When you say Kerala, some of us hear Munnar because it is truly one of the best places not just in Kerala, but even in India. It makes for quite the typical destination for anyone who loves nature or is seeking adventure.
Interestingly, you’ll agree with us that no number of days is enough to fully explore Munnar. However, while you’re there, it’s good to know which places you must visit, isn’t it? Let’s take a look!
17 Best Places To Visit In Munnar
From scenic views of the tea plantations to trekking through the forests, there’s so much to do. While you book your flights, here’s the ultimate guide to the best places to visit in Munnar.
1. Echo Point
• Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Best time to visit: March to May, September to February
• Why visit here: Stroll around, take a boat ride
Echo Point is one of the most famous spots in Munnar, situated at an altitude of 600 feet above sea level. There’s lots to do here, including enjoy the scenic view, simply take a strong, or indulge in adventure. This is the confluence of three of the most famous south Indian mountain ranges — Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and the Kundala ranges.
Since it is by the Kundala Lake, you can also go boating, or simply enjoy your time bird watching. You’ll also find the infamous Neelakurinji flowers here.
2. Attukad Waterfalls
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:17 PM
• Best time to visit: June to September
• Why visit here: Trekking, enjoy the views, take a dip
This is one of the four major waterfalls in Munnar that offers quite a few activities with the bottom of the fall being deep enough for you to take a dip. Nature enthusiasts will surely have the time of their lives during their visit here. Don’t forget to stop by in the Idukki district on your way!
3. Pothemendu View Point
• Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:17 PM
• Best time to visit: Early in the morning or evening
• Why visit here: Hiking, trekking, nature walk
Pothamedu viewpoint is definitely the ‘it’ spot you should consider trekking up to since it offers a panoramic view of the valley, and you can also see Muthirapuzha River and Idukki Arch Dam. You also get to see tea, coffee, cardamom, and pepper plantations all over.
4. Tata Tea Museum
• Timings: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Closed on Monday)
• Best time to visit: Any time
• Why visit here: A learning experience
This is quite an experience, especially for children, as there’s also a show that gives all the information and tells you about the history of the tea plantation, the cultivation, and how the British brought it here. You also get to understand more about the process and packaging, all in a half-hour documentary.
5. Eravikulam National Park
• Timings: 7:17 AM – 4:00 PM
• Best time to visit: September-October, April-May
• Why visit here: The scenic drive, sightseeing, floral and fauna
Eravikulam National Park is definitely another place that you cannot miss when visiting Munnar since it offers stunning views. Situated atop a summit of Western ghats, it is host to stunning flora and fauna. You just cannot miss this place when travelling to Munnar.
6. Kundala Lake
• Timings: Open 24 hours
• Best time to visit: June to September
• Why visit here: Boating, floral and fauna
Just one look at this place and you know instantly that you want to be here. Watch stunning sunrises, enjoy cherry blossoms and Neela kurunji flowers, and soak in the panoramic backdrop when you’re here. All these things make it a must-visit place in Munnar. This artificial lake also has Asia’s first Arch dam, and you can enjoy boating here.
7. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Best time to visit: December to April
• Why visit here: Birdwatching, floral and fauna, animals
Skirted by Eravikulam National Park, as one would have it, this sanctuary is home to several endangered species. In addition, you’ll also get to see grizzled giant squirrels, elephants, Hanuman monkeys, tufted grey langur, gaur, spotted deer, etc., along with birds and plants of all kinds.
8. Chokramudi Peak
• Timings: All day
• Best time to visit: December to February
• Why visit here: Soak in the views
This hill is going to be a spot that takes you to a different world purely for the peace and tranquillity it has to offer. It is 7,200 ft above sea level and includes a short and easy trek, but you’ll definitely enjoy the process and the view it has to offer.
9. Chinnakanal Waterfalls
• Timings: 6:00 AM onwards
• Best time to visit: June to September
• Why visit here: Lush greenery, photography
This waterfall right on the sides of the road is definitely going to be quite a spot for onlookers, but take a pit stop and enjoy your time around lush greenery, scenic views, and make the most of your time around the waterfall. The source of this waterfall is River Devikulam, and is a site to behold during monsoons. Chinnakanal is a must-visit spot in Munnar.
