If you are planning to go to Munnar, you must be prepared to hold your breath occasionally due to its scenic nature. Connotations like God’s own country for Kerala or Kashmir of South India for Munnar is going to be your vocabulary for the number of days you are there. So it is only natural to wonder about the things to do in Munnar and not miss out on an ounce of the experience.
I have created a list for you if you are someone who is confused about your stay there, mixed with the anxious feeling of missing out on things. I think it is very important to acknowledge that we go on a vacation for different reasons, sometimes it is purely out of adrenaline, and sometimes all you need is some peace and quiet. So, I have ensured to make the list that caters to you in both ways.
11 Best Things To Do In Munnar In 2024
Thrill Seeking In Munnar
Munnar is based on the Western Ghat mountain range and has some of the best views. So, if you are someone who wishes to appease your adrenaline rush, Munnar will not disappoint you. You will be pleased to know that Munnar has the highest peak in South India, so you can already imagine the kind of activities that await you. Let us quickly check a few.
1. Chasing the Clouds in Top Station
Top Station is one of the most scenic places to visit in Munnar and is known for its breathtaking view. Situated at 1,700 meters above sea level, it is a paradise for hikers. The place gets its name from the Kundala Valley Railway Station, which was situated there.
Even though the station ceases to exist now, the adventure of the Top Station is still intact with a view of the Western Ghats and a glimpse of Tamil Nadu. The things that will keep you engaged in Top Station are:
- You can trek to see the sunrise from the tower or stroll through the tree plantation.
- If you wish to make your trek a bit more interesting, you can camp at the Tent Campgrounds stay the night, and wake up with the sunrise.
- If you still think you are seeking something more, you can always opt for a mountain bike ride and enjoy the lush green tea estates and the clouds playing peek-a-boo.
2. Riding the Falls with Valara, Lakkam, and Attukal
If you are a water baby, you will not regret this experience. Be it for the thrill of showering in natural springs or for the sake of your Instagram, you have to visit the falls in Munnar.
In fact, the walk to the falls is a trek in itself, and you can witness a fall from up to a height of 50 feet. Three of these falls are a must-see along with many other falls.Trekking, Rock climbing, Or Paragliding.
You will be pleasantly surprised to know that Munnar has an untamed terrain with some picturesque views and scenic locations. You can trek in the Anamudi Peak or rock climb in the Pothamedu. Not only that, but you can opt for paragliding to have a bird’s eye view of the entire valley along with its rich tea plantations, its national parks, and the rich green of its fauna.
3. A Peak into the History in Marayoor
Imagine pleasing your appetite for adventure in a place that has a unique cultural significance in human history. Apart from being the only place in Kerala with a natural sandalwood forest, you will be able to witness dolmens from the Stone Age era and the Iron Age. The weather is pleasant most of the time, and you can explore Marayoor while witnessing the legacy our ancestors have left behind.
4. The Mattupetty Dam Stroll
Apart from its glorious waterfalls, Munnar is known for its dams. Even though the Mattupetty dam was constructed to be a hydroelectric reserve, it serves a dual purpose of being a tourist spot too. The weather and the biodiversity of Munnar make even a stroll near a dam cinematic. You can either opt for a speed boat ride here or kayaking. You can also go for paddle boating in the Mattupetty Dam, and if you are lucky enough you might see some wildlife.
Even though I have put this activity in the thrill-seeking section, if you are someone who is looking for some rejuvenation experience through your vacation, you should not miss out on this one. You will be mesmerized by the view along with the peace and quiet or the wildlife that you might witness and remember forever.
5. Go Fishing at Rajamala
Anyone would be a bit taken aback if you talked about going fishing in a hill station, but if you are in Munnar it is very much possible. After seeking permission from the Tata Tea Company, you can go Trout fishing in the waters of Sita Devi Lake. You can either catch the fish as a hobby and throw them back in, or enjoy a hearty meal with it for dinner.
6. See Wildlife at Eravikulam National Park
Munnar has wildlife sanctuaries and a national park that will take you amidst the wilderness. You will be able to witness some of the rarest species of animals, plants, reptiles, and even insects. Be it the Eravikulam National Park or the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, this will make your Munnar experience a memorable one.
Unwinding In Munnar
If reading the above list itself is making you tired, don’t worry, I have you covered. If you are someone who goes on a vacation to rejuvenate and relax without planning many activities, Munnar won’t disappoint you, either. It is a place with a cozy cover of clouds and lush green mountains, wherever you look at it is going to be a photo moment for you. However, to ensure you get the most out of your Munnar experience through a relaxed vacation, I have listed a few things below.
7. The Tea Way
Munnar is known for its tea plantations first, even if it has a rich bio diversity and scenic hills to explore. You must be aware that the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is the highest tea plantation in the world, and you will be able to witness the lush green mountains, the cozy weather or be in the lap of the white clouds to sip some fine tea. The entire idea itself will rejuvenate you even before you reach your destination. Here are the few things that you can do while you are visiting one of the many tea plantations in Munnar.
