Munnar is a picturesque hill station located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India, at around 1,600 meters (5,200 feet) above sea level. It’s renowned for its sprawling tea plantations, mist-covered hills, and cool climate. Historically a favorite summer retreat of British officials, Munnar today is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, wildlife sanctuaries, and trekking opportunities.
https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/munnar/202/Munnar means ‘three rivers’ in Malayalam. It is a popular honeymoon destination.The confluence of three rivers Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundali gave Munnar its name. Munnar is a place of peace, beauty, and harmony. It is also known as the Kashmir of South India situated 1,600m above sea level in the Western Ghats range.Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2,695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking. It is recommended to give at least 02 nights’ stay in Munnar to visit major sightseeing places.
MUNNAR major attractions:
1.VALLARA WATER FALL
2.CHEYAPARA WATERFALL
3.SPICE GARDENVISIT
4.BOTTANICALGARDEN
5.TATATEA MUSEUM
6.ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK
7.ROSE GARDEN
8.MATTUPETTY DAM
9.PHOTO POINT
10.ECHO POINT
11.KUNDALA DAM
12.TOP STATION
13.LOCK HEART VIEW POINT
14.GAP ROAD
15.KSEB HYDELPARK
16.KOLUKKUMALAI VIEW POINT THROUGH JEEP
SAFARI
17.KADHAKALI SHOW (5.00PM )
18.KALARIPAYATTU SHOW (6.00PM )
19.ELEPHANT PARK
20.HOT BALLOONS ,ZIPLINE AND OTHER ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
Eravikulam National park :
Eravikulam National Park is a well-known park in Munnar, known for Nilgiri Tahr, which is an endangered species of wild goat found only in the south of the Himalayas and Neelakurinji, a Shrub that blooms once in 12 years. This park spreads over an area of about 97 sq.
km towards the Western Ghats. The history explains that during the British rule, this region was owned by Rajamalai later given to Kannan Deven Hills for tea plantation. Days later it was declared as sanctuary and was founded in 1975 and upgraded as national park in 1978 which is numerously rich with shola forests and grasses.
The main aim behind this move was to provide protection for the rare Nilgiri Tahr which are only found in Munnar. Eravikulam National Park is managed by the Kerala Department of Forest and Wildlife of Munnar and is one of the most important tourist destinations in Kerala.
Eravikulam National Park is recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. And this is the first national park in Kerala. The park is in Idukki district along the borders of Kerala and Tamil Nadu and most found animals are Nilgiri marten, Elephant, small-clawed otter Nilgiri langur, Stripe-necked mongoose, Sambar Deer and predators like Wild dog, Golden Jackal and a rare tiger or leopard and the Nilgiri wood pigeon
The Eravikulam National Park is categorized into three areas, namely, the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Tourists are strictly restricted from entering into the core and buffer area. The tourism area is unlocked for tourists to explore the beauty of the park.
The hill station, Rajamalai is known to be the tourism area of Eravikulam National Park. Rajamalai is surrounded by deep forest and green grasslands. The majority of grasslands constitute hill plateaus which is an added attraction. An abundance of wild orchids and other flowering plants grows richly in these grasslands.
Many small streams flow across Rajamalai giving a visual treat to the eyes. This National Park is the habitat for about 120 species of birds, 26 varieties of mammals, wild animals, shrubs, exotic trees, flowering plants, and orchids.
The Rajamalai hills are the main stage for the Neelakurinji bloom. Neelakurinji flowers are beautiful blue coloured flowers that bloom only once every twelve years. Rajamalai suits best for the adventure lovers as it provides activities like strolling and trekking to the mountain peaks.
Anthropologists and historians, after years of research, concluded that Theyyam is an art form related to the Voodoo Witchcraft in Africa. Why? Anthropologists say that these tribal people who perform Theyyam are of African origin.
Thousands of years before, many Africans came and settled in the Wayanad jungle of Kerala. They came for work in the Jungle and eventually settled there. I hope you might have heard about Voodoo witchcraft in Africa.
It is a kind of ritual, very common in Africa. The makeup, the dance moves, the music, etc are almost the same to that of Theyyam, which is why researchers believe Theyyam is not Indian, rather it is of African origin. Therefore, this side of the view believes Theyyam is not part of Hinduism, but Hindu people made it theirs by adding Hindu God stories to the Theyyam chart.
