High 20 Finest Locations To Go to In Munnar, Kerala (2023 Version) – Iris Holidays

When you hear about the best places to visit in Munnar,  Kerala it evokes memories of Greenery, Mountains covered with tea plantations, forests, wildlife, valleys, trekking, and mountains.  With a view that inspires painters, movie directors and artists who view the lakes and verdant tea gardens. As A mesmerizing hill station in the Idukki district of Kerala Munnar has a lot of places that are a must-visit and must-see.

Munnar is a combination of the work Moonnu – Three and Aar – Small River in the local language Malayalam and translates into Three rivers. The name Munnar would have originated from the fact that this hill station which was the erstwhile summer capital of the British was located in the confluence of three rivers – Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundaly rivers.

Refreshing breeze, mountains covered with mist and acres of tea plantations, beautiful valleys and mud roads between tea gardens, and some adventurous ride through the hairpin curves would definitely be enthralling to anyone, and that is exactly why Munnar is one among the most loved hill stations in India and Munnar Tourism is well known. Stretched along the Western Ghats, this ‘hill range’ as it is widely called, has many breathtaking sights and landscapes perfect for a honeymoon and even for a family vacation.

Best Season to visit Munnar

Munnar has emerged as an all-season destination. The tourist season at Munnar, like all the other popular tourist destinations in Kerala starts from August and runs up to March. However, unlike other destinations, Munnar has a summer season in April to May when crowds come to this cool hill station to escape the heat in the plains. Munnar is less crowded from June to July during the monsoon season.

Top 20 Best Places to Visit in Munnar

Some of the most popular places to visit in Munnar include Tourist spots like Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi, Devikulam, Nyayamakad, Muniyara Dolmens, Attukal Waterfalls, Photo Point, Echo Point, and Pothemadu and here is a list of Munnar Tourist Places that you should visit when you visit this tourist destination that is also called as “Kashmir of South India”

The beauty of the best places to visit in Munnar cannot be just written or explained, it has to be experienced and Munnar is the most popular spot among the popular tourist places in Kerala.

There are four routes for viewing all the tourist places in Munnar. Ernakulam, Coimbatore, Thekkady and Top Station. If you are planning  to cover all the places to visit in Munnar and it would require 2-3 days 

Here is a list of places to visit near Munnar and things to see when you visit Munnar

1. TATA Tea Museum

Tata Tea Museum is located at the Nallathanni estate and the museum has curios and photographs that trace the growth and evolution of tea plantations in Munnar right from the tea sapling to an automated tea factory where it is processed.

The Museum is a fitting tribute to the efforts put on by the initial planters in transforming one of the most popular hill stations and the epicentre of tea trade in Kerala: The entry fee to the Tata tea museum is Rs. 75 per person and you can enjoy a free cardamom tea along with the demonstration of the history of tea in Munnar. For tea lovers and history buffs, TATA Tea Museum should top the list of Munnar tourist places.

2. Cheeyapara Waterfalls

Known as one of the hottest trekking locations, Cheeyappara Waterfalls are one of the most popular Munnar Waterfalls. Cheeyappara Falls is on the way to Munnar after Neriamangalam and before Adimali and flows down in seven steps making a great view from the road near the second step from the bottom. Valara is another waterfall near Cheeyapara that is enclosed by dense natural jungles. Indeed, it is also a good spot to enjoy a break and have a hot tea before reaching Munnar.

3. Pothamedu ViewPoint

You can watch the beauty of the Munnar mist that is engulfing the green hills from Pothanmedu Viewpoint. The drive to the Pothamedu ViewPoint takes you over an old bridge and narrow roads and the views during the drive are also very scenic. You should try to sip the hot tea from the tea shop near the viewpoint to enjoy the feel of Munnar to the full. One of the most beautiful places to visit in Munnar for couples is Pothamedu View Point where nature can be found at its finest.

4. Attukad Waterfalls

One of nature’s most mesmerizing creations, the Attukal Waterfalls tops the list of  tourist places to visit in Munnar. Attukad Waterfalls is a must-go tourist spot in Munnar where you can view a waterfall amidst hills and jungles. The waterfalls are at a nice location between Munnar and pallivasal and the road to reach itself is so beautiful. There is a narrow bridge through which you can drive your car and watch the falls but this is slightly risky as there are potholes in the bridge. There’s a small tea shop cum viewpoint near the falls from which one can have a close look at the falls and sip a hot cup of cardamom tea.

