Top 20 places to visit in Munnar

Munnar has something for everyone. Be it nature lover, fellow tourist, adventure seeker or wildlife photographer, this enchanting hill station in Idukki will charm everyone alike. From sightseeing spots to an up-close experience of plantation life to offbeat hamlets to thrilling hikes to serene landscapes, Munnar offers a myriad of experiences to visitors.

Here are the top 20 places recommended to visit in Munnar.

Eravikulam National Park

Located at around 15km from Munnar along the crest of Western Ghats, Eravikulam National Park is home to the endangered Nilgiris Tahr. Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years is another major attraction of the National Park.

Kundala Lake

At about 21 kms from Munnar, this artificial lake has Asia’a first arch dam which was constructed for the Pallivasal Hydro-Electric Project. Apart from the lush-green surroundings, tourists can engage in boating activities on the shikaras, pedal boats and row boats.

Pothamedu view Point

This vantage point situated 6kms away from Munnar is loved by trekkers and also offers panoramic views of the undulating expanse of mountains and valleys in Munnar.

Top Station

It is the highest point in Munnar and is situated in the Kannan Devan hills at an altitude of 1700 metres above the sea level offering mesmerizing views of the green carpeted hills of Munnar.

Attukad Waterfalls

Located between Munnar and Pallivasal, it is a charming cascade from a towering height. Best enjoyed during the monsoons, the site of the waterfalls is also preferred for trekking and hiking.

Kolukkumalai

At a height of 7900 ft above sea level, Kolukkumalai has the highest tea plantations in the world that produces distinct flavors of tea. With emerald rolling hills set against the blue skies, Kolukkumalai shouldn’t be missed while visiting Munnar.

Mattupetty Dam

A popular picnic spot for tourists visiting Munnar, Mattupetty dam is built amidst the green hills. The lake offers recreational activities like boating and just ahead the dam lies the Shola forest.

Marayoor Dolmens

On the hilly terrains of Marayoor, around 40 kms from Munnar, Muniyara Dolmens or megalithic burial chambers are located. Dating back to the Neolithic Age, these structures are held in high regards by archaeologists and anthropologists alike and also are a must-visit while at Munnar.

Anamudi Peak

It is the highest peak in South India at a height of 8842 ft and is situated in the Eravikulam National Park. Trekking to the mountain peak reveals breath-taking views of the Western Ghats and Munnar carpeted in lush green.

Lockhart Gap

Lockhart refers to the gap between two mountains which looks like the shape of a heart when seen from the vantage point. Ideal for trekking and mountaineering, this expansive panorama of picturesque landscape is 12 to 13 km away from Munnar on the way to Mattupetty.

Meesapulimala

At an elevation of 8000ft, Meesapulimala is another favourite peak in Munnar after Anamudi. Stunning view of the valleys shrouded in the mist is what makes meesapulimala a must-visit spot in Munnar.

Chinnar Wildife Sanctuary

Home to the endangered Indian grizzled giant squirrel, the sanctuary also provides a safe habitat for elephants, tigers, leopards, langurs, gaurs, spotted deers, etc. Numerous species of both exotic and native birds are also found here along with distinctive flora and fauna.

Echo Point

Located around 18 km away from Munnar on the way to Top Station, Echo Point amuses visitors with echoes as the name suggests. The panoramic view of the mist-clad hills and the picturesque lake make it a preferred picnic spot too.

Photo Point

A picturesque area on the Nilgiri slopes famous for the scenic photo opportunities, photo point is favourite spot to stop by for tourists. The rolling tea hills, swaying woods and the scenic locale make for some mesmerizing clicks.

Cheeyappara Waterfalls

Located in the Kochi-Madurai Highway, it is a seven-step fall in the rocky mountain amidst dense forest. Even though, the waterfall does not dry up during the summer, it is best enjoyed in monsoons with the gushing water cascading down making an awe-inspiring sight.

Devikulam

A panoramic little hill station near Munnar, Devikulam is rich in green hills of tea and spice plantations, as well as majestic mountains. With beautiful views all around and refreshing cool breeze, Devikulam offers a memorable trekking experience.

Pallivasal Falls

Located 8 kms away from Munnar near Devikulam, the falls is at the village of Pallivasal – the site for the first hydro-electric project in Kerala. Surrounded by unspoilt greenery and mist-laden mountains, the water cascade has scenic beauty in abundance.

Tata Tea Museum

Also known as the Kannan Devan Tea Museum, it is situated at the Nallathanni estate and depicts the origin and growth of tea plantations in Munnar. Along with tracing the history of tea culture, one can also view ancient machinery and tools of tea production like the tea roller, the Pelton wheel used for power generation, magneto phone, iron oven, typewriters, etc.

Chithirapuram

A quaint hill-side village located 10 km away from Munnar town, Chithirapuram is home to an old world charm. The locale is dotted with tea gardens, tiny cottages and old bungalows that narrate the story of colonial heritage.

Chokramudi Peak

It is an isolated mountainous peak in the Eravikulam National Park at an elevation of 7200 ft above sea level. Chokramudi can be accessed by a short and easy trek which starts from Pothamedu and through the lush Shola forest.