10 Most Stunning Places to Visit in Munnar
While Kerala itself is known for its magical beauty, Munnar in the Idukki district is acclaimed as one of the most desirable hill stations in God’s Own Country. Located in the Western Ghats at a towering height of 6,000ft, this scenic hill station is a true paradise for travellers from all the walks of life.
Captivating hills and mountains, evergreen plantation areas, lush greeneries, an array of things to do and places to visit in Munnar, makes this hill station an ideal holiday destination. No matter which season it is, or with whom you are planning to visit Munnar, its mesmerising beauty will keep you enchanted for sure! And to make your holiday more fun-frolic and memorable, here is a list of 10 most stunning places to visit in Munnar:
1Mattupetty Dam:
One of the major tourist attractions in Munnar, this water reservoir in Idukki district is located around 13km from the heart of the hill station. Tucked away amidst towering hills and mountains, it serves as a primary source of hydroelectricity in the region.
Owing to the availability of water around this concrete gravity dam, an exotic range of flora and fauna thrives around it. If luck favours, you can also spot Asiatic Elephants visiting this dam-site in search of water and food. Furthermore, Mattupetty Dam also serves as an ideal sightseeing destination and a wonderful place for birdwatching.
August to MayInstructions for Tourists
Visitors should be careful while visit Mattupetty Dam as the damside also serves as an elephant visiting ground.Entry Fees
INR 10/person (Speed boating Fees: INR 500/5 persons)Entry Timings
09:30AM – 05:00PMExplore Highly Recommended Munnar
2Kundala Lake:
Nestled amidst rolling hills and mountains, this artificial lake is located around 20km from Munnar, and is known for its bountiful beauty. With the Kundala Arch Dam as the source of water, this lake at an elevation of 1,700m is known for its enchanting beauty and charm.
On your visit to Kundala Lake, you can enjoy leisure activities like boating and explore the miraculous beauty of the region. For nature lovers, this lake serves as a hotspot. The hills and valleys surrounding Kundala Lake is also the home to ‘NeelaKurunji’, a flower that blooms once in twelve years. Adding more to this, visitors can also delight in the swaying beauty of cherry blossoms around the dam.
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Throughout the year.Instructions for Tourists
There is no entry fees. However, video camera charges are applicable. Also, bathing in the lakes is strictly not allowed.Entry Fees
Pedal Boat (INR 100/3 persons), Row Boat (INR 150/4 persons), Shikara (INR 200/2 persons), Video Camera (INR 200/camera)Entry Timings
09:00AM – 05:00PM
3Top Station:
If you want to enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats and some of the most gorgeous valleys in Munnar, you must visit Top Station. Around 40km from the hill station, this tourist spot is also a part of Tamil Nadu, and serves as a major tourist spot in Kerala as well as Tamil Nadu.
Being the highest point with a railway station, it has been names such. During the historic times, it served as a tea carrying point from Munnar and nearby Madupatty region. For the adventure lovers, they can embark on a trekking expedition to Top Station through Central Village.
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Throughout the year.Instructions for Tourists
Top Station can be visited throughout the year. However, try to avoid monsoon (June to September) as the trails may get slippery during this season.Entry Fees
Not applicable.Entry Timings
06:00AM – 07:00PM
4Mattupetty Dairy Farm:
The Mattupetty vicinity is also known for its Indo-Swiss dairy farm. Visiting this farm gives an insight of how livestock are managed and nurtured to produce top quality dairy products.
A visit to this Indo-Swiss dairy farm should not be missed at any cost; its locale makes it one of most picturesque places to visit in Munnar.
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September to MarchInstructions for Tourists
Timings mentioned are strictly followed.Entry Fees
INR 5/person, Boating (INR 300-700)Entry Timings
09:00-11:00AM & 02:00-03:30PM
5Echo Point:
While searching for most stunning places to visit in Munnar, you will surely come across Echo Point. Located around 15k from the hill station, it is also known as one of the most mystical places to visit in Munnar.
