If there is a place in India where nature dances, sings, smiles, blooms, and flourishes at its best, it is Munnar, the most beautiful and enchanting hill station in Kerala. Located at the high elevation of 1700 meter above sea level and embedded with the sweeping tea plantations, Munnar is home to a heavenly beauty. Serenaded by nature all around, the hill station is undoubtedly the most precious jewel in the treasure of Kerala’s tourism. The climate and the awe-inspiring milieu of the place make it a perfect holiday destination. Maybe, that’s why it pulls millions of tourists annually.
So, let’s explore what is in the Munnar that people can’t resist but to visit the place. Following are the places to visit in Munnar-
Mattupetty Dam
Located very near to Munnar Bus stand, Mattupetty Dam is known for its picturesque beauty. The dam was built in 1953 on the Mattupetty Lake with the purpose to conserve water in order to generate hydroelectricity. Surrounded by the awfully green hills and tea plantations, Mattupetty Dam is a much-loved picnic destination in Kerala and one of the best places to visit in Munnar. Serving as the main water source for the plethora of animals and species, Mattupetty Lake also offers a surreal boating experience.
So, when you visit Mattupetti Dam, do forget to go for a boat riding which costs 600/- for about 15 minutes.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Being the under consideration for a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is not a popular tourist destination only in Kerala but in the entire country. Apart from its abundant flora & fauna, its location in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghat makes it a fascinating place to explore. Being the abode to nearly 200 species of birds, 34 species of mammals, and uncountable types of trees and plants, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread in an area of 90 km2. Shola grasslands, deciduous trees, and dry thorn scrubs are the popular vegetations of the sanctuary.
The nearby Pambar River adds a mesmerizing splendor to the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. Listening the gurgling sound of water cascading down Thoovanam Waterfall, the heart-stealing chirping of birds, and the completely wildlife aura can definitely draw you into your fascination world. It is one of the beautiful places to visit in Munnar.
Echo Point
As the name suggests, Echo Point is known for the voice resonance. The serenity and quietness of this place is so high that you when you loudly scream in a direction, you can clearly hear the reverberating sound around the atmosphere. Situated on the high elevation of 600 ft on the bank of Kundala lake and marking the rare confluence of three maintain ranges, Echo Point is probably the most soul-soothing place on the earth. This is one of the best places to visit in Munnar where only and only nature rules. As far as your eyes will reach, you’ll see only and only misty hills all decked up with the lush greenery.
Here, you’ll also get to see some of the rare and epidemic species of plants and flowers. Believe me, after spending 10 minutes in Echo Point, the outside world would seem you a prison. Take a stroll with your soul amid the panoramic beauty of Echo Point and capture every moment in your heart. If you want to go for trekking, please don’t miss the chance because nature doesn’t bloom like this anywhere else.
Kundala Lake
Oh My Beauty! Munnar, you should have been called the paradise. Yet another place from Munnar where natural splendor meets the extreme point of allurement. Rolling hills dotted with the stupendous greenery, beguiling fragrant gardens, multi-hued flowers, and magical surrounding sum up the exquisiteness of Kundala Lake. Amid the quixotic aura of milieu, going for a boat riding would definitely be an ethereal experience when the waves of soothing water would be touching your soul, the ever shining rays of the sun would be brushing against your face, and the romantic ambience would be stealing your heart.
This lake is actually formed by the Kundala Dam and is one of the most romantic places to visit in Munnar. Spend some time here with your loved ones and soak yourself into the unfathomable ocean of love.
Attukal Waterfall
Normally, all waterfalls are awe-inspiring but when it comes to Kerala, I think there is something extraordinary. And Attukal Waterfall is a testament to it. Covered by the impenetrable green forests and hills, Attukal Waterfall is truly jaw breaking. Cascading down high above from the rocks, the misty white water of Attukal Waterfall spellbinds everybody at the first sight itself.
