The combination of Munnar’s refreshing climate, its High Range hilltops and luxuriant spice and tea gardens makes it an exceptional holiday destination. Munnar can be reached from Kochi via winding hilltop roads punctuated by waterfalls, precipitous views, and engulfed by lush tropical forests. When travelling from Periyar one will need to traverse the Cardamom Hills with its fresh scented air. With an altitude of around 1600m, Munnar is the centre of Kerala’s principal tea growing region which was developed in the late 19th century by Scottish planters. Munnar Town’s Tea Museum and the old fashioned High Range Club are mementos of this colonial past, as are the old British bungalows which dot the surrounding mountains.
Munnar’s fabulous scenery holds many opportunities for trekking: from short wanders round nearby tea, cardamom and coffee plantations, to treks as challenging as the ascent of Ana Mudi (2695m), India’s highest peak south of the Himalayas. Moreover, the 34km climb through lofty tea estates to the hamlet of Top Station has some of the best views in the area and the site is also the habitat for the extremely rare Neelakurunji plant which flowers only every 12 years!
Eravikulam National Park and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary hold rare species such as the “Nilgiri Tahr” mountain goat and the “white bison of Manjampatti”, and well over 220 species of birdlife. An unexpected meeting with some of the wildlife of the region is always a possibility while driving through the endless hairpin bends! A trip to Kerala’s only sandalwood forest, 42km east of Munnar, is also a fascinating excursion with its prehistoric rock sites, a temple and ancient burial chambers.
Munnar’s scenery is highlighted by fresh mornings and clear blue skies in winter, and drenched by torrential rains during the monsoon: the source of its magnificent greenery. Its seemingly contradictory landscape of manicured plantations against wild, forest covered hills and perilous ridges gives it an other worldly quality unique to India.
Practical Information
- Select a Munnar Homestay using the links in the top right.
- Munnar can be reached by bus from Kochi, Kottayam, Kumily and Madurai (Tamilnadu) , on KSRTC and private buses
- Alternatively, Munnar can also be reached by taxi
- The town bus stand is in the main bazaar of Munnar town near the Tata headquarters, and the state run KSRTC buses terminate the bus stand 3km south of the main bazaar
- The DTPC tourist office is in Old Munnar and the Tourist Information Service is in the main bazaar (known to be particularly helpful)
- The Eravikulam National Park (daily, 7am-6pm) is 13km northeast of Munnar
- The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is open daily 6am-7pm
- The average temperature in Munnar is between 0°C - 25° C. In summer temperatures range between 15.2°C and 25°C, in winter temperatures are between 0°C - 10° C, Warm clothing should be brought during winter.
- The monsoon months are June to September although rain-proofing is a good idea throughout the year.
- The best time to visit is October to May