Things to do in Munnar

Munnar is one of the most popular hill stations in Kerala. Sloping blossoming green tea and coffee plantations, winding undulating path, gushing streams through the hillsides, numerous tea museums and breathtaking views make Munnar a heavenly place. Munnar is one of the important tea plantations in India. The spectacular land gives a rejuvenating and peaceful atmosphere. Many mesmerizing and enjoyable activities are awaiting the guests.

 1. Kolukkumalai Plantation

Image: Wikipedia
This is one of the most amazing tourist attractions in Munnar.  Kolukkumalai is the world’s highest elevation tea plantation. The stimulating aroma of golden beverages is exciting. It is considered one of the highest and utmost tea plantations around the world. This plantation is worldwide renowned for its flavored tea leaves.

The Kolukkumalai Tea Plantation produces one of the best and finest teas in South India.

Guests can enjoy cold early morning walks, fresh air, the greenery and bliss of living in the tea gardens.

Location: Meesapulimala, Idukki.
Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM
Distance from Munnar: 35 km

2. Eravikulam National Park

Image: Wikipedia
It is the first national park in Kerala. It is a popular destination for tourists in Munnar.

Specialties:

• The whole park area is divided into three regions- core, buffer, and tourism area. Tourists are allowed only in the tourism area, which can be conveniently explored by either a trek or a safari in the forest department vehicles.
• The park is home to the largest population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat).
• It is also inhabited by other rare animal species like Nilgiri Marten, Dusky Striped Squirrel, Small-Clawed Otter, Ruddy Mongoose, Leopard, Tiger, and Indian Bison.
• Red Disk Bushbrown and Palni Fourwing are among the 100 endemic butterflies that can be spotted in this ecosystem.
• There are also several species of rare birds and this region is a paradise for ornithologists.
• The shola grasslands of this park are notably rich in Balsams and Orchids. Also, the Neelakurunji flower which blossoms only once in 12 years is found here.

Eravikulam National Park, spread over an area of 97 sq km, lies along the crest of the Western Ghats in the Idukki district.

The major attraction is Anamudi Peak, which offers excellent trekking and lodging.

Location: The Wildlife Warden Munnar.
Timings: 7:30 AM to 4 PM
Distance from Munnar:10.6 km

3. Kundala Dam Lake

It is a major tourist attraction in Munnar. It was constructed for Pallivasal Hydro Electric Project in 1946 and is considered to be Asia’s first arch dam.  Adjoining to this magnificent dam is the beautiful lake and the guests can enjoy boat rides and shikhara rides in Kundala Lake. Kundala lake is surrounded by green valleys and majestic landscapes. Sun rays falling on the Kundala Lake, creates a glittering effect and it gives heaven like experience to the guests. The scenic beauty of Kundala is a major attraction for photographers.

Major attraction:

Rejuvenating boat rides including Shikara boat rides, pedal or rowboat.

Location: Mattupatti Dam to Top Station Rd, Kundala.
Timings: You can enjoy this ride from early morning at 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Distance from Munnar: 25 km

4. Rose gardens

Rose Garden is a well-maintained garden and it is like mini heaven on earth. Rose Garden has agricultural plantations such as Tea, Cardamom and Vanilla. There is a wide variety of fruit trees, including Litchi, Rambutan, Strawberry, and Amla. A large variety of flowering plants and vegetable gardens make rose garden extraordinary.

Rose Garden is popularly known for its Floriculture Centre. This Centre has rare varieties of flowers as well as a wonderful herbal garden. There are large amounts of tea plantations surrounding them, which gives way to a sweet aromatic adventure.

This park is controlled and managed by

Major attraction:

• Activities such as trekking, cooking classes and plantation visits.
• It provides an eco-friendly homestay.

Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
Location: 2 km from Munnar.

5.Top station

It is the highest point in Munnar. This place is on the Kerala-Tamilnadu border. This stunning destination is one of Kerala’s most beautiful hill towns. This beautiful hill station is 1700 meters above sea level. It offers a panoramic view of the Western Ghats and the valley of the Theni District in Tamil Nadu. From here we can touch the clouds. People came here to explore the unseen beauty of the town and to feel its exquisiteness in absolute peace.

The top station was a transshipment point for the delivery of tea from Munnar to Bodinayakkanur.

Major attraction:

The destination is famous for the Neelakurinji flowers, which used to bloom once in twelve years. This gives the destination a different bluish look.

Time to visit: From November to December.
Time: 6 am to 6 pm
Location: 32 km away from Munnar, on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road.
The top station was a transshipment point for the delivery of tea from Munnar to Bodinayakkanur.

