Have you been to the most beautiful hill station in South India? Well, perhaps it’s better to reframe the question. Have you been to Munnar? Munnar, the jewel hill of Kerala. You must visit Munnar at least once in your lifetime. She has a lot of beautiful gems to show you around. Let us leaf through some of the most ravishingly beautiful tourist spots in Munnar.
The cascading Attukad waterfalls -one of the main tourist spots in Munnar.
Head towards Attukad Waterfalls when you are in the mood to enjoy a mesmerising view of a cascading waterfall amidst lush greenery. The very moment you reach the premises, you can breathe in the aroma of medicinal plants wafting through the air. Attukad waterfall is one of the main tourist spots in Munnar.
It lies between Munnar and Pallivasal.To reach the destination, you need to cross a wooden bridge in the forest. No doubt, its location within the forest adds a whimsical charm to its beauty.
The waterfall appears white due to its gushing speed. Shot gaps of altitude separate the cascades. Hence, they follow a stepped pattern. Thus, you’ll get a hovering view of the waterfall. Due to this, make sure to pay a visit during monsoon or winter and feel its beauty at its peak.
The pool where the waterfall finally descends is a famous spot for bathing. You can take a dip to energise yourself. Besides, it is a popular trekking destination too. There are quite a few trekking trails worth exploring. The list doesn’t end here. You can also spot wild animals and enjoy birdwatching. It is one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Munnar that intrepid travellers, as well as families, will love equally.
They say view it from Pothamedu’s viewpoint.
Whether you are a trekker, a hiker, or a photophile, you cannot miss this tourist spot in Munnar. Pothemedu View Point is located 6km away from Munnar town. Pothamedu is actually a small village. At the top of the mountain lies this vantage viewpoint.
You may fail to fetch the right words to describe the beauty of the sunset view from Pothemdedu View Point. It is like a spectrum of colours adorning the atmosphere. Similarly, the panoramic view of the Munnar hills, carpeted with coffee, cardamom and tea plantations, is a beauty to behold. You can also catch a glimpse of the Idukki Arch Dam and the Muthirappuzha River.
Wilderness at Eravikulam National Park.
Eravikulam National Park or the abode of Nilgiri Tahr, lies along the Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala. To be precise, the location is at the base of Anamudi, the highest peak in the Western Ghats. It was declared a National Park in 1978 to protect the Nilgiri Tahr, which is endemic to the Nilgiri hills. The park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rich in flora and fauna, the park is famous for its biologically diverse shola forests. It is the sole undisturbed shola ecosystem in the Western Ghats. Apart from Nilgiri Tahr, there are other species such as Indian bison, jackals, lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs, tigers, leopards, and barking deer in the park.
The park is just 15 km away from Munnar. You can reach the park by road from Cochin or Kottayam. From the main road, travel 5 km and you will reach the Rajamallay checkpost. You can buy entry tickets from there.
Make sure to arrive between 7 AM and 6 PM. There is another important detail you have to take note of. They don’t allow visitors for 50 days from the 1st of February because Nilgiri Tahrs breed during this period.
Pan the camera. It’s Photopoint.
Photopoint, a photogenic beauty, is one of the must-visit tourist spots for you in Munnar, especially if you are a photophile. Its location is just 3km away from Munnar town, along the route to Mattupetty. Here, you can see the spice and tea plantations carpeting the region. The point is flanked by the Tata Tea Gardens of the Kannan Devan Hills. Similarly, there are rows of silver oak trees. They add a special charm to its beauty.
Apart from photographing the tea plantations, you can also capture brooks falling down the Nilgiri hills. Another interesting thing to do is take a picture of yourself dressed as a tea plucker plucking tea leaves. Costumes are available for a small fee.
There are other tourist attractions like the Carmelagiri Elephant Park, CSI Christ Church, KFDC Floriculture Centre, and the Thirumeny Cultural Centre Munnar near the Photo Point.
Kundala Lake is always calm and composed.
