Magical Munnar | Best Hill Station & Tea Capital Of Kerala | Places To Visit And Everything You Must Know
The magical Munnar, one of the best places to visit in Kerala, is in the news for great reasons! It looks like that Munnar is our next go-to winter hill station in India.
Currently, Munnar is having the dreamiest winter with snowfall and sub-zero temperatures. Further, the Devikulam ODK division has recorded a temperature of -1 degrees Celsius.
Now, intense cold waves started hitting Munnar and its different areas, like Chenduvara, Sevenmala, and Nallathanni, on 24th December 2024. It’s January 2025, and with snowfall in full swing there is a tourism boost in this Kerala hill station.
So, no need to worry about is it safe to travel to Munnar now, as you will seldom get better chances to enjoy the scenic beauty here.
Further, exploring Munnar is now easier and more pocket-friendly with the launch of the Royal View Double Decker Bus by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). You can contact KSRTC at 0471 – 2463799 or +91 9447071021 to book your seat.
| Highlights Of The KSRTC Double Decker Bus Service: Focus on sightseeing and exploring the enchanting view of Munnar A 360-degree view of Munnar during the journey in a glass-covered bus Further, this bus will begin a new chapter in post-Covid-19 tourism in Kerala. The bus will have a coffee vending machine, a music system, and colorful lighting. Also, the bus can accommodate 50 passengers, with 38 people sitting on the lower deck and 12 people sitting on the upper deck. Furthermore, KSRTC will offer these bus tours 5 days a week. Moreover, the bus will cover a 25 Km route around Munnar, and the ticket charges for the lower and upper decks will be INR 200 and 400, respectively. |
So, at Dream and Travel, we think it is the best time to explore Munnar. We have created a guide that is like “rediscovering Magical Munnar.” We have discussed its geography, climate, best places to visit, lesser-known stories, and much more!
Where Is Munnar? How To Reach Munnar?
Munnar is a crown jewel in Kerala tourism. It is located in the Idukki district of the state. Further, this Kerala hill station is located in the Western Ghat Mountain Range.
It is even a popular weekend destination from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. The distance between the two places is around 270 Km, and it can be covered in a little over 7 hours by road.
Moreover, the word Munnar is a fusion of two words ‘Moonu’ and “Aru.” “Moonu” means three, and Aru means river in the local language. The location of Munnar in the confluence of Kundala, Muthirapuzha and Nallathanni rivers gives it this unique name.
How To Reach Munnar
Munnar, a popular hill town to visit in summer and winter, is easy to access and this is how you can reach this place by air, road, or train.
‣ How To Reach Munnar By Flight
Munnar is well-connected thanks to the proximity of the Cochin International Airport. This airport is at a distance of 110 Km from Munnar.
You can take the Kerala road transport buses (from Aluva) or a cab to reach Munnar from the airport. However, from that, you have to take a bus and reach Aluva first at a distance of around 12 Km.
Also, if you are to take KSRTC buses, you must book the bus in advance. You can visit their official website or +91 9447071021 for booking. Currently, they are offering discounts on bus services.
The cab charges from Cochin Airport to Munnar will be around INR 2500. You can contact Kerala Tour Taxi at +91 96334 87423 or Royara Cabs at +91 9207 800 085/+91 9207800085 (Whatsapp).
‣ How To Reach Munnar By Train
Aluva is the closest railway station to Munnar and is at a distance of around 110 Km. Ernakulam Junction (130 Km) and Madurai (135 Km) are two other rail stations near Munnar.
You can take a bus or taxi to reach Munnar from these railway stations.
‣ How To Reach Munnar By Road
You can take cab services or public buses connecting Madurai to other cities of Kerala. Further, the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Ltd (TNSTC) offers bus services to Munnar from Kilambakkam and other locations.
The charges for the bus from Kilambakkam to Munnar will be INR 620. For booking, you can call TNSTC at toll-free numbers 08066006572/9513948001.
Munnar Weather, Munnar Temperature, And Geography | What Is The Best Time To Visit Munnar
Located in the Idukki district of Kerala and with an elevation of 1,532 meters, Munnar has an interesting geography (for lack of a better word).
Munnar Geography
On the one hand, it has the blessings of three mountain rivers. On the other hand, it has mighty waterfalls.
| Waterfalls In Munnar | Wildlife/Forests In Munnar | Mountains In Munnar |
| Attukal Waterfalls Lakkam Waterfalls Chinnakanal Waterfalls Nyayamakad Waterfalls Thoovanam waterfalls | Anamudi Shola National Park Eravikulam National Park Mathikettan Shola National Park Kurinjimala Sanctuary Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary | Anamudi Peak (2,695 Meters, Highest Peak in South India) Chokramudi Peak |
Further, the verdant landscape here accommodates tea plantations, mountains, meandering walkways, and forests of various types. Very few people know that Munnar has three types of forests: shola forests, semi-evergreen, and tropical evergreen.
