Top 10 Places To Visit In Munnar, Kerala

Munnar is a beautiful hill station situated in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. Nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats, Munnar is famous for its sprawling tea plantations, misty mountains, exotic wildlife, and rolling hills. This incredible tourist destination is a haven for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. From its breathtaking views to its lush green forests, the top destinations in Munnar have something to offer everyone. Whether it’s for a family holiday, a romantic getaway, or a solo trek, visiting Munnar will be an unforgettable experience. 

What Are The Top 10 Places To Visit In Munnar?

Munnar is an ideal destination for rejuvenation and relaxation in the midst of the bountiful beauty of Mother Nature. Tourists visiting Munnar can take part in many activities like trekking, bird watching, boating, and photography. Additionally, there are numerous markets and shopping areas in the town where visitors can purchase handicrafts, spices, and other regional goods. Top 10s Only takes a brief look at ten of the must-visit places for sightseeing in Munnar.

1. Top Station

Top Station is one of the best ten places to visit in Munnar. It is said that Top Station got its name from being the upper terminus of the Kottagudi Aerial Ropeway during the British era. Built in 1902, Top Station once held the distinction of being the region’s highest railway station. The distance from Munnar to this well-known tourist destination, which is situated on the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, is about 35 kilometres. Top Station’s main draw is the breathtaking view of the Western Ghats and the valley below. In addition, visitors can go trekking and hiking in the surrounding areas. Top Station is best visited in April and May, between the hours of early morning and late afternoon.

2. Echo Point

An extremely popular tourist location is Echo Point, which is located around 15 kilometres from Munnar. The main draw of Echo Point is the occurrence of natural echoes. It is one of the top 10 destinations in Munnar, surrounded by tea gardens that offer breathtaking views for tourists to enjoy. This beautiful place is surrounded by lush green hills and valleys, offering some of the most unique and stunning views of the Western Ghats. Avid photographers can use beautiful surroundings as a backdrop for their images. There are several things to do in Munnar for families visiting Echo Point. You can go for picnics and boat rides, which further enhance the overall experience. Trekking, bird watching, and sightseeing are all excellent activities to indulge in at Echo Point. 

3. Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park, earlier known as the Eravikulam-Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary, is one of the top 10 tourist places in Munnar that you absolutely must visit! Eravikulam National Park is a protected area in the Kannan Devan Hills of the southern Western Ghats. The best time to visit this national park is between February and March. Also, this is a plastic-free zone, so you will be asked to discard any plastic covers and bags that you may have before you enter the visitor’s zone. 

Located in the Idukki district of Kerala, this awe-inspiring place is known for its unique flora and fauna. A few of these have been listed below:

Neelakurinji Flower

The blossoming of this flower is a sight that can be seen only once in a blue moon! The flower that blooms once every 12 years is the highlight of Munnar. The flower blooms for a month, and then the whole plant burns out and dies. The seeds go into the soil, and new plants start to grow, but they flower only after 12 long years. It last bloomed in November/December of 2018 and will bloom again in 2030! Eravikulam National Park is the best place to watch this beautiful phenomenon.

Nilgiri Tahr

Though the name states Nilgiri, this particular wild goat can be spotted only in the Munnar Rajamalai hills in Eravikulam National Park. These shy animals can sense danger from quite a distance. Even if they have a slight suspicion that a poacher or other predators could be in the area, they will never come out in the open and expose themselves. You need to be lucky to spot them even if you have taken the pains to walk the last mile where no vehicles are allowed. 

Anamudi Peak

Anamudi is a mountain peak located within the Eravikulam National Park, and is approximately 8845 feet above sea level. This place is the perfect destination if you’re looking for adventure things to do in Munnar, as it is considered to be one of the most challenging trekking destinations in the region. The summit provides spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The peak is surrounded by a wide variety of plants and animals, including several endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr.  

Naikolli Mala

Another good trekking trail in Munnar is at Naikolli Mala, a peak near Anamudi in Eravikulam National Park. There is an interesting story behind this name. Predatory wild dogs, locally known as “nai”, typically chase the Nilgiri tahr to hunt them. Due to the tremendous grip it has in its feet, the tahr will run quickly until the mountain’s peak and then abruptly stop. Since the wild dogs lack that advantage, they will inevitably trip and fall to their deaths from the mountain’s peak. Thus, Naikolli Mala literally means “the mountain that kills the dogs.”

4. Mattupetty Dam

Looking for fun things to do in Munnar for family outings? Then, head on over to Mattupetty Dam! This is one of Munnar’s famous places. This is a concrete gravity dam that is around 13 km away from Munnar and is very accessible. Mattupetty Dam is surrounded by majestic rolling hills, and tourists have the chance to see the unique Shola forests and grasslands that are found in this area. This is the perfect place for budding ornithologists, as one can spot a variety of bird species around the dam. The Mattupetty Dam is a popular spot for family picnics and even boating (both pedal boats and motorboats are available). Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the dam’s walkway as they take in the beautiful scenery. August through May are the ideal months to visit Mattupetty Dam.

5. Attukal Waterfalls (Attukad Waterfalls)

Attukal Waterfalls (Attukad Waterfalls) is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Munnar. This waterfall, situated a mere 9 km away from Munnar, is formed by the Pambar River and falls from a height of around 990 feet. Visitors can also hike through the nearby forests to get a closer look at the waterfall. The hike is not too challenging, and it takes about 45 minutes to get to the waterfall.   It is a peaceful and serene place, and tourists can often be seen climbing and sitting on the rocks and playing with water. The beautiful and scenic area around Attukal Waterfalls is perfect for family picnics and even camping.