Best Time to Visit :
September to February is the best time to visit Eravikulam National Park.
Kindly note February & March month will be closed as its breeding time.
As of now only online ticket booking facility available in the park website www.eravikulamnationalpark.in and the time slots are 08:00am to 12:00pm, 12:00pm to 02:00pm & 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
Entry Fee :
- Rs 500/- per head for foreigners, Rs: 150Rs per head for Children
- Rs 200/- per head for Indians, Rs 90/- per head for Children
- Charges for Video – Rs.350/ & Camera – Rs.50/-
- Opening / Closing Time: 08:00am – 4:00pm
- Boat Ride in Kundala Lake : This is being operated only during the season time, say October to May. Pedal boats & speed boats are available, but we can’t make any advance reservation. Driver can assist the guest on spot to get the ticket from the boat booking office.
- Excursion to Carmelagiri Elephant Park [8kms from Munnar town] : This is an attraction where you can enjoy an elephant ride, Elephant feeding & shower with your kids and family. We can’t make advance reservation. But driver can assist the guest on spot to get the ticket.
- Cycling tour in Munnar : Mostly the ride will be through estate roads, village roads with few ascending and descending, fixing the route as per the guest’s request like easy or moderate (after discussing with guests).
- Kathakali Dance: (Duration 01 Hr – Timing – Evening 05:00pm to 06:00pm) : This is a popular and major form of Indian Classical Dance Drama, a story play genre of art – known as the king of performing arts – performed in a Koothambalam (art performance temple) by skilled artists. We can’t make any advance reservation. Driver can assist the guest on spot to get the ticket from the Kathakali theatre.
- Kalaripayattu Show (Duration – 01 Hr and timing – 06:00pm to 07:00pm) : This is a world-famous, ancient, traditional Martial Art form of Kerala renowned as the mother of all “martial arts”. It has a long tradition and later many techniques of this art were adapted into martial arts like karate, kung-fu, judo, etc . We can’t make any advance reservation. Driver can assist the guest on spot to get the ticket from the Kathakali theatre.
- Bird Watching: (Duration:- 2- 3 hrs) : Munnar is one of the best places in the Western Ghats to spot some of the endemic birds like Nilgiri Wood pigeon, Nilgiri flycatcher, black and orange flycatcher, Nilgiri pipit, gray breasted laughing thrush, painted bush coil, broad-tailed grass bird, etc., Guest need to start early in the morning & this session would be for about 2-3 hours to spot some of these birds and guest can have another session afternoon from 3:00pm to 6:00 or until 7:00 pm.
- Kolukkumalai Jeep safari, tea trail, and Orthodox Tea Factory (1935) visit :(Duration – Full day tour) : The highest tea growing estate in the World
- This exclusive Tea tour takes you to the highest tea estate in the world, the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate. Guest can learn and experience art of tea manufacturing. They can get to know how tea leaves are plucked, processed and end up in their tea cup. This tea tour would instil in them sweet memories of this tour which they would remember the next time they sip a cup of tea.
- Kolukkumalai Trek starts from the Suryanelli town, 30 kms from Munnar town. From there they will hop into a 4*4 Jeep and enjoy a 12 km scenic Off road Jeep safari to the World’s highest Tea growing estate. Guests would be exposed to some panoramic views of the surrounding hills. On reaching the estate, 7100 feet above sea level, their Guide would then lead them to the Tea factory, an 1935 British Built heritage Tea factory.
- There guest would have their detailed Tea tour. They would get to know the brief history of tea in Munnar and particularly about the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate. If they wish they can interact with the Tea workers at Kolukkumalai and learn more about their day to day work etc. After their tour, they can have their picnic lunch and later enjoy the beautiful countryside and return back to Suryanelli in Jeep.
- Activity: Jeep Tour of Kolukkumalai Tea Factory and estate
- Starting Point: Suryanelli Town
- Finishing Point: Suryanelli Town
- Timing: 9 am
- Duration: 5- 6 Hours
- Recommended: For all, except aged people
- Chinar wildlife sanctuary safari, through the Anamudi Shola National Park:(Duration – Full day tour) – The biggest shola forest in India
- A wonderful drive through Kannan Devan Hills tea plantations, villages, Madupatty, Echo-Point, Kundala Dam and a spectacular drive/walk through the Anamudi shola National Park, where one can see the real nature, birds’ life, tree fern grown like a palm tree etc…, after this 8 kilometres drive/walk guest will enter into a beautiful countryside of the Tamil people where you can see the vegetable cultivations, rise, and Sugarcane cultivations, Muniyara “the historical hermitages” etc…, this drive will take us up the Kerala Tamil Nadu border to a Chinnar wildlife sanctuary and guest will have 2 hours’ trek through the Sanctuary and back to Munnar through the Marayoor Sandal wood forest.
