Posted 22 March 2024 in Travel wanderlust

Top 5 beautiful places to visit in Munnar

Surrounded by the misty mountains of Kerala, Munnar is one of the most beautiful places to visit in India. We can rightfully say that Munnar is the quintessential destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. You can find a series of places to visit in Munnar in 3 days or even a day. But no matter how many days you plan to visit Munnar, make sure to fold your sleeves and pick up freshly brewed tea and admire the tea plantations, rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and more.

Besides losing yourself in the tranquillity of its serene destination, there are many other things to do in Munnar. Such as embarking on a thrilling trek through the verdant forests, soaking in the calmness of Kundala Lake, spotting wildlife at their national parks, and seeing the works of Mother Nature. So, pack your bags and book flights to Kerala and into the heart of Munnar.

Here are the top 5 beautiful places to explore in Munnar:

1. Mattupetty Dam and Lake

Situated amidst rolling hills and verdant tea plantations, Mattupetty Dam and Lake is a picturesque spot offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy boating on the serene waters of the lake or simply relax and soak in the scenic beauty of the area.

What are the things to do in Mattupetty Dam?

Some of the popular things to do in Mattupetty Dam include the following:

Enjoy the boat ride: Enjoy a serene boat ride on the calm waters of Mattupetty Dam, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills.
Go for picnic: Pack a picnic basket and spend a relaxing day by the lakeside, soaking in the picturesque views and fresh mountain air.
Enjoy nature walks: Take leisurely strolls along the dam's scenic pathways, admiring the natural beauty and spotting local wildlife such as birds and butterflies.
Practise some nature photography: Capture photographs of the dam's reflective waters, verdant surroundings, and panoramic vistas of the Western Ghats.
Visit the Echo Point: Visit nearby Echo Point, where you can shout out and listen to your voice echoing amidst the hills, adding a fun element to your trip.
Soak in the Kundala Lake: Explore Mattupetty Lake, located below the Mattupetty Dam, and indulge in activities such as pedal boating.
Boot up for trekking: Embark on short treks or hikes in the surrounding hills, offering opportunities to explore hidden waterfalls, lush forests, and stunning viewpoints.

What is the cost for boating in Mattupetty Dam?

Ordinary boating: 300 INR, 15 minutes
Speed boating: 500 INR, 15 minutes
Big boat: 700 INR (For large group) 30 minutes
Horse ride: 50 INR

What is the entry fee and opening time for Mattupetty Dam?

The entry fee for Mattupetty Dam is INR 10 per person, and the opening time is between 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.

2. Eravikulam National Park

Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, Eravikulam National Park is a pristine wilderness area known for its diverse flora and fauna. The park is one of the highlights and the best wildlife places to visit in Kerala. It features rolling hills, lush grasslands, and shola forests, making it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

What are the popular trekking spots in Eravikulam National Park?

Some of the most popular trekking spots in Eravikulam National Park include:

Rajamalai Hills: This trek takes visitors through the heart of the national park, offering opportunities to spot the Nilgiri tahr, a rare species of mountain goat native to the region. Enjoy the trail that winds through lush forests, grasslands, and rolling hills, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Anamudi Peak: As the highest peak in south India, Anamudi Peak is a challenging trekking destination in Kerala for experienced trekkers. The trail to the summit passes through dense forests and steep slopes, offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the surrounding valleys.
Lakkom Waterfalls: Lakkom Waterfalls is a popular trekking destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The trail leads through dense forests, rocky terrain, and picturesque meadows, culminating at the stunning Lakkom Waterfalls where visitors can relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Pothamedu Viewpoint: The trek to Pothamedu Viewpoint is relatively easy and suitable for trekkers of all skill levels. The trail offers panoramic views of Munnar town, tea plantations, and the surrounding hills, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

What is the entry fee and opening time for Eravikulam National Park

The entry fee for Eravikulam National Park is INR 200 per person for Indian nationals, and INR 500 per person for foreign nationals. You can visit Eravikulam National Park anytime between8:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Note: The park remains closed from February 1st to April 1st in order to ensure a safe breeding season for the animals.

3. Tea Gardens

Munnar is renowned for its sprawling tea plantations, which carpet the hillsides in vibrant shades of green. And this is the sole reason why Munnar is a must-visit place. Here, visitors can take leisurely walks through the tea gardens, learn about the tea-making process at tea factories, and enjoy panoramic views of the picturesque landscape.

What are the top tea estates to visit in Munnar?

