Munnar Travel Guide 2025: Top Attractions, Tea Plantations & Hidden Gems
đź“Ť Munnar, Kerala, India
History of Munnar
The Story of Munnar: Where Clouds Whisper Tea Tales
High in the folds of Kerala’s Western Ghats, where mist drapes the mountains and the air smells of eucalyptus and rain, lies the wonderful hill station of Munnar.
Its name, meaning “three rivers” in Malayalam, comes from the confluence of the Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala rivers—and just like those rivers, Munnar’s story is a merging of nature, people, and history.
Long before the British ever set eyes on these emerald hills, the land belonged to indigenous tribes like the Muthuvan people.
They wandered through the dense Shola forests and lived in rhythm with the wild.
The hills were a mystery to the outside world—untamed, inaccessible, and blanketed with wild grass and rare plants.
Little did anyone know that this silent green region would become the heart of India’s tea empire.
In the late 19th century, British officers searching for an escape from the sweltering heat of the lowlands stumbled upon Munnar’s cool climate and lush landscape.
Among them was John Daniel Munro, a British resident of the Travancore kingdom, who saw in these hills the perfect land for plantations.
With royal permission, he leased vast tracts of forest and began developing them into estates.
By the early 1900s, the transformation had begun.
Dense forests gave way to manicured tea gardens, and British planters arrived with families, tools, and visions of empire.
The Kannan Devan Hills Plantation Company was born, and with it came roads, bungalows, churches, and factories.
The rolling hills turned into a mosaic of green, as tea became Munnar’s lifeline.
One of the most iconic figures in Munnar’s development was Sir A.H. Sharp, who planted the first tea saplings at Sevenmallay Estate.
His success would shape the region’s economy and identity for over a century.
The British built narrow-gauge railway lines to carry tea leaves to the plains and employed thousands of Tamil laborers from nearby regions—a cultural blend that remains in Munnar to this day.
But Munnar isn’t just a story of tea.
It is also home to the Neelakurinji flower, which blooms once every 12 years, turning the hills into a rare spectacle of violet-blue.
It is the land of Nilgiri Tahr, high-altitude lakes, and whispering clouds that roll over Echo Point and Top Station.
After Independence, the tea estates were taken over by Indian companies like Tata Tea, but the charm of the old colonial hill station lingers.
With its winding paths, foggy mornings, and a history brewed slowly like a perfect cup of chai.
The cultural fabric here is woven from multiple threads—the original tribal communities, Tamil plantation workers, and Malayali locals—creating something beautifully complex.
Malayalam is the language that binds it all together, though you'll often hear Tamil conversations floating through tea gardens.
High in the folds of Kerala’s Western Ghats, where mist drapes the mountains and the air smells of eucalyptus and rain, lies the wonderful hill station of Munnar.
Its name, meaning “three rivers” in Malayalam, comes from the confluence of the Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala rivers—and just like those rivers, Munnar’s story is a merging of nature, people, and history.
Long before the British ever set eyes on these emerald hills, the land belonged to indigenous tribes like the Muthuvan people.
They wandered through the dense Shola forests and lived in rhythm with the wild.
The hills were a mystery to the outside world—untamed, inaccessible, and blanketed with wild grass and rare plants.
Little did anyone know that this silent green region would become the heart of India’s tea empire.
In the late 19th century, British officers searching for an escape from the sweltering heat of the lowlands stumbled upon Munnar’s cool climate and lush landscape.
Among them was John Daniel Munro, a British resident of the Travancore kingdom, who saw in these hills the perfect land for plantations.
With royal permission, he leased vast tracts of forest and began developing them into estates.
By the early 1900s, the transformation had begun.
Dense forests gave way to manicured tea gardens, and British planters arrived with families, tools, and visions of empire.
The Kannan Devan Hills Plantation Company was born, and with it came roads, bungalows, churches, and factories.
The rolling hills turned into a mosaic of green, as tea became Munnar’s lifeline.
One of the most iconic figures in Munnar’s development was Sir A.H. Sharp, who planted the first tea saplings at Sevenmallay Estate.
His success would shape the region’s economy and identity for over a century.
