Surrounded by rolling hills filled with meticulously-sculpted bushes of tea and a breathtaking view of the Western Ghats mountain range and beyond, Munnar is a dream destination for nature lovers and tea enthusiasts alike! Though the city is mostly known for attractions outside the city, there are also countless things to do in Munnar: check out the Tea Museum, The Blossom International Park, and the Pothamedu View Point before heading out to Attukad Waterfalls and Mattupetty Dam to get your fill of nature.
Feel close to nature at the Eravikulam National Park, a wildlife park in the Kannan Devan Hills built to protect endangered animals such as the Nilgiri Tahr, a wild mountain goat species. Offering a magnificent view of the nearby hills used as tea plantations, it’s one of the best places in Munnar for taking photos. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see the blue Neelakurinji flowers in bloom, which only happens once every 12 years! To avoid queues, book your tickets in advance and go in the morning.
Created in the 1940s for the purpose of water conservation, Mattupetty Dam is now a concrete gravity dam that generates hydroelectricity for the city. Nestled in the hills, the dam has now become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Munnar because of its scenery and wildlife. As you admire the dam’s clear waters, which beautifully reflects the bright green tea leaves in the valleys, you’ll get to see some of the local fauna as well. You can even go boating on the dam with a speed boat or hiking in the nearby Shola forest!
The highest peak in the Western Ghats mountain range and in South India, Anamudi towers at 2,695 meters tall. If you’re up for the hike, you’ll be treated to a beautiful view of the surrounding tea plantations and get a chance to meet some local wildlife species such as elephants. There are also some nearby camping grounds that are ideal for travelers who want to spend a couple of days at the peak. For a relaxed visit, go on a guided tour to Eravikulam National Park and observe the peak from the viewpoint.
Experience some of Munnar’s best views of the coffee, tea, and cardamom plantation in the surrounding valleys with a trip to Pothamedu View Point! Take some time to appreciate the amazing sight and snap some memorable photos before you explore the nearby tea gardens and tea shops for more photos and even a cup of tea! Visit in the afternoon to catch the gorgeous sunset and watch as the colors of the forest change from a lush green to a vivid orange.
Learn about the fascinating culture and rich history of tea in India at the Tea Museum, located in the heart of the city. Here you’ll get to enjoy documentaries detailing everything there is to know about tea, including how the first tea plantation in Kerala began, information on tea processing, and the different types of tea produced in the area, including white tea and green tea. There is also a shop inside the museum that sells various products like tea powders and even a stunning tea garden.
If you’ve got a free day and are looking for some interesting tourist places in Munnar, then we recommend taking a trip to The Blossom International Park. Filled with innumerable varieties of flowers and trees, it’s an ideal place to visit if you’re looking to enjoy a lazy day and take memorable photos. There is also a small aquarium with an accompanying fish spa if you’re interested in examining the local aquatic species. Visitors craving some thrill experiences will enjoy the zip line that’s available after paying a separate fee.
Get lost in nature with a day trip to the Attukad Waterfalls, a popular tourist landmark located outside of Munnar. Though driving to the falls themselves may prove to be a bit of a challenge, the beautiful sight of the falls thunderously crashing down is well worth the trouble! Around the falls, you’ll also get to see the nearby tea, cardamom, and coffee plantations and maybe even go on a trek through the jungle by using the hiking paths.
A beautiful high-altitude tea garden located outside of Munnar, the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is a stunning part of nature that any traveler has to see at least once! The entire garden is covered with lush green tea bushes, emphasized by the bright blue sky during sunny days. There is even an old factory on the plantation where you can watch how tea is made and buy some souvenirs. Adventurous travelers will enjoy hiking to Sunrise Point, which rewards you with an uninterrupted view of the valleys.
Though it may be a bit difficult to reach, Munnar’s Top Station Highway is a must-visit place for its beautiful view of the surrounding areas. The highest point in Munnar, you’ll get unobstructed views that are perfect for taking memorable pictures, especially if you go on the watchtower! Aside from the view, you’ll also get to enjoy the cool breeze as you sip on freshly-brewed tea and explore some nearby tea gardens.
Discover a variety of flora species at the KFDC Floriculture Centre, a local landmark in Munnar that’s known as a photographers’ haven. Here you can take stunning photos of the vivid flowers and learn about how they are grown. There is also a Should you wish to try growing these plants at home, seeds and saplings are available for purchase at the floriculture center. Note that the camera fee is not included in your ticket and will require a separate payment.
Munnar is known for its tea plantations, spectacular views, and nature excursions. To learn more about tea, visit the Tea Museum and the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate. For nature trips with good views, explore Pothamedu View Point or Eravikulam National Park.
Visit at any time from December to May to enjoy the city and its surroundings without having to deal with bad weather. Though visits in June-September are not recommended due to monsoons, travelers can partake in the Onam Festival if they visit in August-September (actual dates of the festival vary).
To immerse yourself in Munnar’s natural wonders, stay at resorts, homestays, and hotels at the Chinnakanal, Pallivasal, or Chittirapuram areas.