munnar travel guide

Discover the big charm of the small world of Munnar. The hill-station, located in Kerala, is worth a visit.

If you want to rediscover nature in its finest form, make a trip to Munnar. Often referred to as the 'Switzerland of India', Munnar is a hill station where three rivers meet - the Kundala, Nallathali and Mudrapuza. Coffee and cardamom plantations add beauty to the surroundings. This apart, sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique travel destination.

Munnar also has one of the highest peaks in South India - the Anamudi - which towers over 2695 meters and serves as an ideal spot for trekking. The place is also famous for its exotic flora, the most popular being the Neelakurinji that blooms every 12 years. The last bloom was in 2006, and the entire hillside appears blue. Even today the town retains its colonial British character with bungalows and cottage gardens filled with flowers and fresh smell of spices, tea and coffee. Munnar's economy prospers on the cultivation of tea, coffee and many varieties of fragrant spices like sweet cinnamon, spicy cloves, peppercorns and nutmeg.

What to see

Matupetty

Popular for its specialized dairy farming industry, Matupetty is the centre for the Indo-Swiss Live Stock project. Located 1700 meters above the sea level, it also serves as a beautiful picnic spot with great views of the tea plantations and the Matupetty Lake. The lake is created by a small hydroelectric dam project and the dam is surrounded by steep rolling hills and woods. Matupetty's Shola forests are an ideal location for trekking. The Kundala lake and tea plantations are an added attraction in Matupetty. Boating facilities are available in the reservoir.

Rajamala

Rajamala is home to the extinct species of the Nilgiri Tahr a rare species of mountain goat. Infact, half the world population of this rare species is found in Rajamala. The Eravikulam National Park is located in Rajamala. Visitors are not allowed to visit Rajamala during the monsoon season.

Devikulam

Located in close proximity to Munnar, Devikulam is a small hill station with many tea plantations. Cool mountain air fills the place while you visit the velvet lawns and the exotic flora and fauna. The Sita Devi Lake located in Devikulam is famous for its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings.

Potheamedu

Potheamedu is one of the major plantation hubs of Munnar. This place offers scenic view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. Potheamedu is also an ideal place for trekking and hiking amidst the breathtaking views.

Pallivasal

Venue of the first Hydro Electric project in Kerala, Pallivasal also offers scenic views of Munnar. The hydel power station is located in Chithirapuram, a small village with little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts.

Marayoor

Endowed with sandalwood trees, Marayoor is a one-of-a-kind place in Kerala. Attractions include the sandalwood factory of the forest department, caves with murals and relics that date back to the New Stone Age civilization, children's park, etc. The Thoovanam waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are located close to Marayoor.

Attukal, Lock Heart Gap, Kundala, and Echo Point - all offer breathtaking views and scenic overlooks of Munnar. The Power House Waterfalls are located enroute to Thekkady from Munnar. The water, falls from a height of 2000 meters above sea level. The Malankara Reservoir, located on the Thodupuzha-Moolavattom Road, is an ideal location for boating and fishing.

How to reach

• Nearest airport - Cochin
• Nearest railway station - Aluva
• Munnar is accessible by road from Ernakulam, Thekkady, Thiruvananthapuram, Palani and Coimbatore

The best time to visit Munnar is between August and March. For accommodation, Munnar has a variety of Resorts , hotels, home stays, etc. to provide you with a comfortable travel experience.