Munnar, a town in the Western Ghats Mountain Range in Idukki, is a hill station and former British Raj elite. A celebrated honeymoon destination, Munnar is also recognised as the “Kashmir of South India”. The primary factors of Munnar tourism are the climate and tea plantations. The panoramic sceneries of nature calls out to nature idolizers and explorers. Snuggling in between the scenic landscape of nature, these tourist attractions guarantee a revitalising and exhilarating retreat for everyone, including adventurous backpackers, couples, families and friends. Munnar offers a rejuvinating vacation whether it’s a laid back one or adventurous one. Surreal sunrise at Kundala lake to a lovely picnic at Attukad waterfalls with family, Munnar is a heavenly retirement for everyone.
The top tourists spots in Munnar includes Echo Point, Attukad Waterfalls, Top Station, TATA Tea Museum, Kundala Lake, Marayoor Dolmens, Anamudi, Mattupetti Dam, Meesapulimala, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Eravikulam National Park. The Echo Point is chiefly the convergence of three famous Southern Indian ranges. Be it a refreshing walk around the hill slope, or a trip to the hill top, Echo Point is a paradise for adventurous daredevils. Amongst the most fascinating attractions at Echo Point are the rare Neelakurinji flowers that blooms once every twelve years, thereby enhancing the beauty of the entire valley. Boating and bird watching are the focal activities in this area.
A visit to the most famous mountain springs around Munnar cannot be missed, one such as the Attukad falls, whether you are a travelling free spirit, nature photography lover, bird watcher or just a holiday maker on the Nilgiri side of Kerala. Trekking, wildlife sightings, birding and rappelling are the major activities in this place. The highest point in Munnar, Top Station, avails blissful panoramic visuals of the Western Ghats and the valley of Theni in Tamil Nadu. Safari adventure is an activity available here. The TATA Tea Museum, also known as the KDHP Museum, stands as a memorial to all the pathfinders of tea plantations of Munnar for making it one of the major tea distributors of Kerala.
The historical dam that shares its name with the lake is one of Kundala lake’s main attractions. Kundala is a heavenly abode of flowers with Cherry Blossoms that blooms twice year and the world famous Neelakurinji flower blooming once in twelve years. The Sethu Parvathi Dam and Golf Course are the nearby tourist sites in this area. The activities include boat riding, Shikhara cruise, golfing, etc. Marayoor Dolmens is another fascinating tourist spot in Munnar with its fifteen types of Dolmens belonging to Neolithic Age and some which belongs to the Iron Age. It is also famous for prehistoric paintings, thick sandalwood forests and prehistoric structures making it exploratory in historical sense. Anamudi, the highest peak in Southern India, is a photographer’s delight and trekker’s paradise. It hosts the endangered Asian elephants, Nilgiri Tahr and Gaur. Known as the “Everest of South India”, it is a place for daredevil acts like trekking and hiking. Camping sites are also available near the peak.
Mattupetty Dam avails activities like bird watching, water sports, boating, which are legal and safe since they are organised by District Tourism Council of Idukki (Munnar). Trekking, hiking and water sports activities like speed boating attracts a lot of adrenaline junkies. Meesapulimala, the second highest peak when it comes to the mountain ranges in the Western Ghats is a trekker’s dream come true. The trek that covers eight hills on the borders of Kerala, offers some of the most spectacular and stunning views of the region. It has also been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Chinna Wildlife Sanctuary also has been claimed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Sanctuary and, offers trekking and safari trips. Fully furnished treehouses are available here with breakfast and dinner facility. Eravikulam National Park, with the eco-tourism activities and regular education camps, is another important tourist spot. It is permeated with Anamudi (highest peak of Kerala), Chokramudi peak and Lakkom waterfalls.
Other mentionable spots in Munnar are the Potamedu View Point, Carmelgiri Elephant Park, Photo Point, Devikukam, Lockhart Gap, Nyayamakad Waterfalls, Thirumeni Culture Centre, Flori Culture Centre, Powerhouse or Chinnakanal Waterfalls, Palivasal Falls, Valara Falls, Anayirankal Dam and Chithirapuram. Famous outdoor activities like para gliding, hiking, trekking, boating, parasailing and mountaineering are possible to engage and enjoy in these spots.
Luxury resorts and hotels in Munnar that offers deluxe rooms and first class services are recommended for couples while mid-ranged and budget hotels are also available for a lower expense. Service apartments or Apart hotels are another option to consider, especially in case of family trips. Though this option is expensive, it is the best one for long stays. Ashrams with Ayurvedic treatment and yoga training are also available in Munnar. Dormitory is another option accessible especially for backpackers and lone travellers who are looking for a low expense. Camping in Munnar proposes different choices like nature camping, hilltop camping, budget camping, and mountain view camping. House stays in Munnar submits options like farm s
