Munnar tourism is one of the growing tourist attractions in Kerala. With extensive tea plantations, a peaceful environment, charming views, and luxurious accommodations, Munnar is one of the best holiday destinations in India.
Home to natural beauties, flora and fauna, and breathtaking sunsets to ever grace the country with their presence, Munnar is the perfect hill station to explore. With a diverse culture, magnificent people, and a unique location in India, Munnar attracts loads of tourists every year.
In this blog, we will take you through the wonders of Munnar and what makes the town unique. So, continue reading as we guide you through this fascinating paradise.
Munnar: The Perfect Getaway
Located in the Western Ghats Mountain range, Munnar is a hill station and town in the Idukki district of Kerala. Munnar is formed at the confluence of three mountain streams named Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. Its serene beauty and landscape give it the “Kashmir of South India.”
Munnar was discovered many centuries ago by the British planters visiting India. Its vibrant green tea plantations, numerous waterfalls, wildlife, quiet lakes, biodiversity, and delicacies set the town apart and make it unique in the state of Kerala.
The town is a perfect homey moon destination for couples who want to explore south India. It is also ideal for nature lovers and tourists who value history. Its serenity, Munnar local cuisine, and culture make it a perfect destination for escaping the busyness of city life.
The Best Time to Visit Munnar
The best time to visit Munnar is not limited to the season or weather condition as there are many places to visit all year round. This means you can visit Munnar anytime depending on your preference and places to explore. There are things to do in Munnar in different seasons.
Summer (March to May)
March to May are the summer months in Munnar where the sun is shining beautifully over the town. The temperature in this season is not too hot and not humid, making it a cooler climate to escape from the heat of the plains. The air is refreshing, and the view is clear and attractive.
This Munnar weather condition makes it the perfect time to walk through its tea plantation and relax on its stunning landscape. It is also the ideal season for Munnar sightseeing, and nature trails to experience its natural features.
Monsoon (June to August)
June to September is the monsoon season that paints Munnar in vibrant shades of green. This season is the peak of a fresh, enticing layer to the already stunning landscape. Munnar's peaceful ambience is enhanced with lush vegetation, making it a perfect paradise to snap a lovely and memorable picture.
Although June brings more rain, the mist-covered hills and the fresh scent of rain-soaked earth give Munnar a unique appeal. The month is also a great time to immerse in the serenity and vibrant greenery that defines Munnar during the monsoon.
Autumn (September- November)
The autumn season is a transition period between the monsoon and winter seasons. Autumn gives tourists a chance to enjoy both vibrant greenery and clear skies above their heads in Munnar. The climate remains pleasant and the temperature ranges from 15 C to 25 C, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
During this season, freshly cleaned vegetation covers the hillsides. The earth also smells like moist soil mixed with blooming flowers. This autumn season also allows Munnar wildlife enthusiasts to see indigenous Nilgiri tahr and endangered Nilgiri langur living naturally in Munnar.
Winter (December to February)
Munnar weather from December to February is enchanting. With cool breezes and pleasant temperatures, the winter season is the best time to visit Munnar. This season is the peak of Munnar tourism and perfect for new couples who want their honeymoons in a cooler environment. It is also great for family trips, hiking, and rock climbing.
Peak and Off-Season in Munnar
Munnar's peak and off-season are very different in activities and weather conditions. Many tourists flood the town during the peak season. This makes hotels charge very high rates with no discount to offer.
The Munnar weather in the off-season is often dry and pleasant with fewer crowds. There are also discounts on flights, Munnar accommodation, and other activities
Things to do in Munnar
Explore the Echo Point
Echo Point is the confluence of three (Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni Kundala) famous South Indian Mountain ranges. Situated along the banks of the Kundala Lake, it is 15 kilometers (about 9.32 mi) from Munnar, at an altitude of 600 feet above sea level.
Echo Point is surrounded by misty clouds, hills, green fields, and forests often captured in cameras to boost the beauty of Munnar. Known for its natural echo phenomenon, it is where you can hear your voice echo back when you shout.
Echo Point is a paradise for Munnar adventure activities and tourists can have a lot of fun during their visit. These include strolling around the hill slopes, trekking to the hilltop, and boating in the lake.
