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Munnar is one of India’s most beautiful hill stations, located amidst the misty Western Ghats in Kerala. It is covered with profuse tea gardens and silent valleys. Besides natural beauty, this charming destination adds the essence of adventure, making it an ideal retreat for travellers seeking tranquillity and exploration. There are many things to do in Munnar, be it panoramic views, aromatic tea estates, or outdoor activities. Munnar assures its visitors of a truly unforgettable journey among the majestic landscapes of Kerala.
13 Things To Do In Munnar
Explore Munnar through these activities and attractions perfect for a getaway. From tea plantation to hiking, here are the top things to do in Munnar.
1. Visit Eravikulam National Park
Photo: Photos Worldwide / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in the hills of Kerala near Munnar, Eravikulam National Park is famous for an endangered species, the Nilgiri Tahr, and boasts rich biodiversity. It sprawls across 97 sq km, and the rolling hills are covered with picturesque shola forests and undulated grasslands. The guided treks through the park offer a wide range of wildlife spotting—from elephants and langurs to many types of birds. The Neelakurinji flowers bloom once in twelve years, carpet the hills blue, and make it an unparalleled experience.
Location: Kannan Devan Hills, Kerala 685620
Timings: 7 AM – 4 PM (closed from February to March)
Entry Fee: ₹120 for Indian nationals and ₹400 for foreign nationals
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Ernakulam
2. Explore Tea Plantations
Photo: Jakub Michankow / Wikimedia Commons
Munnar has sprawling tea plantations, which are the best places to see in Munnar. These plantations enhance the region’s scenic beauty and yield some of the finest tea in the world. Guided tours through the tea estates enable the visitors to learn about minute details concerning tea cultivation, processing, and tasting. The misty mountains backdrop adds to the image appeal of the tea gardens, thus making it a photographer’s and a nature lover’s paradise.
Timings: Before sunset
Entry Fee: Varies by estate and tour package
3. Visit Mattupetty Dam
Only 13 kilometres from Munnar town, Mattupetty Dam is one of the most famous picnic spots, which attracts numerous nature lovers. Situated amidst rolling hills with lush green tea plantations, it forms a serene reservoir called Mattupetty Lake. The visitors can go boating in this calm, flat water surrounded by tea gardens and thick woody forests. This place is suitable for trekking and birdwatching.
Location: Mattupetty, Kerala 685616
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10 for adults; boating charges extra (around ₹300 per person for boating).
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Fort Kochi
4. Trek To Anamudi Peak
Photo: ShveataMishra / Wikimedia Commons
Situated close to Munnar and within Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak is the highest peak in South India, at 2,695 meters. It has stunning panoramic views of the Western Ghats and is a haven for trekkers and nature lovers. Although trekking from Anamudi Peak is much in demand, it requires prior permission from the Forest Department. It presents an excellent opportunity to experience this biodiversity-rich region’s unique flora and fauna.
Location: Munnar, Kannan Devan Hills, Kerala 685612
Timings: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fee: ₹95 for kids and ₹125 for adults; additional charges for trekking permissions.
5. Visit Echo Point
Photo: V.k.Madhav / Shutterstock
On the way to Top Station from Munnar, amongst misty hills, lies Echo Point. This tranquil spot got its name from the natural echo that abounds here, presenting the visitors with breathtaking vistas of tea gardens and forests, creating the right environment for yelling at the hills and wishing to hear one’s voice back. This adds to the sense of fun and adventure amidst the still surroundings.
Location: Mattupetty, Kerala 685616
Timings: Before sunset
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Vagamon
6. Explore Top Station
Photo: Binobose / Wikimedia Commons
Situated on the road from Munnar to Kodaikanal, Top Station is the highest point in the area, offering views of the Western Ghats, particularly the Theni district of Tamil Nadu. It is noted for the Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once in twelve years and give the hills an enchanting blue hue. The top station view is quite a paradise for any photographer, particularly during the sun’s rising and setting. Indeed, everything within view is bathed in golden rays, which is the most breathtaking backdrop to capture the beauty of nature.
