Munnar Travel Information

Munnar, a picturesque hill station in Kerala, is renowned for its lush tea gardens, stunning landscapes, and serene environment. Here’s a comprehensive guide for first-time foreign tourists visiting Munnar

Tea Gardens

  • Description: Munnar is famous for its sprawling tea plantations. A visit to the tea estates provides insight into tea production and offers breathtaking views of the verdant hills.
  • Key Attractions:
    • Kolukkumalai Tea Estate: Known for producing some of the highest quality tea and offering panoramic views.
    • Tata Tea Museum: Explore the history of tea cultivation and manufacturing in Munnar

Eravikulam National Park

  • Description: A protected area known for its diverse flora and fauna, including the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. It also offers scenic trekking routes.
  • Key Attractions:
    • Anamudi Peak: The highest peak in South India, offering stunning views (trekking requires prior permission).
    • Nilgiri Tahr Sanctuary: Spot rare wildlife and enjoy the lush landscape

Mattupetty Dam

  • Description: A picturesque dam surrounded by lush greenery and hills. Ideal for boating and enjoying the tranquil environment.
  • Key Attractions:
    • Boating: Enjoy a boat ride on the reservoir.
    • Viewpoints: Scenic spots around the dam offer great photo opportunities

Attukal Waterfalls

  • Description: A beautiful waterfall located amidst dense forests and hills, ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
  • Key Attractions:
    • Scenic Beauty: Enjoy the cascading water and the surrounding natural beauty

Rose Garden

  • Description: A well-maintained garden with a wide variety of roses and other flowers. A pleasant spot for leisurely walks and photography.
  • Key Attractions:
    • Flower Varieties: Admire the different varieties of roses and other flowers

Blossom Park

  • Description: A landscaped park with a variety of flowers, trees, and manicured lawns. It’s a great place for relaxation and picnicking.
  • Key Attractions:
    • Recreational Activities: Enjoy facilities like boating, cycling, and children’s play areas

Lakkom Waterfalls

  • Description: A serene waterfall located in the midst of lush greenery. A great spot for a peaceful retreat.
  • Key Attractions:
    • Natural Beauty: Relax by the waterfall and enjoy the tranquil surroundings

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Description: Located near Munnar, this sanctuary is known for its dry deciduous forests and wildlife, including the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel.
  • Key Attractions:
    • Wildlife Viewing: Spot various species of flora and fauna in their natural habitat

Where to Stay in Munnar

Mid-Range Hotels

  • Fort Munnar: A well-located hotel with comfortable rooms and good amenities.
  • Deshadan Mountain Resorts: A resort offering stunning views and a range of activities.
  • Abad Copper Castle: Known for its picturesque setting and comfortable stay

Mid-Range Hotels

    • Fort Munnar: A well-located hotel with comfortable rooms and good amenities.
    • Deshadan Mountain Resorts: A resort offering stunning views and a range of activities.
    • Abad Copper Castle: Known for its picturesque setting and comfortable stay

Budget Hotels

  • Hotel Hillview: A budget-friendly option with basic amenities and a convenient location.
  • Green View Residency: Affordable accommodation with good facilities.
  • The Silver Tips: Offers comfortable stays at a reasonable price

Where to Eat in Munnar

Fine Dining

  • Ragamaya Resort & Spa: Offers a fine dining experience with a focus on local and international cuisine.
  • The Panoramic Getaway: A restaurant offering a mix of Kerala cuisine and continental dishes with great views

Local Cuisine

  • Saravana Bhavan: Famous for its South Indian vegetarian fare and traditional Kerala dishes.
  • Hotel Annapoorna: Known for its authentic Kerala meals and variety of options.
  • The Tiffin Room: Offers a range of Indian and Kerala delicacies in a cozy setting

Street Food

  • Local Markets: Try street food like vada, idiyappam, and fresh fruits from local vendors

Activities for Tourists in Munnar

Tea Garden Tours

  • Description: Explore the tea estates and learn about tea processing. Enjoy scenic walks through the tea gardens.
  • Popular Spots: Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Tata Tea Museum

Trekking and Nature Walks

  • Description: Munnar offers several trekking trails and nature walks through its lush landscapes.
  • Popular Trails: Anamudi Peak, Eravikulam National Park

Boating

  • Description: Enjoy boating in serene locations like Mattupetty Dam and Pothamedu View Point.
  • Popular Spots: Mattupetty Dam, Pothamedu View Point

Wildlife Safaris

  • Description: Explore the local wildlife and scenic beauty in nearby wildlife sanctuaries.
  • Popular Spots: Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park

Visit Local Markets

  • Description: Shop for local handicrafts, spices, tea, and souvenirs at local markets.
  • Popular Markets: Munnar town markets, local spice shops

Ayurvedic Treatments

  • Description: Enjoy traditional Ayurvedic treatments and massages at wellness centers and resorts.
  • Popular Spots: Ayurvedic wellness centers in and around Munnar

Popular Souvenirs to Buy in Munnar

Munnar is a fantastic place to pick up souvenirs that capture the essence of Kerala’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here are some popular souvenirs to consider buying when visiting Munnar

Tea

  • Description: Munnar is renowned for its tea plantations. You can buy high-quality tea leaves, including varieties like black tea, green tea, and specialty blends.
  • Where to Buy: Tea estates like Tata Tea Museum and local tea shops

Spices

  • Description: Kerala is famous for its spices. Freshly packed spices such as cardamom, pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and turmeric make for great souvenirs.
  • Where to Buy: Spice markets and local spice shops in Munnar

Kerala Handicrafts

  • Description: Traditional handicrafts including wooden carvings, brassware, and coconut shell products. Items like decorative elephants and traditional lamps (Nilavilakku) are popular.
  • Where to Buy: Handicraft shops and local markets

Handmade Pottery

  • Description: Pottery items such as clay pots, vases, and decorative pieces made using traditional techniques.
  • Where to Buy: Artisan workshops and local craft stores

Local Honey

  • Description: Pure honey produced in the region, known for its natural flavor and health benefits.
  • Where to Buy: Local markets and specialty stores