From trekking and camping to tea plantations and waterfalls, explore the most popular things to do in Munnar. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker or a nature lover, find the perfect activities to make your trip to Munnar unforgettable.Discover the breathtaking beauty of Munnar!
Nestled among the eye-catching hill ranges of Kerala, Munnar is a place crafted instinctively for both adventurers and nature lovers. The place is famous for its enchanting highland forests, expansive tea plantations, and distinctive montane shola grasses. Situated 1600m above sea level, this peaceful hill station used to serve as a summer resort for British rulers. Located at the junction of three mountain streams, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, Munnar is in the Idukki district of Kerala. For anyone looking for a peaceful escape or even an action-packed break, the mix of pleasant weather, greenery, and wildlife in the region makes it the ideal destination to visit.
Munnar is ideal for an adventure enthusiast, an animal lover or even if you just wish to relax, there are a number of activities that one can do regardless of the kind of traveller you are. The best months to come to this beautiful hill station are December to February when the temperatures are favourable for outdoor activities. Some parts of the monsoon from June to September provide some calm but summers are the best season to go and check the vast tea plantations and partake in various outdoor pursuits.
Here are some of the most interesting and enjoyable places to visit and attractions to look forward to in Munnar:
Visit the Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park in Munnar is one of those places which spans an area of 97 square kilometres and is popular among wildlife lovers as well as nature enthusiasts. The park’s vast area is best known for its rare high-altitude montane shola grassland ecosystem. The park is perhaps most famous for the Nilgiri tahr, a mountain goat endemic to the area and endangered as a species. The park is also home to a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, most notably the unusual Neelakurinji plant which flowers once in 12 years, transforming the entire hills into a blue blanket.
Located about 15 kilometres from Munnar, the Rajamalai area of Eravikulam is the tourism zone, where visitors can enjoy guided tours by the Kerala Forest Department. There is no private car involvement, therefore bus commuting makes the journey quiet as well as environmentally friendly. Besides, a number of other surrounding hills including Anamudi, the highest peak of the Western Ghats, can be seen from inside the park. It is said to be widely popular among trekkers who are looking for an exciting adventure as it has trekking trails marked by perfectly picturesque scenery.
Touring the Mattupetty Dam
The Mattupetty Dam is among the most recognised attractions in the region and is approximately 13 kilometres from Munnar. The dam was constructed in the 1940s and serves both as a hydroelectric power and water conservation reservoir. The lake created behind the dam makes for an ideal spot for relaxation and a number of visitors use the boating facilities provided by the Idukki Tourism Promotion Council. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking sights of the landscapes while paddling, riding in motorboats or in speedboats. The dense shola forests that encircle the dam are excellent trekking spots for the adventurous souls.
You will also find a dairy farm, with several high-yielding breeds of dairy cattle, of the Indo Swiss Livestock Project within a distance of about 3 kilometres from the dam. The Munnar dairy industry is fascinating and a visit to the farm makes for an eye-opening experience.
Experience Echo Point
Also known for its natural echo phenomenon, Echo Point, which is 15 kilometres away from Munnar, is another picturesque destination. It is memorable and fun to shout into the air and hear the sound reverberate in the surroundings. Apart from Echo Point, the area also has beautiful hills and a calm lake, which makes it splendid to hang around. Handicrafts and souvenirs are sold at local shops along the road, which is the perfect place to pick unique gifts for your loved ones. Most importantly, make sure not to skip the tea stalls in the vicinity that will allow you to have a hot cup of tea along with some freshly cooked pakoras that will suit the chilly weather.
For those who are prepared to go farther, Top Station can be found at a distance of 32 kilometres from Munnar. It is the highest point in the region and on clear days you have the opportunity to experience what it feels like to walk in the clouds.
Explore Anayirankal
Anayirankal is known for its picturesque picnic spots, which are surrounded by adorable tea estates and nature. Munnar is 22 kilometres away. On the other hand, a dam constructed on the river Anayirankal allows for boating and rafting on the serene waters and provides a great view of the reservoir made by the dam. Elephants can often be found bathing in the reservoir or wandering in the nearby mountains, as the region’s reservoir is home to numerous elephants. It boasts a cafeteria as well, so all the required comfort is there and it is an ideal location for spending the day with family.
Appreciate Munnar’s Tea Heritage
The beauty of Munnar lies in its green tea estates, which largely define its geography. Visiting the area should ideally start with an exploration of the tea plantations. The beginning of tea cultivation in the region can be traced back to the 1880s; presently, a museum on tea is located at Kannan Devan Hill Plantations Nallathanni Estate, which is the first of its kind in the country located in Munnar. The versatile collection available in the museum, especially on tea making, helps in appreciating the rich history of tea making in Munnar.
In addition to the visit to the museum, tourists can go on guided trips around the many tea plantations located in and around Munnar. These trips are interesting as they cover all of the processes of tea production, from the harvesting of the leaves to the processing of the leaves into different varieties of tea. Tourists will also be able to purchase fresh tea to bring back as a souvenir, which makes it a great way to commemorate their visit to this tea capital of Kerala.
Bird Watching, Biking, and Nature Walks
Munnar is a bird watcher’s dream with more than 250 bird species present in the region. Among the notable species found here are the Nilgiri pipit, painted bush quail, and Nilgiri wood pigeon. Bird watching is a great way to appreciate the beauty of Munnar’s greenery, as the abundant vegetation in the region attracts a myriad of birds.
Those in search of fun and thrilling rides will not be disappointed, as trekking and bike riding are among the activities that can be carried out. The narrow back roads that cut across tea estates are excellent for avid cyclists, the most common of which is Top Station road. Biking tours are organised for those who want to see Munnar on two wheels within its rugged environment.
Among the things to do in Munnar, nature walks should be at the top of everyone’s list. They not only allow you to witness the local plants and animals that interest you greatly, but they also let you meet the friendly people from the community and see how those in this lovely hill station live and what they do. It doesn’t matter whether you enjoy trekking across vast fields, riding a bicycle around extensive plantations, or taking a relaxing stroll amidst beautiful sights; Munnar has it all for any nature admirer.
Conclusion
Munnar is paradise not just for nature enthusiasts but for those searching for adventure coupled with brief respite from busy city life. As the landscapes are breathtaking, diversity is rich and there are plenty of activities available, it is no surprise that this hill station in South India is among the hottest spots in the state of Kerala. Whether you will visit to go on a safari in Eravikulam National Park, spend a quiet afternoon on a boat in Mattupetty Dam, or go cycling in the unending tea fields, Munnar will not let you down. Munnar is a showcase of Kerala’s beauty so do plan your visit to Munnar today and feel the tranquillity this hill station is known for.
