Munnar is the most famous hill station in southern India situated at the confluence of three-mountain streams-Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Its ravishing natural beauty makes it the most sought after tourist destination in Kerala. The spell-bounding environment, deep thick forests, wonderful lakes, lush green tea gardens are some of its major highlights. It is exactly situated at 1600 meters above sea level near Anaimudi, which is the highest peak of the Kerala Western Ghats and is set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district. Munnar was the most favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. The sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience for the tourist and traveller.

Visitors throughout the year are attracted to this tourist place not only for it’s breath-taking beauty of tea plantations, beautiful landscapes but also due to it’s past glory of colonial establishments.

Anaimudi

It is the highest peak in southern India, at a height of approximately 2,695m and is one of the major tourist attractions in Munnar. This peak is surrounded by all kinds of rare flora and fauna like Atlas moth, Nilgiri Langur, lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers etc. It is the best place for trekking with height of 2600 meters. Tourists are also allowed to go on foot up to Anaimudi. The nature view from this point is said to be phenomenal and ever lasting.

Pothamedu

It is 6 km from Munnar and offers an ecstatic view of tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. It is considered as one of the main plantation hubs of Munnar. The rolling hills, breathe taking scenery and lush mountains are best suited for trekking and hiking.

Pallivasal

Pallivasal is a village situated around 8km from Munnar and is a place of immense scenic beauty. This is the venue of the first hydropower project in the state of Kerala.

Mattupetty

Situated at 1700 meters above sea level, Mattupetty is famous for it’s exclusive dairy farm – the Indo-Swiss Live Stock project. Mattupetty is 13 km from Munnar. It contains 11 cattle sheds of which visitors are allowed into 3. There are more than 100 varieties of high yielding cattle reared here. A very beautiful picnic spot called Mattupetty Lake and Dam is situated at a short distance from the farm. Even boating facilities are available here. Surrounding Mattupetty are the shola forests, which are good for trekking and are a habitat to variety of birds. Other major attraction to this place is the Rivulets and cascades, which crisscross the terrain.

Rajamala

It is situated 15 km from Munnar and is 2695 meters above sea level. Rajamala is a natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr. These are reduced to small herds and are found in the Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Nilgiri Tahr are estimated to be at 1317.Almost half of the world population of the rare mountain goat called hemitragas hyclores which is becoming extinct is found here.

Attukal

Attukal is situated 9 km from Munnar and is a panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills. It is located between Munnar and Pallivasal and is a treat to eyes. This place is also ideal for trekking.

Devikulam

It is about 7kms from Munnar and is an enthralling experience among exotic flora and fauna, velvet lawns and a cool breeze of mountain air. There is also a very good picnic spot called Sita Devi Lake, which is ideal for trout fishing and famous for its picturesque surroundings and mineral waters.

Power House Waterfalls

This is 18 km from Munnar and is on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock 2000 meters above sea level. From this spot, we get an excellent view of the western mountain ranges and are also an ideal place for a halt on the way to Periyar Wildlife sanctuary situated nearby.

Kundale Tea Plantation

You want to watch tea being picked? You want to learn how tea is being processed? You want to buy tea directly from the gardens? Then this is the place every tea lover to visit once. It is surrounded by a beautiful lake that offers some engrossing views of the region. And if you plan to visit this place on Sunday, just drop in to the Kundale club in the afternoon where you get the opportunity to gather with the families of local planters.

Nyayamakad

It is 10 km from Munnar and is in between Munnar and Rajamala. This is the place where you find some ecstatic waterfalls with water cascading down from a height of around 1,600 meters. The surroundings around this place make it a perfect picnic spot and trekking point.

Chithirapuram

Situated at 10 km from Munnar, Chithirapuram was once the favorite spot for the British with it’s old playgrounds and courts, sleepy little cottages and big bungalows. This is the venue of the Pallivasal hydel power project and is also famous for it’s beautiful tea plantations.

Cheeyappara

This waterfalls cascade down in seven steps, which makes it unique and is a feast to the eyes. It is situated in between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi-Madurai highway.

Eravikulam National Park

Located 15 km from Munnar, this 97 sq. km park is situated in the Devikulam taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr, lion-tailed macaque and the free-roaming ibex. It is announced as a national park in the year 1978 and the Anamudi peak is located in the southern region of this park.

Nadukani

Nadukani is a picturesque town situated 25 km from Idukki. It is at an attitude of 3000 ft and is a charming hill station. The upper part is filled with blue hills vying to touch the sky. Some very rare species of fauna like the hornbill, wild rabbits, spotted sambhar, jungle mainah, and elephants are found here as it forms on of the boundaries of the Idukki Wild life sanctuary. Another attraction near this picturesque town is the Moolamattom underground power station. It also offers excellent views of Moolamattom town, Malankara lake etc.

Valara

This waterfall is located 10 km from Adimali on the National highway 49. The beautiful green clothed surroundings and the Cheeyappara waterfalls make this a favorite tourist destination.

Kundala

It is a beautiful town located 20 km from Munnar. Kundala Lake is the most sought after picnic spot here, which is surrounded by the Tata tea Ltd Golf course. Kundala artificial dam and Aruvikkad waterfall are some of the other major attractions here.

Meenuli

The unique feature of this place is the 2-acre evergreen forest upon a huge rock with over 500 acres in area. It is the best spot for mountaineering and places like Lower Periyar area, Bhoothathankettu and Ernakulam can be watched from the top of the rock.

Echo Point

Situated at 15 km from Munnar, its name is derived due to the natural echo phenomenon that comes across here. It is on the way to top stations from Munnar.

Getting there

By Air: You need to catch a flight to Kochi that has an international airport at a distance of 130 kms from Munnar. Munnar is well connected to all the major cities of India.

By Rail: You need to catch a train to Kochi, which is connected to almost all the major cities of India. Form there, you can catch some regular and express trains en-route to Munnar, which is 130 km from Kochi.

By Road: Roads are conveniently connected to all the other cities and towns of the state and are in good condition. You can catch local state transport buses or some private carriers.

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