Discover the top 10 tourist places to visit in Munnar for a memorable trip. From tea plantations to waterfalls, explore Munnar’s scenic beauty and serene atmosphere.
Top Tourist Places in Munnar
Munnar, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is a breathtaking hill station known for its tea plantations, mist-covered hills, and lush greenery. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the 10 best tourist places to visit in Munnar, so you can make the most of your trip to this beautiful part of India.
- 1. Tea Gardens
- 2. Eravikulam National Park
- 3. Mattupetty Dam
- 4. Top Station
- 5. Anamudi Peak
- 6. Attukal Waterfalls
- 7. Kundala Lake
- 8. Chinnakanal Waterfalls
- 9. Marayoor Sandalwood Forest
- 10. Pothamedu Viewpoint
1. Tea Gardens
Munnar is synonymous with sprawling tea gardens, and a visit to these lush plantations is a must. The gentle slopes covered in neatly trimmed tea bushes offer an unforgettable sight. You can also visit a tea museum to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy fresh brews.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for stunning misty views.
- Highlights: Tea factory tours, scenic walks, and photography.
2. Eravikulam National Park
Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, Eravikulam National Park is one of Munnar’s top attractions. The park offers spectacular views of the rolling hills and is known for its rich biodiversity. It’s also famous for the blooming of the rare Neelakurinji flowers, which happens once every 12 years.
- Best Time to Visit: September to November and April to June.
- Highlights: Wildlife safaris, trekking, and spotting Nilgiri Tahr.
3. Mattupetty Dam
Located about 13 kilometers from Munnar, Mattupetty Dam is a beautiful spot for nature lovers and picnickers. Surrounded by hills and forests, the dam is a great place for a boat ride on its serene waters while soaking in the natural beauty around.
- Best Time to Visit: October to May.
- Highlights: Boating, scenic views, and spotting elephants nearby.
4. Top Station
Top Station is the highest point in Munnar and offers panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. It’s one of the best places to witness the magical sight of clouds floating below you, especially during the early morning hours.
- Best Time to Visit: March to May for bright, clear skies.
- Highlights: Stunning views, trekking, and photography.
5. Anamudi Peak
At 2,695 meters, Anamudi Peak is the highest peak in South India. It’s a popular trekking spot for adventure enthusiasts and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and valleys. The area around the peak is home to rich flora and fauna, including the Asian elephant and Nilgiri Tahr.
- Best Time to Visit: November to May.
- Highlights: Trekking, wildlife sightings, and panoramic views.
6. Attukal Waterfalls
Attukal Waterfalls is a scenic cascade located amidst the rolling hills of Munnar. The waterfall is nestled amidst lush greenery, making it an ideal spot for picnics and peaceful nature walks. The best time to visit is during the monsoon when the waterfall cascades to its fullest.
- Best Time to Visit: June to September during the monsoon season.
- Highlights: Picnics, trekking, and scenic photography.
7. Kundala Lake
Kundala Lake, located about 20 kilometers from Munnar, is an artificial reservoir that offers picturesque views and a peaceful environment. You can enjoy pedal boating or a peaceful shikara ride while surrounded by hills, cherry blossom trees, and tea plantations.
- Best Time to Visit: March to May for boating.
- Highlights: Boating, shikara rides, and stunning landscapes.
8. Chinnakanal Waterfalls
Located on the way to Thekkady, Chinnakanal Waterfalls is another beautiful waterfall in Munnar. Also known as Power House Waterfalls, it cascades down from a height of about 2,000 meters, creating a mesmerizing sight amidst the surrounding hills.
- Best Time to Visit: June to September for the fullest waterfall view.
- Highlights: Waterfall views, trekking, and picnic spots.
9. Marayoor Sandalwood Forest
Marayoor is a unique destination in Munnar, known for its natural sandalwood forest. It’s the only place in Kerala where sandalwood trees grow naturally. You can visit the forest, explore the ancient dolmens (burial chambers), and learn about the traditional methods of sandalwood extraction.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March for comfortable and enjoyable weather.
- Highlights: Exploring sandalwood forest, learning about dolmens, and nature walks.
10. Pothamedu Viewpoint
Pothamedu Viewpoint offers a stunning panoramic view of the lush green hills, tea plantations, and valleys of Munnar. It’s a great spot for sunrise and sunset views and is perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Highlights: Scenic views, photography, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Conclusion
Munnar is a treasure trove of natural beauty, offering visitors a range of attractions from breathtaking waterfalls and serene lakes to tea gardens and wildlife parks. Each of these 10 best tourist places to visit in Munnar offers something unique, making your trip to this hill station a memorable one. Plan your visit according to the season that suits you best, and get ready to experience the magic of Munnar.
Read More: Top Tourist Places to Visit in Munnar Hill Station