Location: Munnar – Top Station Hwy, Kannan Devan Hills, Kerala 685616
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
7. Boat Ride At Kundala Lake
Photo: Ranjithsiji / Wikimedia Commons
Situated nearly 20 km from Munnar, Kundala Lake is an artificial reservoir surrounded by dense green valleys and scented eucalyptus forests. Pedal boating facilities are available here to further immerse the visitors into the peaceful ambience of the surroundings. A nearby Kundala Dam adds to the picture-postcard scenery, offers panoramic views, and is a perfect relaxation spot amidst the pristine natural beauty of Munnar.
Location: Kannan Devan Hills, Kundala, Kerala 685615
Timings: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹350 per person for pedal boating
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8. Scenic Views From Pothamedu Viewpoint
Photo: BroKholi94 / Wikimedia Commons
Pothamedu Viewpoint offers a broad view of the undulating hills of Munnar, sprawling tea estates, and lush green forests. It turns out to be one of the most ideal places for photo enthusiasts, more so during sunrise, when dew-laden hills get splashed by the golden light of the morning sun, attaining a magical and dreamy atmosphere that simply mesmerises visitors.
Location: Kerala 685565
Timings: During / Before sunrise
Entry Fee: Free
9. Hike To Attukal Waterfalls
Photo credit: Amal94nath / Wikimedia Commons
Between Munnar and Pallivasal, the Attukal Waterfalls cascade yearly with much greenery, be it forests or rocky terrains. One can view the waterfall’s base through scenic trails or even take a trek to witness the serene ambience that nature has given, making it a favourite spot for photographers.
Location: Attukad Waterfall Rd, Pallivasal, Kerala 685565
Timings: Before sunset
Entry Fee: Free
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10. Explore Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Amarwikiuser / Wikimedia Commons
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, 60 kilometres from Munnar, is a haven for wildlife lovers and nature worshipers. It has diverse flora and fauna populations, including the currently endangered grizzled giant squirrel and star tortoise. Guided treks and Jeep safaris can be arranged inside the sanctuary so that one gets to view wildlife at close quarters against the mighty Western Ghats.
Location: Munnar – Udumalpet Rd, Munnar, Kerala 685612
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10
11. Visit Marayoor And Muniyara Dolmens
Photo: Sanu N / Wikimedia Commons
Located about 40 km from Munnar is Marayoor, a land of unique landscape—sandalwood forests, sugarcane fields, and ancient dolmens. The Muniyara Dolmens represent prehistoric burial chambers made of large slabs of stones that give an insight into the region’s ancient history and archaeological value. With its natural sandalwood forests and jaggery, this place is famous and offers visitors a combination of history, culture, and beauty.
Location: Kerala 685620
Timings: Before sunset
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum
12. Stroll Through Rose Garden
Photo: Soumendra Kumar Sahoo / Wikimedia Commons
Situated near the centre of the town, Munnar’s Rose Garden is a haven of delight for flower enthusiasts. The garden is sprawled over acres of land, with a huge collection of flowers and other plants in different colours. The visitors can stroll through landscaped pathways, enjoying vibrant colours and fragrant blooms amidst serene surroundings. The view from the garden to the surrounding hills makes it a quiet retreat for a nature lover.
Location: Aluva – Munnar Rd, Rose Nagar, Mattupetty, Munnar, Kerala 685612
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹20
13. Visit Tea Museum
Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / Wikimedia Commons
The Tata Tea Museum at Munnar gives an overall idea of the area’s background regarding its rich tea-growing history. This colonial-era tea factory turned museum has antique tea processing equipment, photographs, and exhibits on the evolution of Munnar’s tea industry. The entire process is explained to the visitors, from plucking leaves to the final output of tea. Alternatively, one could get involved in tea testing sessions to learn the different varieties prepared here. This is a more enlightening and involving museum about appreciating Munnar’s tea heritage.
Location: KDHP House, NH 49, Nullatanni, Munnar, Kerala 685612
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fee: ₹75
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Munnar is a place that combines pristine landscapes with tea gardens and wildlife sanctuaries. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, photographer, or simply seeking moments of tranquillity, Munnar offers a lifetime experience amidst the Western Ghats of Kerala. Explore the best things to do in Munnar and plan your perfect trip to Munnar with Trip XL. Our platform allows you to customise your itinerary to suit your budget, interests, and preferences.
Cover Photo: Arshad.ka5 / Wikimedia Commons
