Best Destinations To Explore In Munnar During Winter!

Munnar, South India’s most sought-after hill station is not only a traveler’s favorite spot but also the center of tea estates across Kerala. Munnar, an interesting hill station surrounded by calm serenity and attractiveness is the most visited destination in South India.

This hill station is a blissful beauty located at an altitude of nearly 1600 meters from the sea level and was once the summer resort of the British government across South India. The colonial Bungalows in the hillocks boast of the magnificent past of this place.

The enjoyable romantic climate and the laid-back atmosphere in Munnar made it the most favored honeymoon place in the country. The word Munnar literally means 3 rivers. As the name denotes Munnar lies in the convergence of three rivers Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala in the Idukki district.

One of the foremost attractions of Munnar is the Tea plantations. There are more than 12000 hectares of lush-clipped tea fields forming an attractive background for the place. For adventure lovers, there is the challenge of mounting the highest peak of South India.

The good-looking valley covered with coffee, tea, and spice plantations, the misty hillsides sheltering different endangered species of wildlife, and the spectacular waterfalls will be a refreshing experience. But the most refreshing is the pure clean air.

There is also a variety of interesting things you can do here. You can play golf, see wild animals, or do some trout fishing. The list is ceaseless. You can also visit any tea plantations to understand the procedure. The fragrance of the location will stay with you for a long. Neelakurinji flower one of the fewest and most beautiful flowers which blooms once in 12 years is found in the valleys over here. When these flowers bloom cover the complete region with their beautiful violet color. Enjoy the rare sight of these flowers.

Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park is situated at a drive of nearly 45 minutes from the City Centre of Munnar and is located atop the summit of Western Ghats. Spread across a land stretch of 97 kilometers, this is one of the most pursued places for Munnar exploration. It houses a plethora of flora and fauna and accounts for itself among the other UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Managed originally as a Game Reserve, Eravikulam National Park is also better known as the Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Eravikulam National Park is an enormous blend of wildlife. There are nearly 132 dissimilar species of birds, 19 amphibian species, 26 mammalian species, 101 species of butterflies, and 20 dissimilar orchid species here. Nilgiri langur, Atlas moth, Nilgiri marten, small-clawed otter, Lion-tailed macaque, and a rare variability of the leopard and lion are some of the chief wildlife to be dappled here.

If you are an enthusiastic bird watcher, be ready to treat yourself to the view of the Black & Orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, White Bellied ShortWing, Kerala Laughing Thrush, and Nilgiri Verditer Flycatcher. Apart from the vast selection of wildlife that flourishes here, you can effortlessly spot the Nilgiri Tahr. It is well-known as the endangered species of a mountain goat from South India. Eravikulam National Park is also registered for the stunning beauty of its rolling grasslands and Shola Forest cover. 

Marayoor Dolmens

Situated just 40 kilometers away from Munnar is a picturesque locale by the name of Marayoor, which is celebrated for its naturally raising sandalwood forest and dolmens from the Stone Age Civilisation.

Wrapped in a wispy blanket of magnificent clouds, Marayoor has hamlets, sugarcane fields, waterfalls, and bamboo forests making it a captivating insight into exquisite green beauty. Add to it, the natural blessing of a sea of fragrant sandalwood trees; this place is a sensory practice like no other.

Pothamedu View Point Munnar

You can watch the attractiveness of the Munnar mist that is overwhelming the green hills from the Pothanmedu Viewpoint. The drive to the Pothamedu ViewPoint takes you over an old bridge and slim roads and the views throughout the drive are also very picturesque.

You should try to sip the hot tea from the tea shop near the lookout to enjoy the feel of Munnar to the full. One of the loveliest places to visit in Munnar is Pothamedu View Point where nature can be found at its best.

Tata Tea Museum

For more than a century, the history of Munnar has been associated with its tea plantations. In fact, Munnar is a residence to find some of the finest tea estates around the world. It is one noteworthy employment opportunity for the individuals of Munnar. Kannan Devan Tea Estate is a Tata-owned tea estate around Munnar which homes to most of the tea estates of Munnar. The Tata Tea Museum, also better known as KDHP Museum, is situated 2 km from the center of Munnar. It is a portion of the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea.

This museum stands as a compliment to all the pioneers of the tea plantations of Munnar who crooked it into one of the foremost tea distributors of Kerala. The Tata Tea Museum is a one-of-its-kind museum in India. Tourists staying here get to know about the establishment and advancement of the tea plantation industry in India. Correct from the manually functioned tea roller to the fully automated tea factory, you get to know about every individual fact connected to the Munnar’s tea plantation’s automation. 

This museum is a place meant for researchers. You can attain insights into the processing of tea leaves and the marketing of the end-use product. They also have an orthodox tea manufacturing unit and a mini-CTC to prove the discrepancy stages of tea processing. There is a magnificent sundial constructed of granite and installed in 1913 that may be found at the entrance to the Tata Tea Museum. This is said to be involvement from the Art Industrial School of Tamil Nadu. 

Mattupetti Indo Swiss Farm

Situated at a height of 1700 meters Mattupetty is well-known for its dairy farm. Close to this delightful farm is the beautiful Mattupetty lake and dam, a well-known picnic spot. Mattupetty Dam has an enormous reservoir.

A visit to this location is an exhilarating experience with boating and the occasional sight of several wild animals like elephants and Sambar.

