Munnar is a remarkably beautiful town in the mountains of the Western Ghats. Located at 1,600 metres, it is also known as the Kashmir of South India. The English founded the town in the 19th century. Among other things, you will find a lot of tea plantations and beautiful nature in the area. For instance, you can visit some beautiful national parks, including Eravikulam National Park. Finally, staying overnight in one of the surrounding villages is highly recommended to avoid the hustle and bustle of Munnar.
Are you planning to visit Munnar? And would you like to learn more about the special history and culture of this hill station in India? In this travel guide, I’ll tell you more about its interesting history, read all about the best attractions and discover the best accommodation in town. A history-rich visit to Munnar starts here…
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*This article is also available in Dutch – Munnar Reisgids
Practical Information & Travel Tips
- Best Time to Travel? Munnar is great to visit all year round. However, the best period is December to March, June, July and September. During these months, there is the least rainfall and the temperature is most pleasant. It averages around 28 to 30 degrees then. May, October and November have the highest average rainfall.
- How many days? A visit to Munnar is mainly about visiting the beautiful surroundings around this small town in Kerala. Visit a beautiful nature reserve and take a walk through the beautiful countryside. Therefore, plan at least 2 days to visit this region.
- Accommodation? Looking for a nice hotel or hostel? The best place for taking day trips is Munnar itself. But a nice option is a small town outside it, like Gundumulai (north of Munnar). It’s much less crowded here then, you’re not really centrally located. But still highly recommended!
- Tours & Tickets? There is plenty to see and do in Munnar. Visit a tea plantation, go to beautiful waterfalls and hike through the beautiful Eravikulam National Park.
- Transport? The bus is the only option to get to this beautiful place in the Western Ghats. The bus station is located in the centre of Munnar.
History – What makes Munnar historically interesting to visit?
Munnar is 1,600 metres above sea level, beautifully situated in the mountains of the Western Ghats. For thousands of years, this area has been inhabited by various local tribes. From the local language the Malayalam originated the name of the town, Munnu and Aaru. Its meaning is ‘three rivers’ and refers to the three rivers that converge here, the Muthirapuzha , Nallathanni and Kundali. But the place gained most fame when the British had a so-called Hill Station built in 1870. The area around Munnar proved to be extremely suitable for tea plantations.
By 1894, there were 26 tea plantations in the mountains of the Western Ghats. Around 1900, a cable car came to transport all supplies to the lowlands. In 1902, they built a monorail (first in India) and later a narrow-gauge railway known as the Kundala Valley Railway. In a flood in 1924, the railway was damaged and could no longer be used. A modern road replaced the track. Local authorities are considering rebuilding the Kundala Valley Railway to promote tourism in consultation. This is going in consultation with Tata Group (not to be confused with Tata Steel). This company currently owns most of the tea plantations. The tea plantations and beautiful nature are the main attractions of this town in the Western Ghats.
Top 4 Places to visit in Munnar
Looking for the best sights to do in Munnar? Here are 4 best tips and ideas!
1. Take a walk through Eravikulam National Park
The most beautiful park in the region is Eravikulam National Park. It is located north of Munnar and here you can take scenic walks through the beautiful nature. And in the meantime, you are bound to come across a gaur (Indian Bison), a Nilgiri Tahr (type of mountain goat) or a Wanderoe (lion-tailed macaque). You might also come across a tiger or a leopard here, although the chances are very slim. Eravikulam National Park was established in 1978, making it the oldest national park in the state of Kerala.
2. Visit a tea factory & a tea museum
Whoever says Munnar, naturally says tea plantations. So visit a tea factory and learn more about the entire tea process. Some well-known tea plantations are Kolukkumalai, Kanan Devan Hills or Sevenmallay. The history of Kanan Devan Hills Plantations, for instance, goes back to the 19th century. At the tea museum, you can read all about the history of the tea plantations and the process of tea making.
3. Hire a boat and explore Lake Kundala or Mattuppetty
East of Munnar, you will find two beautiful lakes. Mattuppetty and Kundala are two draws of this region and ideal for a scenic boat ride. Both lakes are at an altitude of 1,700 metres and both also have a dam that generates electricity. Mattuppetty Lake is the most popular, is also the closest to Munnar and is the best place if you want to spot an elephant.
4. Discover the region’s beautiful waterfalls
Around Munnar, you will find a lot of beautiful natural phenomena. But be sure to visit the beautiful waterfalls of this region. Lakkom Waterfalls, Nayamakad Waterfall, Attukad Waterfalls and Thoovanam Falls are just a few. Unfortunately, they are not spread across the area, so a scooter or tuktuk is a must.
Accommodation – Where to stay in Munnar?
Munnar is located at an altitude of 1,600 meters and has approximately 30,000 inhabitants. The center of the town can be quite hectic, but it is the best place to explore the area. In Munnar itself you will find plenty of hotels, hostels and resorts where you can spend the night. Do you prefer peace and quiet and are you looking for a quiet environment? Then stay in one of the villages in the area. For example, I stayed in a homestay about 20 kilometers north of the town near Lakkom Falls.
Looking for accommodation in Munnar? Book your hotel or hostel here!
Transport – How to get Munnar?
Munnar is located about 130 kilometers east of Kerala’s main city, Kochi. Several buses depart daily from Ernakulam in Kochi to Munnar. This bus takes about 5 hours. Minibuses also leave from Fort Kochi to Munnar. If you are staying there, please check with the hostel or hotel where you are staying to find out where these minibuses leave from.
Plan your trip to Munnar & India
- How to book accommodation? Hotel via Booking of Hostel via Hostelworld?
- Activiteiten: Tickets & Tours
- Transport: Bus & Train Tickets
- Flight tickets to India? Skyscanner
Do you have more tips, ideas or comments about this Travel Guide to Munnar, India? If so, feel free to leave a message below.
