Munnar, the majestic hill station nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is renowned for its lush tea estates, winding roads, blanket of mist, and beautiful landscapes that offer the best scenic views of nature’s serenity. The main reason for travelers and tea aficionados to explore this beauty is the sprawling tea plantation and the flora and fauna, which is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This pristine destination is home to the rare Neelakurinji Flower that blossoms once in 12 years, as well as the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
Munnar is often visited with two other places, Alleppey and Thekkady, which are popular destinations in Kerala. As it’s a hilly region, many travelers enjoy adventurous and thrilling experiences at every site. This hill station is a haven for tea lovers; the authentic taste from the grounds of Munnar to your own home is a great memory that this place offers. Known for its authentic tea gardens, you can also find numerous kinds of spices and beverages, from cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and a variety of chocolates that can be bought from the number of shops spread across the hill town.
With TravelOi, Munnar Tea Garden Tour, you can explore Kerala’s beautiful lanes offering breathtaking views and the aroma of fresh tea, making it a must-try for a memorable journey. Read on to know more:
Places to Visit in Munnar Tour
1. Tea Gardens
The sprawling tea gardens of Munnar are a must-visit. One of the most visited top tea gardens in Munnar for visitors is the Kolukkumala Tea Estate and the Tata Tea Museum, which offers panoramic insights into tea production and mesmerizing views of the surrounding hills. The Kolukkumalai Tea factory claims to be one of the highest and world-renowned tea makers known for its flavoursome aroma. The Munnar tea plantation tour with this estate teaches you about how the tea leaves are freshly picked, rolled, sorted, fermented, and then manually packed, making it a fascinating experience.
2. Attukal Waterfalls
A tranquil waterfall located in Kerala’s Idukki district. Attukal is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a serene environment. This gem is tucked away in the lush greenery of Munnar and serves as a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. The mist-covered hills to the sound of the cascading water, this solace in Kerala Munnar tour packages is serving an ultimate experience of the thunderous roar of the monsoon to the serene beauty of the misty mornings, each experience will be remembered long after the journey ends. To capture the moments, get yourself clicked near the waterfall, and let your skin witness the cool mist of the heavenly power of nature.
3. Eravikulam National Park
The home to the endangered species, this national reserve offers dense green forests, rolling hills, and a chance to spot the rare wildlife species. This wildlife reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to endangered species like the Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr, leopard, Indian bison, and tigers. This park is also known for its beautiful landscapes, like Anamudi Peak, the highest point of Southern India, KFDC Flower Garden, and Rajamala. Lakkom Waterfalls and Marayoor Sandal Division are great retreats on your journey.
4. Pothamedu Viewpoint
This viewpoint is always included in the Munnar tea plantation tour, which provides the sweeping views of the tea plantations, coffee estates, and the dense green valleys of Munnar. Idukki Arch Dam, which is located at a distance of 60 km, is visible from this viewpoint on a clear day. It’s a popular spot for watching the sunrise and sunset and enjoying sightseeing with your partner or family. Apart from the mesmerizing views and trekking opportunities, the place proves to be an excellent spot for photography. This viewpoint is a must-visit if you’re looking for a refreshing holiday.
5. Top Stations
Located at the highest peaks in Munnar, Top Stations offers stunning views of the Western Ghats and the distant plains of Tamil Nadu. It’s a great destination to enjoy photography and the natural serenity of the region. Every 12 years, Top Station provides the exotic sightseeing of Neelarkurinji. The beautiful view of this flower is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that travelers hardly get in their journey. You can also enjoy biking at the hills of the top station with the backdrop of the mighty Western Ghats. This Kerala Munnar tour package destination is ideal for adventurous rides and should be on everyone’s bucket list!
6. Chinnakanal Waterfalls
This pristine waterfall is also known as the Anaiyirangal waterfalls. During the monsoon season, the waterfall appears like gallons of milk are being thrown from a height, and it becomes the most mesmerizing moment during the journey. It will be tricky to take a bath under the waterfall; however, it is still possible. Chinnakanal is one of the impeccable destinations to visit in Munnar, which is surrounded by tea plantations and beautiful landscapes. A visit to this waterbody is a must if you’re a nature seeker looking to relax near the mountains.
7. Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty Dam is located in the Munar hills near the Anamudi Peak, constructed for water and power conservation. The lush greenery of the valleys and the pleasant ambience surroundings make up for a captivating site. This picturesque location in the Munnar tea garden tour is a highlighted spot that serves both adventurous and scenic views of the surroundings and hills. The area around the dam is ideal for a boat ride and a perfect picnic spot to enjoy with family or a partner. Also, you can enjoy a leisurely walk through the lanes and forests.
Activities to Enjoy in Munnar
1. Sightseeing
Explore the Eravikulam National Park to spot the Nilgiri Tahr and other wildlife species, or watch the lush green forest where a variety of birds are chirping, which offers a soothing experience to your ears and eyes. One of the places in Munnar to admire breathtaking panoramic views of sunrise and sunset is the Pothamedu viewpoint. When the sun slides down to the horizon, it spreads a golden glow over the surroundings of the mountains.
2. Hiking and Trekking
Enjoy the rough terrains of one of the leading trekking trails, Anamudi Peak, or the Eravikulam National Park. These trails offer amazing and thrilling adventures, along with the chance to connect with nature. The breathtaking scenes of the rolling hills and the plantation on the slopes attract adventure enthusiasts to hike the way to the top of the Pothamedu View Point.
