YOUR ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO MUNNAR

Essential Information

• Country, State: India, Kerala
• Timezone: GMT+5:30
• Languages Spoken: Malayalam, Tamil, English, Hindi
• Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)

Weather and Climate

• January–February: Pleasant and cool (10°C–25°C), ideal for sightseeing.
• March–May: Warm, mildly humid (15°C–30°C), good for outdoors.
• June–September: Monsoon, heavy rain (18°C–25°C), stunning green landscapes.
• October–December: Pleasant post-monsoon (10°C–25°C), perfect for tea garden visits.

Discover Munnar: A Hill Station Paradise

Munnar’s hills are blanketed in emerald tea plantations and shola forests, with cool breezes, British colonial bungalows, and sprawling estates. “Munnar” meaning “three rivers,” sits at the confluence of Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundaly. It’s beloved for hiking, tea-tasting, wildlife, and restorative tranquility, famous as a former summer retreat of British planters, and home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.

Best Time to Visit Munnar for Optimal Weather

• September–May:
  • Pros: Clear skies, fresh air—ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and photography.
• June–August:
  • Pros: Monsoon greenery, less-crowded hills for rain lovers.
  • Cons: Heavy rains may cause slippery paths/travel delays.

How to Get to Munnar & Visa Requirements

• Flights: Cochin International Airport (COK), approx. 110 km away.
• Trains: Aluva (AWY) is the nearest station, approx. 110 km from Munnar.
• Visa Requirements: Apply for a tourist visa prior to travel—check requirements based on your nationality.
• Airport Transfers: Taxis and prebooked cars are readily available from Cochin and Aluva.

Fun/Historical Facts

Munnar was named for the three river junction and cultivated as “High Range” tea paradise by the British, whose legacy you’ll find in historic estates and tea museums.

Top Things to See and Do: Munnar Attractions

Top 10 Attractions in Munnar

1. Mattupetty Dam: Boating, mountain scenery, and lakeside picnics.
   • Address: Mattupetty, Munnar, Kerala 685612
2. Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai): Spot Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy panoramic rolling grasslands.
   • Address: Munnar PO, Idukki, Kerala 685612
3. Munnar Tea Gardens: Walk among tea bushes, visit factories, and enjoy tastings.
   • Address: Various estates, Munnar
4. Anamudi Peak: Tallest peak in South India, accessible with forest permits.
   • Address: Inside Eravikulam National Park, Munnar
5. Echo Point: Shout and hear your echo across the lake and hills.
   • Address: Echo Point, Munnar, Kerala
6. Tata Tea Museum (KDHP Museum): Watch tea processing and learn estate history.
   • Address: Nullatanni Estate, Munnar, Kerala 685612
7. Kundala Lake: Boating, shikara rides, and tranquil scenery.
   • Address: Kundala, Munnar, Kerala
8. Pothamedu View Point: Sweeping valley, tea garden, and sunset vistas.
   • Address: Pothamedu, Munnar, Kerala
9. Attukad Waterfalls: Lush forested falls—best after the rains.
   • Address: Attukad, Munnar, Kerala
10. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary: Trekker’s favorite—home to rare species like Grizzled Giant Squirrel.
    • Address: Marayoor, Idukki, Kerala 685620

Hidden Gems: Off the Beaten Path in Munnar

• Lockhart Gap: Heart-shaped misty viewpoint for valley and sunset photography.
  • Address: Near Yellapetty, Kerala 685612
• Lakkam Waterfalls: Peaceful, smaller falls in a forest glade.
  • Address: Marayoor, Kerala 685620
• Kolukkumalai Tea Estate: Jeep up to world’s highest tea plantation for epic mountain views.
  • Address: Kolukkumalai, Suryanelli, Kerala 685618

Local Festivals and Events in Munnar

• Onam (Aug–Sep): Cultural dances, feasts, and floral displays.
• Tea & Tourism Festival: Local celebration highlighting tea heritage.
• Pongal (Jan): Traditional harvest festival with local rituals and food.

Day Trips from Munnar: Exploring Nearby Destinations

• Thekkady (Periyar National Park): ≈3 hours. Famous for elephants, boat rides, and forest walks.
• Alleppey (Alappuzha): ≈4–5 hours. Backwaters, houseboats, and lakeside relaxation.
• Kochi (Cochin): ≈4 hours. Colonial city with history and culture; explore Fort Kochi.
• Marayoor: ≈1.5 hours. Sandalwood forest, prehistoric dolmens, and natural beauty.

Photography Hotspots: Insta-Worthy Places in Munnar

• Tea Plantations: Endless green hills for iconic selfies and landscapes.
• Mattupetty Dam: Beautiful sunrises and mirror-like water at sunset.
• Eravikulam National Park: Nilgiri Tahr and mountain vistas.
• Kolukkumalai Tea Estate: Misty sunrises at the world’s highest tea fields.
• Lockhart Gap: Heart-shaped valley, often draped in clouds.