The aromatic fragrance of different flowers, the cool breeze of trees, and utter serene aura make the Attukal Waterfall region a fun-filled picnic spot. After admiring this phenomenal façade of nature, don’t miss the chance to experience something thrilling if you’re an adventurous freak. A trek around the waterfall hill can really draw the soul out of you with the thrill and the excited panic.
- Must Read: 15 Amazing Waterfalls of India
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
Well, this is the place for which Munnar is famous. It is the essence of this hill station. Without the mention of Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, the tourism of Munnar would be incomplete. Covered with misty atmosphere and the aromatic scent of tea plants, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate will surely rejuvenate your mind, soul, and life. Walking through the bountiful zigzag rows of tea gardens seeing the greenery all around leaves every visitor weak on the knees.
For an interesting fact, this tea estate is locates at 8000ft off the ground level and is considered to be the highest of its category. Famous for its flavorsome tea, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is a major tourist attraction in Munnar.
Rose Garden
Yes, Munnar has a garden of natural roses which is one of the beautiful places to visit in Munnar. Spreading in an area of comprehensive 2 acres, the rose garden is replete with different species of plants of roses. This heaven on earth has been safeguarded impeccably by the walls. It is open for public visit but please don’t dare to pluck even a single rose. And why to do such mischievous thing when the entire region is decked like a bride. In Rose Garden, love seems to be personified and redefined.
So, spend some lovely moments amid the crazy-driving fragrance and allure of roses. You can’t find a place like this in the entire world. Presently, this entire farmhouse is owned and maintained by a Kerala couple Rajee Tomy and Tomy Joseph.
Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park is one of the most beautiful places that you can visit in Munnar. The endangered species- The Nilgiri Tahr is a tourist attraction over here. Many rare species of butterflies, animal and birds are found in this park. The park is a heaven not only for nature lovers but also for trekkers who embark on never ending journeys to visit new places. The splendid tea plantation and the magnificent view of mountain covered by a blanket of mist is a perfect example of scenic beauty.
Anamudi Peak
A challenging destination for trekkers, the Anamudi Peak is located inside the Eravikulam National Park. At a staggering height of 2700 Meters Anamudi is the highest peak in South India. A proper authority letter from the officials is required to conduct treks on the peak.
Chinnakanal & Anayirangal
Famous for its waterfall, Chinnakanal is a village located near the town of Munnar. The spot overlooks the massive Western Ghats and is a scenic beauty. 2000m above sea level it is popularly known as Power House Waterfalls. Just 7 km away from Chinnakanal you can experience the magic of lush green tea plantation when you visit Anayirangal. A stroll amidst these plantations is a thing to brag about.
Top Station
The highest point on Munnar-Kodaikanal Route, Top Station is 32 km away from Munnar located at a height of 1700 m above sea level. You can literally touch the cloud which comes floating towards you from the bottom. It offers you a magical view of Neelakurinji flower blooming. Apart from this you are treated to a beautiful panoramic view of its neighboring state.
Best Time to Visit Munnar
Considering the weather of Kerala State, Munnar is open all year-long. Visit whenever it suits the best to you. You’ll find it with the same splendor and allurement in every season. The magical beauty of Munnar never goes down but yes, just after the monsoon months, it surpasses every beauty on the earth. So, early winters are ideally the best time to explore this charismatic hill station. However, Munnar receives the swarms of tourists in all the seasons.
How to Reach Munnar
To get into the courtyard of nature, you would need to wait a little longer on your journey because it is a hill station, so is a bit far from the main city. Aluva is the nearest railway station to Munnar which is around 100 km away. And if you choose airways, it is even farther than that. Munnar doesn’t have its own airport. Kochi International Airport, 130 km from Munnar, is the closest airport. From these two halts, you can get myriad of local transports. According to me, getting Munnar by your own vehicle is the most convenient way. Without any hassle, get there when you want.
The sky-kissing, hilly, and stupendous tea gardens are the signature sign of Munnar but the hill station is a well-packed tourist destination which offers everything from the natural charisma to the ultimate serenity. This is what makes it the most loved tourist destination in Kerala.
- Must Read: Popular Hill Stations in India
