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Munnar!

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Population

80,000

schedule

Best Time

September to May

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Time Needed

3-4 days minimum

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Currency

Rupee (₹)

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location_on Kerala map South India ⛰️ Mountains 🏔️ Hill Stations Hill Stations Tea Plantations munnar kerala tea plantations hill station western ghats neelakurinji

Munnar, located in Kerala, is a picturesque hill station known for its sprawling tea plantations and scenic landscapes. Situated in the Western Ghats, it offers a refreshing escape with its cool climate and lush greenery.

Munnar is a great place to visit for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. The tea plantations are beautiful, and the weather is pleasant. However, it can get crowded during peak season and the roads can be winding and challenging.

To explore Munnar properly, plan for at least 3-4 days. Getting around is best done by hiring a car or relying on local taxis and auto-rickshaws. The nearest airport is in Kochi, about 110 km away.

When To Visit

Best Time

September to May

15-25 degrees C

Pleasant and cool with clear skies, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Occasional showers may occur.

Why Visit:

This is the best time to enjoy the tea gardens, visit the national parks, and explore the lakes. The weather is perfect for trekking and other outdoor adventures. The Neelakurinji flowers bloom once every 12 years, so plan accordingly if you want to witness this rare sight.

Tip: Expect higher prices for accommodation and tours during peak season. Book your accommodations and tours in advance to secure the best deals.

Shoulder Season

June to August

18-28 degrees C

Monsoon season with heavy rainfall. The landscape turns lush green, but outdoor activities may be restricted.

Why Visit:

The landscape is at its greenest, and you can enjoy a quieter experience with fewer tourists. However, heavy rains can disrupt travel plans, and some attractions may be temporarily closed.

Tip: Be prepared for potential landslides and road closures due to heavy rainfall. Carry rain gear and check weather forecasts regularly.

Avoid

March to May (Specific Years)

25-35 degrees C

Hot and humid weather can make sightseeing uncomfortable. Occasional heat waves are possible.

Why Avoid:

The weather can be quite unpleasant making outdoor activities difficult. The tea plantations may not be as vibrant due to the heat. This is the off-season with fewer tourists.

Note: If you must visit during this time, stay hydrated and wear light, breathable clothing. Look for accommodations with air conditioning.

Top Sights - Top Attractions!

Mattupetty Dam

⏱ 2-3 hours ₹20 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners)

Mattupetty Dam is a storage concrete gravity dam built in the mountains of Kerala. It creates a beautiful lake and surrounding scenery....

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Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai)

⏱ 3-4 hours ₹120 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners)

Eravikulam National Park is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The park also offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and tea plantations....

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Tea Museum

⏱ 2 hours ₹75 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners)

The Tea Museum showcases the history of tea cultivation in Munnar. It offers insights into the processing of tea leaves....

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Anamudi Peak

⏱ Full day ₹50 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners)

Anamudi Peak is the highest peak in South India. It is located within the Eravikulam National Park and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding la...

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Echo Point

⏱ 1 hour ₹30

Echo Point is a scenic spot where you can shout and hear your voice echo back. It is surrounded by lush green hills and a small lake....

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Lakkam Waterfalls

⏱ 1-2 hours ₹20 (Indians), ₹100 (foreigners)

Lakkam Waterfalls is a small but beautiful waterfall cascading through dense forests. It offers a refreshing break from the heat....

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Pothamedu View Point

⏱ 1 hour Free

Pothamedu View Point offers panoramic views of the tea plantations and surrounding hills. It is a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset....

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Things To Do

attractions

Tea Plantation Walk

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 ₹500-1000 per person

Explore the tea plantations on foot with a guided tour. Learn about the process of tea cultivation and production....

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attractions

Spice Garden Tour

⏱ 1-2 hours 💰 ₹300-500 per person

Visit a spice garden and learn about the different spices grown in the region. Get to see and smell various spices like ...

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attractions

Trekking

⏱ 3-6 hours 💰 ₹800-1500 per person

Embark on a trekking adventure through the hills and forests of Munnar. Choose from various trails depending on your fit...

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attractions

Mountain Biking

⏱ 2-4 hours 💰 ₹500-800 per person

Explore the hills and valleys of Munnar on a mountain bike. Enjoy the thrill of riding through challenging terrain....

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Cultural Experiences

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Kathakali Performance

2 hours | ₹300-500

Kathakali is a classical Indian dance form known for its elaborate costumes and makeup. It tells sto...

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Theyyam Dance

3-4 hours | Free

Theyyam is a ritualistic dance form that combines music, dance, and mythology. It is performed in te...

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Kalaripayattu Demonstration

1-2 hours | ₹200-400

Kalaripayattu is an ancient martial art form from Kerala. It is considered one of the oldest martial...

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celebration

Cooking Class

3-4 hours | ₹800-1200

Learn to cook traditional Kerala cuisine in a hands-on cooking class. Discover the secrets of using ...

