Munnar

 Discover Munnar: A Scenic Escape in Kerala

Munnar

Nestled in the Western Ghats, Munnar is a picturesque hill station in Kerala that offers breathtaking views, tea gardens, and a peaceful retreat amidst nature. Known for its cool climate and lush greenery, Munnar is perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape. Let’s explore the must-visit places in this enchanting hill town.

🍃 Tea Gardens: Munnar’s Green Carpet

Tea Garden
Munnar is renowned for its sprawling tea estates, which create a green carpet over the hills. These picturesque plantations are not only a visual treat but also offer a chance to experience the tea-making process. Visitors can stroll through the estates, visit tea factories, and enjoy the aroma of fresh tea leaves.

Ticket Price: Free (Tea factory tours may have a fee)
Best Time to Visit: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Special Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to taste freshly brewed tea directly from the estates.

🏞️ Eravikulam National Park: Nature’s Paradise

Eravikulam national park
Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, Eravikulam National Park is one of the top attractions in Munnar. This park, spread over 97 square kilometers, is a biodiversity hotspot and offers stunning views of rolling hills and valleys. It’s a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and trekkers alike.

Ticket Price: ₹90 (Indian), ₹370 (Foreigners)
Visiting Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: October to April

🌊 Attukal Waterfalls: A Majestic Sight

Attukal waterfalls
Located about 9 km from Munnar, Attukal Waterfalls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. Surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills, this waterfall is a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers. You can enjoy a short trek to reach the base of the falls for a closer view.

Ticket Price: Free
Best Time to Visit: Monsoon (June to September) for a spectacular sight
Special Tip: Wear sturdy footwear if you plan to trek to the base.

🏔️ Mattupetty Dam: A Tranquil Getaway

Situated about 13 km from Munnar, Mattupetty Dam is a serene spot where visitors can enjoy boat rides, scenic views, and a quiet atmosphere. The dam is surrounded by lush forests, offering an ideal spot for picnics, photography, and nature walks.

Mattupetty dam

Ticket Price: ₹10 (entry to the dam area), ₹200 (boating)
Boating Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: October to March

🕉️ Top Station: The Highest Point in Munnar

Top station

Top Station, located 32 km from Munnar, is the highest point in the region, offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the plains of Tamil Nadu. The viewpoint offers an incredible vista of mist-covered mountains and valleys, making it a favorite spot for photographers.

Ticket Price: ₹20 (Indian), ₹50 (Foreigners)
Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: Morning for the best views

🌲 Anamudi Peak: Kerala’s Highest Peak

Anamudi Peak

Anamudi, standing at 2,695 meters, is the highest peak in South India. It is part of the Eravikulam National Park and offers stunning views of Munnar’s landscape. While trekking to the peak is a challenging task, the surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting and nature walks.

Ticket Price: Free (Entry to the park has a separate fee)
Best Time to Visit: October to April

How to Reach Munnar

By Train:

The nearest railway station to Munnar is Aluva, around 110 km away. From Aluva, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Munnar.

By Air:

The nearest airport to Munnar is Cochin International Airport (COK), located around 110 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Munnar.

Where to Stay in Munnar

Munnar offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget:

  • Luxury Resorts: For a luxurious stay, you can opt for resorts like Spice Tree Munnar (₹8,000 to ₹15,000 per night) or The Tall Trees (₹6,000 to ₹12,000 per night), which offer stunning views and top-notch amenities.
  • Hilltop Retreats: Tea County Munnar (₹4,500 to ₹8,000 per night) and Mountain Club Munnar (₹5,000 to ₹10,000 per night) are popular options offering a tranquil ambiance amidst nature.
  • Budget Hotels: For budget-friendly stays, try Munnar Inn (₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per night) or The Munnar Queen (₹2,000 to ₹4,000 per night), both of which offer good services at affordable prices.

Must-Try Food in Munnar and Where to Find Them

Munnar has a delightful array of local Kerala cuisine and dishes. Here are some must-try foods and where to enjoy them:

  • Appam with Stew: Fluffy appams served with vegetable or chicken stew. Try it at The T & U Leisure Hotel or Saravana Bhavan.

Appam with Stew
  • Kerala Sadya: A traditional Kerala feast served on a banana leaf with rice, sambar, and various side dishes. Enjoy Sadya at Sree Krishna Inn.

  • Kerala Sadya

  • Puttu and Kadala Curry: A breakfast favorite in Kerala, puttu is a steamed rice cake served with spicy black chickpea curry. Try it at Kanan Devan Tea Museum or Munnar Catering College.