The British built narrow-gauge railway lines to carry tea leaves to the plains and employed thousands of Tamil laborers from nearby regions—a cultural blend that remains in Munnar to this day.
But Munnar isn’t just a story of tea.
It is also home to the Neelakurinji flower, which blooms once every 12 years, turning the hills into a rare spectacle of violet-blue.
It is the land of Nilgiri Tahr, high-altitude lakes, and whispering clouds that roll over Echo Point and Top Station.
After Independence, the tea estates were taken over by Indian companies like Tata Tea, but the charm of the old colonial hill station lingers.
With its winding paths, foggy mornings, and a history brewed slowly like a perfect cup of chai.
The cultural fabric here is woven from multiple threads—the original tribal communities, Tamil plantation workers, and Malayali locals—creating something beautifully complex.
Malayalam is the language that binds it all together, though you'll often hear Tamil conversations floating through tea gardens.
Best Month to Visit Munnar
Munnar doesn't believe in off-seasons—it just switches up the vibe.
Whether you're into misty mornings, thunderous waterfalls, or sweater-weather aesthetics, there's a good time to visit Munnar for every mood.
March to May (Summer)
Temperatures hover between 19°C and 35°C—pleasant in the day, cooler in the mornings and evenings.
It's the perfect time for sightseeing, spice plantation strolls, and sipping tea with a view.
June to September (Monsoon)
Expect heavy showers and misty peaks.
The hills glow green, waterfalls wake up from their naps, and tea estates look straight out of a painting.
October to February (Winter) — Peak Season
The mercury dips to a delightful 10°C to 25°C, making this the best month to visit Munnar.
Crisp air, clear skies, and fog-draped mornings are ideal for treks, tea tasting, and just standing around pretending you're in a movie.
This is considered the good time to visit Munnar for first-time visitors.
Whether you're into misty mornings, thunderous waterfalls, or sweater-weather aesthetics, there's a good time to visit Munnar for every mood.
March to May (Summer)
Temperatures hover between 19°C and 35°C—pleasant in the day, cooler in the mornings and evenings.
It's the perfect time for sightseeing, spice plantation strolls, and sipping tea with a view.
June to September (Monsoon)
Expect heavy showers and misty peaks.
The hills glow green, waterfalls wake up from their naps, and tea estates look straight out of a painting.
October to February (Winter) — Peak Season
The mercury dips to a delightful 10°C to 25°C, making this the best month to visit Munnar.
Crisp air, clear skies, and fog-draped mornings are ideal for treks, tea tasting, and just standing around pretending you're in a movie.
This is considered the good time to visit Munnar for first-time visitors.
Top Places to Visit in Munnar
Tea Plantations & Tata Tea Museum
You wake up, step outside, and you're literally surrounded by rolling green hills that look like someone took a giant brush and painted perfect stripes across the mountains.
That's just Tuesday morning in Munnar.
The Tata Tea Museum isn't your typical boring museum experience – it's where you'll finally understand why people are obsessed with tea culture.
Watch the entire process from leaf to cup, and yes, you can absolutely judge your friends who still think tea comes from boxes.
The museum costs â‚ą75, but the knowledge you'll gain about tea grading will make you a chai connoisseur overnight.
With its misty hills and tea-scented air, it's no wonder this ranks among the top destinations in Munnar and essential places to visit in Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park
This park is like stepping into a National Geographic documentary where you're the main character; you'll find wildlife encounters that'll make you delete your zoo photos.
Eravikulam National Park is home to the Nilgiri Tahr – basically mountain goats that are way too photogenic for their own good.
But here's where it gets wild: you might casually bump into elephants on hiking trails, spot leopards if you're lucky, and definitely see birds that look like they escaped from a nature documentary.
The park has this energy where you feel like you're in a real-life Planet Earth episode, except David Attenborough isn't narrating, and you're the one having the adventure.
The entry fee is â‚ą125 for Indians, totally worth it for the experience.
It's easily one of the top attractions in Munnar, especially during the Neelakurinji bloom (every 12 years, so plan wisely), and among the most fascinating places to be seen in Munnar.
Top Station Viewpoint
The name says it all – this is where you go for panoramic views that'll make your jaw drop.
On clear days, you can see Tamil Nadu stretching forever, and the sunrise will literally reorganise your priorities in life.
