Munnar was the summer capital of the British in southern India. Munnar was developed to cultivate tea plants by the British although it was first discovered by Scottish planters. Munnar is located at the confluence of three mountain streams Mudra puzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. Once, Munnar was the summer resort of the British government in South India. There is much more about Munnar that simply cannot be put in words. We were informed about this magnificent hill retreat before embarking on a tour. Munnar is also known as the Kashmir of Kerala. The formal history was written since the 10th century; the first British who visits the area was the Duke of Wellington, in 1790, during the British Raj, at the same time also migrated to Munnar and nearby places was occupied by them.
Munnar rises as three mountain streams merge - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. 1,600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. One of the most sought-after honeymoon destinations in Kerala, Munnar is replete with resorts and lodging facilities that fit a wide range of budgets. Sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue once every twelve years will bloom next in 2030. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2,695 m.
Some places to visit in Munnar
Chokramudi Peak, Munnar
Enjoying an elevation of 2,100 meters above sea level, this peak is as mesmerizing as you can expect it to be. Offering a short and convenient trek that can be easily completed in a day, this hill houses the exemplary Shoals Forest.
Eravikulam National Park, Munnar
This national park needs no introduction! We bet, you must have spotted it more than once in all Munnar tourist places photos that you have come across to date! One of the best that Kerala has to offer, this park that spans over an area of 97 square kilometers, serves as a home to the Nilgiri Tahr, a native animal of the Western Ghats. Yet another attraction of this park situated on the 2,700-metre high Anamudi peak, is the Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom only once in 12 years!
Kundala Lake, Munnar
If you wish to see a lake that reflects your image in the most mesmerizing way possible, Kundala Lake ought to be on your bucket list. At a distance of about 20 km from the city center, this lake features scintillating backdrops of lush green slopes, complete with unmatched cherry blossoms. And, if you’re lucky, you can also spot a blanket or two of the much-coveted Neelakurunji flowers! When here, you can enjoy boating in the conventional rowboats, modern pedal boats, as well as the Kashmiri Shikaras!
Lakkom Water Falls, Munnar
Located at a distance of about 30 km from Munnar, this waterfall originates from the Eravikulam stream. The stunning white silk-like look of the falls quenches your thirst for picturesque scenery. There is a small shop situated beside this waterfall which offers some scrumptious delights from the Malabar cuisine!
Lockhart Gap, Munnar
If you wish to be a child again and play around in the floating mist, Lockhart Gap is just the right place for you. This picturesque spot derives its name from the heart-shaped gap that has naturally formed between two adjacent mountains. And it’s not just the presence of clouds in this valley which will surprise you, but also the refreshing solitude, accompanied by the vague scent of fresh tea!
Mattupetty Dam, Munnar
Located near the Anamudi Peak, at a distance of about 13 km from Munnar, this dam features an emerald lake right in the center. Ideal for sightseeing as well as speed-boating, this lake will capture your imagination like none other. Right from the still water, to the lush gardens on the periphery, everything about the Mattupetty Dam will make it a sight worth remembering for a long time!
Top Station, Munnar
As the name suggests, it is the highest point in Munnar and is home to the highest railway station in the area. The year 2018 is the best time to visit this stunning destination, as it will be covered in the blue hue of the Neelakurinji flowers. Not only will the sweeping views take your breath away, but you can also revel in the opportunity of visiting the nearby Kurinjimala Sanctuary.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Munnar
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary | #8 of 15 Places to visit Munnar
This one’s a paradise for wildlife lovers. Right from Hanuman Monkeys to Spotted Deer, from Tigers to Slender Lorris, and many more, this sanctuary is a home to them all! Known widely for its eco-tourism, this sanctuary is skirted by the Eravikulam National Park.
Rose Garden, Munnar
At a height of 1,000 meters above sea level is this breath-taking garden, which serves as a home to some of the most magnificent flowers imaginable. Brimming with nature’s wonders such as Dahlias, Rose, Chrysanthemums, this place stretches over a whopping 2-acre land. What makes this even more wondrous is its highly detailed contours and gorgeous slopes, not to mention the astounding fragrances in the air!
Nyayamakad Waterfall, Munnar
Yet another waterfall, yet another valley, and still everything will feel completely different. Yes, this is the first place on this list where you can witness the local women picking tea leaves, while you are on your way to witnessing the largest falls in Munnar. Right from the journey to the destination, every aspect of your visit to the Nyayamakad Waterfall will prove to be more memorable than the other.
Blossom Park, Munnar
Wings, colorful flowers, soft grasses, and more – this place is the epitome of nostalgia! Offering an astounding blend of natural beauty and a modest play arena, Blossom Park is an ideal spot for couples and families looking forward to spending some quality time together!
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Munnar
Coming to Munnar and not reveling in the beauty of a tea garden is next to impossible. Lined with a lush carpet of tea plantations, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is the highest tea plantation and offers the perfect backdrop of the expansive skies making it the most befitting place for some remarkable pictures. And the mist of clouds surrounding the area only adds to its magnificence! Situated as high as 2,400 meters above the sea-level, this spot is a must-visit for all tourists.
TATA Tea Museum, Munnar
Now, this is a place that ought to be on your list of places to visit in Munnar in 1 day. Yes, it’s that important! Even a short visit to Munnar deserves at least 2 hours of your time dedicated to this museum. And when you plan your visit, make sure you make it on time for a special show screening, either at 10 AM or 2 PM, and learn about the various nuances of the most beloved beverage of India – Tea.
Apart from tea, this museum also serves as a home to some incredible antiques, including manual calculators, magneto phones, and hand tea rollers amongst many others.
Indo Swiss Dairy Farm, Munnar
Spanning over an area of 500 acres, complete with 11 cattle sheds, this farm was set up back in 1963. With special permission required to visit this farm, you can witness various processes which are innate to its upkeep and the rearing and breeding of its cattle. When here, you can witness pruning, cutting, planting, feeding, cleaning, collecting bull semen, and much more. This farm offers professional courses for veterinarians, para-veterinarians, and technicians as well.
Meesapulimala, Munnar
One of the highest peaks of Munnar, Meesapulimala offers some sweeping views. To enjoy the spectacle that it offers, you ought to trek for a day and pass through eight hills. A tranquil place on its own, this place will ensure that you revel in some much-needed moments of blissful solitude!
How To Reach Munnar
By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is around 125 km away from Munnar.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is located in Kochi or Ernakulam.
By Road: Hence, once you land in Kochi, Aluva, or Ernakulam you can hire a cab or take a bus to Munnar.
We hope that you now know all that there are about the best places to visit in the town. We recommend carrying a Munnar tourist map or using GPS on your phone to find the location of all these destinations. Lastly, all you need to do is find some worthy hotels in Munnar, and then you will be all set to embark on an unforgettable sojourn to this majestic land!
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