Munnar, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is a scenic hill station that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. From tea plantations to waterfalls, Munnar has something for everyone. Here are the 8 best places to visit in Munnar:
Eravikulam National ParkEravikulam National Park is a popular tourist attraction located in the Idukki district of Kerala, near Munnar. It is spread across an area of about 97 square kilometers and is home to several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna.
One of the main attractions of the park is the Nilgiri Tahr, which is a rare species of mountain goat that can only be found in the southern part of the Western Ghats. The park is also home to other species such as the leopard, Indian bison, and several species of birds.
Eravikulam National Park is famous for the Neelakurinji flowers that bloom here once every 12 years. The next blooming is scheduled for 2028. The park also offers several trekking trails, the most popular being the trek to the Anamudi Peak, which is the highest peak in South India.
The park is open from 7:30 AM to 4 PM and visitors need to obtain a permit from the forest office before entering the park. It is advisable to visit the park during the early morning hours to avoid the crowds and enjoy the scenic beauty of the park.
Mattupetty Dam Mattupetty Dam is situated about 13 kilometers away from Munnar town and is surrounded by lush green tea plantations and picturesque hills.
The dam was built in the late 1940s for hydroelectricity generation and to conserve water for irrigation purposes. It is built over the Mattupetty Lake, which is a natural water body that was formed by the melting of snow from the surrounding hills. The dam is about 170 feet high and 1200 feet wide and is made of concrete.
Tourists visit the Mattupetty Dam to enjoy boating in the serene waters of the Mattupetty Lake. The dam also offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and is a popular picnic spot for families. Visitors can also take a stroll through the tea plantations and enjoy the scenic beauty of the place.
There is a small park near the dam where visitors can relax and enjoy the cool breeze. The park also has a children's play area and a few food stalls that offer local delicacies. The dam is open to visitors from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM and there is a nominal entry fee.
Tea MuseumThe Tea Museum in Munnar is a popular tourist attraction that offers visitors an insight into the history and production of tea in the region. The museum is located in the Nallathanni Estate, which is about 2 kilometers away from the town of Munnar.
The museum was established in 2005 by the Kannan Devan Hills Plantations Company (KDHP), which is one of the largest tea plantation companies in the country. The museum is housed in a colonial-era bungalow that was built in the early 20th century and offers a glimpse into the history of the tea industry in Munnar.
The museum has several exhibits that showcase the different stages of tea production, from the cultivation of tea leaves to the processing and packaging of tea. There are also several antique tea-making machines that were used in the early days of tea production in the region.
One of the highlights of the Tea Museum is the demonstration of tea-making using the orthodox method, which is the traditional way of making tea in Munnar. Visitors can also sample different varieties of tea at the museum's tea tasting room.
The Tea Museum is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and there is a nominal entry fee. The best time to visit the museum is during the morning hours, as the museum can get crowded during the peak tourist season.
Top Station Top Station is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road and offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats mountain range and the surrounding valleys.
The name Top Station is derived from the fact that it was the highest railway station on the Kundala Valley Railway, which was a narrow-gauge railway line that operated in the early 20th century. The railway line has since been dismantled, but the name Top Station has stuck.
Visitors to Top Station can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills, tea plantations, and the picturesque valley below. On a clear day, one can even catch a glimpse of the plains of Tamil Nadu in the distance.
One of the main attractions of Top Station is the Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once in twelve years. The last time the flowers bloomed in Top Station was in 2018, and the next bloom is expected in 2030. The sight of the purple-hued flowers covering the hills is a mesmerizing experience that draws visitors from all over the world.
Top Station is located about 32 kilometers away from Munnar town and can be reached by road. The best time to visit Top Station is during the months of September to May, as the monsoon season can make the roads slippery and difficult to navigate.
Anamudi Peak
Anamudi Peak is located in the town of Munnar in the Indian state of Kerala. The peak stands at an elevation of 2,695 meters (8,842 feet) and is part of the Western Ghats mountain range.
Anamudi is an important landmark for the locals and is a popular destination for trekking and mountaineering enthusiasts. The peak is surrounded by lush green forests, streams, and waterfalls, making it a picturesque location.
The name Anamudi means elephant's forehead, as the shape of the peak is said to resemble an elephant's forehead. The peak is also home to a unique ecosystem and is considered a biodiversity hotspot. It is home to several rare species of plants, animals, and birds, including the Nilgiri tahr, which is a species of mountain goat found only in the Western Ghats.
Kundala LakeKundala Lake is situated at an altitude of 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by lush green hills, forests, and tea plantations.
Kundala Lake is an artificial lake that was created by the damming of the Kundala River. The lake is spread over an area of 5.5 hectares and is a popular tourist attraction in Munnar. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the lake and take in the stunning views of the surrounding hills and tea gardens.
One of the unique features of Kundala Lake is the Kundala Dam, which is an arch dam built across the Kundala River. The dam is 30 meters (98 feet) in length and 20 meters (66 feet) in height and is a popular spot for picnics and photography.
Kundala Lake is also home to the Neela Kurunji flowers, which bloom once every 12 years. The flowers cover the hills surrounding the lake in a beautiful blue hue, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers.
Chinnar Wildlife SanctuaryChinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated about 60 km from the town of Munnar and covers an area of about 90 square km. The sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna and is a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
The sanctuary is home to several species of animals, including the endangered grizzled giant squirrel, Indian star tortoise, and the vulnerable white-bellied blue flycatcher. It is also a habitat for several species of reptiles, butterflies, and birds, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
One of the main attractions of the sanctuary is the Chinnar River, which flows through it. The river is a lifeline for the animals in the sanctuary and is a popular spot for visitors to enjoy a peaceful picnic or take a dip in the cool water.
Visitors can also explore the several trekking trails in the sanctuary, which offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The sanctuary is also known for its medicinal plants and herbs, and visitors can learn about their uses and benefits from the local guides.
The best time to visit Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is from December to April when the weather is pleasant, and the animals are active. The sanctuary is open to visitors from 7 am to 5 pm, and visitors need to obtain prior permission from the forest department before entering.
Attukal Waterfalls Attukal Waterfalls is situated about 9 km from the town center and is a popular tourist attraction in Munnar.
The waterfall is formed by the Attukal River, which cascades down from a height of about 30 meters (98 feet) and is surrounded by lush green hills, forests, and tea plantations. The sound of the gushing water and the misty atmosphere create a serene and peaceful environment, making it a popular spot for picnics and photography.
Visitors can enjoy a short trek through the forest to reach the waterfall, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The trek is relatively easy and is suitable for people of all ages.
Attukal Waterfalls is also known for its scenic beauty during the monsoon season, when the waterfalls are in full flow, and the surrounding vegetation is lush and green.
Visitors can also explore the nearby attractions, such as the tea plantations, which offer guided tours and tea-tasting sessions, and the nearby hill station of Lakkam Waterfalls, which is known for its stunning views and trekking trails.
The best time to visit Attukal Waterfalls is from June to September when the monsoon is in full swing, and the waterfall is at its most spectacular.