The Ultimate Eat/See/Do Guide To Munnar

This small South-Indian gem has become one of India’s favourite winter destinations along with being one of the most visited places near Bangalore. With a beautiful blend of cultures and traditions, it has something for all age groups, and has become a major tourist hotspot for all kinds of vacationers.

It is rich in culture, the food is authentic and mouth-watering. With the astounding views, it is an indescribable experience.

And if you’ve had enough of the usual ‘Echo Points’ & crowded tourist spots, you’re at the right place! Here’s a guide on what to eat, see, stay and what to do when in Munnar.

Wildlife Sanctuaries In Munnar

As much as it’s known for its unreal verdancy, Munnar also is home to a diverse range of fauna. If you love exploring the wild, here’s a list of national parks & wildlife sanctuaries in Munnar you must visit.

Mathikettan Shola National Park

A stunning natural park with diverse terrain, hiking trails & varied wildlife, this is a must visit! Set blissfully in the quaint village of Poopara, you can spend an entire day galloping around this magical space. The park is home to rare animals like tigers, panthers, elephants. If you’re lucky, you may spot giant grizzled squirrels, flying squirrels, spotted deer, and nilgiri tahr. A great activity to consider if you’re looking for things to do on a family getaway in Munnar.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

With a rich diversity of wildlife of around 144 species of animals and almost a 1000 species of flowering plants like Elaeocarpus Recurvatus, Arabica, Acacia, Neelakurinji, and many more, this ethereal experience is a must-do! From a range of birds and animals, 156 species of butterflies, 42 species of fishes, and several other reptiles along with some notable insects, this place is paradise for nature lovers.

Be sure to head to the Sandalwood Forest! Explore the array of medicinal plants used in the making of allopathy and ayurvedic tablets.

After a fulfilling time here, here are some attractions you can explore near Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Dolmens of Marayoor

A 20-minute drive from Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, this heritage site is one of the most popular spots in Munnar. The Dolmens/Muniyaras are basically prehistoric burial chambers.

These majestic Muniyaras or Dolmens belong to the Stone Age and are older than 10, 000 BC. In fact, a couple of dolmens on the left side of River Pambar are from the Iron Age. The rich history and nature it is surrounded by makes this archeological site one of the most visited tourist places in Munnar.

Erachilpara Waterfalls

This waterfall is located quite inside the village but when you reach this place and this peace it exudes, you will be brimming with solitude. One of the hidden gems, Erachilpara Waterfalls is one of the less-crowded tourist places in Munnar. So, if you wish to enjoy a serene waterfall experience that is calm and undisturbed, this is where you need to head.

Wonder Valley Adventure & Amusement Park

With a mere entry fee of Rs. 800, you can spend your day indulging and engaging and fun activities like Dashing Cars, 12D Rider, Zip Line, Charlie Chaplin Walk. If you’re someone who loves water parks, you can enjoy the rain dance, waterfall, or the lazy river and wave pool here. As the day passes, you can sign yourself up for some thrilling adventure activities like rock climbing and rainforest trek trails too!

Lakes Of Munnar

Who doesn’t love a blissful evening by the lake. You’re in luck as Munnar has some of the prettiest lakes in the country. Here are a few you can choose from!

Kundala Lake

There’s no better way you can experience serenity than watching the sunset hues create a surreal, glistening effect on the pristine waters of the Kundala Lake. Located 20 km. from Munnar on the way to Top Station, there are a myriad of other attractions around this lake including the green valleys, boating, tea gardens, waterfalls, eucalyptus and pine trees, etc. The Cherry Gardens around the lake that bloom twice a year add to the pristine beauty of this paradise of a picnic spot.

There are other arrangements like horse-riding, Kashmiri shikaras, speed boating, games for kids. There are food stalls and restaurants serving snacks and a couple of other things to keep one engaged and entertained.

Devikulam Lake

Unending green pastures and lush landscapes looking like a velvet blanket, Devikulam is an 8 km. drive from Munnar and is known for its untouched beauty. This hill station is surrounded by the breathtaking views of the Pallivasal Waterfalls and one of its highlights is the Sita Devi Lake, also called the Devikulam Lake.

With crystal clear waters and a scenery that looks something straight out of a story book, being here feels surreal. However, getting here is definitely a task.

Normally this place is not open to the public. Due to its location under the premises of Tata Tea, one can try contacting the Regional Office of Tata Tea, Munnar and try their luck. It will definitely be worth it, that we can truly guarantee.

Tea Gardens Of Munnar

If you’re travelling from Bangalore to Munnar, you are sure to sense the revitalising whiff of the magical tea gardens when you enter this town. Along the route, you will come across numerous wide carpets of tea plantations, most of which are often open to the public at very nominal entry costs.

Here are some of the best, must-visit tea gardens in Munnar:

• Tata Tea/KDHP Museum
• Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
• Sevenmallay Tea Estate
• Pallivasal Tea Garden

Hiking & Trekking Spots In Munnar

Anamudi Peak

One of the most challenging yet captivating trains in Munnar, this is for sheer adventure enthusiasts. This trek starts from Eravikulam National Park and might take around 3 hours but the mesmerising view in the end makes it worth the sweat.

Chummar

Trek through the breathtaking tea plantations of Munnar! Here’s an experience you just can’t miss when you are visiting this town. This is a beginner’s level trek and has plenty of localites to guide and show you around so you immerse yourself in the magic around you.

Lakshmi Hill Trek

Moderately difficult, this is one of the most popular treks in Munnar. From grasslands to rocky trails, the trek offers beauty and serenity all along. Make sure to strike some conversations with the locals/trekkers you meet along the way for some interesting stories!

Best Eating Spots & Must-Try Delicacies Of Munnar

Saravana Bhavan

A simple place serving simple but delicious and authentic South-Indian delicacies. This is a pure vegetarian restaurant.

Rapsy Restaurant

Raspy is a no-frills food place that serves piping hot Kerala food at most reasonable rates. Ordering the right dishes may be a challenge. So, asking the server to guide you through the menu would be a great idea. The seafood & beef are a must-try!

Gurubhavan

A great place for lip-smacking, authentic food. Make sure to order the fish & prawn fry here. The mutton roast with parottas and the mutton biryani is scrumptious and a must-try.

Best Time To Visit Munnar

December to February: The winter months are by far the best time to visit Munnar since the weather is pleasant. The minimum temperature during this time of the year drops to ten degrees Celsius and is perfect for a vacation or a honeymoon.

Munnar has pleasant weather all year round. No matter what month, the temperature stays between 10-35°C.

The best months to visit Munnar would definitely be December to February. With temperatures dropping to as low as 10°C, this is a great time for a family getaway, honeymoon or a short road trip from Bangalore to Munnar.

But no matter what time of the year you visit this heavenly town, StayVista has various offers to make your stay in Dharamshala affordable, luxurious and memorable here!

Click here to view our accommodation options in Munnar.