20 Idyllic Places to Visit in Munnar
About Munnar
20 Idyllic Places to Visit in Munnar
Munnar, an exotic locale in Kerala is situated on the shores of three rivers namely Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru in the Western Ghats. This hill station is well known for its tea estates and is a commercial hub for some of the world’s biggest tea plantations.
Why Go There: Tea Plantations | Nature Walks | Wildlife | Relaxation
Ideal For: Relaxation | Experiencing Scenic Beauty | Exploring Tea Estates
Things to Bring Back: Coir merchandise, Elephant statuettes, ‘Thooku’ (hanging bells), ‘nilavillakkus’ (traditional lamp), Nettur Chest (Nettoor Petti) & Coconut shell crafts
Places to Visit in Munnar
20. Kundale Dam & Lake
Located about 23 km off Munnar, this place is known for its boat rides such as the pedal and the Kashmiri- Shikara style rides.
Distance from the City: 20 km
Time required: 1-2 hours
Ideal for: Boat Rides | Sightseeing
Best time to visit: Throughout the Year
Location: Navigate
19. Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was formerly managed as a game sanctuary by Kanan Devan Hills Produce Company prior to 1971. It was declared a national park in 1978 after the Karnataka Government took control of the place in 1971. The park is known for housing the almost extinct mountain goat, Nilgiri Tahr. Other species such as Nilgiri langur and Nilgiri marten, Atlas moth can be sighted at the place. Flora such as epiphytic orchids and alluring wild balsams grows at the place.
In the central area of park stands the majestic peak of Anamudi at a towering height of 2695 m. This is the tallest pinnacle south of Himalayas.
Open Time: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed February – March)
Distance from the City: 13 km
Time required: 4-5 hours
Ideal for: Biodiversity Enthusiasts
Location: Navigate
18. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary is situated in the Western Ghats in the Idukki district. The place is known for its rich biodiversity. There are also medicinal plant varieties which grow in its enclosure. Animal species such as tufted grey langoor, slender loris, spotted deer and many such exotic animals can be sighted at the park. Peaks such as Nanadala Malai, Vellaikal Malai etc can be spotted at this place. The sanctuary is also home to 11 tribal civilisations.
Open Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Distance from the City: 29 km
Time required: 3-4 hours
Ideal for: Wildlife Enthusiasts | Nature Lovers
Best time to visit:Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
17. Echo Point
This place is located at a height of 600 feet in the vicinity of Munnar. This exotic destination is situated in the midst of pristine lake and the verdant greenery of mountains. As per the name, you can experience the enigmatic phenomenon of echoing in this place. The Echo point serves as the meeting point of mountain ranges namely ‘Mudrapuzha’, ‘Nallathanni’, and ‘Kundala’. You can undertake activities such as bird watching and boating at this place. The rare Neelakurinji flowers or Strobilanthes can be found at this place.
Open Time: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Distance from the City: 11 km
Time required: 1-2 hours
Ideal for: Friends & Family | Nature Enthusiasts
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
16. Photo Point
Perched atop the rolling Nilgiri hills, Photo point is a photographer’s paradise. The place is dotted with the greenery accorded by the lush green tree estates. Also, the shining oak trees and water streams further add to the aura of the place. This point with its streaming aroma of spices is also a favourite amongst the film community.
Open Time: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Distance from the City: 8 km
Time required: 30 min
Ideal for: Friends & Family | Photography Enthusiasts
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
15. Pothamedu View Point
This point is situated about 6 km from Munnar and is known for its lush mountainous greenery. The tea, coffee and cardamom plantations further enhance the allure of this place.
Distance from the City: 2 km
Time required: 1 hour
Ideal for: Nature Lovers | Photography Enthusiasts
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
14. Elephant Arrival Spot
You can ride an elephant at this spot and get up close with nature’s wild side.
Distance from the City: 18 km
Time required: 2 hours
Ideal for: Friends & Family | Wildlife Enthusiasts
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
13. Atukkad Waterfalls
Located at a stone’s throw from Munnar, these falls are situated in the lap of mesmerising hills and green forests. However, the road that leads to this area is narrow and needs an experienced driver.
Distance from the City: 0 km
Time required: 1-2 hours
Ideal for: Sightseeing
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
12. Chinnakanal Waterfalls
These enticing waterfalls cascade from a height of 800 m and are located about 16 km from Munnar.
Distance from the City: 14 km
Time required: 1-2 hours
Ideal for: Sightseeing
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
11. Lakkam Water Falls
This waterfall is a portion of the Eravikulam stream running in the Eravikulam National Park. These water falls are situated about 25 km from Munnar.
Distance from the City: 25 km
Time required: 1-2 hours
Ideal for: Swimming
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
10. Top Station
Located about 32 km from Munnar, Top Station is the highest point in Munnar. The place is dotted with misty mountains of the Western Ghats, green valleys and the mesmerising waterfalls. The shrub, ‘Neelakurinji’ grows extensively in the area which blossom into blue flowers every 12 years therein according a breath-taking sight.
Open Time: 7 A.M – 7 P.M
Distance from the City: 32 km
Time required: 1-2 hours
Ideal for: Sightseeing
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
9. Marayoor
This scenic place is synonymous with Kerala’s only natural sandalwood growth and large expanse of sugarcane farms. The place is also known for two ancient sites namely ‘Sarkara’ or solid sugar molasses and the ‘Paramba’ river water which flows adjoining the place. The place is also marked by the megalithic burial grounds of the ancient Muniyaras.
