Things to Do in Munnar
Munnar is a beautiful and pretty little hill station located in the Idukki district of the Indian state of Kerala. Munnar is situated 1600 metres above sea level, surrounded by the stunning topography of the Western Ghats range. Munnar is one of the biggest tea plantations in the country and is one of the most popular hill stations not only in Kerala but in the entire country of India. The best things to do in Munnar include camping tours and trekking through the tea plantations all the way to the hills of the Western Ghats.
The name “Munnar” means “three rivers”, a reference to its location at the junction of three rivers Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly. Munnar has been blessed not just with lush, green and picturesque tea plantations, but also with a rich variety of natural beauty. Munnar was the favourite summer resort for the British rulers of India, which is signified by the presence of the tea plantations set up by them. Munnar has exotic species of flora and fauna, conserved safely by the government in the wildlife sanctuaries and forests, and pristine valleys and mountains. One would never want to leave Munnar after coming here, trapped in its magical charm of natural beauty.
The spice scented cool air is present year-round in Munnar as it has a favourable climate year round although the best time to visit this place is from August to May. Munnar, being a very popular tourist destination is easily reachable. It is 130 km by road from Kochi, which is also its nearest airport.
Munnar has something for the satisfaction of everyone, from a peaceful quiet to adventure sports for the adrenaline junkies. Ziplining is one of the best things to do in Munnar and is very popular with the tourists along with trekking, jeep safaris and camping.
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Trek, walk, stroll or indulge in boating because Echo point in Munnar is a place where you see the creamy clouds floating and rolling down the hilltops, the lush vegetation creates a sight which is often captured in cameras to boost the beauty of Munnar. At 600 ft. above the sea level, people scream with utter enthusiasm to hear it resound and then laugh out of pure amazement.
It is one of the four main waterfalls of Munnar and is very popular among adventure seekers, as the dirt mountain path through the forest gives chills on every step towards Attukad Waterfalls. Take your swimwear as the pool at the bottom of the fall has enough water to dip and bath. It is highly recommended that you visit Munnar during Monsoon season if waterfalls top the list of ‘places to visit in Munnar.
Drenched in the mist and greenery, Pothamedu viewpoint is a spot worth trekking to. This viewpoint enables a panoramic vista of the valley and if the day is clear, you can also see Muthirapuzha River and Idukki Arch Dam from quite a height. The view is made of a series of emerald hill slopes where tea, coffee, cardamom, and pepper make a blanket of green all over the hills.
While you are enjoying the mesmerizing view of the valley, take a sip of ginger tea from the only tea shop nearby and you would love spending your evening at Pothamedu. Watching the sun slide down the horizon in the vast expanse of the Sahyadri ranges is one perfect way of spending your vacation in this quaint town. Pothamedu is one of the many places to visit in Munnar which have a refreshing environ.
Location: Pothamedu, Munnar.
Timings: 9 AM to 7:30 PM
Entry fee: None.
If you are lucky enough to make it during the show timings, you will learn a lot that day. From the early history of Tea Plantation to how British brought Tea culture and cultivation in the region, the toil and hard work of the people who endured during those days, the machineries and tools, the entire process of cultivating, plucking, drying and final packaging of Tea; almost everything you learn in just a half an hour documentary that is played here.
You will also get to see the typewriters, magneto phone, the hand tea roller, and manual calculators and iron oven which have been very useful tools during the earlier days. This is one of the best tourist places in Munnar.
Location: Nullatanni, Munnar, Kerala 685612
Timings: It remains closed on Monday and opens from 9 AM till 5 PM on all the remaining days of the week.
Entry fee: The entry fee for adults is INR 75 per head and for children of a particular age group is INR 35.
Check Out: Best Time of the Year to Visit Munnar
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Eravikulam National Park is located at a drive of 45 minutes from the City Centre of Munnar and is situated atop a summit of Western Ghats. Spread around a land stretch of 97 kilometers, this is one of the most sought place for Munnar sightseeing. It houses a plethora of flora and fauna and accounts itself amidst the other UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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This amusement park in Munnar is one of the few places to visit in Munnar to enjoy myriads of fun activities such as Dashing Cars, 12D Rider, Zip Line, Charlie Chaplin Walk, and Natural Waterfall under one roof. This one and only amusement park are situated at Anachal in Munnar.
