7 Amazing Munnar Places To Visit
Munnar is a picturesque hill station in Kerala, famous for its vast tea plantations, scenic beauty, and cool climate. The top attractions include the Munnar Tea Gardens and Museum, Eravikulam National Park (home to the Nilgiri Tahr), Mattupetty Dam, Pothamedu Viewpoint, Attukal Waterfalls, Kundala Lake Trek, and Blossom Hydel Park. It offers opportunities for trekking, boating, wildlife spotting, and enjoying breathtaking landscapes amidst the Western Ghats.
7 Great Munnar Places To Visit
Munnar is a stunning hill station in the Western Ghats mountain range of Kerala, South India. It is famous for its breathtaking scenery – rolling green hills covered in tea plantations, misty valleys, winding roads, and pristine lakes. Munnar offers a pleasant, cool climate all year round and is a hugely popular holiday destination. Here are 7 Munnar places to visit & should include in your Munnar itinerary:
Munnar Tea Gardens and Tea Museum
Tea is the main reason Munnar is so well-known. The vast emerald-green tea plantations blanketing the hills are a classic sight. Several tea estates offer tours where you can witness the entire tea-making process from plucking to processing. The Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company and Tata Tea are two of the biggest tea companies with plantations you can visit. Don’t miss stopping by the Munnar Tea Museum which showcases the history and legacy of Munnar’s close ties with tea cultivation. The main tea estates and tea museum are located just 2-3 km from Munnar town.
Munnar is a picturesque hill station in Kerala, India, known for its vast tea plantations and scenic beauty. Here are five things about Munnar Tea Gardens and Tea Museum:
1. Tea Gardens: Munnar is home to some of the highest and largest tea plantations in the world. Visitors can take a stroll through the tea gardens, witness the tea-plucking process, and even pluck a few leaves themselves.
2. Tea Museum: The Tata Tea Museum, located in Munnar, provides an engaging insight into the history and process of tea cultivation in the region.
3. Best Sight: One of the best sights in Munnar is the panoramic view from the Top Station, located at an altitude of around 1,700 meters.
4. Activities: Aside from exploring the tea gardens and museum, visitors can enjoy various activities in Munnar, such as hiking through the hills, visiting the Eravikulam National Park, and enjoying a boat ride on the Mattupetty Dam.
5. Nearby Places: Nearby attractions in Kerala, such as the Athirappilly Waterfalls, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Marayoor Dolmens (ancient rock formations), and the spice plantations of Thekkady.
Eravikulam National Park
This national park is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, an endemic wild goat species. From the park’s entrance at Rajamala, you can trek along nature trails to viewpoints offering spectacular panoramic vistas of tea plantations, grasslands, and the Western Ghats peaks. With some luck, you may spot sambar deer, gaur, and over 120 bird species besides the tahr. For easier viewing of wildlife, jeep safaris are available inside the park. Eravikulam is around 14 km from Munnar town, accessible by hired taxis/cars.
Eravikulam National Park, one of the best Munnar places To visit is a stunning wildlife sanctuary located in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. Here are five things about this beautiful national park:
1. Nilgiri Tahr: The main attraction of Eravikulam National Park is the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a stocky goat-antelope found only in the Western Ghats.
2. Diverse Flora and Fauna: Visitors can spot the Stripe-necked Mongoose, Nilgiri Langur, and several species of birds like the Black and Orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, and Nilgiri Pipit.
3. Best Sight: The best sight in Eravikulam National Park is undoubtedly the panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the rolling grasslands dotted with the Nilgiri Tahr.
4. Activities: Visitors can dive into various activities in the park, such as trekking along the nature trails, bird watching, and photography. T
5. Nearby Places: Visitors can also explore nearby attractions like the Mattupetty Dam, Devikulam Lake, and the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to several species of butterflies and other wildlife.