- Try the various types of tea the different plantations offer and indulge yourself in the aroma of it. You can take a sip of various flavors of tea while appreciating the rich landscape of Munnar.
- The Tata Tea Museum in Munnar lets you completely immerse yourself in the art of tea, and you will be able to learn about its cultivation, and tasting starting all the way from its plantation.
- The various tea plantations set up in the place make it one of the prime tourist attractions, especially if you want to establish a close relationship with the beverage. It’s also a photographer’s dreamland.
- Kannan Devan Tea Museum also has a miniature tea factory and a museum. If you are a tea enthusiast, you won’t feel like leaving the place anytime soon.
7. The Tree House Staycation
A tree house is a rather Western concept in India, which means that most of in the country did not stay in tree houses. Munnar can help you have that experience, that too with your whole family. You can choose to book and stay in one of the many tree houses and be one with the rich biodiversity of Munnar amidst the misty hills.
9. Echo Point Wonders
Do you want to recreate the cinematic moment of shouting at a mountain, and hear your voice echoing through the mountains? For that, you have to visit Echo Point on the banks of Kundala Lake in Munnar.
You will not only feel a childlike wonder in Echo Point, but also relax and enjoy nature in its true glory. You can either opt for a quiet boat ride or just settle in with a quiet picnic and let the place do the rest of the magic.
10. Blossom Park Boat
You can frolic in Blossom Park for a day, with a beautiful mountain as your background and a variety of flowers as your companion. It is a well-kept garden that will offer you a calm place to either go for a walk,see the various flowers, or even take a boat ride. It mainly acts as a time off zone for tourists after a hectic day of sightseeing or for people who wish to immerse themselves in the lush green beauty of the place.
11. Shop at Munnar Bazaar
A trip is only complete when you have souvenirs to commemorate the experience. Munnar Bazaar is the heart of the town and offers everything that you might need to remember your trip to the mountains. You have cafés and bakeries along with garments, jewelry, and homemade delicacies that you can dive into or savor later.
Tips for Planning Your Trip
Once you have figured out the things that you are going to do in Munnar, planning your trip will be easier. Your itinerary will decide the suitcase that you need to pack and the documents and permissions you need to ensure you get the best out of it. However, here is a quick checklist from my end for your upcoming Munnar trip.
- You have to keep in mind that Munnar is a popular tourist destination, so you have to book your hotels and tours in advance.
- Since it is a hill station, you have to carry your clothing mindfully, otherwise you might fall sick. Furthermore, if you are planning to go for a thrill-seeking adventure, ensure you do not forget to pack your protective gear and required medicines.
- A fixed itinerary ensures you are not wasting a day of the trip planning it rather than experiencing it.
- Certain areas of Munnar might not be a safe visit for the elderly owing to the landscape, so you must keep these places in mind for a trip devoid of any unpleasant experience.
- Lastly, being a little anxious about the trip is fine, but do not let it overwhelm you. A proper planning is all you need, and Munnar’s beauty will take care of the rest.
Conclusion
Well, that was my list of the things that you can do in Munnar. The idea is that you do not approach the list with the fear of missing out on the things, but with an excitement of experiencing the Kashmir of the South in its glory.
All you need to do is carry your backpack and immerse yourself in the Munnar experience. I wish you a happy journey!
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the top attractions to visit in Munnar?
Some top attractions of the Kashmir of the South are Eravikulam National Park, Photo Point, Lockheart Gap, Anamudi Peak, Attukal Waterfalls, and the famous Tea plantations.
2. Which are the best tea plantations to explore in Munnar?
The best tea plantations to check out in Munnar are Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Kanan Devan Hills Plantations, Pallivasal Tea Garden, and Lockhart Tea Estate, amongst many others.
3. What are the best trekking routes in Munnar?
The best trekking routes in Munnar include Anamudi trek, Pothamedu Trek, Muniyara Dolmens Trek, and the Mathikettan Rainforest Trek.
4. Where can I find the best waterfalls in Munnar?
Some of the breathtaking waterfalls of Munnar are Attukad Waterfalls, Lakkom Waterfalls, Cheeyapara Waterfalls, and Kuthumkal Waterfalls.
5. What cultural sites should I visit in Munnar?
Apart from its rich biodiversity, Munnar has a rich heritage which can be found in places like Marayoor, Kundala Lake, Punarjani Village, Tata Tea Museum, and Sree Muruga Temple.
6. Where can I shop for local products in Munnar?
You can take a piece of Munnar home from places like Kannan Devan Hills Plantation, the tea garden estates, or the Munnar main market.
7. What are the must-try local dishes in Munnar?
Apart from its scenic beauty and aromatic tea, it has some mouth-watering cuisines at your disposal. This Includes the likes of Kerala Style Fish Curry, Appam and stew, Idiyappam, Puttu and Kadala Curry, Kairali Thali, Kerala Chicken Curry, and Kerala Style Beef Fry.