Sunset? Even better.
Midday? Still magical because Munnar doesn't know how to be anything but stunning.
Visit during early morning when the mist is still hanging over the plantations.
The photos you'll get will make people think you hired a professional photographer (spoiler: it's just Munnar being Munnar).
This is undoubtedly one of the must-see places to explore in Munnar.
Echo Point
Tourist magnet that's actually worth the hype.
Shout something and hear it bounce back perfectly – it's like nature's own sound system.
Yes, it's touristy, but hear us out – the acoustics here are genuinely incredible, and the lake views are stunning.
Plus, testing the echo with your squad creates those candid laughing moments that make the best travel videos.
No wonder this lush haven is one of the most interactive destinations in Munnar.
If you're browsing Munnar tour packages, make sure this one's on your list—no excuses.
It's also featured in most Munnar vacation packages for good reason.
Anamudi Peak
South India's highest peak is at 2,695 metres.
Serious trekking required (15 km, 8–10 hours).
The sense of achievement when you're literally on top of South India is unmatched.
What You Need: Forest department permission, local guide (mandatory), good fitness level and proper trekking gear.
Reality Check: Not for casual hikers, but if you're up for the challenge, the views from the top will ruin every other mountain for you.
This is among the most challenging places to explore in Munnar for adventure enthusiasts.
Nyayamakad Waterfalls Trek
Most tourists stop at the first waterfall, snap a few pictures, and leave, missing out on the real magic.
Nyayamakad isn't just one waterfall; it's a hidden trio nestled deep within the shola forests between Munnar and Rajamalai.
The first fall is accessible and photogenic, cascading from a height of about 1,600 metres.
But if you're up for a moderate trek and want the place to yourself, ask the tea stall owners nearby—they often double as informal guides or can connect you to one.
Perfect for people looking for quieter places to be seen in Munnar, especially if you're into waterfall hopping without the tourist crowd.
Suryanelli (The Spice Village)
Roughly 22 km from Munnar town, Suryanelli sits quietly away from the tourist radar.
It's not flashy and doesn't have curated spice gardens with entry tickets or coffee shops with "mountain views" curated for social media.
What it does have is authenticity.
The town is a supply hub for local farmers and plantation workers, and that means you get spices the way locals do—fresh, affordable, and without tourist markup.
This is one of the hidden places to visit in Munnar that most Munnar travel packages don't include.
You wake up, step outside, and you're literally surrounded by rolling green hills that look like someone took a giant brush and painted perfect stripes across the mountains.
That's just Tuesday morning in Munnar.
The Tata Tea Museum isn't your typical boring museum experience – it's where you'll finally understand why people are obsessed with tea culture.
Watch the entire process from leaf to cup, and yes, you can absolutely judge your friends who still think tea comes from boxes.
The museum costs â‚ą75, but the knowledge you'll gain about tea grading will make you a chai connoisseur overnight.
With its misty hills and tea-scented air, it's no wonder this ranks among the top destinations in Munnar and essential places to visit in Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park
This park is like stepping into a National Geographic documentary where you're the main character; you'll find wildlife encounters that'll make you delete your zoo photos.
Eravikulam National Park is home to the Nilgiri Tahr – basically mountain goats that are way too photogenic for their own good.
But here's where it gets wild: you might casually bump into elephants on hiking trails, spot leopards if you're lucky, and definitely see birds that look like they escaped from a nature documentary.
The park has this energy where you feel like you're in a real-life Planet Earth episode, except David Attenborough isn't narrating, and you're the one having the adventure.
The entry fee is â‚ą125 for Indians, totally worth it for the experience.
It's easily one of the top attractions in Munnar, especially during the Neelakurinji bloom (every 12 years, so plan wisely), and among the most fascinating places to be seen in Munnar.
Top Station Viewpoint
The name says it all – this is where you go for panoramic views that'll make your jaw drop.
On clear days, you can see Tamil Nadu stretching forever, and the sunrise will literally reorganise your priorities in life.
Sunset? Even better.
Midday? Still magical because Munnar doesn't know how to be anything but stunning.
Visit during early morning when the mist is still hanging over the plantations.