5. Top Station

Overlooking the beautiful panoramic views of the Western Ghats is the Top station in Munnar which is one of the must-visit Munnar tourist places. Top Station is a viewpoint at the highest altitude in Munnar and is located at a distance of almost 40+ KM’s from Munnar and is one of the ideal places to visit in Munnar with family. If you are visiting Munnar, you need to be very lucky to reach the top station when the sky is clear – without fog.

It rains in Munnar frequently as a result of which fog covers the beautiful views from Munnar. The drive to the top station is pretty long but the drive has beautiful views, tea gardens, and two dams on the way. It is better to visit the Top Station initially and visit the dams etc on the way back if you are planning to start early from Munnar.

6.Kundala Lake

Pedal Boating Kundala Lake that costs Rs.150 per couple for each hour is a popular activity for Kerala Honeymoon packages. Kundala is Asia’s first arch dam and Neela Kurunji flowers which bloom once in twelve years, bloom in the hills and valleys around Kundala lake.  The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills, and the panoramic view make it worth a visit. Speed Boating is a popular activity in Kundala Lake.

7. Mattupetty Dam

Mattupetty is yet another eye candy in Munnar. Mattupetty Dam is one of the most captivating places to visit in Munnar. The Mattupetty Dam and Lake are celebrated tourist spots with an excellent view of the lake and tea plantations spread out to a wider area. Boating facilities are available to provide the visitors and  elephants are often seen here in Munnar. Mattupetti dam is a storage Concrete Gravity dam built in the mountains of Kerala, India to conserve water for hydroelectricity.

Instructions for Tourists – District Tourism Promotion Council has organized boating in Mattupetty Dam and if you are lucky you may be able to see some elephants as well. The most attractive part of the Mattupetty dam is its still water which reflects the tea gardens in the mountains around.

8. Eravikulam National Park

The Eravikulam National Park is a sanctuary located in Munnar to protect the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The place is the natural habitat of this rare mountain goat which is facing extinction. The National Park houses a variety of flora and fauna making it one of the best places to visit in Munnar. Rajamala region is the tourism zone of the Eravikulam National Park. Flee to Rajamala if you want to see herds of Nilgiri Tahr roaming around freely. No visitor is allowed beyond the tourist area due to security reasons.

Instructions for Tourists – The park closes during February-March for about 30 to 45 days and tourists won’t be allowed inside. The park opens its gates at 07:00 in the morning and closes by 18:00 in the evening. There is no online ticketing facility and please expect long queues on public holidays and weekends.

9. Marayoor Dolmens

Pristine, exotic, adventurous, diverse, and beautiful – Marayoor is a land of waterfalls, rivers, rocky hills, bamboo forests, sandalwood trees, cave temples, and paintings. Dolmens in Marayoor dates back to the stone age and in Malayalam, the dolmens are called Muniyaras or dwelling places of the Sadhus. Dolmens were created using slabs of rock, three for the sides and the fourth slab placed on top of these three as a roof. There are dolmens with 5 rock slabs as well where the 5th stone slab acts as a front wall with an opening as an entrance. Neelakurinji flowers that blossom only once every twelve years are yet another spectacular native of Marayoor as well.

Instructions for Tourists – Marayoor Dolmens are accessible from the road only at Kovilkadavu which is in the Marayoor Kanthalloor route at a distance of 48 kilometres from Munnar and at Pius Nagar which is at a distance of 50 kilometres from Munnar. Go for visiting Marayoor Dolmens only if you are interested in history as the climate of Marayoor is totally different from Munnar.

10. Anamudi Peak

Anamudi is the highest peak in the Western Ghats and South India and is situated 2695 meters above sea level and is one of the most enchanting sights in Munnar. The place is ideal for trekking and offers many activities if you love to explore something adventurous as it is the highest point in India outside the Himalayas. However, currently Trekking to Anamudi is banned as per court orders.

Instructions for Tourists – Anaimudi is inside the Eravikulam National Park and is prohibited for tourists by Kerala Forest Department.

