If you’re planning a trip to Kerala, India, you’ll inevitably hear about Munnar, a charming hill station nestled amidst the Western Ghats. It’s renowned for its sprawling tea plantations, mist-laden mountains, and a refreshing escape from the coastal heat. While the town itself might not be the most picturesque, the surrounding High Range offers some truly breathtaking landscapes and fantastic opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Munnar is conveniently located about 130 km east of Kochi and 110 km north of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, making it a perfect spot to unwind after exploring Kerala’s backwaters or beaches.
My Top Tips for an Unforgettable Munnar Experience
Best Things to Do in Munnar
From diving into the history of tea to spotting rare wildlife, Munnar has a lot to offer. Here are some of my favorite activities:
1. A Sip of History at the Kanan Devan Hills Tea Museum
Just 2 km northwest of the town center, the Kanan Devan Hills Tea Museum is a must-visit. While you won’t see tea being made live, you’ll be transported back in time through its collection of antique machinery and a fascinating photo exhibition detailing the region’s tea industry, from its pioneering days in the 1880s to the modern Tata tea conglomerate. The highlight for me was a short audio-visual presentation on the introduction and processing of tea, followed by a delightful tasting session. Don’t forget to grab some KDH products from their shop!
2. Chasing Views at Top Station
Hop on a bus and journey up to the aptly named Top Station. This hamlet is famous for its panoramic views and the vibrant Neelakurunji plants that carpet the meadows. Buses also go to the more distant Eravikulam and Chinnar nature sanctuaries, where you might spot Nilgiri tahr, elephants, and other incredible wildlife. For those harder-to-reach spots, consider hiring a taxi for the day.
3. Encountering the Rare Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam National Park
Venture into Eravikulam National Park, a vast expanse of moist evergreen forest and grassy hilltops spanning 100 square kilometers in the Western Ghats. This park is a crucial sanctuary for the Nilgiri tahr, one of the world’s rarest mountain goats. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, particularly those of American biologist Clifford Rice in the 1980s, their numbers have rebounded, and these once-hunted animals are remarkably tame. You’re almost guaranteed to spot them, especially near the park gates at Vaguvarai. Just remember to resist the urge to feed them salty snacks, despite their endearing nature!
4. The Elusive White Bison of Manjampatti in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
While Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary borders Eravikulam, it sees far fewer visitors, perhaps due to its two-hour winding drive from Munnar. This drier reserve, located in the rain shadow of the High Range, is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 225 recorded species. However, the true stars here are the grizzled giant squirrels and the almost mythical “white bison of Manjampatti,” believed to be an albino Indian gaur. Local tribal guides are available for day treks, which can include visits to prehistoric rock art, dolmen sites, or even a waterfall. You can arrange these excursions at a counter near the Chinnar Forest Check Post.
5. Hiking Through Munnar’s Majestic Peaks
Although Ana Mudi, South India’s highest peak, is off-limits due to Nilgiri tahr conservation, several other impressive summits around Munnar are perfect for day treks. The hiking scene here is surprisingly undeveloped, so I highly recommend hiring a guide, especially for challenging peaks like Meesapulimalai (2640m). This peak can be accessed from Silent Valley or Kolukkumalai estates and could even be part of a multi-day adventure. Always confirm if transportation to and from the trailhead is included.
Where to Stay in Munnar
Accommodation in Munnar tends to be pricier than in other parts of the High Range, mainly due to high demand from domestic tourists. Budget-friendly options are scarce and can be quite noisy, especially near the bus stand and bazaar. If you have your own transport, consider staying a bit outside of town for more serene surroundings.
- Munnar Town: Hostels and cheaper guesthouses are primarily found along Munnar Colony Road and near the start of Tea Station Road. For more upscale hotels and resorts, check near the old railway station.
- Devikulam: A few kilometers from Munnar, this small town offers a selection of hotels and resorts.
- Chithirapuram: About 10 km from Munnar, Chithirapuram is known for its comfortable homestays with stunning mountain views.
Dining in Munnar
Munnar is more about its natural beauty than its culinary scene, so you’ll often find yourself dining at your hotel or guesthouse.
- Munnar Town: For an authentic local experience, head to the “thattukada” food market just south of the main bazaar, opposite the taxi stand. It comes alive around 7:30 pm and stays open all night, serving delicious and hot Keralan dishes like dosas, parathas, iddiappam, green-bean curry, and egg masala. You can enjoy your meal on simple wooden tables right on the street.
- Top Station Road: Near the famous Top Station viewpoint, you’ll find a few restaurants offering fantastic panoramic views of the valleys below.
Getting Around Munnar
Exploring Munnar is quite easy, with various transport options available.
- Auto-rickshaws: These are readily available throughout Munnar and are a convenient way to get around town.
- Taxis: Taxi stands are plentiful, and they’re a great option for sightseeing trips to more distant attractions.
- Motorbikes: Several places rent out scooters and motorbikes, which can be an excellent way to explore the hills at your own pace.
When to Visit Munnar
I believe the best time to visit Munnar is during the cooler winter months, from December to February. Temperatures range from a pleasant 10–25°C (50–77°F), making it ideal for exploring tea plantations and hiking.
It’s generally best to avoid the summer months (March to May) as it can be quite hot and humid, though you might experience occasional showers.
The monsoon season (June to September) brings lush green landscapes and spectacular waterfalls, but heavy rains can lead to landslides and road closures, making some activities challenging.
How Many Days Do You Need in Munnar?
Most visitors find that two to three days are sufficient for exploring Munnar, unless you’re embarking on a multi-day trek. This timeframe allows you to wander through tea plantations, visit Eravikulam National Park or Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, and enjoy a shorter hike in the hills. This makes Munnar a great addition to a 5-day Kerala itinerary, offering a refreshing mountain experience to balance out your time on the coast or backwaters.
Getting to Munnar
- By Bus: State-run and private buses arrive at the town bus stand in the main bazaar, which is located near the river confluence and Tata headquarters. Some state buses continue through town, terminating about 3 km south. For most hotels, it’s best to ask to be dropped off at Old Munnar, which is 2 km south of the center, close to the TPC tourist office.
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