Munnar is known as the Mini Kashmir of South India. Located at a height of 1500 meters above sea level, this mesmerizing beauty has stolen many hearts. The three rivers, Mattupetty, Periyavaru and Nallathanni that flows through this region gives it the unique name Munnar (which means three rivers).With smooth curvy roads, vast stretches of sprawling tea plantations , pleasant weather, pristine rivers, lively waterfalls and vast Evergreen forests, Munnar is quite a popular destination for honeymoons as well as for family vacations . The place used to be a summer holiday home of the British during the colonial period and was popularly known as The High range of Travancore.
Planning a honeymoon with your better half? With the cozy hills around, cool breezy climate and breathtaking views, your honeymoon can be made even special in Munnar. Take your cliché honeymoon out of the hotel room and enjoy unique experiences together. Go for trekking in the hills and camp under the starry night. Get some adrenaline rush with trekking through tea plantations, go cycling through the edgy mountain roads, enjoy some unique Kerala food from local tea shops and embrace each other in the orange tint of a beautiful sunset. With so much romantic vibe around, how can you not choose Munnar for your honeymoon?
If it is a family holiday, a small get-together or even a simple family function, make it a memorable one by hosting it in Munnar. Family get-togethers are cherishing moments for everyone. Who wouldn’t love to share old memories and joke around with their kiths and kins? Share beautiful memories around a warm campfire, with drinks and hot snacks. After a fun sleepover, take your loved ones on memorable activities like sight-seeing, night safari, hiking through tea plantations, swimming in waterfalls or even a quiet picnic by the lakeside. Take memorable family portraits in picturesque locations that would be cherished forever.
Places to visit in Munnar
Be it a honeymoon or a family vacation, when it comes to listing the must visit places in Munnar, the list never ends. Here are a few spots that you shouldn’t miss out in your next trip to Munnar
Attukad Waterfalls : This is one of the four main waterfalls of Munnar. Located at a signature location with many varieties of flora and fauna around it, this is a must visit spot. You have to take a road and walk a few miles to reach this amazing waterfall. There are many activities you can do here. You can trek near the fall, go for a peaceful picnic by the rocks, enjoy wildlife sightings , spot birds like Nilgiri woodpigeon, Nilgiri flycatcher, Kerala laughing thrush etc. You can also try rappelling which is quite popular around this area. The best time to visit the falls would be from Mid-June to September.
Meesapulimala : Located 40 kilometers outside of Munnar, this beautiful paradise got its recent fame with its reference in the Malayalam movie ‘Charlie’. After driving to Silent valley, the trek consists about 4 to 6 hours of walking amidst blooming rhododendron trees. The peak is a border between Kerala and TamilNadu and needs a moderate trek over 8 hills to reach there. Being the highest peak in Munnar that can be trekked (the highest peak being Anamudi, has restrictions), there is a huge crowd every year that comes to trek here. The view at the top is indeed mesmerizing.
Kolukkumala : Located at a height of 7900 meters from sea level, this exotic location is famous for the beautiful view on the top. You can either go on an off-road jeep ride all the way up or trek for about 3 to 4 hours to reach the peak. Kolukkumalai view point is open from 8: AM to 10 PM.You can also visit the tea factory near the location. The Kolukkumalai tea factory has been here since the 1900s. You won’t get such premium quality tea anywhere else in South India. Made using the traditional orthodox method, the tea here has a special taste to it.
Anakulam : The wildlife village of Anakulam is a must visit spot when coming to Munnar. Located at a distance of 40 kilometers from Munnar, this is a heaven for elephant lovers. Herds of elephants come from the other side of the forest to drink water from a spring daily. The unique fresh taste of the water still remains a mystery for the locals. The scene of baby elephants running around in the stream will truly melt your heart.
Tea plantations : Tea is the main cash crop of Munnar from the time of British rule. The bright sunlight and cool climate are apt for the abundant growth of tea leaves. It might be amusing to note that there are over 50 tea plantations in Munnar alone. Some of the major ones are AVT, Michael’s tea, Brooke Bond, Harrison Malayalam etc. The huge hills are adorned with lush green carpets of tea leaves. Though it may be tempting to just jump over the fences, you have to take prior permission to visit each plantation. You can also visit the popular spice farms of Munnar, where locals would explain the medicinal properties of Ginger, pepper, cardamom, turmeric etc. You would get to see how these plants are cultivated and harvested.
Tea Museum : Kerala’s first tea museum is located in Nallathanni estate of Munnar. The museum shows the history of tea cultivation from 1876. The famous tea museum has some memorable things from the past like granite sundial from 1913 made by the art Industrial school at Nazreth, an ancient tea roller from 1905, a rotor vane, a Pelton wheel from 1920, a rail engine of Kundala valley light railway. After seeing all the artifacts, you can also participate in the famous tea tasting happening here. The museum has been visited by over 2.5 million people since its inauguration.
Pothanmedu View point : Watch a memorable sunrise with your loved ones at Pothanmedu Viewpoint. The whole area would be filled with an orange hue during the time of sunrise. The view when coupled with the amazing landscape in the background makes it a great destination to go with your loved ones
Cheeyapara Waterfall : This is the first waterfall you will see as you come from Ernakulam to Munnar. This seven stepped waterfall is really picturesque and a great photo location. You can also see Valarafalls originating from Deviyarand crashing from a height of 1000 meters in the forest, from the other side of the road.
Lakkam waterfalls : Being a major waterfall in Munnar, chances are high for it to be a bit crowded. Still if you go early in the morning, you can enjoy a memorable picnic.
Eravikulam National Park : With over 20 exotic species of animals, UNESCO has recognized Eravikulam National Park as a world heritage site. The best time to visit is from September to May. The park would be open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Top Station Viewpoint : Being a popular view point of Munnar, Top Station is most likely to be crowded always. However, you can explore the peak during early morning. There used to a train that used to stop at this point and that is how the place got its name.
The best time to visit Munnar would be from December to February when the temperature drops to 15 degree. It is an ideal time to try out rappelling and trekking. Munnar is also known for the charming summers. From March to October, as the temperature ranges from 19 to 35 degrees, there are many things to explore here. Monsoon is also very special here as the rivers and lakes turn full and the waterfalls roar with all its might. The forests would be colorful with flowers and birds.
Mattupettydam : Located 13 kilometers from the heart of the hill station, Mattupetty dam is more than just a reservoir. If you are lucky enough, you can spot elephants here. The best time to visit the dam is from August to May. There is no entry fee and you can visit here from 9:30 AM to 5:00PM. Mattupetty was once called as the Switzerland of South India by a traveler. It is for the Indo Swiss diary project that was once started here. Now, known as the Mattupetty dairy farm, you should visit this picturesque location while passing through this area.
Echo Point : Located just 15 kilometers from Munnar, echo point is a famous sightseeing spot of Munnar. You could hear echoes from this point long time back. But now due to over population, it has turned into a mere photo spot. You can visit here anytime except monsoon. The place is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00PM.
Kundala Lake : This artificial lake is a wonder for nature lovers. The spot is famous as a hotspot for the dense Neelakurinji bloom that happens once in 12 years. Bathing is strictly restricted here. The lake is open from 9: AM TO 5: PM.
With so much to explore and so many activities to do, who wouldn’t want to spend a vacation in Munnar? Be it a honeymoon, family get -together, friends meet up, bachelorette party, Munnar is sure to give you some sweet memories for life.