Munnar is an array of settings with sloping rich green tea fields, rushing streams along the hillsides, and winding rolling tracks. There are also some lovely things to enjoy while taking in the breathtaking scenery of peninsular India's largest tea-growing region. Everyone must participate in activities appropriate to the time and duration of the stay.
Munnar is a perfect location for a tranquil and healing break in the hills. There are several tourist attractions in Munnar and the surrounding areas. And each of them is ideal for spending the entire holiday with a good book and a cup of piping-warm tea. Read on to learn about the greatest things to do in Munnar.
Best Things To Do In Munnar For All The Nature Enthusiasts:
There are plenty of intriguing things to do in Munnar. Plan your schedule by selecting your chosen activities from the list below to maximize your holiday vacation in Munnar during your beautiful trip in Kerala. Scroll down and read on to learn more about the tempting things you may try!
1. Kolukkumalai Tea Estate Hopping:
Experience the delightful scent of the golden beverage at Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, one of the world's tallest tea farms. It is located at a height of 7900 feet, and the zigzag route through the Kolukkumalai Hills that leads to this tea estate in Munnar is really breathtaking.
The plantation, a popular tourist destination in Munnar, is world-renowned for its fragrant tea leaves. The century-old tea factory is a great venue to learn about traditional tea producing processes. If tea is an important part of your morning routine, you will be interested in how it is made.
2. Fun Mountain Biking:
Cycling enthusiasts can thrill at the tea estate town of Kerala. Mountain biking is one of Munnar's most popular adventure sports, and several sites, such as Suryanelli, Anamudi Shola, Kundala, Marayoor, and Vandanmedu, are ideal for it. Riding a two-wheeler around tight turns and curved roads, conquering hills and meadows, is the ultimate joy. This is an excellent thing to do in Munnar.
Many hotels and resorts provide bicycle rides for their visitors, and you may also rent a bike from Munnar cycle rental services. KDHP House in Idukki District and Gokulam Bike Hire are two popular options. As fun as mountain riding is, it is important to exercise caution.
3. Trek and Set a Camp - Echo Point:
Kerala offers a variety of adventure activities, and Munnar is a paradise for adventurers and fitness buffs, particularly hikers. Trekking to high altitudes like Echo Point and Top Station is one of the most popular things to do in Munnar.
Top Station is Munnar's highest point, offering a spectacular view of the town surrounded by valleys and hills. Trekking 32 kilometers to Top Station is physically exhausting and needs a lot of energy. Do not forget to bring your walking shoes and trekking gear. If you enjoy camping, Go Bananas offers mountain camping vacations to Shola National Park.
4. Plan a Picnic at Lakkam Waterfalls:
Munnar features multiple rocky streams that go down from a height, creating jump pools. Attukal, Lakkam, Chinnakanal, and Thoovanam are some of Munnar's famous waterfalls, and their dip pool regions provide excellent picnic locations for both visitors and residents. That is why Munnar is such a popular tourist destination.
Lakkam waterfalls, located on the Munnar-Marayoor highway, are surrounded by vaga trees and rushing cascades and provide an excellent picnic location in Munnar. While on a picnic at Attukal waterfalls, on the outskirts of Munnar town on the route to Pallivasal, arrange a short hike over the neighboring hills.
5. Water Sports in Mattupetty Dam:
Mattupetty Dam and the lake are stunning picturesque sites in Munnar, situated near Anamudi Peak and bordered by tea estates, spice gardens, and rolling hills. The dam area is also an excellent picnic site and a beautiful walking trail. The District Tourism Promotion Council operates boating facilities on Mattupetty Lake, including options for both speedboats and motorboats.
You can organize an intimate date or a picnic with your loved one, friends, or family. The scenery is breathtaking, and the fresh wind makes this a great picnic area. The area is surrounded by big green trees and numerous animals. The view improves as you approach closer to the center of the waterbody and away from the crowds.
6. Go Rare Animal Spotting:
Wild souls! Let us explore Munnar's dense and gloomy woods, biosphere reserves, national parks, and sanctuaries. Who knows, you could get lucky and discover some rare or almost extinct creatures and birds. Munnar's most frequented and popular wildlife places include Eravikulam National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Eravikulam National Park is located in Munnar's Kannan Devan Hills.
The national park is well-known for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The forest covers 97 square kilometers and is separated into three areas: core, buffer, and tourist. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located 60 kilometers from Munnar and is home to elephants, deer, and leopards. You could be lucky to see the nearly extinct grizzled giant squirrel.
7. Long Shikara Rides at Kundala Lake:
On the road to Top Station, you'll come across the Kundala dam and lake. Kundala Dam is Asia's first arch dam. Though it entices with its calm and beauty, you could be lucky to see the rare Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom only every 12 years in the nearby hills and valleys of Kundala Lake.
Boating at Kundala includes pedal boating, row boating, and shikara trips, which is one of the best things to do in Munnar. Boating in the center of the lake, surrounded by big trees and a pleasant cold wind, makes everything better. This is undoubtedly one of the best attractions to see in Munnar.
