"Kashmir of South India" Munnar is a hill station in Kerala, located in the Idukki district. Munnar rises as three mountain streams merge – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Lying in the Western Ghats at 1600 meters, it is one of the most sought after and visited travel destinations globally, especially popular amongst honeymooners. Famous for the tea estates, greenery, winding roads, blanket of mist, and viewpoints.
Once the summer resort of the erstwhile British government, the main reason to visit Munnar is to explore the sprawling tea plantations and the exotic flora and fauna. The Eravikulam National Park, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and tea plantations are its major attractions. Munnar is also famous for being home to the rare Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years this flower which bathes the hills in blue once in every twelve years, (the next bloom is in 2030) and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2,695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
How to Reach Munnar
By Air
Munnar has no airport of its own. The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport which is 110 km away. The other nearest airport is the Madurai International Airport.
By Road
Munnar is well-connected via road. There are public buses that connect it with the rest of Kerala. The most convenient way to explore Munnar is via car.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Aluva which is 110 km away. Another nearest railway station is Ernakulam which is 130 km away and from there you need to hire a cab or a taxi.
Places to Visit
01. Echo Point
Nestled on the banks of the Kundala Lake and at an altitude of about 600 feet above sea level, the Echo Point, surrounded by verdant meadows, mesmerizing hills, and dense valleys, invites people to overlook the picturesque landscapes of the hill station in Kerala from a sheer height that is sure to leave you speechless every time you come here to relax and rejuvenate after a hectic sightseeing tour.
True to its name, this place is famous among the locals as well as tourists for its naturally occurring phenomena of echoing and has everything you need to disconnect yourself from the temporal world for some time.
Try your hand at trekking to the hilltop to bring out the best of adventure in you. Go boating to spend some quality time with your loved ones in tranquility. Or indulge yourself in bird watching as the place serves as home to a diverse range of native and migratory birds.
Entry Fee: INR 30 for adults and INR 15 for children
Timings: Open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on all days
Best Time to Visit: September to February
Ideal Exploration Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 17 km from City Centre
02. Pothamedu Viewpoint
Fill your day with refreshing vibes at Pothamedu Viewpoint. A haven for people to witness the sunrise and sunset in Munnar, the Pothamedu Viewpoint is a spectacular vantage point that offers jaw-dropping views of the Kannan Devan Hills along with tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations of the surrounding area. Attracting thousands of tourists every year due to the glory of green valleys, this place is quite a hit among all who wish to stay one step closer to nature and is indeed a great place to visit for wanderers and experience seekers.
As you go up, you will discover its unparalleled charm that is hard to explain in words. Although the place mostly remains cloudy throughout the year, on sunny days, when the atmosphere is clear, one can see a glimpse of the Idukki Arch Dam and Muthirapuzha River, which is nearly 60 km away from Munnar.
Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit Pothamedu Viewpoint in Munnar.
Timings: It remains open for its tourists 24 hours a day. However, you are advised to explore its surroundings either in the morning or evening.
Best Time to Visit: December to February
Ideal Exploration Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 4.5 km from the City Centre
03. Eravikulam National Park
An idyllic destination for wildlife enthusiasts, Eravikulam National Park or Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, widely known for its scenic beauty that is no less than a treat for your eyes, offers a delightful experience to tourists of all kinds.
Nestled at a drive of 45-minutes away from Munnar, the Eravikulam National Park boasts a massive blend of wildlife that catches the attention of tourists from far and wide every year. It includes 101 butterfly species, 26 mammalian species, 20 orchid species, and 19 different species of amphibians.
Please note that every year, between February and March months, the park remains closed for its visitors for at least 30 to 45 days and no one is allowed to enter the premises at that time. Hence, it is important to cross-check the closure period with the authorities before you plan your getaway to this destination.
Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Marten, Atlas Moth, Small-Clawed Otter, and Leopards are a few of the main animals that can be spotted here. Combine it with an array of 132 bird species such as Nilgiri Verditer Flycatcher, Black & Orange Flycatcher, Kerala Laughing Thrush, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, and White-Bellied Short Wing to make your visit to this national park memorable for you and your dear ones. Alongside them, you can also find the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a native mammal of the southern Western Ghats, at this reserve.
Entry Fee: INR 125 per person for Indian adults, INR 95 per person for Indian children, and INR 420 per person for foreigners
Timings: Open from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM on all days
Best Time to Visit: From September to November and then from April to June
Ideal Exploration Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 14 km from the City Centre
04. Tata Tea Museum
Also referred to as Kannan Devan Tea Museum, the Tata Tea Museum is a famous scenic point for tourists interested in exploring the best tea estates in the world. You cannot return home without visiting the Tata Tea Museum on your Munnar tour. The refreshing tea plantations make this hill station look no less than a paradise on earth and are so gorgeous that one would want to stay back here itself admiring its unrivaled beauty.