With various species of flora and fauna thriving in these forests, Munnar is rich in biodiversity, and the Eravikulam National Park is at its heart. The most celebrated instance of natural abundance in Munnar is, of course, the Neelakurinji flower.
It blooms every year and the season of its blossoming is known as Kurinji season. These flowers bathe the valley in a beautiful shade of blue during this time.
Munnar Weather And Climate
Munnar experiences three seasons throughout the year. Summer in Munnar continues from March to June, and the monsoon sets in June itself. Heavy downpour continues till September.
Further, with the rainfall lowering the temperature, winter in Munnar begins in October, and the chill in the air remains till February.
⁍ Summer In Munnar
Did you know that Munnar was the summer capital of South India during the British Raj? Summer is pleasant in Munnar, especially in the evenings, allowing you to cherish the cool breeze.
Further, with an average temperature of 25-30 degrees Celsius during these months, you can enjoy outdoor activities like sightseeing, camping, trekking, hiking to the waterfalls, and exploring the coffee plantations.
| Camping Sites In Munnar | Trekking In Munnar | Coffee Plantation In Munnar |
| Cloud Farm (Contact No: 083300 80809) Koodaram Camp (099954 97856) Camp Woody (089433 33663) Suryanelli Camp (093497 51918) Anaerangal Camp | Sunrise Trek and Echo Point Anamudi Trek Mattupetty Dam Trek | ‣ Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company (P) Limited (Address: KDHP House, Moolakadai, Munnar, Contact No: 04868 255 999) ‣ Silver Oaks (Address: Silver Oaks Nature Retreat Viripara, Mankulam Road, Munnar, Contact No: +91 9639631874) |
The surrounding high-elevation areas even have colder temperatures, and you can visit those places for a Hawkeye view of the valley.
⁍ Monsoon In Munnar
Monsoon in Munnar is tricky and of the annual precipitation of around 2800mm a year, the monsoon months have close to 1100 mm of downpour.
⁕⁕ July is the month of the highest rainfall in Munnar and the amount of downpour reaches close to 460 mm. However, the temperature sharply falls during this season, with an average daily temperature record of 20-22 degrees Celsius ⁕⁕
Nevertheless, if you are in Munnar in Monsoon, you will love the misty ambiance and lush green valleys. Furthermore, hotels and resorts here offer the best discounts during the monsoon or the tourist off-season.
However, heavy rainfalls, landslides, and road blockages are major concerns during the monsoon season in Munnar.
⁍ Winter In Munnar
Various parts of Munnar get covered with snow during the winter months. The average temperature ranges between 7-15 degrees Celsius.
Take a whiff of the coffee plantations and explore the wildlife and natural abundance of Munnar in winter.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Munnar
Now, you know that Munnar is beautiful and unique in every season. So, the best season to visit Munnar depends on the kind of experience you want.
Still, if you are traveling with family and want to explore Munnar at its best, September to March is the ideal time to plan a visit. The temperature ranges between 20-35 degrees Celsius during these months, and the evenings are breezy.
April to May is the moderate tourist season in Munnar, but this is the best time if you want to explore the flora and fauna of Munnar.
Furthermore, June to August, with torrential rainfall, marks the off-season for tourists in Munnar.
What To Wear In Munnar In Different Weather Conditions
Munnar has some amount of rainfall every month, with June being the wettest and January the driest. So, irrespective of the season of your visit, you must carry waterproof trekking shoes, windcheaters, raincoats, and rain gear.
When it comes to outfits, keep it basic with cotton and linen ones. Choose versatile jackets, knitwear, and sweaters for layering.
Also, be mindful while choosing the shades of your clothes. You don’t want to be a visual distraction amidst the lush greenery of Munnar, right?
Munnar Tourist Places You Cannot Miss | Top 5 Places To Visit In Munnar
As a hill station, Munnar rose to prominence during the British rule. So, along with the natural abundance, the colonial charm makes Munnar unique.
For example, the history of tea plantations in Munnar goes back to 1880. Further, the Eravikulam National Park in Kannan Devan Hills is a hotspot for wildlife spotting and ecotourism.
Do you want to know what more awaits you in Munnar? Here are the best places to visit.
1. Munnar Tea Plantation
John Daniel Munro, a British resident in India, conceived the idea of a tea plantation in Munnar in 1857. However, it was A H Sharp who started a tea plantation here in 1880. Today, the spot of the same tea plantation belongs to Seven Mallay Estate.
Along with the Seven Mallay Estate, some other popular tea estates here are:
- Pallivasal Tea Garden
- Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
- Tata Tea Museum (KDHP Museum)
- Photo Point Munnar
Many tourism companies offer packaged tours to the tea plantations of Munnar. In the monsoon especially, hiking to the tea plantations is a popular tourist attraction.