The photos you'll get will make people think you hired a professional photographer (spoiler: it's just Munnar being Munnar).
This is undoubtedly one of the must-see places to explore in Munnar.
Echo Point
Tourist magnet that's actually worth the hype.
Shout something and hear it bounce back perfectly – it's like nature's own sound system.
Yes, it's touristy, but hear us out – the acoustics here are genuinely incredible, and the lake views are stunning.
Plus, testing the echo with your squad creates those candid laughing moments that make the best travel videos.
No wonder this lush haven is one of the most interactive destinations in Munnar.
If you're browsing Munnar tour packages, make sure this one's on your list—no excuses.
It's also featured in most Munnar vacation packages for good reason.
Anamudi Peak
South India's highest peak is at 2,695 metres.
Serious trekking required (15 km, 8–10 hours).
The sense of achievement when you're literally on top of South India is unmatched.
What You Need: Forest department permission, local guide (mandatory), good fitness level and proper trekking gear.
Reality Check: Not for casual hikers, but if you're up for the challenge, the views from the top will ruin every other mountain for you.
This is among the most challenging places to explore in Munnar for adventure enthusiasts.
Nyayamakad Waterfalls Trek
Most tourists stop at the first waterfall, snap a few pictures, and leave, missing out on the real magic.
Nyayamakad isn't just one waterfall; it's a hidden trio nestled deep within the shola forests between Munnar and Rajamalai.
The first fall is accessible and photogenic, cascading from a height of about 1,600 metres.
But if you're up for a moderate trek and want the place to yourself, ask the tea stall owners nearby—they often double as informal guides or can connect you to one.
Perfect for people looking for quieter places to be seen in Munnar, especially if you're into waterfall hopping without the tourist crowd.
Suryanelli (The Spice Village)
Roughly 22 km from Munnar town, Suryanelli sits quietly away from the tourist radar.
It's not flashy and doesn't have curated spice gardens with entry tickets or coffee shops with "mountain views" curated for social media.
What it does have is authenticity.
The town is a supply hub for local farmers and plantation workers, and that means you get spices the way locals do—fresh, affordable, and without tourist markup.
This is one of the hidden places to visit in Munnar that most Munnar travel packages don't include.
Where and What to Eat in Munnar
If Munnar had a love language, it would be "spiced gently, served hot, and best eaten on a banana leaf."
One of the top things to do in Munnar? Eat like a local.
Start with Puttu and Kadala Curry—steamed rice cakes paired with black chickpeas in a thick coconut gravy.
Don't miss Kerala-style beef fry tossed with curry leaves and coconut bits—it pairs ridiculously well with Malabar parotta.
Try Avial, a mixed veg coconut stew that proves subtle flavours can still slap.
Also, check out kappa (tapioca) with fish curry—spicy, tangy, and pure soul food.
Don't forget to try these attractions in Munnar Kerala:
For the real Munnar food experience, ditch the fancy cafes and go for a plantation stay or homestay.
Most serve home-cooked Kerala meals made with freshly ground spices, organic veggies, and recipes passed down through generations.
Breakfasts here are serious business—appam, stew, and a tumbler of steaming cardamom tea that could turn any night owl into a morning person.
One of the top things to do in Munnar? Eat like a local.
Start with Puttu and Kadala Curry—steamed rice cakes paired with black chickpeas in a thick coconut gravy.
Don't miss Kerala-style beef fry tossed with curry leaves and coconut bits—it pairs ridiculously well with Malabar parotta.
Try Avial, a mixed veg coconut stew that proves subtle flavours can still slap.
Also, check out kappa (tapioca) with fish curry—spicy, tangy, and pure soul food.
Don't forget to try these attractions in Munnar Kerala:
- Local honey: Straight from mountain beehives, this stuff tastes like liquid gold
- Fresh strawberries: Munnar strawberries hit different – sweeter, juicier, and available at roadside stalls
- Homemade chocolates: Local chocolate factories create treats using traditional methods
- Cardamom: Buy it fresh from the plantations – your future cooking will thank you
For the real Munnar food experience, ditch the fancy cafes and go for a plantation stay or homestay.
Most serve home-cooked Kerala meals made with freshly ground spices, organic veggies, and recipes passed down through generations.
