Munnar is a picturesque hill station located in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. Nestled in the Western Ghats at an elevation of around 1,600 meters (5,200 feet) above sea level, Munnar is renowned for its sprawling tea plantations, misty hills, and rich biodiversity. It's a popular destination for honeymooners, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts alike. The name "Munnar" is derived from the Malayalam words "Munnu" (three) and "Aaru" (river), referring to the confluence of three rivers—Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala—that flow through the town. Munnar enjoys a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year, making it an ideal escape from the heat of the plains. Summers are mild, while winters can be quite chilly, especially at night. October to March is the most popular time to visit Munnar, as the weather is cool and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Nearest Airport : Cochin International Airport ; 110 Kms away.

Nearest Railway Station : Aluva Railway Station ; 110 Kms away and Ernakulam South or North Railway station ; 125 Kms away

Top places to visit in Munnar

1. Eravikulam National Park

8 Kms from Munnar Town. Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and famous for the Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years. You can do Trekking, wildlife spotting, and enjoy the panoramic views of the rolling hills. The park will be closed from February to April to ensure safe calving season for the Nilgiri Tahr. It is better to book the tickets online to avoid long queue.

Entry Fee : Indian Adults – 200/- Foreign Nationals – 500/-

Entry Time: 8 AM to 2 PM Slot Timings: 8 AM to 12 Pm and 12 Pm to 2 Pm and 2 Pm to 4.30 Pm

2. Tea Gardens and Tea Museum

Munnar is filled with expansive tea plantations that offer a picturesque setting. You can enjoy guided tours, tea tasting, and learn about the tea-making process from Tea Museum. Located 2 Kms from Munnar Town.

Timing for Tea Museum: 9 Am to 5 Pm. Monday Closed.

Entry Fee: 75 Rs.

3. Mattupetty Dam

Located 12 Kms from Munnar Town . It’s a beautiful dam surrounded by hills and tea plantations. One can enjoy Boating, Horse riding, and enjoy the serene environment and spot wildlife like elephants.

Timing : 9.30 Am to 5 Pm.

Entry Fee: 10 Rs.

4. Kundala Lake

Located 25 Kms from Munnar Town and 14 Kms from Mattupetty Dam; Kundala lake is a beautiful lake with cherry blossoms and the backdrop of rolling hills. It requires no entry fees, but boating activities costs from Rs.100/- to Rs.200/-.

Timing : 9 Am to 5 Pm.

Entry Fee: Free

5. Echo Point

Located 13 Kms from Munnar Town and 2 Kms from Mattupetty Dam. A natural echo phenomenon where your voice reverberates back. You can shout into the hills, take some pictures and enjoy the view.

Timing : 6 Am to 7.30 Pm.

Entry Fee: Free

6. Rose Garden

Located 3 Kms from Munnar Town, It’s a well-maintained garden with a variety of roses and other flowers.

Timing : 8 Am to 5 Pm.

Entry Fee: 20 Rs

7. Photo Point

Located 5 Kms from Munnar Town, on the way to Mattuppetty Dam. It’s a popular spot known for its picturesque setting among tea gardens.

Timing : 10 Am to 8 Pm.

Entry Fee: Free

8. Anamudi Peak

Anamudi Peak is located within the Eravikulam National Park in Munnar. Anamudi is the highest peak in South India. While the peak itself is part of the national park, access to the summit is restricted to protect the area's fragile ecosystem. Trekkers can explore certain trails within the park, but reaching the summit typically requires special permission from the forest authorities. The park is also known for its rich biodiversity, including the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.

9. Top Station

35 Kms from Munnar Town and 10 Kms from Kundala Lake. Offers stunning views of the Western Ghats and is a great spot for sunrise and sunset. This location is famous for the rare Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once every 12 years, turning the hillsides into a sea of blue. Entry Fee: Free

Timing: 6 Am to 6 Pm.

10. Attukad Waterfalls

9 Kms from Munnar Town. A scenic waterfall nestled amidst lush green hills and dense forests, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Entry Fee: Free

Timing: 10 Am to 6 Pm.

11. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Located 49 Kms from Munnar Town. A rich diversity of flora and fauna, including endangered species can be seen here. One can take up Wildlife safaris, trekking, and bird watching while you are there.

Entry Fee: 10 Rs Indian & 100 Rs Foreigners

Timing: 9 Am to 7 Pm.

12. Blossom Park

4 Kms from Munnar Town. A well-maintained park with a variety of flowers, trees, and recreational activities.

Entry Fee: 10 Rs

Timing: 6 Am to 6 Pm

13. Pothamedu Viewpoint

5 Kms from Munnar Town. Offers panoramic views of the tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations. Take pictures, enjoy the sunset, and soak in the views of mist-covered hills.

Entry Fee: Free

Timing: No timing

14. Lakkom Waterfalls

25 kms from Munnar Town. A lesser-known but beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The waterfall cascades down a series of rocks, creating a peaceful and picturesque spot perfect for relaxation. It’s easily accessible by road and makes for a great stop while exploring the Munnar-Chinnar route.

Entry Fee: 20 Rs

Timing: 8 Am to 5 Pm

15. Lockhart Gap

15 Kms from Munnar town enroute to Chinnakanal. A scenic viewpoint known for its heart-shaped gap in the hills. The area is often shrouded in mist, especially in the mornings and late afternoons, adding a mystical charm to the landscape.

16. Marayoor

Marayoor is a unique destination located about 40 kilometers from Munnar, known for its sandalwood forests, ancient dolmens, and sugarcane fields. It’s the only place in Kerala where natural sandalwood forests thrive, and it offers a blend of scenic landscapes, historical sites, and tribal culture.

17. Thoovanam Waterfalls

A majestic waterfall located within Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. Trek through the sanctuary, enjoy the falls and wildlife spotting. The only way to reach Thoovanam Waterfalls is by trekking through the sanctuary.

18. Kolukkumalai

Kolukkumalai Located 35 Kms from Munnar town, Kolukkumalai offers the best sunrise and sunset view. It is a must visit destination in Munnar , which is accessible by a jeep trek to the top and a short trek by foot to the top of the hill. It is not advisable for senior citizens as the jeep trekking is hectic.

Entry fee: Free

Timing: Reach 4 Am at Chinnakanal for Jeep trek to Kolukkumalai for sunrise

19. Chokramudi Peak

A relatively less explored peak offering a challenging trek with stunning views, located 11 Kms from Munnar Town in Bison Valley. Entry fee: Free