11. Indo Swiss Diary Farm in Mattupetty

For those in search of some offbeat Munnar places to visit, Indo Swiss Dairy farm is your best bet. Indo Swiss diary farm project or Livestock project is located near Mattupetty Dam and is among the best Places to Visit in Munnar. This project was created t produce high yielding cattle and was launched in the year 1963 as part of the bilateral agreement between India and the Swiss government. The sight of the cattle grazing freely on the hills of the wide farm is a unique experience which any tourist can have ever in his life.This project is currently operated by the Kerala Livestock Development and Milk Marketing Board.

Instructions for Tourists – Indo Swiss diary farm project is not open to tourists at present

12. Lock hart Gap

Lockhart Gap also known as Lockheart Gap  is situated close to Mattupetty and is an ideal place for adventure trekking and adventure activities. This tourist spot in Munnar has fresh mountain air , mist clad tea garden hills and panoramic view of valleys in Munnar. The view of the tea plantations all around is simply breathtaking. The place is misty and cold, which adds to the overall experience. As a visitor you may feel very small standing here compared to the high altitude mountains that create the gap.

13. Blossom Park

Encircled by inescapable natural beauty at the banks of river Muthirappuzha, Blossom park is one of the most gorgeous Munnar tourist places. Hydel / Blossom Park is situated near the Pallivasal hydro-electric project and you can enjoy activities like Cycling, boating and roller skating as well as Hammocks& meditation caves. This is an ideal picnic spot for families who are looking for holidays with kids in Kerala and the entry fee is only Rs.10.

Instructions for Tourists – Entrance Fees to Blossom International Park is – Rs.10.00/ for adult and Rs.2.00/- for Kids and there are facilities for water cycling, boating etc

14. Meesapulimala

If you are into hiking, then Meesapulimala trekking will be a good activity to do in Munnar. Meeshapuliala is the 2nd highest place in south India and is one of the best places to see sunset and sun rise in South India. The trek starts from a place called silent valley and goes in between the tea gardens and forests. There is a place called Rhodo Mansion where you can stop in between for a break. You can stay in the tents at night. Get on top of Meesapulimala and if it is a cloudless day, you can see the beauty of Munnar Tea Gardens far and wide. Whatever be the season, the top of Meesapuliamala is always cold and water in the stream is icy cold as well. Meesapulimala is one of the coldest places to visit in Munnar at night.

15. Idli Hills in Munnar

Idli Hills in Munnar is towards thekkady route and is shaped like famous South Indian Snack Idli. These are essentially small hillocks growing tea appearing in the shape of idlis and looks like  Green Idlies from a distance

16. Chokramudi Peak

Chokramudi peak is a lovely deep valley full of lush green and is situated at 7,210 feet above sea level inside the Eravikulam National Park and is masked by lush green Shola forest. Chokramudi peak is the best spot in Munnar to watch sunrise. This is a popular Trekking spot among travelers when the trekking is permitted by authorities. When you do an early morning trek, not only you can witness the fiery sunrise but also view herds of Nilgiri Tahr departing for livestock. This tourist spot in Munnar is near Bison Valley at a distance of 23 KMs from Munnar Town.

Location: Near Bison Valley, Munnar
Entry fee: INR 400 per head
Timings: 5:30 am – 6:45 pm

17. Wonder Valley Adventure And Amusement Park

An eco-friendly park, and a favourite haunt for adventure enthusiasts, this amusement park is a huge attraction amongst the tourists that is like an escape in the lap of nature. The amusement park offers a myriad thrilling opportunity for adventure junkies to indulge in. With lots of activities and nature trails, one can enjoy a day outing at this park and never run out of ideas.

Location: No. 89, Chithirapuram P.O Anachal, Munnar, Kerala 685565
Entry fee: INR 1000 per head
Timings: 8:30 am – 6:45 pm

18. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in the Western Ghats, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is rich and has a diverse ecosystem that protects the ethnic cultural heritage and is a well-known repository of medicinal plants as well as a large population of wild species like elephants, crocodiles, tiger, leopard, and birds. The sanctuary is ideal for trekking expeditions and exploring the diverse flora and fauna.  It is common to see deer, peacocks and monkeys in this route.