Some of the top tea estates to visit in Munnar include:

Tata Tea Museum and Estate: Located in the heart of Munnar, the Tata Tea Museum provides insights into the history and cultivation of tea in the region. There is also a museum where you can learn about the tea-making process, and take guided tours of the surrounding tea estate.
Lockhart Tea Museum and Estate: The Lockhart Tea Museum and Estate offers guided tours that take visitors through the tea plantation, factory, and museum. You can witness tea processing firsthand and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate: Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is one of the famous tea estates in the world. It is also the highest tea plantation where the visitors can take guided tours of the estate, witness traditional tea-making techniques, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Western Ghats.
Harrison Malayalam Tea Estate: Spread across vast stretches of land, Harrison Malayalam Tea Estate is one of the largest tea plantations in Munnar. Tea fanatics can take guided walks through the estate, interact with local workers, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
AVT Tea Estate: AVT Tea Estate, also known as A.V. Thomas & Company, is another prominent tea plantation in Munnar. Visitors can explore the estate's tea gardens, learn about tea cultivation and processing, and enjoy scenic views of the rolling hills.

4. Top Station

Perched at an elevation of 1,700 metres above sea level, Top Station offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. It is renowned for its mist-covered hills, rolling valleys, and panoramic vistas, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.

What are the best things to do at Top Station?

Some of the best things to do at Top Station in Munnar include:

Enjoy the scenic views: Top Station is the highest point in Munnar, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Western Ghats, including the rolling hills, lush valleys, and tea plantations below. Spend time soaking in the stunning landscape and capture memorable photographs and the sunset.
Go for trekking: Embark on a trek in Munnar, an ultimate adventure to explore the surrounding hills and valleys. There are several trekking trails in Munnar that offer opportunities to experience the region's natural beauty up close and witness the diverse flora and fauna of the Western Ghats.
Visit the Echo Point: Nearby Echo Point is a popular attraction in Munnar where visitors can shout out and listen to their echoes reverberating amidst the hills. Enjoy the fun and unique experience of hearing your voice bounce off the surrounding cliffs and valleys.
Explore the nearby attractions: Top Station is located close to several other famous attractions in Munnar, including Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, and the Kundala Dam. Take the opportunity to explore these nearby attractions and make the most of your visit to the region.
Experience bird watching activity: Top Station and its surrounding areas are home to a variety of bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers. Keep your eyes peeled for colourful birds such as the Nilgiri flycatcher, Nilgiri pipit, and Malabar whistling thrush as you explore the area.
Visit the Neelakurinji flowers: Top Station is famous for being one of the best vantage points to witness the blooming of the rare Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once every 12 years. Plan your visit accordingly to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon if it coincides with your trip.

5. Attukal Waterfalls

Tucked away amidst dense forests and lush greenery, Attukal Waterfalls is a hidden gem in Munnar. Visitors can trek through the scenic surroundings to reach the waterfall, which cascades down from a height of approximately 20 metres, creating a mesmerising spectacle of nature.

What activities to do around the Attukal Waterfalls?

Some of the activities to do around Attukal Waterfalls include:

Enjoy nature walks: The area around the waterfalls is adorned with verdant tea plantations, dense forests, and meandering streams, offering plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature's tranquillity.

Hone your photography skills: Capture the breathtaking beauty of Attukal Waterfalls and its surroundings through photography. From the cascading waterfalls and misty valleys to the vibrant flora and fauna, there are numerous picture-perfect moments waiting to be captured on camera.

Go for trekking: Put on your comfortable hiking shoes and go for trekking adventures to explore the rugged terrain and scenic trails around Attukal Waterfalls. There are several trekking routes in the area that offer opportunities to experience the region's natural beauty up close and witness stunning views of the waterfalls and surrounding landscapes.

Take some time to relax: Simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the soothing sounds of cascading water amidst the serene ambiance of Attukal Waterfalls. Let the cool mist from the waterfalls rejuvenate your senses and provide a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

What is the entry fee and opening time for Attukal Waterfalls:

The entry fee for Attukal Waterfalls is free of cost, the opening timing for Attukal Waterfalls is between 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Best time to visit Munnar

The best time to visit Munnar is between the months of September and March, during this time of the year, the air is crisp, and pleasant. However, you can also visit Munnar between April and May. It can be slightly warm and may receive occasional rainfall, but it is good enough for sightseeing places. For a budget trip to Munnar, visit during the off-season from June to August.

How to visit Munnar?

Getting to Munnar is easy since it is one of the most-visited destinations in India. There is no airport nor a railway station in Munnar, but it has regular bus and taxi services from major cities in Kerala.

By air: Cochin International Airport is the closest airport to Munnar. It is located at a distance of 125 km. Munnar is easily connected via private and government buses, as well as cab facilities from the airport or the city.
By train: The closest railway station to Munnar is either at Kochi, Aluva and Ernakulam. Several trains connect to these cities from across India.
By road: Buses and cars are available from cities like Kochi, Aluva or Ernakulam. You can either hire a cab or rent a car/bike to Munnar. You can also book bus tickets at Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) website or go directly to the bus stand.

Takeaway

These are just a few of the many beautiful places to explore in Munnar, each offering a unique glimpse into the natural splendour of this idyllic hill station in Kerala. Whether admiring the scenic beauty of tea gardens, trekking through pristine wilderness areas, or simply unwinding amidst tranquil landscapes, Munnar promises an unforgettable experience for travellers seeking serenity and natural beauty.