Lying just a short stroll away from the heart of Munnar in the Nullatanni region, the Tata Tea Museum is a kind of place that invites people to discover the aroma of fresh tea leaves. It’s a place where you can learn about the history of the tea plantation industry in India. It’s a place where you can gain insights into how the tea leaves are processed. It’s a place that gives you a demonstration of how your morning cup of tea is prepared every day and what it takes to make it lip-smacking.
The mind-blowing fragrance of the different varieties of tea leaves will make you feel proud of being a hardcore Tea Lover, whereas the jaw-dropping views of the adjoining areas encourage you to visit this place time and time again.
Entry Fee: INR 75 per person for adults, INR 35 per person for children aged between 6 to 12 years of age
Timings: Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days except Monday
Best Time to Visit: From September to November and then from December to March
Ideal Exploration Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 1.3 km from the City Centre
05. Attukad Waterfalls
The next destination that is frequently visited by free souls, birders, photographers, wanderers, and vacationers in Munnar is Attukad Waterfalls.
Perched in the Idukki district and at a distance of nearly 9 km from the heart of the town, the Attukad Waterfalls provide a feast to your eyes in a true sense, all thanks to cascading waterfall, rolling hills, abundant greenery, and ultimate peacefulness found amidst this captivating location.
Unlike other popular tourist places to visit in Munnar, the Attukad Waterfalls can be explored during the monsoon as well as the post-monsoon season. Not only this, the water falling down the fall forms a pool at the base where you can also take a shower in the water to treat your senses. Other activities such as wildlife sightings and rappelling can also be enjoyed around the falls to make the most of your time.
Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit Attukad Waterfalls in Munnar.
Timings: As such, there is no opening and closing time for Attukad Waterfalls, but it is recommended to head towards it from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day.
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Ideal Exploration Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 9 km from the City Centre
06. Kundala Lake
Kundala dam lake Munnar is a beautiful destination awaits you on the way to top station Munnar. Situated at a height of 1700 meters above the sea level, it is truly a natural wonder all above the sky. The Western Ghats round the lake, providing incredible views of misty peaks and a lush landscape.
Kundala Lake in Munnar is one of the most beautiful attractions in Munnar with the best combo of natural beauty and entertainment. The Dam beside the Kundala Lake Munnar is considered to be Asia’s first arch dam. Tourists can go kayaking or boating here, which elevates your ordinary Munnar trip to a complete package of fun and adventure.
If interested and have time, one can opt for boating in rowboats, pedal boats, speed boats, or Kashmiri Shikaras for a delightful experience. Balloon shooting and horseback ride games are also available at the lake to keep your children occupied all the time. There is also a nearby golf course for tourists to enjoy golfing in Munnar.
Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit Kundala Lake in Munnar.
Timings: It is open for its visitors round the clock.
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Ideal Exploration Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 25 km from the City Centre
07. Rose Garden
You cannot return home without paying a visit to the Rose Garden. Home to a variety of bright and colorful plants, where you can enjoy the sheer bliss of experiencing the natural beauty along with overlooking the large tea plantations in the background. It’s an excellent destination to discover a rare species of crops and is no less than a mini paradise for tourists to spend pleasant evenings on their Munnar tour.
Sprawling over 2-acres of land, the Rose Garden, unlike its name, also provides shelter to a diverse range of other vibrant flowers as well. Several fruit trees such as Strawberry, Litchi, Amla, and Rumbuta can also be spotted here along with seasonal fruits that grow throughout the year in this garden. One can also obtain fresh vegetables including cauliflower, cabbage, and potato from its plantation farm. If interested, you can also purchase the seeds of flowering plants on your way to home and grow them at your place to keep memories of this garden alive for a lifetime.
Entry Fee: INR 20 per person
Timings: Open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Ideal Exploration Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 2.7 km from the City Centre
08. Blossom Park
Wings, colorful flowers, soft grasses and more – this place is the epitome of nostalgia! Offering an astounding blend of natural beauty and a modest play arena, Blossom Hydel Park is an ideal spot for couples and families looking forward to spending some quality time together!
Walk in and around the park stretching across 16 acres of an area to admire the breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and Kannan Devan Hill Tea Estates. Indulge yourself in activities like Trekking, Bird Watching, Boating, Cycling, Badminton, Roller Skating, Zorbing, and Cycling to keep yourself occupied all day long. Or if you wish to do nothing, you can choose to grab a book of your choice and sit quietly on a bench to spend some time with yourself. There is also a dedicated children's area with swings, hammocks, sandpits, ropeways, and other amazing rides for your kid’s enjoyment.
Another point of interest in Blossom Park is the annual flower show which is organized every year between March and April to display a plethora of flowers. So, if you’re heading towards this park during this period, you better not forget to carry the camera with you. You will find several happy moments to capture in your DSLR.
