Best Places to Visit in Munnar: If you are looking for an excellent place that can relieve your stress levels and refresh you with the scenic beauty, then we strongly recommend this South Indian state – Kerala. Yet today, we’re going to talk about an amazing place that you should not miss in Kerala if you’re planning to visit Kerala.
Best Place To visit Kerala: Munnar
Situated Idukki district of Kerala, Munnar is a wonderful place to explore. It is one of the most popular hill stations in the country and offers incredible sceneries to the explorers.
Munnar is a hill station that is filled with tea plantations, hills, lakes, backwaters, beautiful gardens, rivers, mountain ranges, ghat roads, fresh air, and whatnot. The sight of the crystal blue sky and the green plantations merging into one makes a wonderful memory.
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Stretched along the Western Ghats, the hill station – Munnar is often termed the – Kashmir of South India. And everyone, who witnessed the beauty of Munnar will accept the same without any doubt. Around the year, the Munnar attracts visitors from all over the world. Also, it is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the nation.
Manage your best to witness the beauty during twilight hours or at sunsets or sunrises, you would be spellbound. The fresh breeze and aromatic green fields add more color to the place.
Best Places To Visit In Munnar :
Though there are many other places in Kerala, Munnar is widely preferred by many for its scenic beauty. Also, there are many places or locations to take a look. A few of the most popular attractions include – Rose Garden, Echo point, Elephant arrival spot, Mattupetti dam, Kolukkumalai tea estate, TATA Tea Museum, Blossom Park, Atukkad waterfalls, Marayoor, Top station, Eravikulam national park, Kundala dam and lake, Anamudi peak, Salim Ali bird sanctuary, Lakkom waterfalls, Cheeyappara waterfalls, Valara falls, Pothamedu viewpoint and many others.
TATA Tea Museum :
Let us begin with the most popular and attractive tourist destination of Munnar – the TATA Tea Museum. Without fail, make sure that you pay a visit to the TATA Tea Museum as it is one of the most knowledgeable centers in the place. Located at the Nallathanni estate, the museum offers a good collection of interesting photographs that glorify the growth and evolution of tea plantations in Munnar.
Note that the Munnar is a popular trade center for tea and is very famous in the country as it produces amazing tea leaves for its lovers. And the museum helps you to know the process of life of tea right from sapling to the automated tea factory. The entry fee is just Rs 75 and when you come out of the place you will feel that it is very less. And also, they offer a cup of hot steaming cardamom tea for the visitors and this tastes delicious.
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The museum also showcases a good variety of other antiquities that elevate the standards of the place. So, when you visit the Munnar, make sure that you take a look at the booming business of tea here.
Pothamedu ViewPoint :
If you are a mountain person, then you will connect to this place – Pothamedu View Point which is just stunning. The Munnar is full of green vegetation and the hills add more flavor to its beauty.
And the drive to the same is even more interesting. Before visiting the point, one has to travel through an old bridge and the narrow roads with green plants on both sides are a cynosure of all eyes.
From the Pothamedu View Point, one can take a full look at the Munnar and the hot steaming tea that will make you feel like you are in heaven. Even if you want to go on trekking, you can try it as it is worth it.
From this View Point, one can take a gorgeous view of the Munnar which is filled with beautiful tea, coffee, and cardamom tea plantations on the hills.
Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park :
And Munnar is one such place in Kerala that boasts amazing sceneries and also houses several animals. Here, Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park is a prominent place and one has to visit it for amazing experiences.
The Eravikulam National Park is home to several species including – Elephants, lions, tigers, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri Marten, leopards, Atlas Moth, which is the largest in the world, lion-tailed macaque, and several others. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one can spot several animals here. The Eravikulam National Park will make a good holiday spot.
And how can you miss out on an opportunity not to enjoy its beauty? The lush green trees and rolling grasslands spread over 97 square kilometers in the Kannan Devan Hills are a sight of delight.
Another major attraction of the national park is the Anamudi peak. This is the highest peak south of the Himalayas at a height of 2695 m. And it elevates the beauty of the park standing at the heart of the park.
The Eravikulam national park also houses some rare plant species and trees. Remember that the next bloom of the popular Neelakurinji flowers that bloom in 12 years will take place in 2018. If you can plan it well, try to take a look at these flowers.
