. What’s interesting is that these waterfalls are surrounded by wildflowers that add a sweet aroma to the air, making the atmosphere more soothing and calm.

As the milky white water falls in cascades, it forms a tiny pool at the bottom where you can dip your feet and relax. In the monsoons, be very careful as the flow of water is intense and the terrain is too slippery for treks. 

Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry fee: Free

Top Station

Top Station deserves a spot on your list of Munnar tourist places to visit on your next trip. This classic viewpoint is every adventure lover’s favourite! It has a decent trekking route and a hiking trail that you can follow to reach the top point. From there, it is possible to see the bird’s eye view of Munnar on a clear and cloudless day.

Top Station used to be the highest railway station in Munnar from where the Tata Tea Museum used to transport its harvest to parts of India and also handle exports to England. Now, it is a major tourist attraction and several travellers come here to click pictures and enjoy the unbelievably good view from the spot. The Kurinjimala Sanctuary, home to Neelakurinji flowers, falls on the way to Top Station. 

Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free

Mattupetty Dam 

Mattupetty Dam is among the best Munnar tourist places and is the ideal choice for nature lovers. There is a huge emerald lake right at the centre where you can enjoy activities like speed boating. The dam is surrounded by lush greenery which is definitely a visual treat.

Seeing how the spot is very close to a reserved forest range, you will see elephants more frequently in this region. It is also a popular picnic spot so if you wish to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of city life, you must come here to relax amidst nature. You can also set up your camps here but it’s not advisable to stay post sunset owing to the movement of wildlife. 

Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry fee: INR 10 for entry and INR 500 for 15 minutes of speed boating (cost may vary in different seasons). 

Munnar Tourist Places: Adventure and Activities

Here are some of the places that offer fun-filled activities and recreational options for the adrenaline junkies! 

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to Hanuman Monkeys, Spotted Deers, Slender Lorris, Tigers and Elephants among other animals. You can hire a guide and go on trekking to explore the dense emerald canopies, the wildflowers, absolutely stunning glimpses of the landscapes that you can get from between the thick vegetation and of course, you get to spot wild animals in their natural habitat!

It is one of the most explored Munnar tourist places, especially by those who love wildlife. 

Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry fee: INR 5 for children; INR 10 for adults; INR 100 for foreigners

Lockhart Gap 

Trek uphill to reach one of the finest viewpoints in Munnar. Lockhart Gap is a natural heart-shaped gap that formed between two mountains and offers a slightly concealed view of the valley.

The translucent to thick mist is always present at this place and it feels like you can touch the clouds after an eventful trek! It is usually uncrowded and offers you much-needed solitude and calm. 

Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry fee: Free

Lakkam Waterfalls

Lakkam waterfalls are so stunning that you cannot help but be transfixed by looking at the flow of the natural water. The falls originate from the Eravikulam stream and cascade down beautifully. Why do we say that? Unlike the gushing speed at which most of the waterfalls descend, the

Lakkam waterfalls are softer and come down smoothly, making the flow appear as flawless as a ruffling piece of silk. The greenery in the surroundings reflects off of the water, vouching for its pristine purity. 

Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 20 per person 

Munnar Tourist Places: Cultural and Recreational Spots

Some of us prefer to lie down and absorb the beauty of our surroundings, without any noisy disturbances. If you are one of them, here are some of the best Munnar tourist places suggestions for you. 

Blossom Park

Blossom Park is a scenic place with a vibrant display of various flowers, thick bushes, soft grass and an enchanting view of the tea plantations on all sides. This is the perfect place to spread your picnic blanket, munch on delicious sandwiches and enjoy some quiet time in the tranquil environment.

There is a small play arena where the kids can enjoy while the adults rest and keep an eye on them. Couples can enjoy a romantic stroll across the park and also enjoy boating in the place. 

Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry fee: INR 2 for children; INR 10 for adults

Rose Garden

Who doesn’t like a full bloom of fresh roses? That is what you will find in Rose Garden. This is one of the best Munnar tourist places to explore, especially if you have a liking for flowers of all kinds.

As soon as you enter, you will be welcomed with the sweet aroma of roses in the air. You can also find Dahlias and Chrysanthemums in this beautiful garden. 

Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Ticket Price: INR 20 per person; INR 30 for camera

How to Reach Munnar?

By Air

The closest airport to Munnar is Cochin International Airport which is about 110 kms from the place. You will easily find cabs, taxis and buses that run from Cochin to Munnar. 

By Rail

The people who prefer to use the railways should get down at Aluva railway station which is roughly 100 kms away from Munnar. You can find Kerala road transport buses, cabs and taxis from the station to Munnar. 

By Road

Munnar is well-connected by road to other important metropolises in Kerala along with neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Telangana. You have to travel on NH85 from Ernakulam towards Munnar to reach the place. 

Best Time to Visit Munnar Tourist Places

You can visit Munnar tourist places all year round and there is always something beautiful waiting right across the corner. However, when you visit the place depends on your personal preferences. 

June to September

This is the time when the monsoon showers greet Munnar. The dense greenery glistens more after the showers wash away the residue heat from the summers and the tea plantations stand out more! This is an ideal time to visit for couples and families who want to spend quality time with each other. 

October to February

These are the winter months when the temperature is relatively cooler. The green canopies appear darker and more vibrant. Also, the weather is just right for exploring various Munnar tourist places.

You must plan your trip after knowing everything about the best time to visit Munnar and what the place has to offer in each season. 

Tips for Visitors

Best Viewpoints for Photography

These are the best viewpoints that promise some of the best Instaworthy clicks – 

• Top Station
• Echo Point
• Pothamedu Viewpoint
• Photo Point
• Kundala Dam
• Lockhart Gap Viewpoint
• Mattupetty Dam
• Rajamala Viewpoint
• Chokramudi Peak
• Kolukkumalai Viewpoint

Local Cuisine Tasting 

There are several good restaurants and food stalls that offer mouth-watering South Indian food. You need to look out for the Kerala cuisines that are made with coconut powder and coconut milk. Here are a few options to try out on your trip – 

• Appam with stew – fermented rice pancakes with vegetable stew.
• Karimeen Pollichattu – marinated Pearl Spot Fish wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed.
• Puttu and Kadala Curry – steamed rice cakes dipped in black bean curry.
• Ela Adda – a sweet delicacy made with rice flour, coconut, jaggery and banana.
• Kerala Sadya – a Kerala thali that includes curries made with coconut, pickles, fryums and dessert. 

Precautions while visiting wildlife sanctuaries

• Maintain a respectful distance from the wild animals.
• Always follow the rules and regulations of the sanctuaries as they are established for your safety.
• Do not litter the parks and forest zones. 
• Always pack essential supplies like an extra pair of clothes, footwear, water bottles and small snacks.
• Always be vigilant and keep your senses open to unforeseen threats. 

Things trekkers should remember

• Study your trekking trail clearly and understand its level of difficulty.
• Carry enough water and small snacks.
• Dress light and carry light baggage too.
• Always carry a first aid kit, emergency medications and tracking equipment like GPS and compass.
• Munnar’s trekking trails are in the forest region so be aware of wildlife and do not litter their space. 
• If you are trekking for the first time, consider taking a guide along with you.

You will find several good hotels in Munnar that keep you close to the main tourist attractions. Choose one that reduces your commuting time so that you can explore most of the places we have mentioned above. 

Munnar is a great tourist destination that has something to offer to everyone – nature lovers, adventure seekers and even those who can’t spend a day without the morning ‘chai’! Plan your trip to explore the attractive Munnar tourist places and we can say for sure that it will be the most memorable experience of your life!