Chill In The Hills

MUNNAR

Munnar: A Serene Escape to the Lush Green Hills of Kerala

Munnar is a breathtaking hill station located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, renowned for its lush green tea plantations, misty mountains, and serene landscapes. It is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, offering opportunities for trekking, wildlife spotting, and exploring picturesque valleys. With its cool climate and charming views, Munnar is a perfect getaway for anyone seeking tranquility amidst nature’s beauty.

Best Places to Visit in Munnar: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Munnar is a paradise for nature lovers, offering lush green tea plantations, misty mountains, and serene waterfalls. This guide will provide you with detailed insights about the best places to visit in Munnar, covering history, practical information, and nearby attractions to make your trip unforgettable.

Eravikulam National Park in Munnar

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History:
Declared as Kerala’s first national park in 1978, Eravikulam is famous for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. This area was initially part of the High Range Forests used for tea plantations during British rule. The park became significant due to its role in preserving biodiversity, particularly the shola-grassland ecosystem.
Entry Fee:
Adults: ₹125, Children: ₹95 and Foreign Nationals: ₹420
Best Time to Visit:
January to April is ideal, especially during the blooming of Neelakurinji flowers (every 12 years, last seen in 2018).
How to Reach:
15 km from Munnar town, accessible by private taxis or KSRTC buses.
Time Required:
3-4 hours
Best For:
Wildlife enthusiasts, trekkers, and botanists
Tip:
Visit early morning to enjoy the calm waters and avoid crowds.
Nearby Attractions:
Echo Point (5 km) and Top Station (16 km)
Nearest Restaurants:
Sree Krishna Munnar and Silver Spoon Restaurant
Places to Stay:
Tea County Munnar (Premium) and Westwood Riverside (Budget)

Tea Museum in Munnar

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History:
Established by Tata Tea in 2005, this museum celebrates Munnar’s 140-year-old tea cultivation legacy. It exhibits old tea rollers, colonial artifacts, and photographs tracing the evolution of tea plantations in the region.
Entry Fee:
₹75 per person
Best Time to Visit:
Open year-round.
How to Reach:
Situated 2 km from Munnar town, easily accessible by road.
Time Required:
1-2 hours
Best For:
Tea lovers, history buffs, and families.
Tip:
Don’t miss the documentary on the history of tea plantations shown here.
Nearby Attractions:
Blossom Park (3 km) and Pothamedu Viewpoint (5 km)
Nearest Restaurants:
Rapsy Restaurant and KTDC Tea County Restaurant
Places to Stay:
SpiceTree Munnar (Luxury)
Elysium Garden Hill Resort (Mid-Range)

Mattupetty Dam in Munnar

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History:
Constructed in the 1940s as a part of the Pallivasal hydroelectric project, Mattupetty Dam was pivotal for Kerala’s irrigation and power generation. The scenic lake formed by the dam became a popular spot for boating and tourism.
Entry Fee:
No entry fee. Boating charges: ₹500 (for 5 people, pedal boats).
Best Time to Visit:
October to March
How to Reach:
Located just 13 km from Munnar, it’s accessible by car or bike.
Time Required:
2-3 hours
Best For:
Boating, picnics, and birdwatching
Tip:
Visit early morning to enjoy the calm waters and avoid crowds.
Nearby Attractions:
Echo Point (5 km) and Top Station (16 km)
Nearest Restaurants:
Sree Krishna Munnar and Silver Spoon Restaurant
Places to Stay:
Tea County Munnar (Premium) and Westwood Riverside (Budget)

Anamudi in Munnar

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History:
Anamudi, meaning “Elephant’s Forehead” in Malayalam, is the highest peak in South India at 2,695 meters. Historically, the British explored this peak as a trekking destination during the colonial era.
Entry Fee:
Included with the Eravikulam National Park entry.
Best Time to Visit:
November to May.
How to Reach:
The base is accessible via Eravikulam National Park. Trekking permits are required.
Time Required:
5-6 hours for trekking
Best For:
Experienced trekkers and adventure lovers
Tip:
Carry water bottle and wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
Nearby Attractions:
Eravikulam National Park,Mattupetty Dam and Thoovanam Falls.
Nearest Restaurants:
Sree Krishna Munnar and Rapsy Restaurant.
Places to Stay:
Munnar Cottage By and Munnar Homestay Green.

Top Station in Munnar

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History:
Top Station, located about 32 km from Munnar in Kerala, holds historical significance as a prominent point along the historic ropeway system connecting Munnar to Bodinayakanur in Tamil Nadu. Established during the early 20th century by the British, it served as a transshipment hub for tea transported from Munnar. The name “Top Station” reflects its position as the highest station in this ropeway network.
Entry Fee:
No fee
Best Time to Visit:
March to May
How to Reach:
Located 32 km from Munnar, you can drive or take a private taxi.
Time Required:
3-4 hours
Best For:
Couples, adventurers, and landscape photographers
Tip:
Carry warm clothes; it gets chilly at higher altitudes.
Nearby Attractions:
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate (10 km) and Kundala Lake (15 km)
Nearest Restaurants:
Royal Retreat Munnar and Hill View Munnar Restaurant
Places to Stay:
The Leaf Munnar and Club Mahindra Munnar.