10. Carmelagiri Elephant Park
• Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Best time to visit: Anytime
• Why visit here: Enjoy the excursions
Activities make any trip fun, so you need to add this excursion to your list of places to visit in Munnar right away. As the name suggests, you can take a tour (half-day or an hour long), and go around looking at the scenic views, tea plantations, and of course, ride on the back of elephants.
11. Marayoor Dolmens
• Timings: All day
• Best time to visit: Anytime
• Why visit here: Variety of Dolmens
With 15 different types of Dolmens that belong to the Neolithic age (including some from the Iron Age), this is a must-visit spot for sightseeing in Munnar. History buffs or those who just like to know about the various ages that existed and all things stones will definitely find this archaeological site intriguing. It does sound interesting, for sure!
12. Wonder Valley Adventure and Amusement Park
• Timings: 8:17 AM to 6:00 PM
• Best time to visit: Anytime
• Why visit here: Fun activities
This amusement park in Munnar has many attractions, making it one of the few places to visit, especially given the number of activities it offers — Dashing Cars, Zip Line, and others. It also has bungee jumping, nature walks, and more, so there’s literally something for everyone here.
13. Mattupetti Indo Swiss Farm
• Timings: 9 AM – 11 AM | 2 PM – 3:17 PM
• Best time to visit: Anytime
• Why visit here: Learn about cattle, enjoy picturesque views
The Mattupetti Dairy farm started under the Indo-Swiss project in Kerala, and a lot of cattle development and research happens here. Also called the ‘cattle village’, you’ll find multiple varieties of high-quality cattle here, enjoy the gardens, and the picturesque views.
14. Lakkom Water Falls
• Timings: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Best time to visit: Anytime
• Why visit here: Clear waters, take a dip
This waterfall is part of the Eravikulam National Park, and it is quite a sight to behold. When you step in, you’ll be able to see your feet as clear as day – yes, that’s how clear the water is. There’s also a small shop a little away from the waterfall where you can enjoy Kerala delicacies.
15. Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
• Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Why visit here: Click pictures and go touristy
If this picture doesn’t seem good enough for you, then you need to definitely go visit Munnar and have a look at the tea estate because they are hidden in a mist of clouds, offer tranquillity, and are truly the perfect tourist spot. Don’t miss out on Kolukkumalai when you plan to visit Munnar. It is also supposed to be the highest tea plantation in Munnar!
16. Meesapulimala
• Timings: Open 24 hours
• Best time to visit: October to February
• Why visit here: Scenic views, trekking
Located in Rhodovalley, where you will also get to see the Rhodendron trees, the peak of Meesapulimala is a trek that you’ve got to add to your Munnar itinerary. At an elevation of 8,000 feet above sea level, it holds great significance because it is the first highest peak in the Munnar region that can be trekked in the Anamudi region. You’ll pass through eight hills as you trek up, and the view is one to cherish, for sure.
17. Kottapara Viewpoint
• Timings: Open 24 hours
• Best time to visit: Anytime
• Why visit here: For the love of Pinterest-y views
Kottapara View Point is another hotspot in Munnar, and you get to see the Western Ghats from here like nowhere. There’s lush greenery, terrific sunrises, and of course, a cool breeze that transports you somewhere else. Interestingly, this is not a very crowded place, and is therefore enchanting in its own right.
Must-Visit Places In Munnar In 2 Days
In case you are travelling to Kerala, and Munnar is a part of your itinerary for just two days, you need to pick the best places and not miss the top most spots to visit in Munnar:
• Echo Point
• Photo Point
• Mattupety Dam
• Kundala Lake
The Best Time To Visit Munnar
If you’re planning to visit Munnar, plan your trip between September and March. So ideally, you’ll get great weather, can explore all the outdoor activities that the city has to offer, and you’ll also get to enjoy scenic views everywhere you go. While monsoons do make certain spots better, the beginning of the seasonal period is ideally the best time to visit Munnar.
Social and lead image credits: Pexels
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