Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best tourist places in Munnar that you simply can’t miss. The best tourist places in Munnar offer a breathtaking blend of rolling tea gardens, mist-covered hills, cascading waterfalls, and rare wildlife—making it one of India’s most beloved hill stations. Tucked away in the Western Ghats of Kerala at an altitude of 1,600 meters, Munnar is a paradise for nature lovers, honeymooners, trekkers, and photographers. Once the summer retreat of British officials, this emerald haven is now a top destination for travelers seeking tranquility, adventure, and scenic beauty.
🌿 1. Eravikulam National Park
- Why Visit: Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and the rare Neelakurinji flower that blooms once every 12 years.
- Highlights:
- Anamudi Peak, the highest in South India
- Rolling grasslands and shola forests
- Wildlife safaris and eco-trails
- Best Time: September to March for clear views and wildlife sightings
🌊 2. Mattupetty Dam
- Why Visit: A picturesque dam surrounded by tea gardens and forests.
- Highlights:
- Boating on the reservoir
- Views of misty hills and grazing elephants
- Nearby dairy farm run by Indo-Swiss Livestock Project
- Best Time: October to February
🏞️ 3. Top Station
- Why Visit: The highest point in Munnar offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the Theni Valley.
- Highlights:
- Cloud-kissed viewpoints
- Ideal for sunrise and sunset photography
- Gateway to the Neelakurinji bloom
- Best Time: Early morning visits for the best views
🌸 4. Tea Museum
- Why Visit: Learn about Munnar’s tea legacy and processing techniques.
- Highlights:
- Vintage tea processing equipment
- Tea tasting sessions
- Insight into colonial-era plantations
- Best Time: Year-round; closed on Mondays
🌄 5. Echo Point
- Why Visit: A natural acoustic phenomenon where your voice echoes back.
- Highlights:
- Shimmering lake and misty hills
- Boating and photography
- Popular with families and couples
- Best Time: October to April
🌳 6. Kundala Lake
- Why Visit: A serene lake surrounded by cherry blossoms and eucalyptus trees.
- Highlights:
- Pedal boating and shikara rides
- Nearby Aruvikkad Waterfall
- Less crowded than Mattupetty
- Best Time: November to March
🐘 7. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Why Visit: A dry deciduous forest home to grizzled giant squirrels, elephants, and leopards.
- Highlights:
- Guided forest treks and tribal village visits
- Thoovanam Waterfalls
- Birdwatching and eco-tourism
- Best Time: December to April
🌲 8. Attukad Waterfalls
- Why Visit: A hidden gem nestled between rolling hills and dense forests.
- Highlights:
- Ideal for trekking and picnics
- Best viewed during monsoon
- Surreal misty ambiance
- Best Time: June to September for full flow
🧘 9. Lockhart Gap
- Why Visit: A scenic viewpoint known for its heart-shaped gap in the hills.
- Highlights:
- Trekking trails and panoramic views
- Ideal for solitude and meditation
- Sunset photography
- Best Time: October to March
🐦 10. Blossom International Park
- Why Visit: A beautifully landscaped park perfect for families and nature lovers.
- Highlights:
- Cycling, boating, and nature trails
- Flower gardens and birdwatching
- Children’s play area
- Best Time: Year-round
🛍️ What to Buy in Munnar
- Tea: Freshly packed from local plantations
- Spices: Cardamom, pepper, cinnamon
- Handicrafts: Bamboo products, handmade soaps, essential oils
🍽️ What to Eat
- Kerala Sadya: Traditional vegetarian feast
- Appam with Stew: A local breakfast favorite
- Meen Pollichathu: Fish wrapped in banana leaf
- Snacks: Banana chips, jackfruit halwa
🏨 Where to Stay
- Luxury: Spice Tree Munnar, Blanket Hotel & Spa
- Mid-range: Tea County, Abad Copper Castle
- Budget: Homestays, eco-lodges, and plantation cottages
🧭 Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1:
- Arrive in Munnar → Visit Tea Museum
- Sunset at Pothamedu Viewpoint
- Overnight at a tea estate resort
Day 2:
- Morning safari at Eravikulam National Park
- Visit Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point
- Evening at Blossom Park
Day 3:
- Trek to Attukad Waterfalls
- Visit Kundala Lake and Top Station
- Depart
🚗 Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: September to March for cool weather and clear skies
- Getting There: Nearest airport is Cochin International (110 km); taxis and buses available
- Clothing: Light woolens for evenings; trekking shoes for trails
- Health & Safety: Carry insect repellent, stay hydrated, and avoid plastic
Final Thought
The best tourist places in Munnar offer more than scenic beauty—they offer a chance to reconnect with nature, culture, and yourself. Whether you’re sipping tea on a misty morning, hiking through wildlife sanctuaries, or watching the sun dip behind the hills, Munnar leaves you with memories as fresh as its mountain air.
