Endless jungles, winding roads, lush plantations, enchanting waterfalls, and foggy hills. That’s Munnar for you. Make the most of your mountain sojourn with our list of top places to visit in Munnar. By Karan Kaushik
Places To Visit In Munnar
Top Station
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Located on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, the Munnar Top Station viewpoint is perhaps the most-loved tourist spot in Munnar. At 1700 m, it is also Munnar’s highest point. The place is so named as it is the highest railway station in the Kundala Valley. Top Station lies on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road and serves great panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Some tourists club their visit to this point with the nearby Kurinjimala sanctuary.
Mattupetty Dam
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If you are someone who doesn’t count dams as sightseeing places, give Mattupetty Dam a chance. Even though this dam is located in the Idukki district, it’s mostly visited by tourists from Munnar. The dam was built as part of the Pallivasal Hydroelectric project during the late 1940s and continues to meet the water and electricity demands of Munnar. You can either picnic by the shore of the lake or enjoy speed boating, pedal boating, motor boating, and row boating. From here, head to the nearby Anamudi Peak.
Anamudi Peak
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Any trip to Munnar would be incomplete without enjoying the unmatched beauty of Anamudi Peak. Snuggled in the Nilgiri mountains, this is the highest peak of South India, at 2,695 m or 8,842 ft. The peak is a huge draw for trekkers, who come here for their dose of adrenaline from far and wide. The peak lies in the Eravikulam National Park. On offer are spectacular views of deep valleys, lush tea and spice plantations, and verdant hills. The area is surrounded by dense evergreen forests of teak and bamboo.
TATA Tea Museum
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If exploring the pastoral tea estates of Munnar is not enough for you, visit the Tata Tea Museum. Every chai lover worth his or her salt (or tea leaves in this case) would have a delightful time at this interesting museum. Owned by the Tata Group, the Kannan Devan Tea Estate is where this museum is located. It’s also known as KDHP Museum. The museum offers fascinating insights into the evolution of tea in India. Get acquainted with the establishment and progress of tea plantations in our tea-obsessed nation. Among the exhibits, the original tea roller produced in 1905, a rotor vane, and a Pelton wheel are noteworthy.
Kundala Lake
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On your way to Top Station from Munnar, take a pitstop at Kundala Lake and spend some quality leisure time with your loved ones. The Kundala Lake Dam lies on River Periyar. Sylvan Western Ghats encompasses the lake, while Cherry Blossom trees add to the picturesque beauty of its surroundings. When here, you can enjoy a pedal boat or rowboat ride. Kashmiri shikaras are also available. For the most stunning views, time your visit in the early morning hours. The best time of the year to visit the lake are the months from November to April.
Pothamedu Viewpoint
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Located 5 km from Munnar, Pothamedu Viewpoint is all about good vibes, thanks to the sylvan valleys, and beautiful coffee, tea, and cardamom plantations that can be seen from here. On clear days, one can even get decent views of the Muthirapuzha River and Idukki Arch Dam from the viewpoint. Nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts can indulge in activities like trekking, hiking, and refreshing mountain walks. If you wish to simply loll around, there are a number of eateries and tea stalls around.
Lockhart Gap
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This natural attraction is one of the most-loved tourist spots in Munnar. The place derives its name from its unusual shape, which resembles a heart. Actually, it’s a gap between two mountains. This view can be enjoyed from the Lockhart Gap Viewpoint. Let your eyes soak in the serenity of lush plantation-clad rolling hills, mist-clad valleys, winding roads, and surreal sunsets. A little above the viewpoint lies a rock cave called Malayil Kallan Guha. If trekking and nature walks are what excite you, the vantage point and its surrounding area offer good opportunities.
Blossom Hydel Park
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Give your limbs some rest after a long day of sightseeing at this peaceful park. Unwind in the lap of nature and soak in the good vibes as you hear bird songs. Smell the exotic fragrance of fresh mountain flowers, take nature walks, go boating in the Muthirappuzha River, and savour splendid views of the Kannan Devan Hill Tea Estates. The park is a paradise for birdwatchers and also boasts a wide variety of butterflies. Kids can have fun with swings and enjoyable rides at the play area.
Lakkam Water Falls
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One of the most mesmerising places to visit in Munnar, Lakkam Waterfalls serve as a popular picnic spot for both locals and tourists. Also known as Lakkom Falls, the waterfall finds its origin at the Eravikulam Plateau and cascades down into a plunge pool. Dense vaga trees surround the waterfall. When here, try bouldering. The pool is safe for a refreshing dip. You can even take a guided trek to the waterfalls from the Eravikulam National Park.
Eravikulam National Park
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Set against the backdrop of lush tea plantations, Eravikulam National Park is famed as the home of Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered mountain goat. Sequestered in the Kannan Devan Hills of the southern Western Ghats, the national park is also known for its abundant wealth of rare Neelakurinji flowers that blossom once every twelve years. Among the three zones of the national park, only the Rajmala zone is open to tourists.
Feature and hero image courtesy: Shutterstock
Related: Hill Stations Near Bengaluru For A Picturesque Escape From The City Hustle
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Answer: Yes, you need a minimum of two days to explore Munnar and its many attractions. However, to make the most of your trip, we'd recommend staying for at least three days.
Answer: The winter months from December to February are the best to plan a Munnar trip.
Answer: When in Munnar, you must not miss idiyappam with egg curry. Other popular dishes you may try include Kerala Prawn Curry, Appam with Stew, and Puttu and Kadala Curry.