6. Kannan Devan Hills Plantations Tea Museum

This is the perfect destination for tea-lovers! The Kannan Devan Hills Plantations company founded this tea museum in 2005 with the goal of preserving the area’s rich tea-growing heritage and culture. Among the exhibits are several rare artefacts, curios, and evocative photographs from an era long forgotten. One such artefact is the iron-age burial urn from the 2nd century BC that was unearthed nearby. The museum also has a collection of vintage machinery and equipment used in the tea-making process. There is also a souvenir shop at the museum, where visitors can purchase different types of tea grown locally. The Munnar tea museum is open every day from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, but it remains closed on Mondays.

7. Lakkam Waterfalls

Lakkam Waterfalls is a popular tourist is among the top ten tourist places around Munnar to visit. Located about 20 kilometres from the main town of Munnar, it is known for its scenic beauty and serene atmosphere. It is around 7,300 feet above sea level and is famous for its trekking trails. Guided treks are available for additional fees. The sound of the water falling from such a height is undoubtedly a soothing experience. It is also possible to take a dip in the cool, clear water of the waterfall, which is considered to be a rejuvenating experience. The best time to visit Lakkam Waterfalls is during the winter months of October to March.

8. Pothamedu View Point

Pothamedu View Point is definitely one of Munnar’s top 10 places to visit. It is situated around 5 kilometres from the main town of Munnar. The viewpoint offers an immensely enjoyable scenic vista of the surrounding tea gardens, coffee and cardamom plantations, misty hills, and lush deep valleys. On a clear day, you can even see the Muthirapuzha River and the Idukki Arch Dam in the distance. The viewpoint is open throughout the year and is best visited during the early morning or late evening hours to catch the breathtaking views at sunrise or sunset. If you’re looking for things to do in Munnar for couples, just try out this magical place!

9. Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

On the list of the 10 best places to visit in Munnar is the historic Kolukkumalai Tea Estate. Located 32 kilometres from the main town of Munnar, this tea estate was built in the 1930s. This top Munnar destination is also believed to be the highest tea-growing region in the world, and it even has an operating tea factory nearby. Visitors to this awesome place in Munnar can learn various facts about the history and process of tea production. The estate is also surrounded by beautiful landscapes, making it a great place for trekking, hiking, and camping. Be sure to buy some tea from this estate, as it is said to have a special, unique taste that comes from being organically grown in a pollution-free environment.

  10. Wonder Valley Adventure And Amusement Park

This vacation, why not plan a trip to one of the most fun-filled places in Munnar—the Wonder Valley Adventure & Amusement Park! This place is situated at Sankupadi, near Anachal, and is around 13 kilometres from the main town of Munnar. It is a perfect spot for adventure enthusiasts, as the park offers a wide range of adventure activities that will satisfy their thrill-seeking needs. The park features a wide range of adventure and leisure activities, such as zorbing, paintball, rock climbing, bungee jumping, zip-lining, and much more. This park is a great place for families and friends to spend a day together and enjoy a variety of fun activities. Wonder Valley Adventure & Amusement Park is open from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm on all days.

Often poetically referred to as the Kashmir of South India, Munnar is the perfect place for anyone looking for a peaceful and relaxing holiday in the lap of nature. It is a stunning destination that offers stunning scenery, a multitude of adventure activities, and some of the most unique attractions in the country. Munnar is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or just a leisurely escape. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip today and enjoy your stay in the picturesque hills of Munnar!

Looking for more picturesque hill stations in India to visit during the holidays? Check out the Top 10 Places To Visit In Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to reach Munnar in Kerala?

Munnar is one of the most famous hill stations in Asia and is quite accessible.

By Air

The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is around 125 kilometres from Munnar. From there, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Munnar.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Aluva railway station, which is around 110 kilometres from Munnar. From there, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Munnar.

By Bus

Munnar is well connected by road to major cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private bus operators provide regular bus services to Munnar from cities such as Cochin, Trivandrum, and Madurai.

By Car

Munnar is well connected by road to major cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is around 135 kilometres from Cochin, 150 kilometres from Coimbatore and around 135 kilometres from Madurai. Visitors can drive or hire a car to reach Munnar.

Before making any final decisions, it is advised to plan the trip in advance and to check the COVID-19 situation at the time, as well as the availability of transportation options.

2. When is the best time to visit Munnar, Kerala?

The best time to visit Munnar depends on your personal preference and the type of experience you are looking for. All year long, Munnar remains a perfect holiday destination. 

3. What are the top 10 most visited places in Munnar, Kerala?

As stated above, Munnar is a very popular hill station in Kerala, with many scenic locales. Lakkam falls, Anamudi peak, Attukad falls, Echo point, Top Station, Naikolli Peak, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Pothamedu View Point, Mattupetty Dam and Wonder Valley Adventure & Amusement Park are the top 10 most visited places in Munnar.

4. Is there snowfall in Munnar?

It does not usually snow in Munnar. However, in January 2023, temperatures fell below the zero-degree mark, and frost settled over certain parts of Munnar.

5. Is 1 day enough for Munnar?

It is advisable to plan for at least a two-day trip to Munnar so as to take in all the scenic spots this magnificent hill station has to offer.