- Photographic Spots in Munnar
- The first hydroelectric project in Kerala is in Pallivasal which is 3 km away from Chithirapuram in Munnar. Chinnakanal Waterfalls or The Power House Waterfalls cascades beautifully down a 2000 m rock above sea level. The picturesque view of the Western Ghats is best seen from this scenic place. Another 7-8 km of soft trekking will take a traveller to Anayirangal. One shall shoot amazing pictures of elephants coming down from the hill to drink water. Around 32 km from Munnar is Top Station at a height of 1700 m above sea level which is the highest zone on the Kodaikanal-Munnar Road. Neelakurinji blooms in this area offering a panoramic view of the whole Nature-fed region. Visit the Tata Tea Museum in Munnar to see photographs, machinery, and artifacts connected with the energy drink. The location is Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar.
Tea Museum, Munnar is worth a visit:
It would delight any Tea-lovers to know that Tata Tea has set up a Tea Museum at the Nallathanni Estate, Munnar. As the guest gets in, they can go to the spot where cardamom flavoured tea is served free to everyone who visits.
This museum portrays the growth of Munnar tea estates by displaying the most interesting items of the by-gone era such as artefacts, the original, basic tea roller to the modern fully automated tea factory etc.
Other collections are the old photographs and machinery shown to the tourist to get a glimpse into the history and culture of the region along with which a video is screened. Visitors can of course get to know the various stages of tea processing through a guided tour. Clients will be shown right from the time the tea comes into the factory till the time it is converted into the lovely tea that we drink at our home.
Tata Tea Museum
Located around 12 km from Munnar in the Estate of Tata Tea exhibits various antiquities and the most famous among them is the 2nd century burial urn excavated from the vicinity of Periakanal Estate.
This museum depicts the growth of tea plantations, photographs, old machineries used in production of tea powder processing that contributed to Idukki’s flourishing tea industry. Section of the museum also houses classic bungalow furniture and office equipment of the Colonial area in Kerala. Tea tasting across different varieties of tea is another attraction.Tea tasting – Rs. 250/- extraMonday is a holiday for Tea Museum.Entry fee: Rs. 125 per head for allCamera / Video charges – Rs. 20 for camera.Opening time: 9:00am to 5:00pm (last ticket will be issued till 4:30 PM)
Meesappulimalai Trek:
This is the most adventurous and sought after trekking trail in Munnar. This is a trek to the second highest peak in South India, standing 8661 feet above the sea level, Meesapulimala is known as a trekkers’ paradise. The Meesapulimala trail starts off with a jeep ride to Silent Valley, the starting point. During the jeep ride guest would pass through thick sholas, pine trees, gum trees, tea plantations and finally reach a vast stretch of verdant grasslands. This is where the Meesapulimala Trek begins. The Guide would lead the guest along the thick sholas of Munnar and the high ridges of Western Ghats which offer them some spectacular scenes of Munnar. After few ascents and descents guest would reach the highest point, the summit of Meesapulimala, the scenic view that makes anyone awestruck. Clouds skim pass us and in between we could see the downhill valleys, the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate [the highest tea estate in the world], the Anayirangal Dam and many more splendid scenes which would never fade away from our memories. After enjoying the moments here, guest shall start their trek back to Silent Valley. Their jeep will be waiting for them to transfer them back to Munnar town. The Meesapulimala Trekking Trail is without doubt a great addition to anyone’s travel diaries.
Mattupetty Dam :
Mattupetty Dam is located at a distance of 13 Kms from Munnar. The height of Mattupetty Dam is about 160 feet. This dam has a vast reservoir that extends several kilometres into the hills. This dam is made up of concrete and it is the major source of hydroelectric power to the nearby regions.