Cheeyappara Waterfalls :
The Cheeyappara waterfalls are yet another prominent location in the Munnar to visit. It is on the way to Munnar after Neriamangalam and before the Adimali. The waterfall is a gorgeous sight to look at as it flows down seven steps from the top to the bottom.
The green foliage around the cascading waterfall adds more beauty and elevates the look and feel of the location. One can visit the place with family members and friends and spend some quality time with nature.
Rose Garden :
One can find gardens in every place. Likewise, the Munnar also offers a Rose Garden that impresses one and all with its stunning beauty. The Rose Garden is located on the Kochi – Madurai highway, which is on the NH49. If you love flowers, then pay a visit to this destination that is full of beautiful Rose flowers.
The Rose Garden is a gorgeous sight to remember as the arrays of flowers around us will make our hearts melt and bloom as well. And if you can manage a trek on the same with your buddies, then it would one of the most wonderful memories of your lifetime.
Spread over an area of two acres, the Rose Garden is one of the most popular attractions in Munnar. Also, it is home to Vanilla, Cardamom, and tea plantations. Besides these flowers and plantations, there are few commercial plants and trees that bear the fruits – Strawberry, Indian gooseberry, and litchi. Sounds yummy and gorgeous right? Why don’t you visit then?
Echo Point :
The Echo Point is another popular tourist attraction in Munnar and is located just 15 km from the place. The place holds a very special value as it echoes the sound you make.
All you need to do is just go visit the Echo Point and scream as loud as you can. And you can hear your scream from the hills as they echo it back. Sounds interesting right? Well, it would be even more interesting if you can experience the same.
The enthralling aspect of the Echo Point is the serene lake and the green lush around the same. In other words, it is a confluence of three mountain ranges – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. We say that the scenic beauty of the Echo Point will steal your attention for sure.
Just take a stroll at the place along with your loved one and you will love this place even more. Great conversations at the Echo Point will echo in your heart for a lifetime. Also, the aroma of the fresh air elevates your mood as the location also houses the plantations of tea, coffee, and a few other spices. You can even take trekking at the same place and can find some amazing birds.
Mattupetti Dam :
The Mattupetti dam is yet another popping sight in Munnar. Situated 13 km from Munnar, the Mattupetti dam lies nearly 1700 m above sea level and manages to impress the viewers.
Both the Mattupetti dam and the lake make up the list of great tourist attractions in the Munnar with their breathtaking scenes. With an excellent view of the lake, the place attracts several people. Another added beauty to the place is the vast spread of the tea plantations around the place. Trust us, it is a sight to behold.
Also, one can experience the boating here, and if you are lucky enough then you can even spot elephants. The main aim of the dam is to conserve water for hydroelectricity. The lake and the dam surrounded by the hills, crystal clear sky, green plantations, and beautiful elephants elevate the look of the Munnar to great heights. Don’t miss a chance to visit the place.
Blossom Park :
Blossom Park is again another beautiful park in the Munnar to pay a visit to. Situated near the Pallivasal hydroelectric project, the Hydel or Blossom Park is a must-visit location. It offers several interesting things for travelers.
One can enjoy boating, cycling, roller skating, Hammocks, and meditation caves in Blossom Park. If you want to spend some quality time with your family members and friends, then visit Blossom Park and spend an entire day here for fun and also rejuvenate yourself. Note that the entry fee is just Rs 10.
The Blossom Park is a major tourist attraction in the Munnar that is filled with several fun activities and natural wonders. If you can manage a day to spend at the park, we are sure that you will be filled with new energy.
Top Station :
The Top Station has located just 40 km from Munnar, the Top Station is nothing but a viewpoint that helps you to view the scenic beauty of the place as it is situated at the highest altitude of Munnar. When the sky is clear as crystal with no fog and stuff, then pay a visit to the Top Station and enjoy the incredible view.
Note that the drive to the Top Station takes a long time but worry not as you won’t be disappointed because the drive will help you to see some stunning scenery including tea plantations and trees covered with fog, two dams, and other things.