Mattupetty Dam & Lake
The calm, crystal-clear waters of Mattupetty Lake, surrounded by green hills on all sides, make it a serene picnic spot. The lake was formed by the construction of a small dam across a mountain stream. You can take a quiet shikara boat ride on the lake and visit the little Elephant Arrival Rock where elephants come to drink water. Nearby are facilities for horse riding, convenient eateries, and beautiful pathways leading through the hills. Mattupetty is about 13 km from Munnar town.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Idukki district of Kerala, India, is a captivating wildlife reserve renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. Here are five things about this enchanting sanctuary:
1. Rich Biodiversity: Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary hosts diverse wildlife, including the Nilgiri Tahr, Indian Elephant, and various bird species.
2. Natural Beauty: Nestled in the Western Ghats, it offers breathtaking views of rolling hills, lush forests, and pristine streams.
3. Trekking Trails: Explore rugged terrain with well-marked trails through dense forests, rocky cliffs, and grasslands, perfect for wildlife spotting.
4. Medicinal Plants: Discover a rich collection of medicinal plants used in traditional Ayurvedic treatments during guided walks in the sanctuary.
5. Nearby Attractions: Explore Thoovanam Waterfalls and Marayoor Sandalwood Forests to complement your sanctuary visit with scenic beauty and cultural heritage.
Pothamedu Viewpoint
This is one of the best viewing points in all of Munnar. The Pothamedu vantage point provides stunning 360-degree panoramic views of rolling hills, wide valleys, tea estates, and nearby towns like Marayoor and Kochi city far away on a clear day. It’s an ideal sunrise/sunset point. Small shops selling snacks, spices, and handicrafts are located nearby along with facilities like telescope viewing decks. The beautiful scenery and pleasant mountain air make it a must-visit place. Pothamedu is around 5 km from the main town of Munnar.
Pothamedu Viewpoint is a famous vantage point located in Munnar, Kerala, India, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding tea plantations and hills. Here are five things about this scenic spot:
1. Breathtaking Views: The main attraction of Pothamedu Viewpoint is the awe-inspiring views it offers of the lush green tea gardens, rolling hills, and valleys of Munnar.
2. Best Sight: The best sight at Pothamedu Viewpoint is undoubtedly the vast expanse of tea plantations stretching as far as the eye can see.
3. Activities: Visitors can participate in various activities at Pothamedu Viewpoint, such as photography, sightseeing, and simply taking in the fresh mountain air.
4. Sunrise and Sunset: Pothamedu Viewpoint is an ideal location to witness the breathtaking sunrise and sunset over the tea gardens and hills.
5. Nearby Places: Pothamedu Viewpoint is conveniently located near other popular attractions in Munnar, such as the Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park, Kundala Lake, and the Tata Tea Museum, which offers insights into the region’s tea cultivation history.
Attukal Waterfalls
Located amidst lush greenery and tea plantations, the Attukal Waterfalls are a gorgeous natural sight in Munnar. The waterfall cascades down in multiple stages from a height of around 200 feet and you can trek down to its base. Swimming is possible in the waters below, while the rocks make for a scenic picnic spot surrounded by forests. It’s a relatively easy short hike from the entrance to the main falls area. The waterfalls are about 8 km from Munnar town, accessible via hired transport.
Attukal Waterfalls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. Here are five things about this beautiful natural attraction:
1. Main Attraction: The main attraction of Attukal Waterfalls is the stunning cascade of water plunging from a height of around 200 feet (61 meters) amidst the lush green surroundings of the Western Ghats.
2. Best Sight: The best sight at Attukal Waterfalls is undoubtedly the waterfall itself, with its cascading waters creating a misty veil that forms a mesmerizing sight.
3. Activities: The area around the waterfall is ideal for enjoying a refreshing dip in the cool waters, but it’s important to exercise caution due to the strong currents.
4. Nearby Places: Visitors can combine their trip with other nearby attractions like the Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Pothamedu Viewpoint, and the Tata Tea Museum.
5. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Attukal Waterfalls is during the monsoon season, typically between June and September when the waterfall is at its most impressive.
Kundala Lake Trek
For those who want a bit of adventure, the trek to Kundala Lake is very rewarding. The full 14 km trek takes around 6-7 hours to return through green valleys, tea plantations, and beautiful cloud forests. The final destination is the serene and picture-perfect Kundala Lake, surrounded by mountains and forests. Along the way, you may spot the Nilgiri Tahr and other wildlife. The challenging trek is best done with a local guide.