This dam is situated at a height of 1700 meters above sea level. Mattupetty Dam is one among the largest dam in the entire country. The rolling hills, scenic grasslands, large plantation areas and the charming lake flowing across are the highlights of Mattupetty dam.
The dam offers a serene and peaceful environment and the Mattupetty Lake offers the best place to relax. Guests can also witness small streams of water running in crisscross fashion across the terrains.
Mattupetty is famous for an Indo Swiss Farm Project or Livestock project. The farm in Mattupetty contains hundreds of high yielding cattle. The beautiful green hills of Mattupetty are the grazing land of these cattle.
The sight of the cattle grazing here is a great visual treat for the tourists. Mattupetty hill station is also known as “cattle village” because of these cattle. Mattupetty Dam is a warehouse of a diverse range of flora and fauna. Boating facilities like pedal boats, speed launch, slow speedboat, rowboat, and motor boats are available here.
During the boat ride, large herds of elephants can be spotted near the reservoir. Adventurous activities like trekking trail and jungle walk are offered by this dam for the adventure enthusiasts. The shola forests and the rich tea plantations in Mattupetty are great for trekking the Mattupetty Dam. Hence, Mattupetty is an ideal tourist spot for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and also for family and kids.
Best Time to Visit :
August – May.
Tourists have the option to enjoy boat rides in the dam which can be done under direct payment basis and no advance booking.
Entrance Fee : NO
Boating charges:
- Rs 500 for 1-5 Pax for ordinary boating for 15 min.
- Rs 700 for 1-5 Pax for speed boating for 15 min.
- Rs 900 for 20 people for big boat for 30 min (subject to availability).
- Rs 100 for Horse Ride (subject to availability).
Nearest Tourist places:
- Photo Point: It is at a distance of 12.4 Km. The picturesque background with large silver oak trees and tea gardens makes it a perfect photographic spot.
- Sun Moon Valley Boating Center: It is at a distance of 1.6 Km from Mattupetty Dam. It is a heaven with lush green grasslands, hills, forests and tea plantations. Guests can spend a memorable time here with kids and family.
- Echo Point: Echo point is situated 15kms away from Munnar. It is one of the favourite tourist spot known for its natural echo phenomenon. Famous activities in this picturesque destination among the explicit views of the lush green hills are trekking and nature walks. With an overall view, one can see clean mountain air, mist clad hills makes this place worth visiting.
- Devikulam / Sita Devi Lake: It is at a distance of 25.2 Km. One will find amazing sights of nature here. A tranquil lake, the highest in the region, is the centre of attraction here. This lake is also known as Devikulam Lake, is gifted with sparkling crystal-clear water. This lake is considered as sacred as it is believed that Goddess Sita Devi of epic Ramayana bathed in this beautiful lake during the exile period. There is also a small temple dedicated to the Goddess. This lake is said to have immense therapeutical properties also.
BLOSSOM PARK (also known as Hydel Park) :
Blossom Park is located about 2 Km away from Munnar Town. This park covers an area of about 18 acres. It is situated near Muthirapuzha river and Kannan Devan Hill Tea Estate. The Blossom Park offers a breath-taking view of the elegant Western Ghats and the beautiful misty Kannan Devan Hill Tea Estate.
Nature has blessed this park with enchanting mountains, abundant green landscape, beautiful gardens, artificial waterfalls and lawns, and charming rivers. The flower gardens of this park grow a variety of orchids and mountain flowers.
The fragrance of the mountain flowers adds extra attractiveness to this park. Since the Blossom Park has wonderful gardens with a variety of flowers, it organizes flower shows, mainly during monsoon.
The hanging garden in the Blossom Park is the main attraction of this place. Blossom Park is one of the favourite picnic spots for children because it has a large play area for children. The play area has swings, tree houses and ropeways for children to play.
Blossom Park is also a great destination for adventure enthusiasts. This park offers activities like trekking, bird watching, nature walks, boating, cycling, roller skating, and badminton for adventure lovers to explore. Blossom Park is really a calm and quiet place.
So many travellers visit this park to spend some time alone and for relaxing. This park is well-protected and well-maintained. So, littering is completely prohibited here. Another important thing to be noted is that visitors are not allowed to touch and pick flowers from the garden.
