Munnar Travel Guide

November 21st, 2017 by Garusha Katoch

Flanked by a stretch of contouring hills carpeted with chartreuse tea plantations and swaying swathes of thick forests, Munnar is blessed with a stunning landscape. The tranquil setting coupled with misty environs lends a wonderful dreamy charm to the hill station, making this ‘Kashmir of South’, a tourist hotspot.

The beauty of Munnar lies in the fact that no matter how many times you visit this serene landscape, each time feels like a first! So, set off once more to explore and re-discover the offbeat destinations of Munnar with our quick travel guide. Also, take a look at these Munnar Tour Packages which will only make your expedition more fun.

Best Time to Visit

Munnar Travel Guide

Owing to its pleasant weather, Munnar can be visited all year round. However, the months from December to February are the best time to visit munnar. The temperature is neither too high nor too low during this period making it ideal to explore the city and engage in adventure sports. The period between March and May though warmer are still suitable for sightseeing.

Weather

Munnar Travel Guide

Average annual temperature: 19°C

April is the hottest month is Munnar when the temperature touches the 28°C mark on the scale. January is the coldest month with the temperature dropping to a low of 12°C.

Places to Visit

Munnar has an abundance of natural attractions, historical landmarks and museums.  From waterfalls to lakes, lush parks to tea gardens, trekking trails to water sports, Munnar has it all.

Lakes and Waterfalls

(i) Located an hour away from the main city, the Kundala Dam Lake, is among the major tourist attractions of Munnar. The picturesque site is ideal for nature lovers and photographers.

Munnar Travel Guide

(ii) Located amidst verdant hills and lush green forests, the Atukkal Waterfall in Munnar is a stunning cascade, ideal for a nice picnic under the sun. This is also a site for adventure excursions like trekking and hiking.

Munnar Travel Guide

The Lakkam Waterfalls, Thoovanam Falls, Pallivasal Falls and Nyayamkadu Falls are other gorgeous cascades in Munnar.

Gardens and Parks

Munnar Travel Guide

(i) The sprawling Blossom International Park is another beautiful marvel of natural beauty in Munnar. The park is blanketed by diverse and exotic flora and lofty trees. The Muthirappuzha River flows through the park adding further charm it. You can take a boat ride across the river waters to enjoy the scenic beauty of the park.

Munnar Travel Guide

(ii) The Eravikulam National Park houses a large variety of exotic flora and fauna including the rare Nilgiri Tahr. On the southern periphery of the park is the famous Anamudi peak.

(iii) Less than an hour away from Munnar is the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, highest tea plantation in the world. Built in the 20th century, the estate is famous for growing many flavors of tea. You can sip the piping tea and also buy the freshly brewed tea leaves from the factory outlet in the estate.

Munnar Travel Guide

(iv) Initiated in 1963, the Mattupetty Indo Swiss Farm located close to the Mattupetty Dam is famous for cattle farming. The farm is home to around 400 high quality cattle, including cows and breeding bulls. The scenic surroundings of the farm add beauty to the park.

(v) The Lockhart Gap is one of the prime attractions of Munnar. Nestled in the Western Ghats, the site offers a panoramic view of the valley. The expansive tea gardens, hazy with mist add to the charm of the place. While it is a perfect spot for trekkers and hikers, you can also have a nice picnic here.

Museums

The Tea Museum in Munnar is a demo model of a tea factory. The museum collection consists of remnants of the colonial era in the form of photographs and a tea-roller.

Where to Eat

Munnar Travel Guide

The cuisine of Munnar is predominately influenced by its geographical location and proximity to coastal states. Coconut based ingredients are liberally used in every delicacy, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Kappa, Kallummakaya, Avial and Kerala Fish Curry are the most popular dishes of Munnar and dominate the menu of every eating joint, from food stalls to fine dining restaurants.

Dine at:

  • Silvertips at the Silvertips Junction
  • Zeviya Restaurant at Moolakadai
  • Hill Spice Restaurant at Bison Valley Road

What to Shop

While in Munnar, do shop for its indigenous and exotic spices like pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves; fresh tea leaves, coffee; home-made chocolates; traditional fabric and saris; herbs and aromatic oils.

Witness the Beautiful Fusion of Cultures in Munnar

Munnar’s culture is a unique mix of native and tribal traditions and the British culture. This fusion of diverse cultures is evident in the city’s flavors, artwork and the festivals.

Book Hotels in Munnar

Come and explore this lush hill station of South India for an experience like no other.

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About Garusha Katoch

A journalist by education, a writer by passion and a film buff by night. When I am not offering an insight into the many treasure troves of your favorite travel destinations, I like to get my dose of Truffaut and Resnais. You can catch me in quaint cafes finishing my latest book or transforming every thing that happens in a moment into ink.