In Focus: Tata Tea Museum
- Address: KDHP House, NH 49, Nullatanni, Munnar
- Contact Number: 04868 255 000
- Hours Open: 9 AM to 5 PM
- Entry Fee: INR 75 for Adults and INR 35 for Children from 6-12 Years
- Distance from Munnar Town: 2 Km
Tata Tea Museum or the Kannan Devan Hills Plantation (KDHP) Tea Museum in Munnar is the best place to learn about the history of tea in Kerala. Through its exhibits and collections, the museum also shows the evolution of the tea industry here.
| Prime Attractions At The Tata Tea Museum, Munnar ‣ Demonstration of tea processing ‣ Tea tasting ‣ Audio-visual presentations ‣ Thematic exhibits ‣ Programs and workshops for educational purposes ‣ A tour of the plantation and the heritage bungalow |
You will know about the early tea planters, the development of tea estates and their struggles and the intervention of Tata Tea in resurrecting them.
2. Eravikulam National Park
- Address: Udumalpet Rd, Kannan Devan Hills, Munnar
- Contact Number: 04865 231 587
- Hours Open: 7 AM to 4 PM
- Area: 97 Square Km
- Elevation: 7000 Square Feet Above Sea Level
With a history of tea plantations, the Eravikulam National Park today is the best place to spot wildlife in Munnar. This national park has three sections: core section, buffer section, and tourist section or the Rajamalai zone. You can only visit the tourist section of the park.
This national park is most famous as the home to Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered species of mountain goat. You will also find Nilgiri Langur, gaur, sloth bear, and tiger here.
| Eravikulam National Park Fees ‣ For Adults (Indian Citizens) – INR 125 ‣ For Children (Indian Citizens) – INR 95 ‣ Foreigners: INR 420 ‣ Video Camera: INR 335 ‣ Still Camera: INR 45 ‣ Reservation Fee: INR 50 |
Further, Neelakurinji blossoms here in abundance every 12 years to transform it into a blue carpet. Brachycorythis Wightii and Piper Schmidtti are some other varieties of plants found here.
Moreover, you will find the Anamudi Peak, the highest in South India, in this national park.
3. Anamudi Peak
- Height: 2,695 Meters
- Best Time to Visit: November to May
If you ask, what is Munnar famous for? For many, it is the home to the Anamudi Peak, the highest mountain peak in South India.
Trekking to the peak is a unique experience, and it will take you 2-3 hours to complete the trek. As you explore the trekking route, you will find bamboo and teak trees and spice and tea plantations around. Further, you will meet the wildlife of the Eravikulam National Park on the path.
Along with trekking, the safari to the Anamudi viewpoint from the National Park Gate itself is a fantastic experience. You will see Nilgiri Tahr and Asian Elephants here. Don’t forget to collect the Forest Department permission for a trek to the Anamudi Peak.
4. Mattupetty Dam
- Address: Mattupetty, Idukki, Munnar
- Contact Number: 089405 35238
- Hours Open: 9:30 AM to 5 PM
Mattupetty Dam can hold back 55.4 million cubic meters of water of the Mattupetty Lake. It is a perennial lake and becomes the mightiest during the monsoon.
Near the dam area, you will find many animals and birds. They visit the dam and lake area to drink water.
You can enjoy various delightful activities near Mattupetty Dam. There are provisions for horse riding. Also, you can take a ride in regular or speed boats.
| Entry Free: INR 10 Per Person Ordinary Boating: INR 300 for 15 Minutes (1-5 People) Speed Boating: INR 500 for 15 Minutes (1-5 People) Big Boat Ride: INR 700 for 30 Minutes (20 People) Horse Ride: INR 50 |
Mattupetty itself is a beautiful hill station, and the quaint village at an elevation of 1700 meters is also called the “Switzerland of Kerala.” Pleasant weather conditions and implementing the Indo-Swiss Farm Project have earned Mattupetty this laurel.
Many people also know Mattupetty as the Cattle Village, with cattle roaming in the ground. Moreover, after spending a few hours at the dam, you can plan to camp here or hike to the dense woods.
5. Kundala Lake And Dam
- Address: Mattupatti Dam to Top Station Road, Kundala
- Contact Number: +91 85474 90045
- Hours Open: 9 AM to 5 PM
Setuparvatipuram Dam, or Kundala Dam, is built on the Muthirapuzha River. Moreover, it is the first arch dam in Asia and part of the first hydroelectric project in Kerala.
| Kundala Lake And Dam Fee: ‣ Pedal Boat: INR 100 for 3 persons ‣ Row Boat: INR 150 for 4 persons ‣ Shikara Boat: INR 200 for 2 persons ‣ Video Camera: INR 200 |
The Kundala Lake near the dam also looks beautiful and is ideal for boating. As you take a boat ride here, the surrounding Western Ghat mountains and Cherry blossom trees create a surreal backdrop.