Anamudi

Anamudi is the greatest peak in the Western Ghats and South India and is located 2695 meters above sea level and is one of the most enchanting sights in Munnar. The location is ideal for trekking and proposes many activities if you love to explore something adventurous as it is the greatest point in India outside the Himalayas.

However, presently Trekking to Anamudi is debarred as per court orders.

Meesapulimala

Perched at a height of 2640 meters above sea level, Meesapulimala is the second greatest peak when it comes to the mountain variety in the Western Ghat. This mountain assortment is a trekker’s paradise around the Southern parts of India and is situated just a small distance away from the attractive Munnar town of Idukki district around Kerala. 

The name of the peak is the result of the fact that it is made of complete eight peaks. All of these mountains are super out and have a mustache-like formation. The mountain range is crammed between Anaimalai Hills and the Palani Hills, which are situated near Suryanelli. 

The attractiveness of the mountain range can only be fully esteemed if you trek to the top of the mountain. To that end, first, you have to take a jeep to the base camp and then hike to the topmost of the mountain. However, this course should only be undertaken by veteran mountaineering enthusiasts, as it can be quite grueling. 

Most travelers prefer to undertake a calmer trek from Rhodovalley to Meesapulimala, which is 8 km long. You can also hike to the mountains from Silent Valley, which is situated 6 km away from Rhodo Valley.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is amongst the most auspicious location to enjoy nature in its full swing – the reason several visitors love to tour this park. This UNESCO World Heritage sanctuary sprawls nearly an area of 90 sq km. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary nestles among the Western Ghats with a myriad of marvelous peaks enhancing its beauty.

In addition, the Chinnar and Pambar rivers flowing around it generate an interesting view of the wilderness. Further, this wildlife sanctuary is also home to several cascades like the Thoovanam Waterfall, lying on the Pambar River, which is an outstanding choice for trekking and taking a dip. 

Devikulam

The most sought-after destination in Munnar, Devikulam is a perfect hill station with interesting flora and fauna and the cool mountain breeze. The Sita Devi Lake in hearing is a perfect picnic spot with its delightful ambiance and mineral-rich water. Devikulam proposes to the visitors the enjoyment of trout fishing.

Devikulam lake is just 13 km away from Munnar, before trout fishing you have to get authorization and also have to bring the equipment. Another place for trout fishing is Gravel Banks which is located at the distant corner of Nyayamakad Estate.

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

It’s difficult to visit Munnar and not be enthralled by the beauty of the tea garden. Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, which is creased with a lush carpet of tea plantations and proposes the accurate backdrop of the spacious skies, is the most suitable setting for some stunning images.

It is one of the highest nature Tourism destinations in Munnar. The mist of clouds that enclosed the place only adds to its beauty! This location, which is nearly 2,400 meters above sea level, is a must-see for all travelers.

Cheeyappara Waterfalls

The Cheeyappara Waterfalls are located on the Kochi-Madurai Highway in the Idukki district. The avalanche of water flowing down the 7 tiers of the rocky mountain presents an extraordinary sight. The sound of gushing water, the mist, the white froth, and the swirling waters at the bottom of the waterfall add attraction to the location. 

The 2 acres stretch of evergreen forests on the enormous mountain lends enchantment to the waterfalls. The rocky terrain appeals to mountaineers and trekkers to a testing battle. Owing to its proximity to the highway, travelers and images take a sojourn to enjoy and click a few images on their way out. Throughout the monsoon, the waters gush out in great quantities and become out of the way to reach the bottom of the falls.

Mattupetty Dam

Situated at a height of 1700 meters Mattupetty is well known for its dairy farm. Close to this delightful farm is the beautiful Mattupetty lake and dam, a celebrated picnic spot. Mattupetty Dam has a vast reservoir.

A visit to this place is a frightening experience with boating and the occasional sight of numerous wild animals like elephants and Sambar.

Best Time To Visit Munnar

Munnar is a destination that has something for everyone, in each season. This might be a town that can be stayed all year long, but it still has some specific days that one can visit. Make sure you pack your clothes as per the season you agree to visit. 

Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail, for there’s something absolutely sensational awaiting you!

Located in Munnar, the Attukad Waterfall is breathtaking as it tumbles down the rocks in a shimmering cascade. #Waterfall #Munnar #PackUpForKerala #KeralaTourism pic.twitter.com/0zM4gCgtGM

— Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) November 3, 2022

The Winter Chill: December to February (perfect for honeymooners and adventure fanatics) 

The Summer Breeze & Lush Tea Gardens: March to May

How To Reach Munnar? 

BY AIR

The adjacent airport is Cochin International Airport, which is nearly 125 km away from Munnar. The airport is well-linked with all the foremost cities of India. Unvarying taxi services from the airport to Munnar are progressively available.

BY RAIL

The nearest railway station is situated in Kochi or Ernakulam. It is a foremost junction of trains coming from several parts of India involving Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, Mangalore, etc. However, Aluva Railway Station is faster than Munnar with a distance close to 120 km.

BY ROAD

Hence, once you land around Kochi, Aluva, or Ernakulam you can hire a cab or take a bus to Munnar. For instance, one can book your ticket at Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) website or get them from the counter of the bus terminal situated next to Aluva railway station.

Conclusion

We anticipate that you now know all that there is about the best places to visit in the town. We commend carrying a Munnar tourist map or utilizing GPS on your phone to find the places of all these destinations. Lastly, all you require to do is find some worthy hotels in Munnar, and then you will be all set to board a memorable sojourn to this majestic land!

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