Kundala Lake Trek is a popular hiking trail in Munnar, Kerala, India, that takes you to a serene and picturesque lake nestled amidst the Western Ghats. Here are five things about the Kundala Lake Trek:
1. Main Attraction: The main attraction of the Kundala Lake Trek is the stunning Kundala Lake itself. This pristine freshwater lake is surrounded by rolling hills, verdant tea plantations, and dense forests, creating a breathtakingly beautiful landscape.
2. Best Sight: The best sight along the Kundala Lake Trek is undoubtedly the panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding hills from the designated viewpoints.
3. Activities: Apart from the trekking experience, visitors can enjoy various activities at Kundala Lake, such as boating, picnicking, and photography.
4. Nearby Places: The Kundala Lake Trek is conveniently located near other popular attractions in Munnar, such as the Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Pothamedu Viewpoint, and the Tea Museum, which showcases the history and process of tea cultivation in the region.
5. Trekking Experience: The Kundala Lake Trek itself is a moderate-level hike, suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The trail takes you through verdant tea plantations, dense shola forests, and rocky terrain, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes along the way.
Blossom Hydel Park
Looking for a place to simply relax and unwind in Munnar? Head to the Blossom Hydel Park. This well-maintained garden has lush flowerbeds, fountains, an artificial waterfall, and boating facilities on the small lake. There are coffee shops, eateries, and even a mini-golf course on the park premises. Kids can enjoy the little play area while adults can simply take a stroll through the serene gardens or enjoy a picnic on the green lawns. The park is located about 3 km from the main Munnar bazaar.
Blossom Hydel Park is a popular tourist attraction located in Munnar, Kerala, India. Here are five things about this park:
1. Main Attraction: The main attractions of Blossom Hydel Park are the beautifully landscaped gardens and the stunning natural scenery. The park features a series of terraced gardens and a hydel power plant, creating a unique blend of nature and human engineering.
2. Best Sight: One of the best sights in Blossom Hydel Park is the panoramic view of the Munnar hills and valleys from the viewpoints within the park.
3. Activities: Visitors can participate in various activities at Blossom Hydel Park, such as strolling through the gardens, enjoying picnics, and taking in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
4. Nearby Places: Blossom Hydel Park is located near other popular attractions in Munnar, such as the Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Pothamedu Viewpoint, and the Tea Museum, which showcases the history and process of tea cultivation in the region.
5. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Blossom Hydel Park is during the blooming seasons, typically between March and May, when the gardens are adorned with vibrant flowers, adding to the visual appeal of the park.
In Summary
Those are 7 of the top attractions you must visit to experience the full beauty and charm of Munnar. From tea estates to viewpoints, lakes, waterfalls, trekking routes, and relaxing parks, this hill town has so much incredible natural scenery to soak in. No matter your interests, Munnar promises a truly refreshing and rejuvenating getaway amidst Kerala’s magical mountains.
In conclusion, Munnar is a breathtaking hill station that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. With its vast tea gardens, pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and opportunities for trekking and wildlife spotting, it promises an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. A visit to Munnar is a chance to rejuvenate amidst the serene landscapes of the Western Ghats and create memories that will last a lifetime.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit Munnar?
The best time is between September to March when the weather is pleasant and cool.
2. How do I get to Munnar?
Munnar is well-connected by road from major cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The nearest airports are in Kochi and Madurai.
3. What outdoor activities can I do in Munnar?
Popular activities include trekking, jeep safaris, boating, camping, photography, and visiting tea plantations and waterfalls.
4. Where can I see tea plantations in Munnar?
Major tea estates like Kanan Devan and Tata Tea offer guided tours of their sprawling tea gardens.
5. Is Munnar places to visit safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, Munnar is generally safe for solo female travelers, but basic precautions should be taken as in any travel destination.
Also Read:
Top 7 Awesome Rishikesh Places To Visit
7 Amazing Places to Visit in Kerala
References:
https://www.keralatourism.org/https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en.html
