Things to Do in Munnar: Top Attractions & Activities in Munnar

Munnar does not disappoint, and its reputation is definitely not a hyped one. Nestled amid three mountain ranges in the Western Ghats, the hill town still offers one of the best travel experiences in South India, combining tea estates, wildlife, waterfalls, and viewpoints all in one trip. When compiling the list of Munnar activities to do while visiting, you will not face lack of choice and will struggle with having too much of it rather than vice versa. Here is a list of top Munnar attractions and activities to give your trip here a truly complete experience. 

Best Things to Do in Munnar

While discussing specific things or what to see in Munnar, it is useful to understand the general scheme of the trip. 

• The tourists usually devote some of their time to visit plantation estates, go hiking or do boating, make a couple of stops at viewpoints, and watch a waterfall or two. 
• Three to four days are enough to cover all the above-mentioned activities comfortably. A Munnar tour package can make it easier to plan your sightseeing, activities and daily travel without having to organise everything yourself.

Now let’s move on to specific activities to do in Munnar.

Explore Munnar’s Famous Tea Plantations

Visiting tea plantations is certainly a must when visiting Munnar. Green tea estates occupy a considerable part of the region and walking across them becomes a real highlight of the trip for many people.Several estates allow you to walk among the rows of tea bushes to get a better understanding of the way they are cultivated and harvested. Morning is the best time to visit them as the mist covers the plantations and then clears during the day.

Visit the Tea Museum

To get a better understanding of the story of the tea estates you should definitely visit the Tea Museum. Located inside one of the old tea estates it will tell the story of Munnar’s tea industry from cultivation methods to machinery used nowadays. The exhibits of the museum include vintage machines and photographs showing how the region became known as one of India’s largest tea producers. Most of the visits here end with the tasting session which will give you an idea about the tea varieties produced locally.

Explore Eravikulam National Park

One of Munnar’s most important natural attractions lies in the form of this national park, covering around ninety seven square kilometres of land. This is mainly due to the presence of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr which inhabit the park. Additionally, this national park is also quite famous for offering some of the best trekking routes through grasslands and shola forests that open into views of the valleys. Lucky visitors who make a trip to the national park during the right time may get the opportunity to witness the Neelakurinji, a flower that appears only once every twelve years, and turns the hills into blue.

Enjoy the Views at Top Station

Located at the highest point that is accessible in Munnar, Top Station gives visitors some of the best views in the region, extending towards the borders of the neighbouring state. Though getting there requires some time, since it involves a long drive that passes through dams, tea estates and the mountains along the way, the view from up there makes everything worth it.

Visit Mattupetty Dam

Located just a few minutes’ drive from town, Mattupetty Dam is one of the most relaxed attractions in the Munnar region. In addition to serving as a means of water storage that supports the region’s hydroelectric projects, it has been turned into a popular boating reservoir surrounded by hills that occasionally have elephants roaming around its water holes.

Enjoy Boating at Kundala Lake

The home of one of the oldest arc dams in Asia, Kundala Lake offers another enjoyable place for boating a short drive away from Mattupetty Dam. Located amidst mountains, the pedal boat ride at Kundala Lake has become a favourite activity among honeymooners in Munnar.

Chase Waterfalls Around Munnar

Since Munnar is full of waterfalls with different sizes and levels of accessibility, chasing after a few of the best waterfalls in Munnar can turn into a pleasant and rewarding day trip.

Attukad Waterfalls

Located around nine kilometres from town, Attukad Waterfalls lies along the scenic path linking Munnar with Pallivasal. There is a bridge close to the waterfall from which you can enjoy some great views, while the path leading to the waterfall is surrounded by dense greenery. A cup of tea from a nearby stall is a great way to experience the view at this place.

Lakkam Waterfalls

As opposed to the above-mentioned spots, Lakkam Waterfalls is located closer to Eravikulam National Park and represents a quieter destination, which is perfect for waterfall lovers who prefer a less populated option.

Cheeyappara & Valara Waterfalls

Both Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls offer impressive cascades that fall into several steps. They can be conveniently viewed right from the road. However, this place is often used as a point of departure and destination during travels in or out of Munnar rather than a separate destination.

Visit Munnar’s Best Viewpoints

Besides Top Station, there are several other viewpoints, which are worth visiting during your Munnar tour. In particular, Pothamedu Viewpoint provides amazing views of the tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations growing on the slopes of the mountain. Another beautiful viewpoint is Lockhart Gap that is located near Mattupetty and becomes especially popular at sunset due to the valley filling up with clouds and sunlight.