Location: Munnar – Udumalpet Road, Munnar, Kerala 685612
Timings: 8 am – 5 pm
Entry fee: INR 10

19. Chinnakanal Waterfalls

Falling from a towering height of 800m, the sheer beauty of this waterfall can be spotted from miles away. Located about 16 km from Munnar, this waterfall is an excellent spot for watching sunset amongst tea gardens in Munnar. You can spend hours here and marvel at the sight of this mesmerizing waterfall that is said to have originated from scenic and sacred Devikulam Hills. However this waterfalls is not ideal for bathing and the area is foggy.

Location: NH-49, Chinnakanal, Kerala 685618
Timings: 6 am onwards
Entry fee: NA

20. Echo Point Munnar

Echo Point is on the way to Top Station the highest point in Munnar. The name derives from the fact that when you shout anything from this point, you will hear multiple echoes from various points opposite the lake. Echo Point gets its names from the echo that is generated when you shout and window shopping and sightseeing in the toy shops around this tourist spot is a popular pastime for guests visiting Munnar. This is one of the best photo spots in Munnar to take photos of Family or Honeymoon Couples. Guests can also enjoy activities like bird watching, boating, nature walks and short treks in nearby tea gardens

Location: NH-49, Chinnakanal, Kerala 685618
Timings: 6 am onwards
Entry fee: Rs.30  for adults and Rs.15 for kids

How to plan your visit to tourist places in Munnar?

Tourist Attractions in Munnar are spread over four routes Ernakulam Route, Coimbatore Route, Mattupetty Route and Thekkady Route. You can cover one route on your way to visit Munnar and one route on the day you are leaving from Munnar. Hence you can visit remaining  two routes in Munnar to cover all the tourist attractions in Munnar

ALSO SEE –  Get a FREE Munnar Tour Itinerary 

How to reach Munnar?

Kochi is the closest city to Munnar. However you can travel to Munnar from Coimbatore, Madurai, Thekkady  and Alleppey as well.

However, you can cut your travel time if you alight at the closest airport or railway station to Munnar.

Munnar does not have a railway station or airport and ‘Aluva’ is the nearest major town with a railway station which is situated at a distance of 90 kilometres. There is no train from Kochi to Munnar

Airports near Munnar include Kochi, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Calicut. The closest airport is Kochi International Airport which is at a distance of 110 Kilometers from Munnar Town.

Direct buses are also available to Munnar from all major towns in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

Distance to Munnar from Major cities

Munnar Tourist Map

If you have finally decided to go to Munnar, after reading about the best places to visit in Munnar here is a map of Munnar that will be helpful for your travel.

Tourist Map of Munnar with routes to Kochi, Thekkady, Coimbatore and Top Station

Some of the other places of interest here include Kalvari Mount, Meenuli, Nyayamakad, Pallivasal, Pothamedu, Power House Waterfalls and Rajamala.

With its verdant tea plantations covering acres of mountains and cool, misty air Munnar has always been rated among the most popular hill stations in Kerala. The breathtaking beauty of Munnar offers the opportunity to take Munnar Photos and a lot of mesmerizing lens moments to Photography enthusiasts who plan to visit Kerala.

Munnar Photos and Pictures

Here is a collection that displays photos that range from the mornings of Munnar to images that capture the tea gardens in Munnar. The photos will not solely be for the viewing pleasure of visitors but also will help them to get some free travel inspiration if they plan to visit Munnar.

These Munnar Photos are from the collections on Gireesh Gopi who contacted us after seeing our earlier post on Kerala Images and one of our guests Carmel Petri who was kind enough to share photos after his trip to Kerala and Goa with iris holidays

Munnar is also emerging as a destination for adventure tourism in Kerala with a stunning topography that is ideal for paragliding, trekking, and rock-climbing.

Planning for Visiting Munnar? Taking pictures in Munnar of your partner in the middle of a tea garden is among the most popular best things to do in Kerala and do make sure you come back with some cool travel memories that can be permanently etched in your mind and a photo frame in your home.

Now that you are aware of the amazing Munnar tourist places, plan your trip to Kerala with us.

If you have any questions to ask about the best places to visit in Munnar, let us know through comments and we would be happy to answer them same.