What Is Munnar Famous For | Things To Do In Munnar (Activities And Experiences)
With endless places of attraction, Munnar, the tea capital of Kerala, offers many outdoor pursuits.
Your adventure can begin with catching trout at Rajamala Range Hatchery. Further, Echo Point, a popular trekking destination just 15 Km away from Munnar, will allow you the chance to scream your heart out.
Further, if you are in Munnar for your honeymoon, you can book accommodation at a tree house in the tea plantations.
However, for me, Marayoor and the prehistoric dolmens were the most incredible revelations. These dolmens will take you back to the Megalithic Age.
Having said that, the following activities are the best things to do in Munnar.
1. Trekking And Hiking
I have already discussed trekking to the Anamudi Peak. Munnar gives you more opportunities to explore nature through trekking and hiking trails.
You can plan a trek to the tea trail, a walk to the Sunset View, A Munnar Valley trek including wild elephant Anakulam & waterfalls, etc.
2. Wildlife Spotting And Bird Watching
Munnar is one of the rarest places in the world to have dedicated birdwatching trails. So, talk to a local tour coordinator and plan a day along the following trails.
- Attukad Falls Loop
- Thoovanam Waterfall
- Anamudi Peak Waterfalls
On these trails, you will find birds like Jungle babblers, Pied bush chat, etc.
Eravikulam National Park is your go-to destination to meet wildlife in Munnar. Further, other places to meet the diverse flora and fauna of Munnar are Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mattupetty Dam area, and Attukal Waterfalls.
3. Exploring Local Markets And Cuisine
When in Munnar, it’s a sin not to shop for the best tea and coffee. You need to collect them from the plantations you visit. Further, you can plan a tour of the spice plantations or local markets to collect spices like nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Munnar is the spice library of India, and you can collect the resources for an entire year from here.
Further, don’t miss visiting spots like Mattupetty Dam Market or Munnar Market to collect aroma oil, dyed Kerala clothes, and handicrafts.
Moreover, a trip to Munnar is incomplete without trying the local cuisines like Malabar parottas, puttu, Kerala Biryani, payasam, idiyappam, appam, and ari pathri. All these delicacies are flavorful and easy on your stomach.
4. Adventure Sports And Outdoor Activities
Munnar is the place for the adventurous souls. Along with trekking, you can explore dual ziplining, rock climbing, kayaking, jumaring, river crossing, etc., here.
Further, Dreamland Munnar Park is among the best places to try various thrilling acts. So, call them at +91 7902233398 or +91 7902233397 to plan a day.
Accommodation And Travel Tips | A Dream And Travel Note
Munnar offers various accommodation options. So, when in Munnar, you can stay at a hotel, resort, homestay and treehouses. I have already shared the best places for camping in this guide.
So, here are some of the best options in homestays, hotels, resorts and treehouses for you.
| Hotels In Munnar | Resorts In Munnar | Homestays In Munnar | Treehouses In Munnar |
| Vibe Munnar | The Planet Munnar Resort | Ripples N Rocks Homestay | Dream Catcher Plantation Resort Address: Tea Company, Bisonvalley Road, Ratnagir Contact No: 095260 15111 |
| Orchid Highlands | Eden Woods Resort & Spa | Rainforest Munnar | Nature Zone Resort Munnar Address: Pulippara, Near KSRTC Bus Stand, Nullatanni, Munnar Contact No: 097454 33330 |
| Fort Munnar | The Breeze Resort Munnar | Munnar Dreams Homestay | Ela Ecoland Munnar – A Nature Retreat Address: Mankulam Road, Kallar – Vattiyar, PO, Kallar Valley Contact: 095262 00083 |
| Hotel Emerald Inn | Fragrant Nature | Aranyaka Homestay | Sitaram Mountain Retreat Address: Pallivasal Estate, Paracherivu Moolakada, PO, Munnar Contact No: 087146 86576 |
| The Silver Tips | The Fog Resort | Cornerstone | Jungle Jive Tree House Munnar Address: Near Mary Land Church, Devagiri, Munnar Contact: 083018 81171 |
The hotels, resorts and homestays enlisted here can be easily booked through munnar.com, a unit of Kerala tourism. You can email them at reservation@keralatravels.com or call +91 93886 40364/ +91 98460 43403 for a reservation.
Two to three days are enough if you want to explore Munnar, and the package will cost between INR 5000-20000 per person based on your type of accommodation, mode of transportation, and places visited.
Moreover, irrespective of the season of your visit, you will experience a significant difference between the day and night temperatures. So, always opt for layered clothing and carry lightweight jackets even in summer.
