Munnar Travel Guide: Activities & Sightseeing in Munnar, Kerala

Munnar is a famous tea and tourist town situated on the portion of the south Western Ghats in the Idukki district of the Kerala state, India. Generally, the name Munnar covers the entire tourist region of the district. The town received its name from the two Malayalam/Tamil words namely, Munu – meaning three and aaru meaning river. This refers to its tactical location where the three rivers namely, Muthirappuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundaly meet.

Munnar is a popular honeymoon destination of Kerala in South India. Munnar is a must to see and feel experience due to its extensive tea cultivation area, windy streets, trekking routes, and holiday services. Although it is in Kerala, a large portion of the population belongs to its neighboring state, Tamil Nadu.

The Munnar Panchayat is the largest Panchayat in the district situated in the Devikulam segment. Predominantly a pass, vast forests surrounded by a cool and wet atmosphere most of the times convince you to spend some holiday time.

There are many worth seeing national parks in and around Munnar, as they are known for many endangered and prevalent species such as the Nilgiri Tahr (a rare mountain goat), Nilgiri Wood-pigeon, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Gaur, Elephant, and the Neelakurinji (flowers only once in a year).

History

The history of Munnar traces long back even before the period of the Old Testament due to the famous trade route of the old Munnar-Aluva pathway.  This was the royal path that connected the historic city of Muziris with the old city of Madurai through the Western Ghat – a source of natural resources. The current evidences of the historical monuments indicate the existence of the civilization and its prosperity around 3000 years ago. The road was the medium for transporting valuables, sandalwood, and spices to Musiris. Many other traders such as those from the Arab/Chinese/Rome started trading through this route at that time in history.

It is believed that the road was constructed in 300 BCE to 250 CE, which was reconstructed in 1891. The road seems to walk along the Periyar and Pooyamkutty rivers and then passes through an ecological hotspot on its way to Musiris (now Kondungallur). However, even until date, the entire pathway is not exactly known due to lot of geographical changes of the land.

Tourists’ Attractions

The visitor activities in Munnar are boating, trekking, parasailing, hot air ballooning, camping, and wild life expedition in the forests and sanctuary.

Tata Tea Museum

This is situated at the distance of 2 Km from Munnar Centre on the Nallathanni Road. Interesting sections are compilation of old pieces of the colonial, exhibition of tea production, and information on machineries and tea processing and tasting. It has nominal entrance fees and remains closed on Monday.

CSI Church

This is quite religious location to meditate and pray. Built in 1910 with stones, the observable pieces of work include the fine stained glass and brass plaques.

Devikulam

This is a lake town situated at a distance of 7 km away of Munnar and is famous for velvet lawns, interesting flora and fauna, and the Sita Devi Lake with mineral water.

Nyayamakad

This is place of spectacular waterfalls where waters flows down a hill from an altitude of approximately 1600 meters. Situated at 10 km from Munnar, it is ideal for picnic and trekking.

Mattupetty

This is a famous for specialized dairy farm, Mattupetty Dam and Lake for speedboat ride, agricultural gardens, Indo-Swiss Livestock project, and tea plantation; located at a distance of 14 km away from Munnar.

Rajamalai

This place is famous for its Eravikulam National Park located at a distance of 13 km from Munnar. The park is split into three areas namely, the core, buffer, and tourism. You will be allowed in the tourism area for trekking and viewing the Nilgiri Tahr goat. Nominal fees are charged for both entrance and photography and is open from September to May.

Top Station

This place is famous for the beautiful scenery of the Tamil Nadu plains. It is situated at a distance of 40 km from Munnar.

Attukal

This is famous for waterfalls and rolling hills located at the distance of 9 km.

Kundala

This place is famous for the Kundala dam, Golf Course of the Tata Tea Ltd, and Aruvikkad waterfall. It is located at a distance of 20 km from Munnar.

Marayoor

This place is popular for natural sandalwood forests (only one in Kerala), waterfalls (Thoovanam), Rajiv Gandhi National Park, and Muniyaras (old caves). It is also situated at a distance of 40 km from Munnar.

Anayirangal

This is a place covered by green carpets of tea plantations. It is also known for the famous Anayirangal dam enclosed by the Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests. This all can be seen at a distance of 22 km from Munnar.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

You can see animals such as elephants, deer, and samba for the tall watchtower that is located at the distance of 200 m from the check post. Nominal fees are charged here. The place is 60 km away from Munnar on Udumalpet road.

Pallivasal

This is famous as the place of scenic beauty and first Hydro-electricity project of Kerala. It is at a distance of 8 km.

Blossom International Park

This is at Munnar famous for its adventure track, 1000-feet long fountain, roller skates, and underground mediation centre.

Anamudi

This is the highest peak in South India and is popular for its trekking.

Pothamedu

This is famous for good cultivation of the tea, coffee, and cardamom in Munnar and trekking or mountain walks due to rolling hills and lush mountains. It is located at the distance of 6 km from Munnar.

Power House Waterfalls

Here, the water flows down a precipitous rock located at 2000 m above the sea level and is surrounded with the Western mountain ranges. This is 18 km away from Munnar and lies in between the route to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.

Cheeyappara and Valara

These are famous chains of waterfalls with thick forests on the Kochi – Madurai highway.

Chithirapuram

This is famous for tea cultivations, little cottages, bungalows, and old playgrounds and courts. Located at 10 km from Munnar, it houses the Pallivasal Hydel Power project.