About Munnar
Munnar is a hill station located in the Idukki District of Kerala with an elevation of 1,600M above sea level. The place is a well-known tourist destination throughout the country. The name Munnar means “three rivers” in the native slang as the place is at the Watersmeet of the three rivers, Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundaly. This beautiful town is known as the “Kashmir of South India” and is a popular destination for movie shoots. From visiting tea plantations and orchards to trekking and camping the list of things to do in Munnar is endless.
There are protected areas in this region that give shelter to several threatened species like the Nilgiri Thar, Nilgiri Langur, etc. The climate and the Tea plantations are what make the place astounding. The blooming season of the flower, Neela Kurinji, which blooms only once in 12 years is indeed the best time to visit the place. The tourist season in Munnar is from October to May when it is winter at the place. This time is the best to enjoy the mist and snow and enjoy all those things to do in Munnar to its fullest.
How To Reach Munnar?
There are buses available to the city of Munnar and are accessible from all major cities in the country. The nearest airport to Munnar is the Cochin International Airport, which is about 110Km away by road. The Madurai International Airport is the second nearest airport, which is nearly 140Km away from Munnar, and a taxi from the airport can get you to the place.
The nearest railway station to Munnar is the Aluva Railway Station, which is at a distance of 110Km.
From Bangalore To Munnar
The distance between Bangalore and Munnar is around 523Km via the road that would take around 9 hours of the journey. There are direct buses available from the city of Bangalore to Munnar giving the easy possible way to reach the town.
The distance between Bangalore and Munnar is around 523km and takes 9hrs to traverse through the road. Direct buses are available from the city to Munnar, giving easy access for tourists.
There are direct flights available from Bangalore to Cochin Airport and a cab ride of about 3hrs can get you there. The same goes for train travel wherein you can access direct services to the Aluva railway station from Bangalore.
From Mumbai To Munnar
The distance between Mumbai and Munnar is around 1,369Km which would take a journey of 26 hours if traversed via road. There are no direct buses available from Mumbai.
There are flights available from Mumbai to Cochin and hence, the best option is to fly to Cochin and then take a taxi or a bus to Munnar.
The nearest railway station to Munnar is the Aluva Railway Station, which is 110Km away. There are no direct trains available from Mumbai and therefore, it’s always better to take a train to Ernakulum and then travel in a bus.
From Hyderabad To Munnar
The distance between Hyderabad to Munnar is 1,044Km, which takes a journey of around 19 hours via road.
There are no direct flights, buses and trains are available from Hyderabad to Munnar and hence it’s always best to travel till the nearest point and then traverse via road to reach out to Munnar.
Things To Do In Munnar
The place provides the most rejuvenating and memorable experience of a lifetime.
Treehouse Stay
The treehouses in Munnar are one of the best stay locations in the place. They provide a refreshing close-to-the-nature experience for tourists. These are often made of materials like bamboo, wood, coir, etc. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of the hills and get to know the forest environment by being living in the green
Cycling
While the pleasant cool plantation kissed by the bright sun gives a pleasant clime suited for cycling. The place is hence the best to have a refreshing bike ride alongside the lush tea plants to boost up your energy.
Camping And Trekking
Munnar is heaven for trekkers and adventure seekers. The camping sites in the place are some of the most sought-after in the country. Spending your nights in the tents of the misty cool camping sights of the area is indeed a mind-blowing experience.
Tea Plantation Tour
The major attraction of Munnar is its tea plantations. Exploring these plantations is one of the best things to do in Munnar.When you’re in Munnar, do not forget to catch up on a plantation tour and buy some fresh tea to take home.
Tea Plantation Tour
It’s not just the safari in the jeeps and the cars always, there are elephant safaris available, which is one among the major tourist activities in Munnar.
Grocery Shopping
The place being famous for its tea plantation is a renowned tea supplier. One would find the attention of the tea, coffee, and other spices being sold in the markets here. This is the perfect place for all the “Chai” lovers. Also, the orchards and vegetable plantations in the region sell farm-fresh oranges, strawberries, carrots, etc.
Tea Plucking
One should try tea plucking in the plantations to have a fresh experience.
Walking through the early morning mist of the plantations and plucking the dew-covered tender leaves is indeed an experience of a lifetime.
Kathakali
Kathakali is an art form of Kerala. The Kathakali performance is the true essence of the traditional art and the culture of Kerala. Don’t miss the chance to watch at least a small gist of this regional art.
The Culinary Feast
The place is not just known for its tea plantations and waterfalls, but also for the flavors it provides. Munnar gives the real taste of Kerala’s traditional meals and flavors. The regional cuisine flavored with locally grown spices is worth a try while your tour.
What Are The Best Places To Visit In Munnar?
Take a chance to visit these places before leaving Munnar.
Tea Museum
The museum showcases the processes and the items used in the process of tea-making. There are also other artifacts and items in the museum.
Lakkam Waterfalls
The hills in Munnar are famous for their waterfalls that attract many tourists every year. Lakkam waterfalls are one of the mesmerizing places to visit in Munnar. It is located in the Munnar-Marayoor route which is surrounded by the Vaga trees and the cascades, making it a perfect place for a family visit.
Pothamedu Viewpoint
The Pothamedu View Point is covered with greenery and mist throughout the seasons. It provides a great view of the valley and the Idukki Dams Arch from the peak point. This spot is famous for its trekking rides.
Eravikulam National Park
The park is home to the endangered Nilgiris Tahr. Another major attraction in this place is the Neelakurinji, a flower that blossoms in this area once in 12 years.
Conclusion
Munnar is a must-visit tourist spot in your Kerala tour which is known for its lush green belt of forests and unending stretch of tea plantations. The place is famous for its endangered species like the “Neelakurinji” and “Nilgiri Tahr and hence attracts a huge number of tourists and wildlife enthusiasts. Munnar can always be personified with the image of misty hills, glorious lakes, and huge rock terrains which yet again makes it more special for trekking and camping. Munnar also provides numerous viewpoints that are separated throughout this amazing hill station giving you the most outstanding views and sights that your eyes are yet to behold of the gorgeous valleys, stunning hills, and mesmerizing rivers. The list of things to do in Munnar is hence endless.