Breakfasts here are serious business—appam, stew, and a tumbler of steaming cardamom tea that could turn any night owl into a morning person.
Shopping in Munnar
Let's start with the obvious: tea.
Shopping for tea in Munnar is like stepping into a highly aromatic rabbit hole.
Green tea, white tea, chocolate-infused tea, stress-relief blends, and that strong orthodox black tea that tastes like it could revive your entire nervous system.
Munnar's local markets also have a soft spot for eco-conscious shoppers—bamboo products, jute bags, and handwoven textiles.
Aromatic oils—like eucalyptus, lemongrass, and camphor—are also hot sellers.
Locals swear by them for everything from headaches to "bad vibes".
Handmade soaps and balms smell so good you'll consider showering twice a day.
Shopping for tea in Munnar is like stepping into a highly aromatic rabbit hole.
Green tea, white tea, chocolate-infused tea, stress-relief blends, and that strong orthodox black tea that tastes like it could revive your entire nervous system.
Munnar's local markets also have a soft spot for eco-conscious shoppers—bamboo products, jute bags, and handwoven textiles.
Aromatic oils—like eucalyptus, lemongrass, and camphor—are also hot sellers.
Locals swear by them for everything from headaches to "bad vibes".
Handmade soaps and balms smell so good you'll consider showering twice a day.
Munnar Fun Facts That'll Make You the Most Interesting Person in Your Group Chat
These aren't your typical Wikipedia facts – this is the tea (literally) that nobody talks about
Munnar sits at 1,600 metres above sea level. That "mountain air hits different" feeling? You're actually breathing thinner air with less oxygen. Your body is working harder just to exist, which is why everything feels more intense.
"Munnar" means "three rivers" in Tamil, but here's the kicker – the three rivers (Madupetti, Nallathanni, and Periavaru) create natural boundaries that give Munnar three different microclimates. You can literally experience three different weather patterns in one day.
The Nilgiri Tahr are more endangered than pandas. There are only about 3,000 left in the wild, and most of them live in Munnar. Your wildlife photos are basically documenting a species on the edge of extinction.
Wild elephants regularly "raid" tea plantations, and it's not because they're being destructive – they're trying to access traditional migration routes that tea estates blocked. It's like someone built a mall in the middle of your daily commute and then called you disruptive for trying to get to work.
Munnar has over 130 bird species, including some that exist nowhere else on Earth. That random bird you photographed might literally be rarer than a celebrity sighting.
Munnar was created as a "summer retreat" when British officials couldn't handle the Indian heat. They literally terraformed an entire mountain region because they were too bougie for monsoons. The audacity is unmatched.
Growing cardamom takes 3–4 years from planting to first harvest. That expensive spice you're buying represents years of patient farming. Respect the process, literally.
The more you learn about Munnar, the more you realise that everything is connected – the weather affects the tea quality, which affects the local economy, which affects the wildlife, which affects the tourism, which affects your entire experience.
It's like a real-life ecosystem where changing one thing changes everything else.
Munnar sits at 1,600 metres above sea level. That "mountain air hits different" feeling? You're actually breathing thinner air with less oxygen. Your body is working harder just to exist, which is why everything feels more intense.
"Munnar" means "three rivers" in Tamil, but here's the kicker – the three rivers (Madupetti, Nallathanni, and Periavaru) create natural boundaries that give Munnar three different microclimates. You can literally experience three different weather patterns in one day.
The Nilgiri Tahr are more endangered than pandas. There are only about 3,000 left in the wild, and most of them live in Munnar. Your wildlife photos are basically documenting a species on the edge of extinction.
Wild elephants regularly "raid" tea plantations, and it's not because they're being destructive – they're trying to access traditional migration routes that tea estates blocked. It's like someone built a mall in the middle of your daily commute and then called you disruptive for trying to get to work.
Munnar has over 130 bird species, including some that exist nowhere else on Earth. That random bird you photographed might literally be rarer than a celebrity sighting.
Munnar was created as a "summer retreat" when British officials couldn't handle the Indian heat. They literally terraformed an entire mountain region because they were too bougie for monsoons. The audacity is unmatched.
