Top Things to Do in Munnar
Atukkad Waterfalls
Atukkad Waterfalls is a scenic feast located amidst hills and jungles. The waterfall is a popular spot for trekking and picnics, offering a silver-streaked cascade that becomes particularly powerful and majestic during the monsoon season. The surrounding greenery and the cool mist make it a favorite for nature lovers and photographers seeking tranquility away from the main town.
Echo Point
Echo Point is a popular destination situated on the way to Top Station. Known for its natural echo phenomenon, it sits at the confluence of three mountain ranges near a beautiful lake. The lush green slopes and the quiet atmosphere make it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, bird watching, or simply shouting out names to hear them bounce back from the misty hills.
Pothamedu View Point
Pothamedu View Point provides a panoramic view of Munnar’s sprawling tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations. The rolling hills and deep valleys create a stunning tapestry of green that is especially beautiful at sunset. It is a perfect spot for photographers and trekkers who want to experience the vastness of the Western Ghats and the refreshing mountain air of the Idukki district.
Top Station
Top Station is the highest point in Munnar, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Western Ghats and the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. Located about 32 km from Munnar, it was historically a transshipment point for tea. It is famous for the rare Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every twelve years, covering the hills in a vibrant shade of blue and purple.
Devikulam
Devikulam is a small, pristine hill station near Munnar, famous for its sacred Sita Devi Lake. Legend has it that Goddess Sita bathed in these waters, giving the lake its name and spiritual significance. The area is surrounded by lush green lawns, exotic flora and fauna, and tea estates, making it a quiet alternative for those looking to escape the busier tourist spots.
Tea Museum
The Tata Tea Museum chronicles the journey of Munnar from a wild forest to a world-renowned tea plantation hub. Visitors can explore old machinery, photographs, and artifacts that tell the story of the pioneers of the tea industry. The museum also provides a live demonstration of tea processing and a tasting session where guests can sample different varieties of locally grown tea.
Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The park spans across the high rolling hills of the Rajamala region and offers spectacular views of the Anamudi peak. The biodiversity here is rich, featuring various species of rare birds, butterflies, and animals, set against a backdrop of mist-covered mountains and shola forests.
Mattupetty Dam and Lake
Mattupetty Dam is a concrete gravity dam built to conserve water for hydroelectricity. The associated lake is a beautiful turquoise expanse surrounded by steep hills and woods. It is a popular spot for speedboating and pedal boating. Often, wild elephants can be spotted grazing near the water’s edge, adding a touch of wilderness to this engineering marvel.
Kundala Dam and Lake
Kundala Lake is famous for its pedal boat and Kashmiri shikhara boat rides. The dam is Asia’s first arch dam and provides a stunning backdrop for the surrounding cherry blossom trees that bloom twice a year. The serene environment and the reflection of the mountains in the still water make it one of the most picturesque and romantic locations in the Munnar region.
Marayoor
Marayoor is a unique destination known for its natural sandalwood forests and prehistoric dolmens (muniyaras) dating back to the Stone Age. It is the only place in Kerala with a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The area is also famous for its traditional jaggery making and the scenic beauty of the Pambar River, offering a mix of history, culture, and nature.
Rajamala
Rajamala is the tourism zone of Eravikulam National Park. It is the best place to spot the Nilgiri Tahr at close range. The area is characterized by its high-altitude grasslands and breathtaking views of the valley below. It serves as the gateway for nature enthusiasts to explore the unique ecosystem of the Western Ghats and witness the beauty of the mountain landscape.