Embark on a journey to Top Station and find this beautiful mirror-like lake after around 20 KM of a drive. The breath-taking backdrops of green hill slopes, the majestic sunrises, the unparalleled beauty of cherry blossoms and a blue blanket of the famous Neela Kurunji flowers which bloom only once every twelve year makes this place a dreamy location and is one of the main places to see in Munnar.
This artificial lake has Asia’s first Arch dam and the water engages the tourists in different kinds of boating experience such as rowboats, Kashmirishikara boats, and pedal boats. A vast golf course that belongs to Tata Tea Ltd and a nearby waterfall known as Aruvikkad Waterfall is also situated in proximity to the lake which can be visited in a single trip.
Location: Kundale Lake, Kannan Devan Hills, Kerala 685615
Timings: All day.
Price: None.
This interesting place has 15 different types of Dolmens belonging to Neolithic age and some of which belongs to the Iron age which make this place best for Munnar sightseeing. These prehistoric dolmens are situated around 55 km from Munnar and are worth taking a long trip to reach and witness the remnants of Dolmenoid cists which date back to the Megalithic age.
One has to trek through Muniyara to see these magnificent burial chamber designed with four stones placed by the edges together and then covered by granite slabs which belong to different ages. Muniyara is also famous for prehistoric paintings, thick sandalwood forest, and these prehistoric structures. Marayoor Dolmens is a peek into our past heritage. This archaeological site is blessed with nature and rich history and it is one of the best places to visit in Munnar.
Location: Near old Siva Temple | Kovilkadavu, Marayur.
Timings: All day.
Entry fee: None.
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Skirted by Eravikulam National Park in the south and by the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary in the north, Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is home to the famous endangered India grizzled giant squirrel, and also a soothing habitat for Elephants, Hanuman Monkeys, tufted grey langur, Gaur, Spotted Deer, Crocodile, Tiger, slender Loris, Leopard along with a plethora of plant and bird species which makes this place best for Munnar sightseeing.
The Forest Department and the Eco-development Committees of the local tribal communities encourage eco-tourism in the sanctuary enabling a wild encounter in a friendlier manner.
Location: Munnar - Udumalpet Road, Munnar, Kerala 685612
Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM
Entry fee: INR 10 for Indian adults, INR 5 for children and INR 100 for foreign nationals.
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As the name suggests, at Carmelagiri Elephant Park, one gets to indulge in some exhilarating excursions which take around the park while you settle atop the back of an Elephant. Take a half- day or an hour-long tour of the rolling verdant slopes, sprawling tea plantation, and a vibrant park full of sky touching trees, you would love the wilderness of the place.
Drive 20 KM on the NH leading to Thekkady and you will spot this tempting waterfall right on the side of the road. The source being River Devikulam and the waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery. One can take snaps, bath, enjoy the fall and sit there for hours; you just can laze around the fall as much as you want.
During the monsoon season, it appears like gallons of milk are being thrown from a height and it becomes a little tricky to bath under it, however, it still can be done. Chinnakanal is one of the impeccable places to visit in Munnar for a memorable experience.
Location: Main Road | Opposite Chinnakkanal Health Hospital, Chinnakanal 685618
Timings: From 6 AM onwards.
Entry fee: None.
This isolated elevated piece of a hill is a site that hooks you for hours. Chokramudi is situated at 7,200 ft above sea level in the Eravikulam National Park. It is short and easy trek which can be done in a day and since it comes under the national forest it is masked by lush green Shola forest.
Pothamedu is the trek base which is situated an hour drive from Munnar and the trek can be of 4 to 5 hours covering a distance of 10 KM upwards. Soak in the fresh air when you reach the top of the peak, if you do an early morning trek, you can also witness the fiery sunrise and herds of Nilgiri Tahr departing for livestock. Chokramudi is indeed a great experience and one of the incredible places to visit in Munnar.