In addition to its alluring beauty, visitors can also enjoy the natural phenomenon of echo formation across this point. Equally fascinating for kids and adults, Echo Point will surely hold you captive with its beauty and charm!Best Time to Visit:
Throughout the year (try to avoid monsoons).Instructions for Tourists
Carry trekking/walking sticks while ascending through the steep slopes.Entry Fees
INR 10/adult, INR 5/minorEntry Timings
07:00AM – 06:00PM
6Eravikulam National Park:
Spreading across 97sq.km, Eravikulam National Park is the home to endangered NilgiriTahrs. Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is located within a close proximity to Munnar; around 15km, and is among the must visit places in Munnar.
A treasure trove for the nature and wildlife lovers, the park also serves as the abode to Anamudi Peak (2,695m) or the highest peak in South India. On a visit to Eravikulam National Park, you can easily spot some of the most exotic as well as endangered wildlife species. To name a few, you can spot Indian Muntijac, Golden Jackal, Tiger, Leopard, Nilgiri Langur, and several others.
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September to MayInstructions for Tourists
Private vehicles are strictly not allowed within the park; visitors can take mini-bus rides conducted by the forest authority. Also, the park remains closed to public during the months of February to March as it is the mating season of Nilgiri Tahrs.Entry Fees
INR 65/Indian Visitor, INR 245/Foreign VisitorEntry Timings
08:00AM – 04:30PM
7Tea Museum:
A visit to Munnar is not only about the swaying beauty of Mother Nature! A journey to this gorgeous hill station also offers a lively glimpse of how the tea culture flourished across South India.
And to know more about this century old culture, you must visit the Tea Museum in Munnar. From plucking of the leaves to processing and packing them, you will get an opportunity to know more about the tea industry and reveal some of the most fascinating facts about this industry.
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Throughout the year (November to February is more preferable)Instructions for Tourists
Touching any museum items, carrying plastic bags, and eatables are strictly prohibited within the museum premises.Entry Fees
INR 75/Adult, INR 35/MinorEntry Timings
09:00AM – 05:00PM (Closed on Mondays)
8Attukad Waterfalls:
Tucked away between Munnar and Pallivasal in Idukki district of Kerala, Attukad Waterfalls is in fact one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the entire state! Nestled amidst lush and evergreen forests, the view of this cascade is enough to behold all your senses and allure you to fall in love with its enchanting beauty!
Also a sought after destination among the adventure junkies, its rugged terrains entices trekkers from across the globe. Nature lovers, photographers and leisure seekers can also satiate all their yearnings with a visit to Attukad Waterfalls in Munnar.
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June to September (Monsoon)Instructions for Tourists
One has to walk thruogh a narrow wooden bridge in order to reach the cascade. Visitors should be careful while walking down the bridge.Entry Fees
Free EntryEntry Timings
10:00AM – 06:00PM
9Blossom International Park:
A visit to Munnar without Blossom International Park in the itinerary is not at all justified! Home to some of the rare and exotic flowers, this 16acres parkland boasts of its luscious beauty and alluring charm.
A major tourist spot in Munnar, this park is also a hub for the thrill and leisure seekers. On a visit to Blossom International Park, you can participate in activities like boating, nature walks, birdwatching, adventure trails, roller skating, and several others.
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June to September (Monsoon)Instructions for Tourists
Blossom Park has paid parking; INR 50 for cars and INR 20 for bikes.Entry Fees
INR 10/adult and INR 2/minorEntry Timings
09:00AM – 07:00PM
10Lakkom Waterfall:
On your way to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary; which is around 60km from Munnar, you can take a diversion to this stunning cascade called Lakkom Waterfalls. An added charm to the list of places to visit in Munnar, it boasts of its surreal beauty and evergreen vistas.
An ideal spot for all types of visitors, Lakkom Waterfall originates from Eravimala Plateau and descends down to form the Pambar River. Though the top of the cascade is not accessible, visitors can make it to its base and feast on its magical beauty.
