Places to visit in Munnar

If you are lucky enough to make it during the show timings, you will learn a lot that day. From the early history of Tea Plantation to how British brought Tea culture and cultivation in the region, the toil and hard work of the people who endured during those days, the machineries and tools, the entire process of cultivating, plucking, drying and final packaging of Tea; almost everything you learn in just a half an hour documentary that is played here. 

You will also get to see the typewriters, magneto phone, the hand tea roller, and manual calculators and iron oven which have been very useful tools during the earlier days. This is one of the best tourist places in Munnar.

Location: Nullatanni, Munnar, Kerala 685612

Timings: It remains closed on Monday and opens from 9 AM till 5 PM on all the remaining days of the week.

Entry fee: The entry fee for adults is INR 75 per head and for children of a particular age group is INR 35.

Check Out: Best Time of the Year to Visit Munnar 

Eravikulam National Park is located at a drive of 45 minutes from the City Centre of Munnar and is situated atop a summit of Western Ghats. Spread around a land stretch of 97 kilometers, this is one of the most sought place for Munnar sightseeing. It houses a plethora of flora and fauna and accounts itself amidst the other UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This amusement park in Munnar is one of the few places to visit in Munnar to enjoy myriads of fun activities such as Dashing Cars, 12D Rider, Zip Line, Charlie Chaplin Walk, and Natural Waterfall under one roof. This one and only amusement park are situated at Anachal in Munnar.

Embark on a journey to Top Station and find this beautiful mirror-like lake after around 20 KM of a drive. The breath-taking backdrops of green hill slopes, the majestic sunrises, the unparalleled beauty of cherry blossoms and a blue blanket of the famous Neela Kurunji flowers which bloom only once every twelve year makes this place a dreamy location and is one of the main places to see in Munnar.

This artificial lake has Asia’s first Arch dam and the water engages the tourists in different kinds of boating experience such as rowboats, Kashmirishikara boats, and pedal boats. A vast golf course that belongs to Tata Tea Ltd and a nearby waterfall known as Aruvikkad Waterfall is also situated in proximity to the lake which can be visited in a single trip.

Location: Kundale Lake, Kannan Devan Hills, Kerala 685615

Timings: All day.

Price: None.

Skirted by Eravikulam National Park in the south and by the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary in the north, Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is home to the famous endangered India grizzled giant squirrel, and also a soothing habitat for Elephants, Hanuman Monkeys, tufted grey langur, Gaur, Spotted Deer, Crocodile, Tiger, slender Loris, Leopard along with a plethora of plant and bird species which makes this place best for Munnar sightseeing.

The Forest Department and the Eco-development Committees of the local tribal communities encourage eco-tourism in the sanctuary enabling a wild encounter in a friendlier manner.

Location: Munnar - Udumalpet Road, Munnar, Kerala 685612

Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM

Entry fee: INR 10 for Indian adults, INR 5 for children and INR 100 for foreign nationals.

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As the name suggests, at Carmelagiri Elephant Park, one gets to indulge in some exhilarating excursions which take around the park while you settle atop the back of an Elephant. Take a half- day or an hour-long tour of the rolling verdant slopes, sprawling tea plantation, and a vibrant park full of sky touching trees, you would love the wilderness of the place.

The most sought-after destination in Munnar is Anamudi peak (8842 ft), the highest peak of South India. Trekking in Munnar on the misty path Rajamalai (Eravikulam) National Park and then following a view of what we know as “the Himalayas of South India” can leave you in a state of ecstasy. The place is a delight for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, mountaineers, trekkers, and photographers and also one of the best places to see in Munnar.

The hill is covered by variety of floras such as trees of sp.Bamboos, black wood, and teak trees and the famous Neelakurinji flowers which bloom once every 12 years, the wet grass on the slopes of the hill make trekking a difficult sport and that is you need to take special permission from Eravikulam National Park authorities to trek to the peak top.

Location: Idukki District, Munnar 685602

Timings: All day.

Entry fee: None.

Must Read: Best Camping Sites in Munnar

Right in the lap of hills in Munnar lies the Mattupetty Dam, named after the hill station of Mattupetty. This concrete storage gravity dam was constructed in the 1940s for hydropower generation and water conservation. Today, the dam is not only a major source of electricity in the region but also a popular tourist spot.

Around 15 KM from Munnar lies Rhodovalley which is famous for the blooming Rhodendron trees and there sits the peak of Meesapulimala at an elevation of 8000 ft above sea level. This is the first highest peak in the Munnar region that can be trekked as Anamudi has restrictions. The peak shares the border of Kerala and Tamilnadu and is a moderate trek of one day that goes through passing eight hills to reach the top.

From several swings to a small canal, from a maze of colorful flower on the banks to the soft grasses; The Park is an ideal location to unwind and relax in Munnar. Embrace the lush green vegetation around and relax listening to the chirps of migratory water birds. 

This refreshing piece of land is surrounded by hill slopes and is a place where serenity has its own voice.

Location: Aluva - Munnar Highway, Moolakadai, Munnar, Kerala 685612

Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM

Entry fee: The entry fee for children is INR 2 and for adults, it is INR 10 per head.

The emerald tea garden and the bright blue sky make the best backdrops for postcard-perfect pictures. Hidden in a mist of clouds are these emerald tea grounds, the rippling sound of serenity in the wind and vast land of greenery; Munnar is definitely more than just a tourist spot, it is more like an abode of Gods.

It would be unfair if you plan a trip to Munnar and do not travel a little further to see Kolukkumalai, a lesser known tea estate which is close to the border of Tamilnadu and claims to be the highest tea plantation in Munnar at a height of 8,100ft above sea level.

