HILL STATIONS

Tourist Places In Munnar You Must Visit

Deepti Divya

Last updated: Jun 11, 2019

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“There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, a rapture in the misty rains, there is society, where none intrudes, there we find solace, in the unwinding terrain.”

Imagine a place which is a heaven of peace and tranquillity, unending chain of mountains surrounding the city, exotic fragrance of spices everywhere and a wide area with tea plantations. This is what comes to my mind when I think about Munnar. Known as ‘God’s own country’, Munnar is a breathtakingly beautiful hill station set at an altitude of 6000ft in the Idukki district of Kerala. The picture-perfect town, with its winding lanes and the serenity of its tea gardens makes Munnar the most sought hill station in South India.

Image Credits- Flickr/Karthikayan Krishanamurthi

When it comes to planning a trip to South, Kerala has always made me crave for more and Munnar just served as an icing to the cake. Planning a trip to Munnar? There are places that top the charts of must-visit places in Munnar and then there are those that go unexplored but demand attention of an evolved traveller. So, here is my list of 8 mesmerizing places that need to be on your check list if you are planning a trip to Munnar.

1. Mattupetty Dam

The Mattupetty Dam is a beautiful spot for a day long picnic with friends and family. The place is famous for its specialized dairy farms and the Indo-Swiss livestock project. The Dam is used to generate hydroelectricity. You can also enjoy boating on the dam.

Distance: This dam is located 13 kilometres away from Munnar.

Visiting hours: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm

2. Pothamedu

If spending some time surrounded by aromatic spice plantations is what you are looking forward to, then Pothamedu is a place to be. The exotic tea and coffee plantation, the aromatic cardamom fields, and the untouched beauty of this place is sure to rejuvenate you with its profound aroma.

Distance: This tourist spot is at a distance of 6 kilometres from Munnar and you can reach by hiring a taxi or a shared cab.

To do: This tourist destination in Munnar is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.

3. Attukal

A majestic waterfall right outside the city, Attukal is a must-visit place if you are in Munnar. Located in the secluded corner of Pallivasal, Attukal is at its best during the monsoons. You can actually hear the sound of water gushing down from the hill top from a distance. This tourist place in Munnar boasts of some amazing views nearby to click great pictures.

Image Credits-/FlickrChandrasekaran Arumugan

Distance: Attukal is located about 6 kilometres from Munnar.

To do: You can take a bath in the falls and click pictures of the falls and the places around.

4. Nyaymakad

Another waterfall to visit near Munnar with a picturesque location, Nyaymakad is sure to lure your senses and offer you recreation at its best. Get drenched in the spirit of adventure as you trek around and explore the place.

Distance: The waterfall is located 10 kilometres away from the city.

To do: You can capture some special moments here as the location is very scenic. You can also shop for local souvenirs from the market nearby.

5. Rajamala

If you want an adventurous experience added to your Munnar trip then Rajamala is a place to be in. A part of Anamudi, Kerala’s biggest hill, Rajamala boasts of some amazing trekking trails. If you are planning to visit the hilltop you must start your journey really early in the morning or a huge queue will await you outside the ticket counter at Rajamala.

Image Credits – Flickr/ourvoyager limited

distance: Rajamala is situated 13 kilometres away from the main city of Munnar.

How to reach: You can take the bus service from Munnar to Rajamala. Remember no private vehicles are allowed to the hilltop, so you need to board a government bus if you are planning a trip to this place.

To do: Trek around the valley and the Anamudi range and then head to Eravikulam national park (located 3 kilometres away from Rajamala).

6. Eravikulam National Park

This is the most sought-after tourist destination in Munnar. The home of Nilgiri Tahr, Eravikulam National Park is also famous for its rich flora and fauna cover. A large number of rare birds, animals and butterflies can also be traced in this park. It offers a magnificent view of tea plantation and the surrounding hills caressed by blanket of mists.

Distance: It is located 15 kilometres away from the city.

How to get there: You can a book a cab to Ervaikulam or board a government bus that plies for Rajamala from Munnar. You can buy your entry tickets at the Park itself or you can book your ticket online from State Bank of Travancore.

7. Chithirapuram

Another picturesque destination near Munnar, Chithirapuram is famous for the Pallivasal Hydro electric Project. A quaint sleepy little town preserving its culture, this place is famous for its old-time bungalows and cold charm. The vast gardens with tea plantations makes this place even more charming.

Distance from Munnar: About 10 kilometres for the city.

To visit: Do not forget to visit Echo Point and Muthuapetty Reservoir. Also, try a cup of Kerala tea at the tea gardens.

8. Devikulam

This is a small hill station that lies in Idukki district of Kerala with chilly air, green slopes, and low hanging clouds over the hills. Devikulam has a large collection of waterfalls and lakes to look forward to. Do take a trip to Sita Devi Lake, which is said to have medicinal benefits.

Distance: Devikulam is located 16 kilometres away from Munnar

To do: Walk up and down the line of hills and take in the beauty of nature. You can also explore the sanctuaries present in this place if you are a wildlife enthusiast.

Angling and boating can also be enjoyed in one of the many lakes present in Devikulam

No matter how many places I visit, nothing has matched up to pristine beauty of Munnar. The sophistication of this hill station makes it so tempting to visit.

How to reach: By air – The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport which is 125 kilometres away.

By train – The nearest railway station is Aluva which is 110 kilometres away from Munnar.

By road – Munnar is well connected by roads to major cities like Kochi in Kerala.

Where to stay: Misty Mountain Resort, The Sienna Village, Tea County, Bell Mount Resort.

When to go: Munnar has a pleasant climate making it a destination worth visiting any time of the year.

December to February - The winter months are by far the best time to visit Munnar since the weather is pleasant. The minimum temperature during this time of the year drops to ten degrees Celsius and is perfect for a vacation or a honeymoon. This is also a great time for adventure enthusiasts who can enjoy adventure activities such as rock climbing, trekking and rappelling.

March to May - March marks the beginning of summer in Munnar. The weather remains pleasant and temperatures range between 19 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius. Summer in Munnar is a perfect time to enjoy sightseeing and visiting tea estates and the Tata Tea Museum. Carry light cottons and also an umbrella as rain showers are common during the summer months.

June to September - This is the monsoon season in Munnar and even though many tourists avoid Munnar during the monsoons, this is a great time to visit the hill station if you’re looking for a quiet vacation. This is also a great time to enjoy discounts on hotel tariffs and enjoy Munnar all to yourself, without the huge swarms of tourists. Do remember to carry an umbrella or raincoat along.

So, pack your bags, put on those travelling shoes and gear yourself up for an amazing trip to Munnar.

Book Your Flight to Ernakulam (Nearest Airport)

Deepti Divya

Play with the tools or travel places? The girl will choose the latter. She wants to travel to the edge of the Universe. NASA, can you hear my plea?

Comments

munnar queen | on 10 March 2018

Thanks for the wonderful post.its includes a very good information about Munnar. if you are planning for a trip to Munnar we will assist you by providing guidelines, food, accommodation etc.