Location: Idukki, Kerala 685565
Timings: All day.
Price: Prices may vary depending on the trek group you chose.
Recommended Read: Places To Stay in Munnar for comfortable vacay!
Mattupetti Dairy farm, also known as Indo-Swiss farm is a dairy farm started under the Indo-Swiss project in Kerala. Dedicated to cattle development and research, the Indo-Swiss project started in 1963 to improve livestock farming in the state. Also known as ‘cattle village’ Mattupetty is a tiny, charming village famous for its green lands and forests.
Home to several varieties of high-quality cattle, one should visit Mattupetti Indo-Swiss farm for its beautiful gardens, picturesque views and for a chance to meet the many cattle breeds. 3km away from Mattupetty Dam, the dairy farm is one of the offbeat Munnar tourist places you should visit.
Location: 3 km from Mattupetty Dam, Mattupetty, Idukki, Munnar, 685612.
Timings: 9 AM – 11 AM | 2 PM – 3:30 PM
Entry fee: INR 5
Suggested Read: Enticing Places to Visit in Munnar in 2 Days
Seven Springs Plantation Resort in Munnar, Kerala, offers a unique treehouse stay in Munnar, perfect for nature lovers and peace seekers. It is 30 feet above the ground near cardamom plantations. The treehouse features wooden interiors and all modern comforts like A/C, TV, and an attached bathroom.
It’s just a 30-minute drive from the Munnar main bus station, making it both remote and accessible. Surrounded by forest views and fresh mountain air, the stay offers a quiet escape from busy routines. It’s an ideal spot to unwind, explore nature, and enjoy something truly different in Munnar.
Photo Point is a scenic spot located on the gentle slopes and plains of Nilgiris in Munnar. It is a beautiful location on Mattupetty Road with tea gardens bordering both sides Photo point truly justifies its name and if you do not think the location has nothing as such to offer while driving through the undulating plains, take a pause, come out of your car and get clicked here, you would notice how photogenic the place is.
This waterfall is part of the Eravikulam National Park and falls on the route to Udumalaipettai from Munnar. It originates from the Eravikulam stream at around 30 km off Munnar. Travel through the thick tea plantation on a narrow winding trail and witness this silky white magic of nature. In the clear water of the pool below, you can even see your toe twiddling on the rocks.
The water takes a plunge out of a thick green forest from afar and the sight of this small yet charming waterfall is spellbinding. There is a small shop situated a little away from the fall that serves mouth-watering Kerala food, like fish, rice, sambhar etc. It is one of the sightseeing places in Munnar which commands your attention.
Location: Munnar - Udumalpet Rd, Marayur.
Timings: 9 AM to 4 PM
Entry fee: INR 20
Recommended Read: Amazing Places to Visit in Munnar in One Day
Anamudi
The most sought-after destination in Munnar is Anamudi peak (8842 ft), the highest peak of South India. Trekking in Munnar on the misty path Rajamalai (Eravikulam) National Park and then following a view of what we know as “the Himalayas of South India” can leave you in a state of ecstasy. The place is a delight for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, mountaineers, trekkers, and photographers and also one of the best places to see in Munnar.
The hill is covered by variety of floras such as trees of sp.Bamboos, black wood, and teak trees and the famous Neelakurinji flowers which bloom once every 12 years, the wet grass on the slopes of the hill make trekking a difficult sport and that is you need to take special permission from Eravikulam National Park authorities to trek to the peak top.
Location: Idukki District, Munnar 685602
Timings: All day.
Entry fee: None.
Must Read: Best Camping Sites in Munnar
Devikulam is a quaint little hill-station tucked between lush greenery and beauty. Located very close to Munnar, this is an ideal destination to visit as a day trip. Home to make scenic attractions and sites, Devikulam, which literally translates to ‘pond or lake of the Devi’, is a great alternative to other Munnar tourist places.
