Munnar is a well-known tourist destination in Kerala because of its extensive tea plantations, beautiful towns, meandering roads, and unique vegetation. It's without a doubt Kerala's most popular tourist attraction. Munnar, India's largest tea-growing region, is also a top hill resort destination. This charming hamlet in Kerala's the Western Ghats is at an elevation of 6000 feet.
Munnar is a stunning destination in Kerala, noted for its green belt of lush woods and endless expanse of tea farms. Neelakurinji and the Nilgiri Tahr are only two of the many endangered animals that call this area home. For the most part, visitors come to Kerala's hill stations to enjoy the natural beauty and diverse flora and fauna. The three rivers – Mattupetti, Periavaru, and Nallathanni – that run through the region add to its popularity, drawing tens of thousands of tourists each year.
The area's misty hills, clear lakes, and rocky terrain have made it a favorite trekking and camping destination. While hiking or camping, take a break at one of the many overlooks scattered around the area to take in the breathtaking views of the valleys, hills, and rivers.
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Things To Do In Munnar Kerala
Munnar is a tranquil haven in the Western Ghats, ideal for recharging yourself from the hustle-bustle of the city. Munnar and the surrounding area provide a plethora of tourist attractions and activities. All of them are ideal for an extended family holiday. Do the following for a happy Kerala holiday.
1. Visit a Tea Farm and a Tea Factory
When visiting Kerala, you must start and conclude your journey with a cup of tea. In this lush landscape, tea is everywhere you look. Munnar's temperature and elevation have made the region's valleys ideal places to produce a variety of plants, including tea. Since colonial times, tea has been the main source of income. Private tea farms like the TATA Group own most of the plantings in this area.
There are several tea estates in the area, but you can't just jump over the fence and go exploring. Trespassing is prohibited on these plantations since they are privately owned. If you're going on a tour of the estates, stop at the museum of the tea factory beforehand.
2. A hike in Munnar
Munnar's greatest treks are found here (note that all have to be done only with a guide)
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Tea Plantations Hike: Munnar offers a range of half-day and full-day tea plantation hikes. They're your best bet if you're serious about seeing the scenery. These aren't very difficult or time-consuming expeditions. Treks can be anything from 10 km to 20 km long on average.
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Phantom Mountain Hike: The walk up Phantom Mountain is only a short one. A 400-meter climb is part of the challenge. On this trek, you'll enjoy stunning vistas.
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Meesapulimala Trek: For many visitors, this climb is the most alluring one. It's roughly a 40-minute drive from Munnar and 4-6 hours of walking. The route takes you to a spectacular hilltop perched high above the skies.
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Guesthouse Hikes: A final alternative is to go on a hike from a guesthouse. All you have to do is stay at a guesthouse managed by locals. The proprietor of the guesthouses invites visitors on a short and hidden hike.
3. Go to a Thali Restaurant and Eat with Locals
A thali, or multi-course dinner, is served on a banana leaf and includes at least six tiny dishes covering all six tastes: sweet, salty, bitter, sour, astringent, and spicy.
This Keralan dish includes a mountain of locally sourced fat spotted rice, which you can only find in this region. When ordered as a fast lunch, Keralans refer to it as "meal" or "meals" on the menu.
4. A visit to Anakulam's Wild Elephant Village
Do you have an affinity for animals? If that's the case, don't forget about this spot.
Anakulam may be found around 40 kilometers from Munnar. Observe an elephant family in their natural environment from a respectful distance of 50 meters by visiting Anakulam. Elephants have herded in the jungle, and they come to the river daily to drink and play. Once in a while, you'll see them as they come to the lake to drink and play naturally. Human contact is prohibited.
5. Go to a Spice Plantation
A trip to a spice plantation is an extraordinary adventure. You'll learn about the cultivation of spices like pepper, cardamom, turmeric, and ginger, and some of the owners will detail the medical benefits of each one. These tours are an understatement about how little we value the origins of our food these days.
6. Take an Auto-rickshaw or Taxi Tour
Taking a private auto-rickshaw or taxi trip is the most convenient method to see some of Munnar's most famous attractions. Have you not planned a vacation anywhere in particular? These drivers provide pre-planned day trips, and their charges are primarily based on what you can get them to agree to.
You may explore the city by taking an auto-rickshaw or a cab. Also, keep in mind that you will not cover the event's admission costs.
Places To Visit In Munnar Kerala
Munnar is well-known for its ethereal ambiance and natural splendor. Your vacation will be more pleasant and unforgettable as a result of its fascinating beauty.
Here are a few places which you can visit during your holiday in Munnar Kerala.
1. Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty Dam is a water storage facility in the Idukki district of Kerala, around 13 kilometers from the center of the hill town. You may find a wide variety of plants and animals all around it due to the abundance of water. There's a good chance you'll see an Asiatic Elephant if you're lucky.
2. Kundala Lake
Munnar is around 20 kilometers away from Kundala Lake, an artificial lake. It is well-known for its abundance of natural beauty and allure. In addition to serving as a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, this lake is home to the 'NeelaKurunji,' a flower that only blooms every twelve years.
3. Top Station
you may have views of the Western Ghats from the Top Station. Near Munnar, at Top Station, you can see some of Munnar's most beautiful valleys.
4. Mattupetty Dairy Farm
The Indo-Swiss dairy farm at Mattupetty Dairy Farm is well-known. This dairy farm is a must-see in Munnar, thanks to its stunning location.
5. Echo Point
Echo Point is one of Munnar's most spectacular tourist attractions. Echo Point, around 15 km outside of Munnar, is considered one of the region's most ethereal attractions.
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Best Time To Visit Munnar, Kerala
Kerala and Munnar are best visited year-round. Nevertheless, Munnar is at its finest from October to November and from January to May in Munnar. By the end of September, the monsoon had all but ended. During the months of October and November, the weather becomes more pleasant as the Monsoon season draws to a close.
A new season arrives in Munnar at the end of February, while the old one departs. After a long, cold winter, you may anticipate temperatures to increase to a comfortable level and stay there through the end of May. It's recommended to schedule your trip to Munnar between October-November and January-May if you want to make the most of your stay there.
How To Reach Munnar
Munnar in Kerala's Idukki district, one of the state's most renowned hill stations, is located in a state known for its mystical beauty. It's full of beautiful tourist destinations with much to see and do. Are you unsure about how to go to Munnar? Coming here isn't a hassle at all. Munnar is easily accessible by plane, train, and road.
1. By Air
Munnar is 125 kilometers from Cochin International Airport, the nearest airport. It is easy to fly into and out of Cochin Airport from anywhere in India or the world. You may go to Munnar from Cochin by taking one of the airport-to-Munnar taxi services offered there.
2. By Rail
There are two main railway stations nearby: Kochi and Ernakulam. Kochi, also known as Ernakulam Junction, connects cities across India, including Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Mangalore, to Munnar. It's roughly 110 kilometers from the nearest train station, which is in Aluva. However, it is not a significant railway station and is not connected to cities around the country.
By Road
State and national roadways link Munnar to other areas of the country. To go to Munnar, you have two options: take a bus or rent a vehicle from the bus station. Drive about in a rental automobile, taking in the stunning scenery and the refreshing mountain air.
Conclusion
In addition to all of this, Munnar is also one of the most popular Indian honeymoon destinations. Plan a fun-filled trip to Munnar with your loved ones instead of an unforgettable time. So, what exactly are you putting off doing now? Pack your bags and explore God's own country.