Amongst the most interesting and beautiful attractions at Echo Point, bird watching and seeing the rare Neelakurinji flowers stand out. This is because these flowers are known to bloom once every 12 years. Many people also come to have a glimpse of the vibrant species of native and migratory birds.
Thing To Know When Visiting Echo Point
- Many local farmers come to Echo Point to sell their fresh produce like mangoes and pineapple to tourists.
- Pack woolen clothes with scarves and ear mufflers when visiting Echo Point during the winter season.
- Carry a walking stick to maintain your balance while trekking to the top to reach Echo Point as rocks and slippery boulders.
- Wear comfortable shoes because you need to walk quite a lot in Echo Point.
Marvel at the Attukad Waterfalls
Attukad Waterfalls is one of the four main waterfalls of Munnar and is popular among adventure seekers. Located in the mountainous Idukki district, the Attukad Falls flows amid rolling hills. The waterfall is surrounded by hiking trails and panoramic views, making it one of Munnar photography spots. There is also abundant greenery and resounding peacefulness amidst untouched nature.
The monsoon season is the perfect time to visit the waterfall as the volume of the water gushes up due to the rains. The Attukad Falls also flows in great vigor and forms a pool at the base. The cool and speedily running waters of the pool formed at the base of the falls are great for afternoon swimming. Feel free to also sit by the falls with a picnic basket and enjoy the views surrounding the waterfall.
Thing To Know When Visiting Attukad Waterfall
- Start your journey early in the morning
- Come prepared for light showers with a rain jacket, and a backpack cover
- Wear tough Munnar trekking shoes because the path is rocky and slippery after rain.
- Bring a swimming costume, towels, and slippers if you plan to swim in the clean waters at the base of the waterfall.
- Come with binoculars and cameras to capture the sight of the vibrant avifauna and the views surrounding the waterfall.
Visit the Tata Tea Museum
The Tata Tea Museum was established to highlight Munnar's early tea plantation history. It explains how the British brought tea culture and cultivation into the region. It also describes the struggle and hard work of the Munnar people who endured during those days.
The Tata Tea Museum showcases the entire tea process from cultivation, plucking, drying, and machines, to the final packaging. Tourists also get to see tools used in earlier centuries. This includes typewriters, magneto phones, the hand tea roller, manual calculators, and iron ovens.
Facts About the Tata Tea Museum
- It was constructed as a tribute to the native of Munnar who engaged in this age-old tradition of tea cultivation. Their resilience made the Tata Tea Museum one of the most famous tea gardens and increase Munnar tourism across the world.
- The museum houses different machines and tools used in ancient and modern tea processing.
- The grand sundial at the museum entrance is a donation from the Art Industrial School of Tamil Nadu.
- The museum has a separate section for displaying antique items such as the burial urn which dates back to the 2nd century.
Tips for Visiting Tea Museum
- The Tata Museum is open between 09:00 am to 04:00 pm every day except Mondays and public holidays.
- You get to plug and taste different tea flavors, but it is not free.
- You will be charged an extra fee for carrying a camera with you.
- There’s a tea outlet where you can buy different types of tea at an affordable price.
- Tata Tea Museum officials display different types of tea grown in Munnar twice daily (10:00 am and 02: 00 pm)
- The museum staff explains the history and exhibits displayed in the museum.
Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park is located a few kilometers away from Munnar City Centre. Spread around a land stretch of 97 kilometers (about 60.27 mi), the park is one of the most popular spots for Munnar sightseeing. It houses many floras and fauna and is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Eravikulam National Park is a blend of wildlife with about 132 species of birds, 19 amphibian species, 26 mammalian species, 101 butterfly species, and 20 orchid species. It also houses Nilgiri langur, Atlas moth, Nilgiri marten, small-clawed otter, Lion-tailed macaque, and a rare variety of leopard and lion.
Key Take away
- The town of Munnar is a naturally gifted region of India with a unique glimpse of natural splendor and scenic hills.
- The tea plantations in Munnar will captivate you, and its breathtaking views will leave you marvel.
- Munnar tourism is one of the growing tourist attractions in the state of Kerala.
- Munnar offers many trekking trails that take you through scenic landscapes.
- Munnar's tea gardens make for a delightful sight, and you can learn about the tea-making process and explore the plantations.
- Explore a tea factory to experience the process of tea production and taste different varieties.