There are many fun things to do in Munnar. A charming hill station in Kerala in South India, Munnar is the perfect holiday getaway for people who want to be in the lap of nature. Munnar is one of the best jewels of Kerala, known as God’s Own Country. Read this blog to find out more about everything you can do on your trip to Munnar.
1. Stroll through the tea estates
Munnar is most known for its vast tea plantations that sprawl across the hills of the region. Take a walk through these tea gardens and you will feel like you have been transported to a different world. You can learn about the tea-making process and even try out different types of teas at the tea factories. Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Tata Tea Estate, and Lockhart Tea Estate are some of the most famous tea estates in the region.
Visit the Tata Tea Museum that showcases the history of tea cultivation in Munnar and Kerala. There are also guided tours of the estate available.
2. Visit the national parks
The Eravikulam National Park is one of the best places to visit in Kerala if you love wildlife. The park boasts a diverse flora and fauna and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr, one of the rarest and most endangered species in the world. Spread over 97 square kilometers, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has many jackals, Indian bison, sambar deer, and mongoose.
The Anamudi Peak is located in Evarikulam National Park at a height of 2695 meters. It is the tallest peak in South India and is often called the ‘Himalaya of the South’.
The national park is also a prime spot to spot the Neelakurinji, a rare flower that blooms once every 12 years.
The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Idukki district and hosts a number of flora and fauna. There are many medicinal plants and animals such as the grizzled giant squirrel, spotted deer, wild elephants, tigers, leopards, and crocodiles. You can go for a wildlife safari in this sanctuary.
Anamudi Shola National Park is spread over 7.5 kilometers and has three types of shola forests. The protected region has many plants and animals like sloths, elephants, tigers, Nilgiri tahrs, giant squirrels, and deer.
3. Indulge in Ayurvedic Spa
The hill station of Munnar is well known for its range of Ayurvedic spas that are perfect for relaxing your body and mind. After a long and hectic trip in India, this can be the best way to unwind and relax. You can spend an entire day at the spa and select the kind of treatment you want. Clean air, green landscapes, and an Ayurvedic massage – can it get better than this?
4. Explore the waterfalls
Munnar houses many picturesque waterfalls. Attukal Waterfalls, located 2 km away from Munnar, is one of the most stunning places to visit in the region. There is a narrow wooden bridge you need to cross to make your way to the waterfall.
You can visit Lakkam Waterfalls via an adventurous trek. You will be greeted with beautiful views at the end. Valara and Cheeyappara are two other famous waterfalls in Munnar.
Chinnakanel Waterfalls, also known as Power House Waterfalls, are located in a private tea estate in Devikulam near Munnar. You can spot these falls right from the road. The view is especially stunning during monsoons. You cannot bathe in the waterfall, but there are many roadside food stalls that sell Maggi noodles and corn which you can devour while enjoying the sight of the water falling from 5000 feet above sea level.
See also: Best time to visit Munnar
5. Try trout fishing
The trout is a freshwater fish found thriving in high altitude regions with low temperatures. If you are interested in fishing, you can try your hand at it in Munnar. While some people catch fish and then enjoy a nice dish made from fresh fish, there are a few who leave the fish back in the water. You need to take permission from the Tata Co-operative Tea Company Office in Munnar. You can also try trout fishing in Devikulam close to Munnar.
6. Go trekking
Munnar has many treks from moderate to hard, with trails that are just too good to not stop and look around for a while.
Lockhart Gap Point is a great location for trekking. Just 13 km from Munnar, you will find beautiful vistas every step of the way as you climb your way to the top for a view of the stunning tea estates and lush green landscapes. You may also encounter diverse flora and fauna on your way.
You can also trek to the Anamudi Peak, although you will need special permission from the Forest Department. Echo Point is also a good location for trekking, making a great trail with mountain and valley views, waterfalls, and low-hanging clouds.
Meespulimalai and Kolakkumalai are two other treks that you can try out.
7. Camp at Top Station
The highest point in Munnar, Top Station, is located at a height of 1700 meters above sea level. It offers stunning views of the Western Ghats, including the misty hills, valleys, and tea plantations. The place is home to many different species of birds like the Nilgiri flycatcher and Malabar whistling thrush.
Top Station is also renowned for being one of the best places to witness the blooming of the Neelakurinji flowers, a rare species that blooms once in 12 years. Last bloomed in 2018, you will be able to witness this beautiful event in 2030 next.
8. Watch Kathakali
Kathakali is a traditional dance form of Kerala, and you can catch a performance of the same at Punarjani Traditional Village, a performing art theatre in Munnar. The dancers wear a specific kind of makeup and heavy jewelry, and it is an activity you must experience in Kerala.
9. Go shopping
You can shop at the local bazaars for spices, dried tea leaves, chocolates, coffee, and oils. You can also get handmade paper, vibrant clothes, warm woollens, and other trinkets you can take home. The Mattupetty Dam market is a good place to shop for souvenirs.
Many of the tea hills in Munnar belong to Kanan Devan Hills Plantation Company, so if you want to buy some pure tea in India, you can shop from them directly.
Read more: What to buy in India?
10. Visit Echo Point
15 kilometers away from Munnar is the Echo Point, located 600 feet above sea level. The beautiful destination is surrounded by lush green hills and mountains and a small lake. As you can tell by the name, you can shout out loud and hear your own voice reverberating back at you!
Echo Point is situated at the confluence of three mountain ranges – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. This is also the reason for the echoing acoustics. If you love birdwatching, there are many native birds around the place. You can also go boating in the serene lake.
11. Stay in a treehouse
One of the most unique experiences you can have in Munnar is to stay in a treehouse. Treehouses are sustainable structures built on trees, originally built by hunters to hunt wild animals without giving their position away. You can stay above the ground amidst lush green tea and spice plantations. There are many treehouse resorts in Munnar, perfect for couples or small families.
12. Explore Marayoor
Marayoor is a mesmerizing place in Munnar that is protected by the Forest Department in Kerala. The forests of Marayur will engulf you in the smell of sandalwood, which grows here. You can learn more about sandalwood cultivation and its importance in the culture of Kerala. The place is also known as the home of the clouds, as the clouds here hang so low that it feels like you are walking among them.
13. Go boating
You can enjoy a shikara ride in Kundala Lake in Munnar. The lake was built for the Pallivasal Hydro Electric Project and is considered to be the first arch dam in Asia. The Mattupetty Dam is another beautiful reservoir where you can enjoy boating or a picnic.
14. Try some adventure sports
There are many adventure sports you can try in Munnar, from rock climbing and rappelling to zip lining and paragliding. Mountain biking is a popular adventure activity in the terrains of Anamudi Shola, Marayoor, and Vandanmedu.
So, what activities are you looking forward to in Munnar? Let us know! At India Someday, we plan customized trips to India based on your interests and preferences. Contact us and together we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!