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celebration

Visiting a Tea Factory

1-2 hours | ₹100-200

Take a tour of a tea factory to see how tea leaves are processed into the final product. Learn about...

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Ayurvedic Massage

1-2 hours | ₹1500-3000

Experience the healing benefits of Ayurvedic massage. Relax and rejuvenate your body and mind with t...

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Eat This!

Must-Try Dishes

Appam with Stew
Appam with Stew

A classic Kerala breakfast dish, best tried at local restaurants.

Karimeen Pollichathu
Karimeen Pollichathu

Pearl spot fish marinated in spices and grilled in banana leaves.

Puttu and Kadala Curry
Puttu and Kadala Curry

Steamed rice cakes served with black chickpea curry.

Kerala Parotta with Beef Fry
Kerala Parotta with Beef Fry

Flaky layered bread served with spicy beef fry.

Where to Eat

Saravana Bhavan

Saravana Bhavan

₹₹

South Indian

📍 Munnar Town

A popular vegetarian restaurant known for its authentic South Indian dishes. The service is quick and the food is consistently good.

Dosasidlisand uttapams

₹400-600 for two

Rapsy Restaurant

Rapsy Restaurant

₹₹

Multi-cuisine

📍 Munnar Town

A family-friendly restaurant with a diverse menu. The atmosphere is casual and the portions are generous.

IndianChineseand Continental dishes

₹500-700 for two

Street Food Spots

Munnar Market

Munnar Market

💰 Budget: ₹50-100 per person

⚠️ Tips: Try different vendors to sample a variety of snacks. Be mindful of hygiene.

🍽️
Discover More on
Foodie Finder: Munnar

More restaurants & dishes from Munnar

Where To Stay ?

Best Neighborhoods

Munnar Town

The central hub with easy access to shops, restaurants, and the Tea Museum. Can be crowded, but convenient for transportation.

Best For: First-time visitors, budget travelers

Chinnakanal

A quieter area with scenic views and plantation resorts. Ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.

Best For: Honeymooners, nature lovers

Accommodation Options

Budget

💰

₹800-1200/night

Zina Cottage

📍 Near Munnar Town

Simple rooms with basic amenities. Good for budget travelers looking for a convenient location.

₹800-1200/night

JJ Cottage

📍 Near Tea Museum

Clean and comfortable rooms with a mountain view. Offers good value for money.

₹700-1100/night

Mid-Range

🏨

₹2500-4000/night

The Leaf Munnar

📍 Chinnakanal

Offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities and scenic views. Has an on-site restaurant and spa.

₹2500-4000/night

Chandys Windy Woods

📍 Pallivasal

Surrounded by lush greenery, this hotel offers well-appointed rooms and excellent service. It's a great option for a relaxing stay.

₹3000-4500/night

Luxury

₹8000+/night

Windermere Estate

📍 Near Bison Valley

A luxurious plantation resort with stunning views and exceptional service. Perfect for a romantic getaway or a special occasion.

₹8000+/night

The Panoramic Getaway

📍 Near Munnar Town

Offers luxurious rooms with panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Has a rooftop infinity pool and multiple dining options.

₹7000+/night

View all stay & eat options

How To Get There ?

flight

By Air

Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK), 110km from city

train

By Train

Stations:

Aluva (AWY)

Nearest major railway station, about 110 km from Munnar. Well-connected to major cities.

Routes:
  • From Delhi: 30-35 hours (₹1500-3000)
  • From Mumbai: 24-28 hours (₹1200-2500)

Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia

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By Bus

Terminals:
  • Munnar Bus Station
Routes:
  • From Kochi: 4 hours (₹200-400)
  • From Madurai: 6 hours (₹300-500)

Note: Trains are generally more comfortable for long distances.

Getting Around

local_taxi

Taxi

💰 ₹1500-3000 per day

Best for: Sightseeing, covering long distances

Negotiate the price beforehand. Hire a driver for the entire day for convenience.

local_taxi

Auto-rickshaw

💰 ₹50-200 per ride

Best for: Short distances within the town

Bargain hard, especially if you're not familiar with the area.

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Bus

💰 ₹20-50 per ride

Best for: Budget travelers, local experience

Buses can be crowded, but they are a cheap way to get around. Check the route and timings in advance.

Practical Tips

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What To Wear

Pack light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather. Bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and trekking.

payments

Money

Daily Budget: Budget: ₹1500, Mid: ₹3000, Luxury: ₹5000+

ATMs: Available in Munnar town

Cash vs Card: Cash is preferred for small transactions. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants.

Bargaining: Expected in markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers

health_and_safety

Health

Water: Drink bottled water or filtered water to avoid stomach problems.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid street food that looks unhygienic.

Common Issues: Altitude sickness can be a problem for some people. Bring necessary medications and consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

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Communication

SIM Cards: Airtel and Vodafone offer good coverage. Purchase a SIM card at the airport or in Munnar town.

WiFi: Available at most hotels and restaurants

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Language & Tipping

Language: English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Malayalam phrases can be helpful.

Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: ₹50-100

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