3. Photography
Capture these moments in the Munnar Tea Garden Tour while exploring the breathtaking tea estates, pristine waterfalls, and lush green landscape to soak in the fresher air and the scenic beauty. The Idukki Arch Dam and the Muthirapuzha River from Pothamedu Point are the perfect destinations to capture loving and memorable moments that will always stay with you even after the end of your tour.
4. Boating
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride at Kundala Lake and Mattupetty Dam, which is surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful landscapes. Paddling along with your partner or family member is a perfect getaway from hectic city life. In Mattupetty Dam, different types of water sports are available, including speed boats, motor boats, rowboats, and paddle boats. You can enjoy whatever ride suits you best.
Must Try Keralan Delicacies
- Appam with Stew: A fermented soft pancake served with a tangy and spicy coconut-based stew made with vegetables or with meat is a must-try. This famous dish that serves the authentic taste of South India is available at Rochas Restaurant and Hazrath Hotel in Munnar. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of this dish, then you can visit Saravana Bhavan. This place is also known for its vegetarian cuisine.
- Idiyappam with Egg Curry: Thin, slurpy rice noodles served with flavourful, savory egg curry or egg roast. This dish can be enjoyed at street food stalls and in the local South Indian restaurants like Ali Baba & 41 Dishes and Saravana Bhavan. These places are known for serving this delicacy.
- Malabar Parota: A multilayered, flaky flat bread served with different types of curry, especially with spicy and tangy coconut-based curry. To enjoy this dish, check out the Rapsy Restaurant and Purhit Restaurant, these two places in Munnar, which serve authentic Malabar Parota with proper hygiene.
- Puttu and Kadala Curry: Steamed rice cakes ( Puttu ) served with spicy chickpea curry. This Keralan dish is available in Saravana Bhavan and Rochas Restaurant, these two outlets serving the best puttu and kadala curry in Munnar.
- Fish curry: The Munnar special fish curry is prepared with coconut milk, with fresh local fish and a blend of aromatic spices. This savory dish is best served at Rochas Restaurant and Friends Seafood Restaurant & Bakers in Munnar.
Markets to Explore in Munnar
- Local Markets: Purchase the beautiful handicrafts from the local lanes of Munnar, which include wooden items, tea accessories, and spices. These products are available at every shop in Munnar.
- Spice Shops: Buy the authentic spices of Kerala Cuisine to enjoy even after the end at your home, while remembering the journey.
- Aromatic Shopping: Buy some breathtaking aromatic fragrances and aromatic oils from the local shops to take a piece of Munnar home with you.
Best Time to Explore Munnar
The best time to explore Munnar is from September to March because the bright weather in the hills during these months is pleasant and soothing, making it an ideal destination for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The Summer months( April- June) can be warm, but one can still visit Munnar during this season. The Monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall, which can sometimes cause delays and disruptions in travel. Hence, travel during this period should be avoided.
Prime Season: March to June
Intermediate Season: November to February
Off-Peak Season: July to August
Munnar in Winters: The weather is amazing, as the temperature occasionally dips down below zero. These are the coolest months of the year, and it is the best time for honeymooners and generally for everyone who needs a mountain escape. There are different activities like trekking, camping, hiking, and rappelling available during this period of time.
Munnar in Summers: One of the excellent times to explore the tea estate in the hills, with mild misty rain showers this season, is best to escape the scorching heat of the nearby cities. The pleasant weather attracts a lot of visitors during this season, and a lot of thrilling and adventurous activities are available during this peak season.
Munnar in Monsoons: This season is best for exploring nature’s serenity, the lush greenery, and wildlife. It could be a little humid here, but the weather is usually windy and chilly at night. The rain in the hills cleans off the dirt and creates a whole new look to the endless green estates of tea.
Tips to Remember While Travelling to Munnar
- Weather Precautions: Munnar’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers of clothes, including warm clothes to tackle the chilling evenings. An umbrella or raincoat is also advisable during the monsoon season.
- Touring Insurance: Ensure you have travel insurance before planning any trip in the hills that covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations, especially if you plan to engage in outdoor activities.
- Mountain Sickness: Although Munnar is not located at a high altitude, some people still experience mild mountain sickness. Stay hydrated and take medications if needed.
- Health Safeguards: Carry necessary medications and be cautious about consuming the local street food. Drink only bottled water to avoid any major illness during the journey.
- Local Laws: Respect the laws and regulations, especially when visiting local communities and religious sites.
- Visit Planning Hours & Closures: The Tea Museum remains closed on weekends, so plan your trip accordingly. The right time to plan trekking in the hills of Munnar is right after the monsoon season, before summer, since the routes are covered with rainforests, which can get slippery during the monsoon. The Anamudi Peak remains closed from February to March.
Conclusion
Home to diverse Flora and Fauna, Munnar is a beautiful destination to explore the unreal beauty of nature. The tranquil waterfalls, the aromatic tea estates, along with such lush greenery, this solace involves some adventurous& relaxing activities as well. Munnar Tea Garden Tour is not just a trip, but a whole new experience that refreshes your soul and mind. Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure enthusiast, waiting to capture the pleasant moments of camaraderie, this place is a must-visit. Every moment is a gateway towards serenity and calmness. From lazing around at the riverfronts to trekking through thick forests, Munnar provides prime unforgettable experiences in your journey.
Traveloi provides comfort and affordable choices that allow you to experience the best of the hill stations without burning a hole in your pocket. Call us to enquire more, we are just a call away!