Go Trekking in Munnar

Trekking is one of the most exciting activities to do in Munnar. Treks in Munnar differ in length and difficulty, starting with a simple plantation walk and finishing with the climb to the top of the mountain. One of the most popular Munnar treks leads to the second highest peak in Western Ghats – Meesapulimala. This trek involves hiking through tea estates and jungle until climbers reach the top and see the fantastic view of the surroundings. Serious Munnar treks always require hiring a guide as it facilitates orientation and obtaining permits.

Experience a Jeep Safari

Jeep safaris allow experiencing Munnar from a different perspective without walking through the jungle yourself. The journey will involve driving along the back roads and visiting estates with subsequent stopping at a viewpoint or a waterfall, which is not easily reachable by regular tourists.

Go Camping in Munnar

During recent years, camping gained its popularity among travelers, who choose Munnar as a place to relax. In particular, this activity is often done in the higher areas, such as Top Station or near Eravikulam. Spending a night in the open air is a great opportunity to experience cool Munnar weather and the tranquillity of the place. Currently, there are several providers who organise camping trips for visitors. 

Explore Spice Plantations

Besides tea, Munnar plantations can be characterised by the cultivation of different spices. Munnar plantation walks are a great way to experience firsthand the cultivation of spices and coffee. In addition to the chance to see these crops in person, each walk will likely feature a guide who will explain how a specific spice is grown and harvested. These walks tend to be quite leisurely and educational, attracting travelers interested in agriculture of the region. 

Enjoy Wildlife Experiences

The fact that Munnar is located close to the areas of forest reserves makes it a perfect destination for wildlife watching. Besides the Nilgiri Tahr found in Eravikulam, the nearby sanctuaries will feature elephants, spotted deer, and numerous types of birds. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary will give you a unique opportunity to observe the population of Grizzled giant squirrels and endangered animals. 

Visit Indo-British Era & Cultural Attractions

In spite of the fact that Munnar has its Indian side, you may easily find several examples of the architecture typical of the era when India was ruled by Britain. The local churches with their characteristic stained glass windows represent quiet, peaceful, and even contemplative places to visit if you are not only interested in the nature of Munnar but also want to explore its cultural heritage. 

Shop in Munnar

If you want to purchase souvenirs to take home with you, visit Munnar’s shopping places which offer products made in Munnar such as spices, tea, chocolates, and handmade items. You will be able to see small shops selling these products in the market area near the town centre. Prices for these goods will be fairly reasonable compared to other hill stations in India. Spices in packets and estate-grown teas will probably be the most popular products to purchase here.

Try Local Food in Munnar

Local food of Munnar is mostly influenced by traditional cuisine of Kerala and features various kinds of appam, stew, and seafood. Moreover, many establishments will gladly offer you meals cooked using fresh products from the nearby estates which will make them especially tasty. It is also possible to taste street food such as tea and snacks served in the area of viewpoints making it one of the Munnar famous things.

Best Things to Do in Munnar at Night

It is impossible to say that Munnar is a night-life oriented destination. However, spending evenings here will consist of relaxing in your accommodation, taking part in organized bonfires by some hotels, or just enjoying cool evenings away from the noise of the city. The number of venues providing opportunities for stargazing is rather small due to the low light pollution in the town, yet that becomes one of the memorable highlights of many people’s night-time in the area.

Conclusion

Being one of the top hill stations in Kerala, Munnar can provide visitors with an excellent combination of nature and activities for those who seek an interesting tour, be it trekking, wildlife viewing, visiting tea plantations, and others. With all the above factors, there is much you can see and do in the town, making a trip there very enjoyable. In case you have difficulty planning your trip yourself and want to arrange everything in advance, using such a platform as PlanYourTour may be helpful in creating a proper itinerary that does not require additional travel back and forth and help you understand What to do in Munnar India.

FAQs

Q. Is Munnar good for adventure activities?

Yes, Munnar provides a rather diverse selection of adventure activities including trekking, jeep safari, camping, and wildlife tours in Eravikulam National Park and neighbouring reserves.

Q. What are the best things to do in Munnar for couples?

A couple can choose boating at Kundala Lake, enjoying the view at Lockhart Gap, staying at hotels close to tea plantations, and going camping.

Q. Is boating available in Munnar?

Yes, boating is possible at Mattupetty Dam and Kundala Lake where you can choose among different types of boats such as pedal boats and speed boats.

Q. What can I do in Munnar in one day? 

In one day you can visit a tea plantation, the Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, and one waterfall in the neighbourhood.

Q. How many days are enough for Munnar? 

The duration of three-four days is considered sufficient for sightseeing, doing at least two treks, and having a relaxed schedule without rushing around.

Q. What is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities in Munnar? 

September-May is the period of favourable weather when trekking and sightseeing can be done from October to February.

Q. What should I not miss in Munnar? 

You cannot miss the visit to Eravikulam National Park, tea plantations, and one viewpoint such as Top Station or Pothamedu.