Entry Fee: INR 10 per person for adults, INR 2 per person for children below 12 years of age
Timings: Open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on all days
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Ideal Exploration Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 3 Km from the City Centre
09. Top Station
Surrender yourself to the panoramic views of the Western Ghats at Top Station. Considered as the highest point in Munnar, the Top Station creates a picture-perfect setting for a much-needed getaway and offers a tranquil atmosphere so that you can loosen yourself free for some time in the green valleys of this romantic hill station.
The 1700 meters high altitude makes it a wonderful spot for tourists to overlook the birds-eye view of the town from the top of the peak. Combine it with a rare variety of flora and fauna to magnify its charm and gorgeousness to another level that you will be compelled to visit this place at least once in a lifetime.
This location is also considered a desirable spot for photographers to click some candid shots of nature with plunging valleys and stunning waterfalls acting as the backdrop for your clicks.
Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit the Top Station in Munnar.
Timings: Although it opens its door to people throughout the day, the ideal time to explore its beauty would be from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Try reaching home before it gets too dark. Otherwise, it might get risky for you and your dear ones.
Best Time to Visit: October to November and then from January to April
Ideal Exploration Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 32 km from the City Centre
10. Mattupetty Dam
Not many people consider visiting dams when it comes to touring the popular sightseeing places in Munnar but Mattupetty Dam is quite different.
Lying beautifully in the lap of the hills in the Idukki District of Kerala state, the Mattupetty Dam, built in the late 1940s, serves as a fantastic location for tourists to soak in the stunning scenery along with experiencing the calmness of nature.
Initially, the Mattupetty Dam was constructed to preserve the water and generate electricity. Today, it is considered as a primary spot to supply the current in the region in addition to being a source of water for a variety of animals and birds. One can also spot the elephants here due to the constant availability of drinking water.
Whenever at Mattupetty Dam, you can spend your time by indulging yourself in a variety of activities such as boating, bird watching, recreational water sports, etc. Most of these activities are arranged by the District Tourism Promotion Council, so you don’t have to worry about your safety. Boating including rowboats, pedal boats, speed boats, and motorboats are quite a hit among adventure lovers from all around the world. You can also choose to go on trekking trails in the shola forests that encompass the dam.
Entry Fee: INR 10 per person
Timings: It is open for its visitors throughout the day but the recommended timings for boating at Mattupetty Dam are from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Best Time to Visit: From October to February and then from June to July
Ideal Exploration Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 11 km from the City Centre
11. Lakkam Waterfalls
Also known as Lakkom Falls, Munnar’s Lakkam Waterfalls are located 7,300 feet above the sea level. An interesting feature about this waterfall is that it starts from a plateau and not a hill, which is the case with most other falls. Originating from the Eravikulam Plateau, Lakkam Waterfalls collect into a pool.
Ensconced in a green surrounding, Lakkam Waterfalls are enclosed by a dense collection of Vaga trees and boulders which one needs to climb to get very close to the falls.Taking pictures apart, the falls are famous for boulder hiking and even bathing in the pool.
Mainly cascading in nature, Lakkam Waterfalls has several cascades which are not accessible to travellers, even if they try trekking close to the route it follows. The waterfall has a total height of 50 feet! Tiny fish swim about in the pool where all the water from the Lakkom Falls collects. When you walk in this pool, the fish nibble away at your feet. This is not dangerous, however. It is more like getting a foot spa without even having to pay for it.
Entry Fee: INR 20 per person
Timings: It is open for its visitors throughout the week from 8.00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit: From October to February and then from June to July
Ideal Exploration Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 24.5 km from the City Centre
12. Loackhart Gap (Lock Heart Gap)
Lockhart (or Lock Heart) Gap is a gap between two mountains near Munnar, which looks similar to the shape of a heart. You can observe this gap and the surrounding landscape from the Lockhart Gap View Point.
This viewpoint is on Lockhart Gap Road, about 12 km from Munnar. It offers an expansive view of the tea-covered slopes, mist-clad blue hills and the winding roads in the valley. Views of the valley hidden by the fog, scenic stretch of road and a gorgeous sunset are only a few things which attract people to Lockhart Gap Road View Point.
It is a popular picnic spot, heaven for trekkers and a quiet recess for anyone who’s looking for some solitude. The little time you spend at Lockhart Gap Munnar would be enough to refresh and rejuvenate you. And it’s a paradise for photographers too.
So, plan your trip in winter to visit Lockhart Gap Munnar amidst the cool breeze. The mornings are foggy, but you can enjoy clear and splendid views throughout the day. You can spend about an hour at this scenic spot.
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Timings: It is open for its visitors throughout the week from 6.00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit: From November to February
Ideal Exploration Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 15 km from the City Centre