Kunadala Lake is one of the main tourist spots in Munnar. It lies on the way to Top Station. The lake flanked by western ghats sits at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level. As its home is in the lap of the Western Ghats, it has a pristine beauty that will leave you awestruck.
There is a dam by the lake- the Kundala Dam. It is Asia’s first arch dam. Apart from enjoying the calm atmosphere, the lake offers, you can have some fun too. The authorities have arranged facilities for kayaking and boating on the lake. There is timing for the activities. Reach there between 9 AM and 5 PM.
Tea gardens -the mascots of Munnar.
When we talk about Munnar, a picture-perfect lush green tea garden is the iconic image that comes to our minds. These vibrant tea gardens are Munnar’s mascots. Alongside, there are tea factories and museums. Therefore, apart from leisurely walks, you can learn more about tea and its past, present and future. Moreover, it’s the perfect time to taste different varieties of tea as well.
As you are about to visit Munnar, make sure you are not missing out on top tea estates in Munnar. Tata Tea Museum and Estate, Kolulkkumalai Tea Estate, Lockhart Tea Museum and Estate, AVT Tea Estate, and Harrison Malayalam Tea Estate are some of the tea estates you can pay a visit.
The pristine beauty of Mattuppetty Dam and Lake.
Mattupetty Dam is one of the main tourist spots in Munnar. Just 13 km away from Munnar town, the dam is a must-visit destination. This 1940-built dam is a concrete gravity dam. It is the main source of electricity in Munnar.
Take a leisurely stroll along the dam and you’ll reach the Mattupetty lake. Being a perennial lake, it attracts animals. You can spot herds of elephants on the banks of the lake. The tranquil waters reflect the surrounding tea gardens. This mesmerising view is a beauty to behold.
The District Tourism Promotion Council of Idukki organises boating on the lake. Speedboats and pedal boats are available for you to take in all the beauty of the lake and the surrounding nature.
Additionally, Just 3 km away, you can visit the dairy farm operated by the Indo-Swiss Dairy Project. Here, you can see various high-yielding varieties of cattle.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary- the dirtiest but beautiful.
The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Devikulam taluk of the Idukki district. The sanctuary falls on the rainshadow region of the Western Ghats. It stands out for its thorn scrub jungle. Hence, the flora resembles that of the Deccan region. Unlike other regions, it lacks evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. It makes the sanctuary one of the driest ones.
Another attraction is the sanctuary’s position. The Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary surrounds it to the north and east, while the Eravikulam National Park lies to the west.
The sanctuary is famous for its rich flora and fauna. Different varieties of plants and animals are easy to spot within the sanctuary. Indian leopard, gaur, Bengal tiger, Nilgiri tahr, grizzled giant squirrel, and sambar deer are some of the mammal species awaiting you at the sanctuary. You can also enjoy the chirping of birds including the throated bulbul, little egret, and serpent eagle. Besides, there are myriad species of butterflies, reptiles, and amphibians. Likewise, various species of flowering plants give a visual treat for the visitors.
Ride along the state highway 17, and you’ll reach the sanctuary. It is one of the major tourist spots in Munnar that offers an irresistible temptation to tourists.
Top Station at the top of the world.
As the highest point in Munnar, Top Station is one of the most sought-after tourist spots in Munnar. It is located 1700 meters above sea level. Its vantage position on the Kannan Devan Hills offers a breathtakingly beautiful panoramic view of the hills, valleys, tea plantation, and waterfalls, surrounding the area. The bird’s eye view of the Theni Valley from here is worth admiring. Along the route, you can visit the Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kurinjimala Sanctuary. It’s an added advantage.
On another note, the Top Station is the perfect destination to capture some beautiful shots of unmatched beauty. The towns, the valleys, the hills, the tea gardens, and the waterfalls, all are looking up to your lens. Capture them as early as possible.
You can camp, hike and trek at the Top Station. Indeed, Top Station is a popular tourist spot for adventure enthusiasts.