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Best Time to Visit:
June to September (Monsoon)Instructions for Tourists
Avoid wearing heels or pointed legwear and roaming alone around the waterfalls.Entry Fees
Not applicableEntry Timings
07:00AM – 07:00PM
11Pothamedu View Point:
Located only 3km from the heart of Munnar, Pothamedu ViewPoint serves as the most perfect tourist spot to unravel the alluring beauty of Munnar’s scenic hills and lush greeneries. A nature lover’s heaven, a hotspot for the adventure freaks, a paradise for shutterbugs, and a treasure trove for the picnic goers, this vantage point offers promising views of the nearby locales.
Adding more, the seclusion and tranquillity that exists in Pothamedy Viewpoint, can be hardly found in any other view points in the entire of God’s Own Country. On your visit to this vantage point, you may also get to revel in the stunning views of Muthirapuzha River along with Idukki Arch Dam (60km), and many of the evergreen plantations in Munnar.
Best Time to Visit:
May to AugustInstructions for Tourists
Take warm clothes and select your footwear accordingly.Entry Fees
Not applicableEntry Timings
24 hours
12Marayoor Dolmens:
Do you believe in time-travelling or is it at least possible now to time travel? Well, finding the answer may take another century or less, but if you happen to visit Marayoor hamlet in Munnar, you can surely behold the fascinating beauty of stone structures that date back to the Stone Age!
Believe it or not, Mooriyar village is dotted with remnant called Dolemns that are believed to be more than thousand years’ old. Each of these structures have four gigantic rock cuttings serving as supporting with another massive stone on top of them. If you are history digger, this is surely the place for you!Best Time to Visit:
December to JanuaryInstructions for Tourists
Carry valid ID proofs while strolling around this historic site.Entry Fees
Not applicableEntry Timings
06:00AM – 06:00PM
13Anamudi:
An astounding peak that cuddles the clouds, Anamudi Peak rises up to 8,842ft and is famed as the highest peak in the entire of South India. A part of the mighty Western Ghats, this fascinating peak is a dream come true destination for the trekkers and hikers alike.
Also called the ‘Everest of South India’, Anamudi Peak resembles much to an elephant’s head. While its steep and rugged trails attracts thrill seekers, its bewildering beauty enchants nature lovers and photographers in a large number.
Best Time to Visit:
November to FebruaryInstructions for Tourists
There are certain rules and guidelines for trekking and hiking around Anamudi Peak; please check with the forest officials.Entry Fees
Covered in the entry fees of Eravikulam National Park.Entry Timings
Round the clock.
14Lockhart Gap:
Do you believe in fairy tales? If not, a visit to Lockhart Gap will make you believe in fairies and their tales! Located around 13km from the heart of Munnar, this vantage point serves as a befitting spot to enjoy panoramic views of Munnar’s unadulterated beauty and charm.
Lockhart Gap is basically a heart shaped gap between two nearby mountains, and thus, it is also called Lock Heart Gap by many. Whether you are a nature lover or adventure freak, you would surely fall in love with this surreal vantage point.Best Time to Visit:
Throughout the year.Instructions for Tourists
Don’t rely entirely on road signs as they are very less in number around the spot.Entry Fees
Not ApplicableEntry Timings
06:00AM – 06:00PM
15Cheeyapara Waterfalls:
While traversing the NH-49 or the Kochi-Madurai Highway, you will come across this enchanting waterfall. With water flowing down in seven tiers, Cheeyapara Waterfalls is around 42km from Munnar, and is a must visit destination while visiting the hill station.
A treasure trove for the nature lovers, the waterfall also serves as an ideal spot to spend fun times with family and friends. Trekkers and hikers find this place a picture-perfect destination to unravel the bountiful beauty of Kerala.
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Best Time to Visit:
Throughout the year.Instructions for Tourists
Avoid visiting in monsoons as landslides can be a major problem.Entry Fees
Not ApplicableEntry Timings
06:00AM – 06:00PM
16Life of Pi Church:
Have you been to Mount Carmel Church in Munnar? Well, maybe you didn’t, but you surely have surely seen this pious church in the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Life of Pi’? Yes, you heard right!
A major portion of the movie was shot in Munnar’s very own Mount Carmel Church, which also happens to be the first Catholic Church around the vicinity. Following the massive success of the movie, Mount Carmel Church started gaining popularity as the ‘Life of Pi Church’.
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