Munnar is the kind of place that lives in postcards and screensavers; endless tea carpets, mist gliding over hilltops, and cool breezes that smell of rain and leaves. Perched about 1,500–1,600 metres above sea level in Kerala’s Idukki district, this hill station is where travellers come to slow down, sip hot chai with a view, and explore some of South India’s most stunning landscapes.
How to Reach Munnar
There’s no airport or railway station in Munnar itself, but it’s well connected through Kochi and nearby cities.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (Kochi), about 110–125 kms away. From Kochi, it’s a 3.5–4.5 hours scenic drive up the ghats. Taxis, private cabs, and pre-booked transfers are easily available.
- By Rail: The nearest major railway stations are Ernakulam Junction (Kochi) and Aluva. From either station, you can take a bus or hire a cab to Munnar.
- By Road: The Kochi to Munnar distance is roughly 120 kms via NH 85, and the route is beautiful; waterfalls by the roadside, spice gardens, and viewpoints every few bends. State buses run from Kochi, Aluva, Madurai, and Coimbatore, however, for comfort and photo stops, a cab or self-drive is ideal.
Pro Tip: Prepare for winding mountain roads; if you’re prone to motion sickness, keep medicine handy.
Understanding Munnar Weather and the Best Time to Visit
Munnar weather is a traveller’s best friend and it is generally cool, fresh, and pleasant.
- October to March: The most popular time; cool days (15–25°C), crisp nights, ideal for sightseeing, treks, and long walks.
- April to early June: Warmer but still pleasant compared to the temperatures in the plains; good for tea estate hopping and family trips.
- Monsoon (June to September): Heavy rains, mist, and waterfalls in full glory. Great for those who love lush greenery, but outdoor plans can get disrupted. Some activities may pause due to safety.
If you’re chasing clear views and outdoor experiences like Eravikulam safaris and trekking, aim for November to March. Light woollens are always a good idea for evenings.
Must-Visit: Eravikulam National Park and Tea Museum
Eravikulam National Park: This is Munnar’s crown jewel. Spread over rolling grasslands, Eravikulam is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and, once every 12 years, the magical bloom of Neelakurinji flowers that paint the slopes purple. A park bus takes you uphill from the entry point, from where you walk along designated paths to viewpoints, watching valleys, shola forests, and, if lucky, herds of Tahr grazing.
There’s no private vehicle access inside; book tickets early in peak season and go in the morning for clearer views and fewer crowds.
Tea Museum (KDHP / Tata Tea Museum): Munnar and tea are inseparable. The Tea Museum near Nallathanni Estate showcases the journey of tea; from old machinery and photographs to live demonstrations of processing and tastings. It’s a compact but fascinating stop, especially for chai lovers who want to understand what’s really in their cup.
Top Places to Stay in Munnar
Munnar has everything from luxury resorts clinging to hillsides to heritage bungalows and budget homestays.
- Luxury Resorts: Properties like Windermere Estate, Blanket Hotel & Spa, and Chandys Windy Woods sit amidst tea gardens or valley edges and are perfect if you want spa time, infinity views, and in-house dining without stepping out too much.
- Mid-range Hotels: Options around Old Munnar and Chithirapuram offer easy access to main attractions, markets, and restaurants. Recommended for families and groups.
- Homestays & Bungalows: Plantation homestays around Devikulam, Anachal, and Chithirapuram let you experience local life, home-cooked food, and quiet corners away from the main town.
When choosing, check how far your stay is from Eravikulam, Tea Museum, and viewpoints; hill roads can turn a “few kilometres” into a 30–40 minute ride.
Local Travelling and Not-to-Miss Sightseeing Options
Local sightseeing is usually done by car or jeep; either your own cab, or day tours booked through hotels or agents. Autos are limited to town areas. Points that you shouldn’t miss include:
- Tea Gardens & Viewpoints: Almost any direction you look, there’s a tea carpet. Popular viewpoints include Pothamedu View Point, Lockhart Gap, and Photo Point, each offering sweeping valley views and perfect sunrise/sunset frames.
- Mattupetty Dam and Lake: A calm reservoir surrounded by hills. Here, enjoy speed boating, paddle boats, or just a quiet walk.
- Echo Point & Kundala Lake: Fun stopovers with lakeside views, boating, and that classic echo shout game.
- Attukal / Attukad Waterfalls: Cascades framed by thick greenery, the short walks and photo spots make them visitors’ favourites.
- Top Station: One of the highest accessible points around Munnar, rewarding you with cloud seas, neighbouring state – Tamil Nadu valley views, and cool winds. Especially stunning at sunrise.
Pro Tip: Plan 2–3 full days to enjoy these without rushing.
OЫeat Attractions and Detours
If you like wandering off the typical route, Munnar has plenty of quieter corners:
- Devikulam: A small hill hamlet with Sita Devi Lake, rolling meadows, and less commercial tea estates; great for peaceful walks.
- Meesapulimala & Chokramudi Peak: For trekkers, guided hikes here offer dramatic ridge walks, campsite possibilities, and stunning sunrise views. These usually require prior permits and local guides.
- Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary: A bit farther off, but rewarding for wildlife sightings (gaur, deer, sometimes elephants) and unique dry forests that contrast with Munnar’s wet greenery.
Extend Your Kerala Trip
A popular itinerary is Kochi — Munnar — Thekkady — Alleppey — Kochi.
- Thekkady (Periyar): Famous for Periyar Tiger Reserve, boat safaris, spice plantations, and bamboo rafting; about 3–4 hours from Munnar.
- Alleppey (Alappuzha): Combine hills and backwaters; drive down to Alleppey (4–5 hours) for houseboats, canoe rides, and village backwater tours.
What to Pack and How to Prepare
- Clothing: Light cottons for the day, a light jacket or shawl for evenings, and a rain jacket/umbrella if travelling between June–September.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes; many places involve small treks, hill paths, and uneven terrain.
- Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, cap, insect repellent, personal medicines, and reusable water bottles.
- Gear: Camera (or smartphone with good storage), power bank, and optionally a small backpack for day trips.
Munnar is relatively conservative; dress comfortably but modestly, especially in villages and religious sites.
What Makes Munnar Special
Unlike some hill stations that are now over-commercialised, Munnar still feels like a vast open-air garden. You don’t just “visit” it; you live inside its scenery for a few days. The combination of cool Munnar weather, tea heritage, accessible wildlife at Eravikulam National Park, and the simple joy of winding roads from Kochi makes it a dream base for both first-timers and seasoned travellers.
Sip local chai at a roadside stall, watch clouds roll over the tea slopes, listen to the rain on your cottage roof, and then drift off to sleep knowing you’re truly in heaven amidst God’s Own Country.
By: Anushka Singhal