Distance from the City: 40 km
Time required: 2-3 hours
Ideal for: Trekking | Nature Walks
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
8. Blossom Park
This beautiful locale is nestled in the Kanan Devan Hill Tea Estates close to Pallivasal Hydro-electric project and river Muthirappuzha. Spread over an expanse of 16 acres, this park houses many colourful varieties of flora. Gardens, tree houses, man made waterfalls, ropeways etc are present in the park. A flower show which is organised annually is a major attraction of the park.
Open Time: 9 A.M – 7 P.M
Distance from the City: 3 km
Time required: 1-2 hours
Ideal for: Trekking | Bird Watching| Boating | Cycling
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
7. High Range Club
This is a recreational club which was established in the 20th century and showcases several artefacts belonging to the British era. One can stay and explore the regal ambience of the place and enjoy the top-notch hospitality that this club offers.
Distance from the City: 2 km
Time required: 1 day
Ideal for: History Lovers | Relaxation | Exploring Regal British Hospitality
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
6. Floriculture Centre
A well sustained garden featuring varied flowers and herbal plants by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation.
Distance from the City: 1 km
Time required: 1-2 hours
Ideal for: Nature Walks| Exploring Flora
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
5. Rose Garden
The Munnar Rose gardens offer an alluring homestay experience. Located at a height of 3,500 feet above sea level, the Rose Garden is home to many varieties of colourful blossoms, varied spices, vegetables and fruits. This two-acre property also provides accommodation to guests in its well-equipped farmhouse. Guests can undertake activities such as cooking, trekking and plantation visits which can be a sensory and unique experience.
Open Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Distance from the City: 7 km
Time required: 1-2 hours
Ideal for: Nature Enthusiasts
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
4. Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
This tea estate is located at an astounding height of 8000 feet above sea level and is the world’s highest located tea factory. The place is known for producing tasteful variety of tea.
Open Time: All days of the week except Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Distance from the City: 35 km
Time required: 3-4 hours
Ideal for: Sightseeing
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
3. Mattupetty Dam
The Mattupetti dam is perched at a height of 1700 m close to Anamudi peak in the Munnar hills. The dam was majorly built for power generation and water conservation activities. The image of the tea gardens reflecting in the dam waters is the most alluring sight. The dam was constructed in 1940s under the Pallivasal Hydro-electric project. The water of the dam quenches the thirst of many birds and animals including that of elephants.
Open Time: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Distance from the City: 7 km
Time required: 1-2 hours
Ideal for: Sightseeing
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
2.Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary ( Thattekad Bird Sanctuary)
Named after Dr Salim Ali, a well-known ornithologist with the nickname ‘Birdman of India’, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is situated at the lower end of Western Ghats and is spread over an area of 25 square kilometres. Also known as the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, this place is the most abundant bird environment of the Peninsular belt of the country. The place was discovered in 1983 by well-known ornithologist Dr Salim Ali. The place houses about 270 bird species such as Malabar Grey Hornbill, Sunbird, Bee-eater, Wynaad laughingthrush etc.
Open Time: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Distance from the City: 39 km
Time required: 1-2 hours
Ideal for: Avian Enthusiasts | Nature Lovers
Best time to visit: October- March
Location: Navigate
1. Tata Tea/ KDHP Museum
The museum is situated in the Nallathani Estate of Tata Tea. The KDHP museum is well known for its burial pot which dates back to 2nd century A.D and was taken out from the peripheral area of Peraikanal Estate. The museum showcases a documentary about the history of the place. Visitors can then visit the neighbouring tea factory to understand the nuances of tea making.
Distance from the City: 2 km
Time required: 1-2 hours
Ideal for: History Lovers | Nature Lovers
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
How to Reach Munnar
Nearest Airport:
Cochin International Airport (110 km away)
Book Now: Vistara Offers | SpiceJet Offers
Nearest Railway Station:
Aluva Railway Station (100 km away)
Nearest Bus Stops:
Munnar is well connected from all major cities of Kerala. You can also get public transport from Tamil Nadu to Munnar.
Book & Save: Paytm Bus Coupons |Mybustickets Coupons| Abhibus Coupons
Where to stay
The Fog Munnar (Resort & Spa) | Chandy’s Windy Woods | The Panoramic Getaway | The Tall Trees
Avail Discounts on Hotel Bookings Using: Makemy trip Hotel Offers | Oyo Rooms Offers | Akbar Travels Offers
Nearby Places to Visit
- Mattupetti Indo-Swiss Farm (9 km)
- Kodaikanal (163 km)
- Thekkady (96 km)
- Idukki (36 km)
- Devikulam (11.4 km)
- Vagamon (102 km)
Hidden Gems
- Do visit the village of Chithirapuram to experience village environment and old-world appeal
- Visit the 110 years old Christ’s Church which was founded by the British tea planters
- Splash in the cascading waters of the Cheeyappara Waterfalls located on the Kochi- Madhurai highway
- Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Valara Falls of Deviyar river located about 40 km from Munnar
CashKaro Recommendations:
- The beautiful landscape of Munnar is such that visitors can participate in several activities such as rock climbing and rappelling
- Munnar is considered as a trekker’s watering hole given the several trekking trails. The Gap Road to Bison Valley Spices Village as well as the trail starting from Pothamedu are some of the popular trails.
Fun Way to Travel
Munnar is well connected by road to all major cities of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. You can savour Kerala’s natural beauty by embarking on a road trip. The trip can become even more memorable by travelling by own car.
If you do not wish to take your car, you can rent one from: Avis Offers | Myles Car Offers | Uber Offers
Other places to explore:
