Planning a Munnar Holiday? Start With This Travel Guide

It's not typical to associate cold weather with Kerala. However, if you climb three hours inland from the coast, the heat disappears and is replaced by mist, cool air and green hills extending for miles. It's this small surprise that makes Munnar in Kerala such a pleasant destination, offering a proper jacket-weather retreat in a state which is generally considered hot and humid. The problem is that it does require some planning, since choosing the wrong month or booking a poorly situated hotel might leave you looking at fog rather than tea hills. Therefore, let us sort this out before you make your booking. This guide will show you how to experience Munnar, Kerala, just as a friend who has taken the drive would, by covering the best time of year and route, where to stay, what to eat, and which sights are actually worth your time.

What Makes Munnar Worth the Winding Drive? 

To begin with, here is a quick explanation of the reasons why people are drawn to this area. Situated at an altitude of about 1,600 metres, Munnar in Kerala is a cool, green area in the Western Ghats, covering the hills over which the tea plantations extend as far as the eye can see.

Here is what sets the Munnar hills, Kerala apart from the usual hill-station crowd:

• Tea everywhere: The slopes are home to a number of estates that are hundreds of years old and which are managed under the Kannan Devan name.
• Rare wildlife: The Nilgiri Tahr, which is an endangered species, lives in the national park located just outside town.
• Real cool air: There are mild days and genuinely cold nights, which is a rare pleasure in the tropics.
• Anamudi: The town is situated right next to the highest mountain in South India.

Here's a fascinating example of natural theatre: the Neelakurinji flower covers these hills with purple only once every 12 years, the next flowering being anticipated around 2030. If you miss it, you'll have to wait more than ten years, which shows just how remarkable the timing can be here.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Munnar, Kerala? 

Everything in the area depends on the time of visit, whether it's the scenery or indeed if the park is open at all. The short answer to when the best time to visit Munnar, Kerala, is September through March, when the air is cool and the hills are at their greenest.

• September to March: The clear winner is the greenery after the monsoon, giving way to the sharp days of winter.
• April to May: Enjoy the comfort of warm-season weather while the plains are baking, with occasional pre-monsoon showers.
• June to August: The monsoon is heavy, with emerald hills and waterfalls, but roads in the ghat area are prone to landslides, and the viewing points are cloudy.

As for the temperature in Munnar Kerala, it will be about 5 to 25°C during the cooler months, so it's a good idea to bring a jacket for the evenings no matter what the season. There's one point that often causes problems for tourists: Eravikulam National Park typically closes in February and March because of the tahr calving season, so if you intend to visit it, avoid those two months. This kind of information is frequently hidden on the weather pages for Munnar Kerala and can have a major impact on your entire itinerary.

How Do You Reach Munnar? 

To get to Munnar in Kerala a good deal of planning is required since the town has no airport of its own and no railway line. You have to reach it through Kochi and then go up the ghats by road, which is about half the enjoyment.

• By air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), situated about 110 to 125 km away, which takes roughly four hours by road.
• By train: The closest railway station to Munna is Aluva, it being about 110 to 120 km away, with Ernakulam being a bit farther as well; both of them connect to major cities.
• By road: From Aluva, Ernakulam, and Kochi, frequent KSRTC and private bus services are available, and taxis are easy to arrange.
• The route: The normal route from Kochi goes through Perumbavoor, Kothamangalam and Adimali, passing by waterfalls and estates.

As for a common question, the answer is no; there is no direct train service to Munnar, so you will have to get off at Aluva and then travel by road. It is best to avoid driving the last ghat section after dark because it is steep and winding.

How Do You Get Around Once You Are There? 

When you get there, one point about Munnar, Kerala is that the attractions are located all over the hills, so some planning regarding transport will help make the most of your time; it's not a place where you can just walk around.

• Private taxis and jeeps: This is the usual way to cover the viewpoints and estates, and it is worth it for the comfort.
• Hired car with driver: The best choice for families, as the roads are twisty.
• Local buses: Inexpensive and full of character on the main routes, but less convenient when carrying luggage.
• On foot: The area around the town centre and the estate paths are good, though not suitable for long distances.

Although cars are available they cannot be used for a few destinations, which is why most tourists take a taxi for their whole day of sightseeing and keep their plans simple.

Best Places to Visit in Munnar, Kerala 

Well, here's what you've come for. Since the best tourist places in Munnar, Kerala, are all located along a number of scenic routes, you usually don't end up spending time retracing your steps. Below is the list before we look at them.

• Eravikulam National Park: The first national park in Kerala, which houses the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and is situated behind Anamudi, the highest mountain in South India, can be accessed by taking a vehicle provided by the forest department to the Rajamalai area, although the park closes in February and March.
• Tea Estates and the Tea Museum: The tea estates of Munnar, Kerala define the character of the area, and the Tata Tea Museum offers a pleasant though busy introduction to the processes involved in growing and processing the leaves. It's best to walk along an estate road early in the day to get the best light.
• Mattupetty Dam: It is a beautiful reservoir surrounded by hills and is well known for short boat trips as well as for the classic view of Munnar hills with the tea slopes reflected in the water.
• Kundala Dam: Kundala Dam, which is quieter than Mattupetty, is a spot in Munnar, Kerala, famous for its pedal and shikara boats and its peaceful atmosphere removed from the crowds.
• Top Station: The circuit's highest point offers you long views that extend for miles into adjacent Tamil Nadu. The air is clearest in the mornings before the mist arrives.
• Echo Point: A pleasant and simple place by the lake, since your shout echoes off the hills, making it ideal for a brief pause between the main attractions.

Best Things to Do in Munnar, Kerala 

It's not enough just to list the activities since you really enjoy this place by slowing down; a few of the experiences are worth planning into your list of things to do in Munnar, Kerala.

• Walk the tea trails: In the early morning, walk along the paths of the estate, watch the people picking the tea, and taste some tea directly at the source.
• Spot the Nilgiri Tahr: On the short journey up to Eravikulam, you usually end up coming near these surefooted mountain goats.
• Take a boat on the lakes: Having a gentle ride at Mattupetty or Kundala is a lovely and low-effort hour.
• Try an Ayurvedic massage: The best way to unwind after a day spent in the hills is to have a Kerala massage in Munnar at a good centre.
• Visit a spice plantation: During a guided walk through the spice garden in Munnar, you see cardamom, pepper and clove growing in the wild.
• Chase a waterfall or two: Attukad and the roadside falls reach their fullest extent right after the monsoon.

Some of the more recent activity parks are useful for families. For example, Fun Forest in Munnar has zip lines and rope courses, while Punarjani Traditional Village in Munnar, provides an experience of local art forms, which is a good option when travelling with children who need a change from just looking at views.

How Many Days Do You Need in Munnar? 

As to how long one should spend in Munnar Kerala, the truthful reply for someone visiting for the first time is that two or three days are sufficient in order to see the main attractions without having to rush.

• Day one: The classic sightseeing route visits Mattupetty, Echo Point, Kundala and Top Station before finishing off with an estate walk at golden hour.
• Day two: Start your visit to Eravikulam National Park early, when the air is clear, then head to the Tea Museum in the afternoon, followed by the spice garden.
• Day three (optional): Take it easy and enjoy an Ayurvedic massage, have a long breakfast as part of a homestay, and stroll slowly along the estate roads.

Where Should You Stay in Munnar? 

The choice you make here will affect the entire course of your trip since a good base will reduce the amount of driving you have to do and put the sights right at your door. As there are plenty of hotels in Munnar, Kerala, ranging from basic rooms to plantation accommodations, it is worthwhile to select the type that suits your holiday.

• Plantation stays and resorts: Most of the resorts in Munnar, Kerala are situated right within the tea estates, choosing a central position in order to have silence and fine views.
• Town hotels: They are in the centre, easy to access and convenient for both food and buses, though not very scenic.
• Homestays and guest houses: The warmest and most local way to stay in Munnar, is by taking a homestay or a guest house that is run by a family.
• Something different: For couples, a tree house accommodation in Munnar or one with an eco-focused approach, provides a touch of something new.

Travellers often look for places of a certain type, for example the Nature Zone Resort in Munnar, Kerala, which focuses on being situated in the forest with beautiful views, or a working farm stay in Munnar that places you in the plantations. It's necessary to book well in advance during the peak season because the best rooms are taken up early. For couples, the villa-type accommodations are the best choice when it comes to honeymoon stays, as they have private balconies overlooking the tea gardens.

What Should You Eat in Munnar? 

The food in this hill region is a warm combination of Kerala and Tamil flavours and is at its best when enjoyed after having spent a cold morning outdoors. You will have simple but very good meals.

• Kerala meals (sadya-style): A spread consisting of rice, curries, and pickles, the traditional lunch.
• Appam with stew: Rice pancakes that are soft and lacy, flavoured with a mild coconut curry.
• Fresh cardamom tea: The tea served here is spiced and grown right on these hills.
• Hot snacks: Parippu vada and banana fritters are ideal to be eaten with tea on a misty evening.

Tribe Travel Tip: If you drink tea, go with the food that is being fried at a roadside stall, as the cardamom available here is one of the best in the country and gives even a plain cup of tea a memorable quality.

What Is Worth Buying in Munnar, Kerala? 

Shopping in Munnar town is refreshingly honest since it is based on what the hills actually produce. So, leave some room in your bag.

• Tea: Estate-fresh loose leaf and specialty blends, the obvious and best value.
• Spices: Cardamom, pepper, cinnamon and clove are cheaper and fresher when bought at the source.
• Homemade chocolate: It is a local speciality and is usually seasoned or flavoured with cardamom.
• Essential oils and soaps: Eucalyptus and lemongrass, produced in the hills.

What Should You Pack for Munnar? 

Since Munnar is situated in the hills, packing in layers will prevent you from experiencing a cold and damp shock; although the days are mild the mornings and nights are cold, so it is the layers that have to do the work.

• Warm layers: A light jacket or a fleece is suitable for the evening, even during the summer months.
• Rain protection: It is compact and waterproof, particularly when near and during the monsoon.
• Grippy shoes: Trainers that are comfortable for walking around the estate and on the park trail.
• The basics: A reusable water bottle along with sunscreen and any regular medicines that you take.

What Nearby Places Can You Pair With Munnar? 

Munnar seldom makes a trip on its own as part of a Kerala tour and since it is situated in a convenient location it is easy to include it as a stopover. When you have extra days, a number of the nearby places match well with the Munnar hills in Kerala.

• Thekkady (Periyar): Around four hours' drive away, it is famous for its wildlife reserve and spice country.
• Alappuzha: In the plains, at the backwaters and on a houseboat night, the traditional hills-and-water setup.
• Kochi: About four hours, suitable for visiting museums, cafes, and your flight home.
• Vagamon: A more peaceful trip into the hills, with meadows and pine forests, works well as a slower add-on.

The standard procedure is to start with the hills, then move on to the backwaters, which means that you end up on the calm water before leaving Kochi. It is one of the easiest and most satisfying routes in the south.

Tribe Travel Tips

A few honest pointers to keep a first visit to Munnar, Kerala, easy:

• Pack layers: It is cold in the mornings and at night, so take a jacket even in summer.
• Start early: The viewpoints are most clear before the mist that arrives in the mid-morning.
• Book park tickets ahead: Eravikulam gets fully booked during peak season. Plan ahead.
• Carry cash: Small estates, stalls and homestays do not accept cards.
• Mind the ghat roads: The roads are winding, so take extra time and steer clear of driving at night.
• Respect the estates: Since they are farmland and include areas that are protected, you should stay on the designated paths.

Ready to Head for the Hills? 

A good holiday in Munnar entirely depends on making a few shrewd bookings early on, choosing the right season, selecting your base and deciding on the order in which to see the places, so that the days seem relaxed rather than hurried. It is exactly this aspect that we enjoy taking care of for you.

At Holiday Tribe we act as holiday advisors rather than as travel agents and we create Kerala holidays as land-based packages tailored to your schedule and your pace. If you'd like everything organised for you, choose one of our ready-made Munnar Kerala and Kerala itineraries, or ask our experts together with our AI travel planner to design a custom one that combines the hills with Alappuzha's backwaters, Kochi or the coast. Let us know who is going and how you prefer to travel and we'll look after the rest.