6. Echo point

It is on the way to Top station. It has a greenish look as it is covered with abundant green sceneries. It is an adventurous destination. People can opt trekking up to the mountains. This is a very beautiful place in Munnar.  The spot earns its name because of the natural echo that one can hear resonating in the undulating hills. The place surrounded by mist-covered hills, waterfalls, and clean air will be a visual treat.

Location: Placed at an altitude of about 600 ft, Echo Point is located 15 km away from Munnar, on the way to Top Station.

7. Cheeyappara waterfalls

This waterfall is beautiful and very popular among tourists and you will have an opportunity to trek as well. It is located on the Kochi-Madurai highway, Cheeyaparra Waterfall is a seven-step waterfall and is nestled amidst lush green forests. As said already, this waterfall is beautiful and very popular among tourists and you will have an opportunity to trek as well.

Major attraction: Trekking.

Location: Idukki 40km from Munnar.
Nearest Railway station: Aluva
Timings: Sunrise – Sunset

8.Mattupetty  Dam and Lake

Photo: Keralatourism.org
The dam built on the Mattupetty lake is an excellent recreational spot. The dam is Kerala’s pride and is an important picnic spot. People indulge in a myriad of activities ranging from boating and nature strolls to wildlife spotting and birding.   Excellent views of the lake cradling amidst rolling mountains and rambling tea plantations show candid shots and excellent craftsmanship of nature.

An Indo-Swiss Dairy Farm is located near the dam. It is launched as part of a bilateral agreement between India and the Swiss government.  The farm is operated by the Kerala Livestock Development.  Here we can see a variety of cattle and other livestock, their breeding centers and semen storage cells.  Entry to visitors is restricted and only guests with special permissions are allowed to enter the premises.

Location: Mattupetty is located 13 km away from Munnar. Near to the Anamudi peak, Mattupetty, the hill station at a height of 1,700 m.

9. Rock climbing

The rock climbing activity in Munnar is an unavoidable one. It is strenuous and should be undertaken using special climbing equipment/ gears. In this activity, one must climb up to reach the summit of a formation or an endpoint of either a naturally rocky terrain or a man-made rock wall.  Experienced people can opt for climbing up natural surfaces, while beginners can start with the man-made surfaces.

Expert guides will accompany tourists as they undertake the activity. Also, the climbing gears used are ensured to be of the highest quality. Still, equipment checks for their fitness would be done before. This activity is sure to give all the thrills to all the brave-hearted.

10. Chinnar wildlife sanctuary

The sanctuary boasts a diverse topography of deciduous forests, dry thorn scrubs, shola grasslands, and riparian forests. It is a perfect home to a number of exotic wild species including panthers, spotted & sambar deer, gaurs, elephants and interesting varieties of langurs & monkeys.  The endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrels which are found here in large numbers enjoy the company of  Malabar Giant Squirrels and Flying Squirrels.  The sanctuary is also a paradise for bird lovers. It houses over 200 species of birds including beautiful and colorful bulbuls, woodpeckers, Malabar parakeets, kingfishers, flycatchers, and barbets.

Location:
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located 18 km north of Marayoor on SH 17 in the Marayoor
Munnar – Udumalpet Road, Munnar

11. Elephant safari at beautiful Carmelagiri Elephant Park

It is a fun-filled experience for adults and kids alike to go for an elephant safari at Carmelagiri Elephant Park It is situated at Mattupetty Road. This park provides a short elephant ride of around 10 to 15 minutes. It’s one of the most captivating tourists pulls in Munnar, mainly for children. You can gift a vegetable or fruit hamper to elephants after a ride.

Location: Mattupetty Road, Munnar.

12. Attukad waterfalls

Munnar has many hilly water streams falling straight from the height and hence form a pool. Lakkam, Chinnakanal, Thoovanam, and Attukal are some of the gorgeous waterfalls in Munnar. Attukal waterfalls, a true paradise for nature lovers and solace seekers, is an epitome of scenic beauty and is a must-visit attraction. The falls are soaked in a smoky white mist and flanked on all sides by vast expanses of forests and blue & green hills.  Some beautiful and endemic species of birds are often spotted near the falls hidden amidst the bushes perfectly camouflaged or darting in and out of the dark green leaves as if playing the game of hiding and seek. A trek around the waterfall slopes is also something that is definitely lovely and will surely leave an unmatched experience.

Major attraction:

Ideal for trekking and hiking.
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Location: Attukad Waterfall Rd, Pallivasal, Munnar

13. TreeHouse Stay

Staying in a Treehouse gives a strange experience.

Erumadam, known as treehouse is an eco-accommodation facility made of natural materials like bamboo, coir, hay, and straw. It is located amidst tea and spice plantations. These resorts are located in the spice and tea plantations and promise luxurious stay that is built at a height of 20ft to 60ft. Living here is one of the most unique things to do in Munnar.

About Author

Live Kerala

See author's posts