Around 15 KM from Munnar lies Rhodovalley which is famous for the blooming Rhodendron trees and there sits the peak of Meesapulimala at an elevation of 8000 ft above sea level. This is the first highest peak in the Munnar region that can be trekked as Anamudi has restrictions. The peak shares the border of Kerala and Tamilnadu and is a moderate trek of one day that goes through passing eight hills to reach the top.
From several swings to a small canal, from a maze of colorful flower on the banks to the soft grasses; The Park is an ideal location to unwind and relax in Munnar. Embrace the lush green vegetation around and relax listening to the chirps of migratory water birds.
This refreshing piece of land is surrounded by hill slopes and is a place where serenity has its own voice.
Location: Aluva - Munnar Highway, Moolakadai, Munnar, Kerala 685612
Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM
Entry fee: The entry fee for children is INR 2 and for adults, it is INR 10 per head.
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Munnar Things To Do FAQs
What is special about Munnar?
What are the best things to do in Munnar?
Munnar is known as the Kashmir of the South, due to its unparalleled beauty and picturesque attractions, which make up for a scenic tour, one to remember forever at least. Munnar has everything a tourist would want in a place, from scenic locations like Echo Point or Atukkad Waterfalls, lusciously stunning tea plantations, magical display of flora and fauna in Eravikulam National Park and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary to the some of the best trekking routes in the entire country for the adventure enthusiasts.
Some of the best things to do in Munnar are-
- Enjoy a stay at Rose Garden
- Take a night safari at Chinnar Wildlife Park
- Bird watching at Salim Ali Bird Park
- Camping in Chokkarmundi Hills
- Trek through the Tea Plantations
- Visit the Echo Point
- Adventure Sports in Rock Hill Adventure Park or Wonder Valley
What are the best adventure activities to do in Munnar?
Munnar has something in store for everyone. The trek-lovers can take one of the many trekking routes. The people who came for a solo retreat can visit the nearby sightseeing spots to enjoy the stunning views of nature and spend some time amidst the serenity of the place. The adrenaline junkies have their share of fun too, as Munnar is home to some amazing adventure parks and resorts that provide all sorts of adventure sports facilities. Some of the popular adventure activities to do in Munnar are-
- Ziplining
- Archery
- Bungee Trampoline
- Polaris ATV ride
- Treetop Adventures like Sloth Walk, Burma Walk etc
- Commando Net climbing
- Rock Climbing/Rappelling
- Paintball Shooting
- Zorb Ball
Which is the best most adventurous trekking trails in Munnar?
Munnar has some challenging and beautiful trekking trails for the trekking enthusiasts which is surely bound to satisfy them. Some of the best and most adventurous trekking trails in Munnar are-
- Chokramudi – One must indulge themselves in the venturesome trek to Chokramudi if they are ever in Munnar. The trip to the highest peak is divided into four parts, and the trek gets challenging after the first part, but the end result is a mindblowing view of the valley, which makes it worth it.
- Idukki – This trek lets you explore the vast plantations of tea and cardamom and is for those who like quiet and serenity.
- Chithirapuram – Walkthrough green beds all around as you trek to the top of the hill and pass by gorgeous tea estates and the magnificent Ramaswamy Dam Waterfall, which you are surely going to fall in love with.
- Lakshmi Hill – This is the most popular trek in Munnar where you trek through grasslands and rocky slopes while witnessing the beauty of the hills, which never fails to amaze the travellers and trekkers. The highlight of this trek is the view of Anamudi Hills, the highest peak in South India.
- Chummar – Walking through the lush green tea plantations, while breathing in the refreshing fragrance of tea, is what the Chummar trek provides. The immersive beauty of the gardens and interaction with the locals are the highlights of this trip, while you trek through tea gardens and the beautiful Shola forest.
What activities can we do while camping in Munnar?
Munnar has some of the best camping areas in Southern India. Located in a favourable area overlooking the Western Ghats. Munnar thus has a unique and perfect location for camping activities which is why there are many camps around Munnar, as trekking and hiking are very popular with the tourists. Some of the best campsites in Munnar are-
- Camping one full night in the forest of Chokkarmundi Hills
- Nature Zone Resort
- Black Eagles Camp
- Happylife Tribal Hut
- 17C Camping in Munnar
- Tent Camping at Thirumoorthi Hills
- Tent Camping at Top Station
Where can I enjoy zip lining in Munnar?