The view from the Top Station will make a deep impact on your mind as it is a stunning spot to take a look at blue skies and thick green foliage.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary :
The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is another interesting tourist destination in the Munnar that captures the attention of the explorers. Spread over 25 square kilometers, the bird sanctuary houses several species of birds.
If you are someone who enjoys spotting birds or bird watching then this Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a smart and great choice. Visit the sanctuary and find colorful beaks and wings of various species with the help of trained guides.
One can find birds including – Ground Thrush, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Indian Cuckoo, Large-billed Leaf – Warber, Darters, Cormorants, The Indian Pitta, Frogmouths, and many others. Also, the sanctuary houses nearly 500 species of birds and a few other rare birds such as White – Bellied Blue Flycatcher, and Wynaad Laughing Thrush to name a few.
Kundala Dam And Lake :
The Kundala dam and lake is one of the most iconic tourist destinations in the Munnar. The stunning location is situated in the lush green forest, it is located just 23 km away from the Munnar.
It is a spectacular view to take a look at the Kundala Lake. Remember that this is one of the popular honeymoon packages in Kerala tourism. And also the Kundala is Asia’s first arch dam.
The famous Neela Kurunji flowers bloom once in twelve years; bloom in these hills and valleys around the Kundala lake. Interesting! Several nature lovers and environmentalists, make a visit to the Kundala lake for its incredible scenic beauty.
Another major attraction is the Pedal boating in the Kundala lake. And also speed boating is yet another popular activity in the Kundala lake.
We say that the fresh breeze, aroma in the air, gorgeous blooming flowers, incredible hills, and tranquillity of the Kundala lake are a treat for the eyes. Visit now.
Photo Point :
The visitors make sure that they visit this place called – Photo Point to experience the real beauty of Munnar. If you are a professional photographer, then you must pay a visit to this spot.
Here you can take some super stunning pictures of hills, tea plantations, and others. Located 3 km from the city center, the Photo Point is a very popular place and is widely known for its aromatic spices and tea gardens.
The Breathtaking scene of green gardens, blue sky, beautiful lake, and other colors of nature will help you to capture some wonderful pictures for sure.
Anamudi :
The Anamudi as discussed once in the above details makes a great spot for nature lovers. Trekking is another added advantage of the place. The Anamudi peak is the highest in the South and the Western Ghats. It is situated at 2698 m above sea level. As it is the highest point in the country outside the Himalayas. Anamudi is one of the enthralling locations of the Munnar. Remember that the tourists or travelers can walk up to 2 km up from the foothills. However, people will need special permission from the Kerala Forest Department to scale the peak.
The Anamudi is located in the Eravikulam National Park and it is home to several animals including – lions, tigers, lion-tailed macaque, leopards, Atlas moth, Nilgiri Langur, and other species. Visit the peak and the national park on some pleasant weather days to gain an incredible experience.
The Christ Church :
The Christ Church is one of the major attractions of the Munnar. The church attracts explorers from around the world with its beauty.
Built around 110 years ago by the British Raj. The church holds a place in history as it is rich in history, culture, and tradition. It is good to see such incredible monuments of the previous generation in today’s day and age.
Indo Swiss Dairy Farm :
Located near the Mattupetti dam, the Indo Swiss Dairy Farm is a great place to visit as it is a farm project or Livestock project. Launched in 1963, the project was created to produce high-yielding cattle and a must-visit place in Munnar. It was launched as a bilateral agreement between India and the Swiss government.
The sight of animals grazing on the hills is a calming experience and fills you with some unknown joy and happiness. The project is currently operated by the Kerala Livestock Development and Milk Marketing Board.
Conclusion :
The most popular tourist attraction of Kerala is Munnar and no one denies this. Another promising aspect of the Munnar is the delicious food. Yes, the Munnar is a wonderful place that offers some amazing mouth-watering dishes and flavors.
There are many other places including – Chithirapuram, Lakkom waterfalls, Valara falls, Floriculture center, High Range Club, Rock Climbing and Rappelling, Chinnakanal waterfalls, Marayoor, Kolukkumalai tea estate, elephant arrival spot, and many others.
All I say is just plan a perfect holiday in Munnar and enjoy the green foliage surrounded by tranquil water bodies. Just breathe fresh air in the green fields of tea plantations, and that’s the right way to enjoy your holiday.
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