8. Plan an Elephant Safari at Carmelagiri Elephant Park:
Consider taking an elephant safari in the rugged terrain of Munnar. Carmelagiri Elephant Park offers a 'haathi mere saathi' experience that is enjoyable for both children and adults. Located on Mattupetty Road, the park is a popular Munnar tourist destination that provides brief elephant rides lasting 10-15 minutes.
It is one of the most attractive tourist attractions in Munnar, particularly for children.
Elephants may appear to be scary giants, yet they are not. They are trained elephants, and you will always be under the specialists' observation. Apart from riding elephants, you may also pet these massive beasts.
9. Relish the Local Cuisine:
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When you visit Munnar, sample the real native food. Saravana Bhavan is one of the greatest places in town to sample Malabar food. In addition, Bamboo Hut, Mezbaan Hotel, and Mayabazar are some of Munnar's most well-known restaurants. Exploring Kerala's Food Paradise is a wonderful thing to do in Munnar.
If you wish to learn how to cook, Nimi Sunil Kumar's classes are quite popular in Munnar. Nimi is a well-known culinary specialist who conducts cooking workshops for both locals and visitors. It's a fantastic notion to return from vacation after learning a few mouthwatering recipes from God's own nation.
10. Witness Rare Flowers at Blossom International Park:
Blossom International Park, located just 3 kilometers from the main city, is home to several unique types of trees and floral plants, making it one of the most unusual things to do in Munnar because few people visit. The park also offers a variety of other activities such as cycling, boating, and roller skating.
11. Pay a Visit to Mount Carmel Church:
Mount Carmel Church, one of Munnar's most prominent attractions, was founded in 1898 and is well-known as Munnar's first Catholic Church. It is said that Father Alphonse founded this church, and that after his death, his remains were buried there. You can enjoy some peaceful times here.
12. Plan Bonfire Around Campsites:
If you're wondering what to do in Munnar, the panoramic glory and lush environments provide the perfect backdrop for setting up a base camp and enjoying the raw beauty of the natural world with your friends or family. Munnar is a gorgeous town with great views to enjoy while camping at numerous spots, which is definitely one of the best things to do in Munnar.
13. Head to Dreamland Fun And Adventure Park for Thrill:
Dreamland Fun And Adventure Park is an outdoor adventure park in Munnar. It's a great spot to spend time with your family. The park offers a range of exciting activities such as camel rides, horseback riding, mountain biking, ziplining, and cable car rides. It also features a creepy home. However, one of the main attractions at Dreamland Fun And Adventure Park is the ATV ride. So, be sure to visit this thrilling spot with your family during your next Munnar vacation since it is one of the top things to see in Munnar.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Munnar has the appropriate balance of natural beauty, adventure, and peace, making it a wonderful destination for all types of tourists. Whether you're wandering through beautiful tea estates, discovering animal sanctuaries, or hiking up gorgeous mountains, Munnar's appeal will leave you with wonderful memories. Plan your schedule carefully to see the most of Munnar's calm scenery and lively culture. Your journey in the Western Ghats awaits!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is the best time to visit Munnar?
The best times to visit Munnar are October through March, when the weather is mild and suitable for sightseeing and adventure sports.
2. What are the must-see sights in Munnar?
Must-see attractions include the Tea Gardens, Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak, Mattupetty Dam, and Attukal Waterfalls.
3. Are there any adventurous activities in Munnar?
Yes, Munnar provides a variety of adventurous sports, including trekking, camping, paragliding, and rock climbing, notably around Meesapulimala and Anamudi.
4. Is there any appropriate place to stay in Munnar?
Munnar offers a variety of lodging alternatives, including luxury resorts, budget hotels, and homestays. Popular destinations include Chinnakanal, Munnar Town, and Devikulam.
5. What should I carry for my vacation to Munnar?
Pack lightweight woolens or warm clothes, good walking shoes, a headgear or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the breathtaking scenery!
6. Is there any native food that I should sample in Munnar?
Definitely taste the indigenous Kerala food, such as appam, puttu, and Kerala sadya. Munnar also serves a range of fresh teas and coffee.
7. Can I visit Munnar with my family?
Absolutely! Munnar is an excellent family vacation location, thanks to its natural beauty, agreeable weather, and family-friendly activities like the Tea Museum and Echo Point.
8. What wildlife can I find at Munnar?
Munnar is home to a varied range of wildlife, including the Nilgiri Tahr, elephants, many bird species, and butterflies. Eravikulam National Park is an excellent site for animal viewing.
9. How do I travel around Munnar?
You may get around Munnar by taking a cab or an autorickshaw. Renting a bike might provide a more adventurous experience. There are also local buses and scheduled trips available.
10. How long should I plan on staying in Munnar?
A 2 to 3-day vacation is usually enough to see the main sights and relax in the peaceful surroundings. However, if you want to do more things and rest, a 4- to 5-day stay is great.