Lockhart Gap is where the heart lies.
Lockhart Gap is one of the major tourist spots in Munnar. Travel 12 km from Munnar and you’ll reach there. It is actually a gap between two mountains, and it looks like the shape of the heart. Thick forests surround the gap.
There is Lockhart Gap View Point. From here, you can pan the camera for the surrounding beautiful views of the tea gardens, winding roads and blue hills. The setting crimson sun is another mesmerising view from this viewpoint. Valleys and hills covered in mist are indeed a sight for sore eyes.
Furthermore, you can go trekking and hiking here. It is one of the major tourist spots in Munnar that adventure lovers always want to explore. If you want to admire Munnar’s geography in its full splendour, then don’t miss the Lockhart gap.
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is a vintage charm.
You are reading about India’s highest tea estate. Yes, it is the Kolukkumalai tea estate, located at an altitude of 7,130 feet. This high altitude is the main reason behind the unique flavour and the highest quality of Kolukkumalai tea. Thus, it tastes different from other varieties of tea.
Reaching there is an offroad adventure. You can access the destination via a jeep ride as it has an undulating and rugged terrain. The road trip through the picturesque trail is something you will cherish forever.
Once you reach there, it is the world of tea and tea production. The fresh aroma of tea is there to welcome you. From plucking and processing to final packaging, you can witness the sophisticated journey of a tea leaf turning into fine, aromatic tea.
When it comes to nature, you can view the plains of Tamilnadu and the hills of Kerala from Kolukkumalai Tea Estate. You can stay and enjoy all this. There is a guesthouse for travellers to stay. You’ll get food and accommodation. Enjoy a stay there and enjoy the sunset and sunrise views. Sunday is a holiday. On all other days, you can visit the place from 7 AM to 6 PM.
The Echo Point to echo you.
The echo phenomenon gives it the name, Echo Point. It is approximately 15 kilometres away from Munnar town and sits at 600 ft altitude. Here, you can hear your voice echo back to you through the surrounding hills. Its position at the confluence of three mountain ranges is the reason behind it.
Besides the natural echo phenomenon, the point is famous for the beautiful view it offers. Hills and Kundala Lake surround the point. It ensures a panoramic view of nature. You can also engage in mountain biking, trekking, boating and birdwatching.
When you are setting off to Echo Point, pursue the Mattuetty Dam-Kundala Dam-Echo Point-Top Station route. The visiting time is between 6 AM and 5 PM.
Tata Tea Museum is all about tea and more.
Tata Tea Museum or the Kannan Devan Tea Museum is one of the major tourist spots in Munnar you cannot skip. The museum is in the Nallathanni estate and is just a 5-minute drive from Munnar town.
Here, you can learn all about the Indian tea plantation industry. Alongside tea production, you can also see vintage tea processing machinery and other curious artefacts related to tea. Besides, you can savour different varieties of tea. The museum has an outlet for you to buy authentic tea power at a reasonable cost.
If you want to explore an iconic tea museum, then the Tata Tea Museum is the answer. 9 AM to 5 PM is the visiting time.
When the Rose Garden Blossoms.
Some fragrances have a mystical charm, and rose fragrance tops the list. Munnar knows this, which is why she welcomes you to her Rose garden. Its location is just two kilometres away from Munnar town.
The Rose Garden spans about two acres of land. It showcases varieties of Roses and other flowering plants. Besides, the garden is home to a variety of flora including plants and plantations such as amla and cardamom. Likewise, many tropical fruits, such as strawberries and litchee, grow there. You can also buy garden fresh vegetables, farm-grown coffee and natural honey.
The Rose Garden arranges eco-friendly homestays. Last but not least, it also houses a Floriculture Centre. Kerala Forest Development Centres runs the centre. This centre has a herbal garden alongside a variety of flowers.
Let’s wrap up.
Let’s meet in Munnar. Make sure you make the most out of your Munnar diaries. Bon voyage.