Planning Your Stay in Munnar

Recommended Length of Stay

• 3–4 days lets you explore attractions, hike, visit tea estates, and relax.

Top Places to Stay in Munnar

Budget-Friendly Stays

• Zostel Munnar
  • Address: 2nd Floor, Opp. Police Station, Aluva-Munnar Rd, Munnar
• Backpacker Panda Munnar
  • Address: Aluva-Munnar Rd, near KDHP Office, Munnar
• JJ Cottage
  • Address: Aluva-Munnar Rd, near KDHP Office, Munnar
• Anandapuri Residency
  • Address: Aluva-Munnar Rd, near KDHP Office, Munnar
• Greenland Guest House
  • Address: Aluva-Munnar Rd, near KDHP Office, Munnar

Mid-Range Hotels

• SpiceTree Munnar
  • Address: Nadukkurissu, Pottanmedu, Munnar
• The Fog Resort & Spa
  • Address: Eatty City, Chithirapuram, Munnar
• Chandys Windy Woods
  • Address: Pallivasal, Munnar
• Devonshire Greens
  • Address: Bison Valley Road, Anachal, Munnar
• Camelot Resort
  • Address: Attukad Waterfalls Road, Pallivasal, Munnar

Luxury Resorts

• Windermere Estate
  • Address: Pothamedu View Point, Munnar
• Tall Trees Munnar
  • Address: PB No. 29, Pothamedu, Munnar
• Fragrant Nature Munnar
  • Address: View Point, Chithirapuram, Munnar
• Elysium Garden Hill Resort
  • Address: Munnar-Bison Valley Rd, Anachal, Munnar
• The Panoramic Getaway
  • Address: Mathur, Chithirapuram, Munnar

Getting Around Munnar

• Jeeps/Taxis: Best for tea country, hiking trails, and remote lookouts—negotiate fares.
• Auto-rickshaws: Short journeys around town.
• Buses: Public buses reach nearby villages on a budget.
• Self-drive cars/bikes: Adventurous but drive carefully on winding roads.
• Walking: Explore Munnar’s heart and markets on foot.

Preparing for Your Trip to Munnar: Practical Information

What to Pack for Munnar

• Warm clothes (especially in winter/sunrise/evenings).
• Rain gear in monsoon—umbrella or raincoat.
• Sturdy walking shoes for treks/tea plantations.
• Insect repellent—especially after rains.
• Basic first-aid kit, any needed medications.
• Sunscreen and hat for sun protection.

Useful Apps for Travel in Munnar

• Google Maps: For navigation and finding attractions.
• MakeMyTrip/Booking.com: Hotel booking and reviews.
• Ola/Uber: Limited, but possible from Kochi or major Kerala towns.
• Kerala Tourism: Official updates and local info.

Local Customs, Safety Tips, and Cultural Etiquette

• Dress modestly at temples and respect local traditions.
• Keep noise levels down—Munnar is a peaceful retreat.
• Bargain and confirm taxi rates in advance.
• Avoid cliffs and slick trails in the monsoon, and hike in groups.
• Do not photograph people without permission.
• Beware of leeches/tour touts during rainy season.

Food, Fun, and Finds: Experiencing Munnar

Top Restaurants in Munnar

• Saravana Bhavan: South Indian fare, great value.
  • Address: Aluva-Munnar Rd
• Rapsy Restaurant: Popular for dosas and global dishes.
  • Address: Near KSRTC Bus Stand
• Tea Room (Tata Tea Museum): Teas and snacks with estate views.
  • Address: Nullatanni Estate
• Mayabazar Veg Restaurant: Extensive vegetarian menu.
  • Address: Aluva-Munnar Rd
• Silver Spoon Restaurant: Indian and multi-cuisine meals.
  • Address: Aluva-Munnar Rd

Must-Try Kerala Dishes in Munnar

• Appam with Stew: Rice pancakes with mild meat/veg stew.
• Kerala Fish Curry: Tangy and rich, made with coconut milk.
• Puttu and Kadala Curry: Steamed rice cakes with black chickpea curry.
• Idiyappam: String hoppers, usually served with stew or curry.
• Ela Ada: Steamed parcels of rice, coconut, and jaggery in banana leaf.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Munnar

• The scene is quiet. Some hotels might host bonfires or light music. Check for events at your resort.
• Explore local markets or enjoy evening walks through tea estates.

Souvenirs and Markets: What to Buy in Munnar

• Tea: Pick from Munnar’s estates for freshness and variety.
• Spices: Cardamom, pepper, and more from local shops.
• Handicrafts: Wood carvings, chocolate, and ethnic garments.
• Aroma Oils: Essential and eucalyptus oils from estate shops.