Munnar is a beautiful town in Kerala located in the Western Ghats. It is a hill station famous among honeymooners and travelers. It is known for the abundance of tea plantations and the low mountainous terrain located at about 1500 meters above sea level. The beauteous landscapes are a specialty of this town in “God’s own country”. Below are the answers to all the questions you might have related to Munnar sightseeing.
Easy navigation
- Best time to visit Munnar
- Best Way to Reach Munnar
- Must Places To Visit in Munnar
- Accommodations
- Conclusion
When To Visit Munnar?
Although it remains beautiful throughout, the ideal time to visit Munnar would be somewhere during the months of December to February. The weather during this time is very pleasant with a slight chill. The days are pleasant but the nights do get a little cold. This is the time when Munnar attracts the most number of tourists.
How to Reach Munnar?
Munnar is a well-connected tourist place with a number of budget-friendly options for traveling. So, you can reach Munnar by air, railways or by road.
By Air
The nearest airport from Munnar is the Cochin International Airport which is 110 kilometers away. Next is the Madurai International Airport which is at a distance of 140 kilometers away. Both the airports are well connected and have flights coming in and going from all the major cities in the world.
By Railways
The nearest railway station from Munnar is Aluva which is at a distance of 110 kilometers. Ernakulam and Madurai railway stations are also nearby at around 130-135 kilometers away. There are regular bus services available from these stations and you can catch a bus to reach Munnar. You can also opt for a taxi/cab service.
By Road
It is not advisable to drive on your own if you have no experience of driving on hilly terrains. As the road is full of unexpected twists and turns, it is better to hire a local taxi or driver.
You can drive to Munnar from Cochin, Aluva, Madurai, Kodaikanal, Tirunelveli, and Coimbatore. All of these cities and towns are well connected to Munnar by sturdy roads and highways.
In conclusion, Munnar is a famous travel destination and is well connected by air, rail, and road. Therefore, you can plan your trip according to whatever is best suited for you.
Also Read: How to Reach Wayanad from Cochin
Best of Munnar: Sightseeing and Places to Visit
As you might know, Munnar is full of various different tourist attractions that you can explore and visit with friends and family. Here are some of the best places to visit in Munnar:
Eravikulam National Park
This beautiful and scenic national park is just a few kilometers away from Munnar in the Idukki district of Kerala. The ticket price is 65 rs for Indians and 245 rs for foreign tourists.
The park is a protected area and was built to protect the Nilgiri Tahr which is an endangered species of a mountain goat. In the backdrop of the park are lush green tea plantations.
Lastly, the park itself is on a massive area of 97 square kilometers. Every 12 years, the Neelakurinji flowers blossom, and the entire place is covered in a carpet of blues.
Chokramudi Peak
Chokramudi peak is one of the highest peaks located in Munnar and is about 22 kilometers from the main town. It is at an elevation of 7,200 feet and takes about 3-5 hrs to reach the top.
It is the perfect trek for beginners as well as seasoned adventurers. There are numerous trekking trails that you can start from. The hill is covered in lush green and the view from the top is absolutely stunning.
It is not advisable to go trekking during the monsoon season as the rocky terrains might be slippery and risky to climb.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Idukki and it is famous for being the home to the great grizzled squirrel of India. This species of squirrel is considered to be one of the most endangered species on the entire planet.
There is a rich and diverse fauna that can be spotted such as Hanuman Langur, Spotted deer, peacocks, Sambar, etc. Nearby, you can also have a look at sandalwood forests with many elephants.
Kundala Lake
The Kundala lake is situated at a distance of 20 kilometers from the town of Munnar. It is a beautiful and breathtaking water body that reflects the light of the sun in unique ways.
If you are a photographer or want to experience the pleasant fragrance of tea gardens, go on a boat ride, etc, this is just the place for you.
The best time to visit the lake is during the monsoons and early mornings to experience the true beauty of the place as the water is touched by the first rays of the morning sun.
Lakkom Water Falls
Lakkom waterfalls are located at a distance of 22-24 km from the main town of Munnar. The beautiful falls of water originate from the Eravikulam stream and are a visual treat.
The gushing sound of water and the crystal clear sparkling water form a very serene and picturesque atmosphere. There are a few eateries that serve Malabari food as well.
Rose Garden
The rose garden in Munnar is located at a height of 1000 meters and is stretched across 2 acres of land. It is home to many beautiful flowers such as roses, dahlias, chrysanthemums, and many more.
It is a perfect place for photography. The gorgeous scenery and the rich fragrance of flowers in the air make it a heavenly place that you must visit.
The ticket price to visit this garden is 30 rs if you’re carrying a camera or 20 rs if you’re not.
Also Read: Varkala Beach Kerala: Things to Do and See
Where to Stay?
Booking.comNow that you’re clear on what are the places in your Munnar sightseeing itinerary, the question that comes next is where to stay? There are different options that you can choose from, whether you would like to stay near the tea plantations, in tree houses, or right in the town itself. Therefore, you can choose from a wide variety of options and stay in a place that is best suited to your liking and budget.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Munnar is a beautiful place and is considered to be one of the most beautiful travel destinations in the country for a reason. Beautiful landscapes, various adventure activities, and diverse flora and fauna make Munnar a place that you must visit at least once. If you’re in Munnar, sightseeing and adventure activities are in abundance here. You must plan a trip for at least 3 whole days to experience the beauty of Munnar. I hope this Munnar sightseeing guide was of help in planning your next getaway. Happy and safe travels!