If someone thinks that Munnar is just about tea plantations and sight-seeing, then they are wrong, because hidden behind the picturesque and serene beauty of the nature in Munnar is a world filled with fun, adventures and adrenaline rushes. Munnar provides an array of adventure sports for the adrenaline junkies. Among the other adventure sports, ziplining is a very popular activity. Munnar has many adventure parks and resorts around it that provide these ziplining facilities.
Rock Hill Adventure Park and Wonder Valley are two such adventure resorts for ziplining.
Where can we enjoy a jeep safari in Munnar? How much will it cost me?
Jeeps are a very popular method of going around in Munnar. So it's no surprise that there are some scenic jeep safari tours in Munnar. A tourist can take a jeep safari tour of the tea plantations, or of the mountains, or even visit the nearby Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary for a night safari experience. The Kolukkumalai jeep safari tour is very popular as Kolukkumalai is the highest peak in South India, and the open hooded jeep tour gives a stunning view of the mountains and the valleys. The Kolukkumalai tour costs around INR 3500 whereas the night safari in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary costs around INR 4100.
Which are the best destinations for a wildlife safari in Munnar?
Munnar is home to a wild variety of flora and fauna and the government does its best to preserve it in the several national parks around it. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Rajamalai National Park are the three wildlife sanctuaries in and around Munnar.
The Rajamalai National Park is a UNESCO Heritage site and a safari takes you in the park and to the different attractions near it.
The most popular safari would be the night safari at Chinnar. Home to several exotic wild animals, the safari lets you spot elephants, tigers, bisons, panthers and spotted dears, an experience of a lifetime.
When and where can I go for mountain cycling in Munnar?
One can have the best experience of a Munnar trip by cycling around, through the tea plantations, forests and spice plantations. See up close how tea leaves are plucked manually by the tea plantation workers or the daily life of the local tribes. Cycle through some of the most breathtaking tea growing regions in the world, satisfying your body and your mind. There are many local tour operators which provide mountain cycling tours, along with a guide for maintaining the safety and comfort of the tourists. Some resorts provide cycling tours too.
Where can I experience a night safari in Munnar? Is it safe to go?
Night jungle safaris are a popular attraction in Munnar provided in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. Put on the adventurer’s hat and experience this thrilling trip through the forests of Munnar, while spotting exotic wild animals in a beautiful environment. This safari gives you the chance of a lifetime to spot bisons, tigers, panthers, elephants and spotted deer outside a zoo. The tour is done in a jeep with proper protection, with a guide provided with the tourists. So it absolutely safe to go. The cost of the safari is around INR 4100.
Where can we experience tea plantation stays in Munnar? Which are some famous tea plantations?
Munnar is famous for its tea plantation and estates. The British bought land from the royal family of Travancore and started a tea plantation. Seeing that flourish, others opened up soon and has been a must-see feature of Munnar. One can experience the beauty of the lush tea gardens by living inside them. Wake up to the view of the plantations and the majestic Western Ghats range. One can experience tea plantation stays in Gruenberg Tea Plantation Haus and Talayar Valley Bungalow in Munnar.
Some famous tea plantations are Kokkumalai Tea Estate and the Nallathanni Tea Estate, the latter of which is owned by the famous Tata Tea group.
When can I visit spice gardens in Munnar? Are they worth visiting?
Kerala is known as the “Land of Spices” for the broad variety of spices that are farmed here. Black pepper originated from here and changed cuisines and culinary history. Munnar’s spice plantations draw flocks of culinary enthusiasts from all around the world not just for viewing but so that they can take back authentic Indian spices back home. Some spice gardens have resorts inside them that let a tourist stay and get the stunning views of the garden all day long. They are most definitely worth visiting and can be visited throughout the year.
At which locations can I do birding in Munnar? Which is the best season for that?