Puttu and Kadala Curry
  • Karimeen Pollichathu: Grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves. You can enjoy it at Rapsy Restaurant or Hotel Alfin.
    Karimeen Pollichathu
                                            
  • Keralan Coconut Payasam: A sweet dessert made with coconut milk. You can savor it at the local eateries and restaurants like The Spice Tree.

  • Keralan Coconut Payasam

What to Buy in Munnar: Souvenirs and Memories

  • Tea: Munnar is famous for its tea plantations, and you can buy some high-quality tea from the local shops and tea estates. Munnar Tea Museum is a great place to purchase fresh tea. Price: ₹200 - ₹500 per packet
    Where to Buy: Munnar Tea Museum, Tata Tea Estate.

  • Spices: Munnar is known for its spice plantations, and you can purchase fresh spices such as cardamom, pepper, and vanilla.
    Price: ₹100 - ₹500 depending on the quantity
    Where to Buy: Local spice markets, Munnar Spice Garden.

  • Handicrafts: Munnar offers beautiful handicrafts such as wooden carvings, bamboo products, and coir mats.
    Price: ₹150 - ₹1,000 depending on the item
    Where to Buy: Munnar Market, Kerala State Handicrafts Emporium.

  • Local Honey: Munnar’s organic honey is famous for its rich taste and natural qualities.
    Price: ₹200 - ₹800 depending on the jar size
    Where to Buy: Local markets and spice plantations.

Wrap-Up: Take Home a Piece of Munnar

Munnar’s captivating views, fragrant tea gardens, and rich cultural heritage offer a wonderful experience for every traveler. From locally produced tea and spices to beautiful handicrafts, Munnar provides plenty of options for memorable souvenirs.

Why Visit Munnar? Whether you're exploring tea plantations, hiking in national parks, or enjoying serene boat rides, Munnar offers an unforgettable escape to nature. So, pack your bags and get ready to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty and tranquility of Munnar, a perfect hill station getaway! 🍃



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kovalam

Image
  Discover Kovalam: Kerala’s Iconic Beach Destination Kovalam , located in the southern part of Kerala, is one of the most famous beach destinations in India. Known for its stunning crescent-shaped beaches, calm waters, and vibrant atmosphere, Kovalam attracts tourists seeking a blend of relaxation, water sports, and Ayurveda treatments. With its long coastline, Kovalam is a paradise for sunbathers, surfers, and those who wish to enjoy the tropical beauty of Kerala. 🌊 Lighthouse Beach: The Crown Jewel of Kovalam The Lighthouse Beach is the most famous and busiest beach in Kovalam. Its name is derived from the towering lighthouse that stands at the top of a hill overlooking the beach. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline. The beach is perfect for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the view of the Arabian Sea. Kovalam Light House Beach  Activities : Swimming, photography, beach walks, lighthouse visit Ticket Price : ₹10 (for light...
Read more

Wayanad

Image
  Discover Wayanad: Kerala’s Tranquil Paradise Nestled in the Western Ghats, Wayanad is a picturesque district in Kerala known for its lush green landscapes, misty mountains, and abundant wildlife. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those seeking peace and tranquility. Wayanad is home to serene waterfalls, ancient caves, spice plantations, and abundant wildlife, offering a diverse range of experiences. Here's a guide to the must-visit places in Wayanad. 🌿 Edakkal Caves: A Peek into Prehistoric Times The Edakkal Caves are a historic and archaeological wonder, known for their ancient petroglyphs (rock engravings) that date back to the Stone Age. The caves are located at an altitude of 1,200 meters on Ambukuthi Hill. A hike to the caves takes about 30 minutes and rewards visitors with a panoramic view of the surrounding hills. Activities : Trekking, photography, historical exploration Ticket Price : ₹30 (Indian), ₹100 (Foreigners) Best Time to ...
Read more

Alappuzha

Image
Discover Alappuzha: A Tranquil Escape in Kerala Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey , is a captivating destination in Kerala that offers a serene mix of natural beauty, rich heritage, and a touch of coastal charm. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or someone in search of relaxation, Alappuzha has something unique for you. Let’s dive into the must-visit places in this beautiful town. 🌊 Alleppey Beach: Where Serenity Meets the Sea The Alleppey Beach is a picturesque retreat for those who love the combination of golden sands, gentle waves, and a cool breeze. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely walk, a peaceful sunset, or simply unwinding by the water. The old lighthouse standing tall adds a historical touch to this tranquil beach, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Alleppey Beach Ticket Price : Free entry Best Time to Visit : 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM Special Tip : For a panoramic view, you can climb to the top of the Alappuzha Lighthouse , which has a small...
Read more