Attukad Waterfalls in Munnar

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History:
Attukad has been a natural treasure for centuries, revered by locals for its serene ambiance. It gained prominence as a tourist spot in recent decades due to its accessibility.
Entry Fee:
No fee
Best Time to Visit:
June to September during the monsoons for spectacular water flow.
How to Reach:
9 km from Munnar; taxis and buses are available.
Time Required:
1-2 hours
Best For:
Nature lovers and landscape photographers
Tip:
Carry extra clothes.
Nearby Attractions:
Tea Gardens, Pothamedu Viewpoint and Kalari Kshethra
Nearest Restaurants:
Parakkat Spice Merchant Restaurant and Samrudhi Restaurant
Places to Stay:
Mount Valley and Spice Jungle Resort.

Additional Tips for Visiting Munnar:

Where to Stay in Munnar:

Luxury Stays:

  • The Panoramic Getaway: Known for its infinity pool and breathtaking views.
  • Blanket Hotel & Spa: Perfect for honeymooners.

Mid-Range Stays:

  • Tea Valley Resort: Nestled amidst tea plantations.
  • Abad Copper Castle: Offers modern amenities with a vintage charm.

Budget Stays:

  • Green View Homestay: A cozy option for backpackers.
  • Zina Cottages: Simple and affordable.

Conclusion:

Munnar is an enchanting destination with its mesmerizing natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or someone looking for a peaceful retreat, this hill station promises an unforgettable experience.

Plan your visit to Munnar, explore its hidden gems, and immerse yourself in its serene charm!

How to Reach Munnar:

Munnar, the enchanting hill station nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is a dream destination for nature lovers, honeymooners, and adventure seekers. Its lush tea gardens, misty hills, and serene ambiance attract travelers from across the globe. If you’re planning a trip, knowing how to reach Munnar is crucial. Here’s a detailed guide to help you get there by train, bus, cab, or flight.

By Flight

By Train

While Munnar doesn’t have its own airport, the nearest airports are well-connected to major Indian cities.

Nearest Airports to Munnar:

  1. Cochin International Airport (110 km): The primary gateway to Munnar, with both domestic and international flights.
  2. Madurai Airport (165 km): A viable option for travelers from Tamil Nadu.

How to Travel from the Airport:

From the airport, you can hire a cab or board a pre-arranged shuttle service to Munnar. The drive from Cochin Airport takes about 4 hours and is packed with breathtaking views.

Though Munnar doesn’t have its own railway station, you can easily access it through nearby major railheads.

Nearest Railway Stations to Munnar:

  1. Aluva Railway Station (110 km): The closest and most convenient option.
  2. Ernakulam Junction (130 km): A major hub with excellent connectivity to other Indian cities.
  3. Madurai Junction (170 km): A good alternative if traveling from Tamil Nadu.

How to Proceed from the Railway Station:

From these stations, you can hire a cab or board a bus to Munnar. The journey offers picturesque views of waterfalls, tea gardens, and winding roads, making it a memorable part of your trip.

By Bus

By Cab

For budget travelers, buses are a cost-effective and comfortable way to reach Munnar.

Types of Buses to Munnar:

  1. State Transport Buses: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates regular buses to Munnar from cities like Kochi, Aluva, and Trivandrum.
  2. Private Buses: Luxury and semi-sleeper private buses are available from nearby cities.

Key Routes:

  • From Kochi (130 km): Frequent buses take about 4-5 hours.
  • From Bangalore (476 km): Overnight buses are popular among travelers.

Traveling by bus offers a chance to soak in the scenic beauty at an affordable price.

Hiring a cab to Munnar is perfect for those who value convenience and wish to explore en route.

Popular Routes to Munnar:

  1. From Kochi (130 km): The most common route with a travel time of about 4 hours.
  2. From Coimbatore (160 km): Offers a mix of highways and hill roads.
  3. From Madurai (170 km): A great option for Tamil Nadu visitors.

Benefits of Traveling by Cab:

  • Flexible stops to enjoy scenic viewpoints.
  • Private and hassle-free travel experience.

Several taxi services, including Ola, Uber, and private operators, offer competitive rates for this journey.

Final Tips for Your Journey to Munnar:

  • Plan Ahead: Book your train or flight tickets early during peak seasons.
  • Travel Light: Munnar’s hilly terrain makes it easier to explore with minimal luggage.
  • Safety First: If traveling by road, ensure your driver is experienced with hilly routes.

Munnar is a slice of paradise, and the journey to this hill station is as mesmerizing as the destination itself. Choose the travel option that suits your preferences and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!