Munnar, India – The Ultimate Travel Guide to History

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!

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