There are artificial waterfalls in the park and visitors are not allowed to take bath in the waterfall. Campfire facilities are provided by this park for tourists to enjoy their evening with music and dance. The pristine environment and the natural beauty makes it a wonderful place. Hence, Blossom Park is indeed an ideal tourist destination for families and adventure enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit :
November – February, which is winter season in Kerala.
Entry Fees: Rs. 50 per head for all
Entry Fees: Rs. 50 per head for all
Entry Fees: Rs. 50 per head for all
Top station :
Top Station is situated 41 km away from Munnar and is appropriately named. This is the main abode of the highest tea plantations in India. It takes one hour to reach Top Station from Munnar. It is located on the borders of both the states, Kerala as well as Tamilnadu and dictates an absolute panoramic view. Tourists keep visiting the top station as it is in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu and Idukki district of Kerala. It is at an altitude of 1700 meters
Hotels in Munnar
Luxury Hotels
Windermere Estate – www.windermeremunnar.com
Vibe Munnar – www.vibemunnar.com
Fragrant Nature Munnar – www.fragrantnature.com
Panoramic Gateway- www.thepanoramic.in
Chandy’s Windy Woods – www.chandyswindywoods.com
The Fog Munnar- www.thefogmunnar.com
Elixer Hills Munnar – www.elixirhills.com
Mountain Club Resort – www.mountainclub.co.in
Amber Dale Luxury Hotel & Spa – https://amberdalemunnar.com
Club Mahindra Lake View www.clubmahindra.com
Spice Tree – www.spicetreemunnar.com
Blanket Hotel & Spa – www.blanketmunnar.com
Deluxe hotels:
Fort Munnar – http://www.fortmunnar.com
Tall Trees Resort – www.ttr.in
Devonshire Greens – www.devonshiregreens.com
The Silver Tips- www.silvertipsmunnar.com
Parakkat Nature Hotels & Resorts – www.parakkatresorts.com
Ambady Estate – www.ambadyestate.com
Black Berry Hills Retreat & Spa www.blackberryhillsindia.com
Tall Trees – www.ttr.in
Tea County KTDC – www.ktdc.com/Teacounty.htm
Orchid Highlands – www.orchidmunnar.com
Munnar Queen – www.themunnarqueen.in
Devonshire Greens – www.devonshiregreens.com
Rivulet Resort – www.rivuletresort.com
Munnar Tea Hills Resort – www.munnarteahills.com
Ragamaya Resort & Spa – ww.ragamayamunnar.com
Standard Hotels
Clouds Valley Leisure Hotel – www.cloudsvalley.com
Bracknell Forest – www.bracknell.in
Madhumanthra Resort – www.madhumanthra.com
Dream Catcher Plantation Resort – www.dreamcatchermunnar.com
Misty Mountain Resort – www.mistymountainresort.in
Aranyaka Resort – www.aranyakaresorts.com
Munnar Tea Hills Resort – www.munnarteahills.com
Camelot Resort Munnar – www.camelotmunnar.com
The Munnar Queen Resort – www.themunnarqueen.in
Tea Harvester – www.teaharvestermunnar.com
Grand Plaza – www.grandplazamunnar.com
Nature Zone Jungle Resort – www.thenaturezone.org
Mountain Trail Resort – www.mountaintrailresort.com
Deshadan Mountain Resorts – www.deshadan.com
East End – www.edasserygroup.com
Rose Gardens Homestay – www.munnarhomestays.com
Elysium Garden Hill Resort – www.elysiumgarden.com
Abad Copper Castle – www.abadhotels.com
Ayur County – www.ayurcounty.com
Misty Lake Resort – http://www.stridehotels.com/misty-lake-overview.html
Iindrizzo Spice Valley – www.spicecountryresorts.com
Misty Lake Resort – www.mistylakeresorts.com
Swiss County – www.swisscountymunnar.com
BUDGET HOTEL
Westwood Riverside – www.eternalmewar.in
Archana Residency – www.archanaresidency.com
Great Escapes Resorts – www.germunnar.com
Olive Brook Homestay – www.olivebrookmunnar.com
Whispering Meadows – www.thewhisperingmeadows.com
Las Palms – www.sealordhotels.com
Lake N Hills Resorts – www.lakenhillsresorts.com
Falling waters – http://greenrouteshospitality.com/falling-waters-munnar.html
Munnar Castle – www.munnarcastle.com
At Woods Resorts – www.atwoodresortmunnar.com