Growing cardamom takes 3–4 years from planting to first harvest. That expensive spice you're buying represents years of patient farming. Respect the process, literally.
The more you learn about Munnar, the more you realise that everything is connected – the weather affects the tea quality, which affects the local economy, which affects the wildlife, which affects the tourism, which affects your entire experience.
It's like a real-life ecosystem where changing one thing changes everything else.
2-Day Munnar Itinerary
This Munnar itinerary covers the best experiences without rushing through the places to visit in Munnar:
Day 1:
Day 2:
Memory card: full. Heart: fuller.
This Munnar itinerary ensures you experience both the popular attractions in Munnar and some hidden gems that make this destination special.
Day 1:
- Arrive in Munnar
- Enjoy a delicious breakfast
- Visit Echo Point
- Head to the Munnar Tea Museum
- Lunch at a cosy local café surrounded by tea estates
- Stop by Pothamedu View Point
- Return to your stay, relax and get ready for a warm bonfire evening
- Dinner and overnight stay under the starry Munnar sky
Day 2:
- Wake up early for a guided trek to a private waterfall hidden inside a tea estate
- Chill by the waterfall or take a refreshing dip
- Enjoy a heavy traditional breakfast with local black tea
- Check out and stop at the local spice & tea market for souvenir shopping
- Drive to Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
- Visit the scenic Jaguar Rock Viewpoint
- Lunch at a local spot with valley views
- Begin Journey Back
Memory card: full. Heart: fuller.
This Munnar itinerary ensures you experience both the popular attractions in Munnar and some hidden gems that make this destination special.
Travel Tips to Know Before Visiting Munnar
Travel Tips for Munnar:
- Keep your itinerary flexible. The real joy here is in slowing down, not checking off every tourist spot in Munnar like it's a speed run.
- Wear good trekking shoes – trails are scenic but slippery, especially after rain.
- Start early – sunrise spots like Kolukkumalai are worth the 4 AM alarm.
- Eat local – Skip fancy menus and go for puttu, kadala curry, and cardamom tea.
- Fuel up early – petrol pumps are few and far between in the hills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your right to know !
About Us
We at Tripper Trails are a backpacking travel community providing end-to-end travel and tour packages in India and abroad. We host corporate trips, backpacking trips, and long or weekend getaways to explore the beauty of unearthed destinations. With a focus on community travel, we encourage all kinds of travellers including solo, groups or couples wherein the travel itineraries are catered to your preferences and needs. Our trips are led by our travel experts and pocket friendly to ensure that you can see this beautiful world around you as much as you want!
Weekend Trips
No events available
India Tour Packages
Kerala Trip Packages | Spiti Trip Packages | Ladakh Trip Packages | Kashmir Trip Packages | Andaman and Nicobar Trip Packages | Meghalaya Trip Packages | South India Trip PackagesInternational Tour Packages
Thailand Trip Packages | Baku Trip Packages | Almaty Trip Packages | Bali Trip Packages | Bhutan Trip Packages | Dubai Trip Packages | Vietnam Trip PackagesAbout Us
We at Tripper Trails are a backpacking travel community providing end-to-end travel and tour packages in India and abroad. We host corporate trips, backpacking trips, and long or weekend getaways to explore the beauty of unearthed destinations. With a focus on community travel, we encourage all kinds of travellers including solo, groups or couples wherein the travel itineraries are catered to your preferences and needs. Our trips are led by our travel experts and pocket friendly to ensure that you can see this beautiful world around you as much as you want!
Weekend Trips
No events available
India Tour Packages
Kerala Trip Packages | Spiti Trip Packages | Ladakh Trip Packages | Kashmir Trip Packages | Andaman and Nicobar Trip Packages | Meghalaya Trip Packages | South India Trip PackagesInternational Tour Packages
Thailand Trip Packages | Baku Trip Packages | Almaty Trip Packages | Bali Trip Packages | Bhutan Trip Packages | Dubai Trip Packages | Vietnam Trip Packages
ADDRESS
Tripper Trails (A unit of Tripper Trails Journeys Private Limited)
#4036, 3rd floor, 80 Feet Rd, near Sita Circle, next to Saligrama Party Hall, 1st phase Girinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560050.