Location: Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Munnar.

Timings: 7 AM - 6 PM

Entry fee: INR 75

The Rose Garden in Munnar, Kerala, is a captivating garden known for its diverse range of flora and lush green landscape. Nestled around 3500 feet above sea level is the breathtaking Rose Garden Munnar, spread over approximately 2 acres of land. 

Macofa Chocolate Factory in Munnar is a must-visit destination for chocolate lovers. Nestled in the lush hills of Munnar, this factory offers a delightful experience where visitors can witness the intricate process of chocolate making. From selecting the finest cocoa beans to the final packaging, every step is meticulously handled to ensure top-quality chocolates.

The Cheeyappara Waterfalls is situated on the Kochi-Madurai Highway in Idukki district. The avalanche of water flowing down the seven tiers of the rocky mountain presents a remarkable sight. The sound of gushing water, the mist, the white froth, and swirling waters at the bottom the waterfall add charm to the place. The 2 acres stretch of evergreen forests on the huge mountain lends enchantment to the waterfalls. The rocky terrain allures mountaineers and trekkers to a testing battle.

Ranked amongst the top Munnar tourist places, Kuthumkal waterfall is an ideal place to spend some quality time with your family or friends. Located 28 km from Munnar go for a quick getaway to the waterfalls for some peacetime and serenity.

What stands out about the attraction is the constant mist emerging effect created by the high-velocity water flow from the waterfalls. Popular as a picnic spot, Kuthumkal Waterfalls and its ambiance is perfect for nature lovers. Those seeking an offbeat activity to do during your trip to Munnar, pack a picnic basket. drive outside the main city and spend an afternoon amidst the greenery near the waterfalls.

Location: Kuthumkal, Near Rajakkad, Kerala 685566.

Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM

Entry fee: None. 

Thirumeni Cultural Centre bestows you the chance of spending an evening in the beautiful set up of green hills, aromatic tea plains, misty skyline accompanied with goose bumping performances of Kalarippayattu and Kathakali, the two very famous and respected art forms of Kerala. 

You can also head to the make-up room to see the artists getting ready and ask questions if you have any of the Kathakali artists. In the one hour duration, the performance gives an overview of Kathakali art form. Enjoy the spellbound performance of Kathakali art piece which tells stories in a form of dancing movements, gestures, and expressions.

Kalarippayattu at the same time is a form of Martial art and includes agile gymnastic movements, the hard work, practice, and training is highly visible in this one-hour performance of Kalarippayattu. You would not stop clapping once the artists duel with knives, swords, and spears and somersault flawlessly.

Location: Silent Valley, Munnar, Kerala 685612

Timings: 5 - 6 PM & 7 - 8 PM(Kathakali shows), 6 - 7 PM & 8 - 9 PM(Kalarippayat) on all seven days of the week.

Entry fee: INR 300 per person.

The Hanging Bridge at 6th Mile in Munnar is a hidden gem that offers a unique experience for visitors to this lush hill station in Kerala. Located just a short drive from Munnar town, the bridge is suspended over a serene river, surrounded by dense greenery and rolling hills. This picturesque spot is not just a feat of engineering but also a tranquil retreat, perfect for those looking to connect with nature.

Letchmi Hills, located about 6 km from Munnar, is one of the top hidden gems to include in your Munnar tour package.It is known for its panoramic views of grasslands, rocky hillsides, shola forests and tea plantations.

The trek starts at an altitude of 4,659 feet and takes around 2 to 3 hours to reach 6,398 feet, which is the end point of the trek. The hills' natural beauty and vibrant wildlife, like the rare Nilgiri Tahr, offer tourists a refreshing escape from everyday stress.

The Lockhart Tea Factory, located in Munnar, Kerala, is one of the oldest tea factories in the region. The factory was constructed in 1936, before India's independence, and showcases the traditional methods of tea production, preserving the legacy of orthodox tea processing.

The Lockhart Tea Museum offers visitors a historical journey through Munnar’s tea plantations, dating back to 1879. It provides insights into the cultural, historical, and artistic significance of tea production in the region.

Lockhart Tea Museum contains various historic equipment used in the plantation like Shears, Mechanical Harvesting Machine, Drake and Fletcher Sprayer.

During your trip to Munnar, do what Munnar is known for best - its tea plantations. Plan a visit to one of the largest tea plantations in Munnar, Sevenmallay Tea Estate. Owned by Tata Tea Company, the stunning tea estate is located very close to Kanan Devan hills. Started in 1900, the estate’s name is an ode to the Hindu god ‘Shiv’ and ‘Mallay’ representing a hill.

Ripple Waterfalls, located in Kerala, is a captivating natural attraction nestled in the Western Ghats. This hidden gem is known for its serene beauty, where water cascades down a rocky cliff, creating a mesmerizing ripple effect as it hits the pool below. Surrounded by dense greenery and the rich biodiversity of Kerala's forests, Ripple Waterfalls offers a tranquil escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Lush amid the emerald green hillside Lakkam Waterfalls is one of the dreamiest places to visit in Munnar. The rambling waterfalls plunge down from the precipice of Eravikulam Plateau and meander its way to the splendorous Marayoor from Munnar.

The area surrounding the falls brims with deep forest trails, bewitching mountains, occasional visits by wild animals, and songs of both indigenous and exotic birds. If you are a lover for adventurous treks, then Lakkam Waterfalls is the best destination for you. The best time to visit the falls is after monsoon, from October to January, when the nature and all its fragments are in full bloom.

Location: Munnar - Udumalpet Road, Near Eravikulam National Park, Marayoor in Kerala-685620.

Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM (all days)

Price: The entry fee is INR 20 per person