Bird watching or spotting is an addictive activity that one doesn’t get the hang of. With the help of a professional guide, birding can be a great and informative way to spend time. Munnar is home to Thattekad Sanctuary, known better as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary named after the famous ornithologist, which is home to some of the rarest birds in the world like Night Heron, Black-winged Kite, Sunbird etc. Different rare breeds of birds are seen in and around Munnar throughout the year, which is home to 200 bird species.
Other than Thattekad, one can also take a walking bird watching tour of Munnar with a guide.
Which are the best routes for cycling in Munnar?
Munnar has some of the finest biking routes in South India. The routes pass through tea gardens, spice estates and forests, giving the cyclists a sightseeing experience to remember. These biking trails make Munnar a favourite to an amateur cyclist as well as a professional. The best cycling routes in Munnar are-
One can begin a day’s tour from Munnar camp, which is catered to give someone a ringside view of the tea gardens and tribal families in Munnar
A four-day cycling tour that begins in Munnar and ends in Periyar near the world famous Periyar Tiger Reserve. This route passes through the spectacular Cardamom Hills and Anaerangal Lake, along with several tea and spice estates.
Where can I enjoy elephant rides in Munnar? What are its charges?
Carmalegari Elephant Park in Munnar provides elephant safaris to the tourists for a fifteen to twenty-minute short tour of the park. One can experience the thrill of an elephant safari with their loved ones, which they probably only see in a movie, while getting mesmerized by the beauty of the forest, here in the park. The park charges anything from INR 400 to 800 per head based on time of the year. One also has to shell out INR 100 for getting the chance to feed an elephant and INR 250 for getting a professional photographer to take High definition photos of their ride, which they are provided immediately in a CD.
Can I go for rock climbing in Munnar? What precautions do I need to take?
Munnar is known for its adventure sports facilities, one of the few places in India where it is found. Rock Climbing is an adventure sport that is very popular with the tourists, especially rappelling. Jumaring and free hand Climbing are other rock climbing activities which are also popular here. Places like Munnar Adventure Resort provide rock climbing facilities for the experience of a lifetime. One must make sure they have a professional and trained guide with them and are equipped with working and quality checked special safety gears before they begin the climb as a precaution.
Is free hand climbing famous in Munnar? Is it safe and adventurous? Where can I do it?
Free hand climbing is very popular in Munnar with the adventure seeking tourists. There are adventure parks in Munnar where one can go to experience free hand rock climbing. Free hand climbing is indeed safe, as professional climbers are always present and they make sure that one is equipped with all safety gears before starting the climb and adventurous, as it is quite thrilling to climb a rock on our own, reliving an experience only seen on films.
You can do free hand climbing in Rock Hill Adventure Park and Munnar Adventure Resort at good prices.
Where can I enjoy rappelling in Munnar?
Rappelling is an enthralling and thrilling experience that involves combining the techniques of both mountaineering and rock climbing. It is also known as abseiling and it involves climbing steep peaks while you are harnessed by all safety gears. Rappelling is the perfect activity for someone who wants to shed their daily routine life away for a thrill. Rappelling is done in the different adventure parks located in Munnar. Most of the hotels and resorts in Munnar provide rappelling services by connecting the tourists with professional rock climbers.
Rock Hill Adventure Park and Wonder Valley are two adventure resorts where one can enjoy rappelling.
What are the things to do in Rock Hill Adventure Park? What are its timings and charges?
Rock Hill Adventure Park, which is located in Munnar is Kerala’s largest adventure park. It is a perfect place to unleash one’s body, mind and soul by challenging yourself. Rock Hill Adventure Park provides a wide array of things to do like Polaris ATV’s, Paintball Shooting, Rock Climbing, Tree Top Adventure, Ziplining, Commando Net Climbing among others.
The park has several rate packages –
1) Activity Day package which includes all activities other than Paintball, Ziplining and ATV @ INR 800 for Adults and INR 500 for Children
2) Day Camping which includes all activities once along with drinks, lunch, and evening snacks @INR 1800
3) Overnight Camping which includes all activities once along with food for the entire day and next morning, night accommodation in tents @ INR 2800
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