Welcome back to my series on Kerala! If you’re new here, I recently set out on my maiden trip to Kerala and explored two places – Kochi, a beautiful seaside town, and Munnar, a picturesque hill station. With its endless tea plantations and serene ambiance, Munnar reminded me a lot of my visits to other Indian hill stations like Coorg, Ooty, Darjeeling, and even Ella in Sri Lanka. We didn’t have high expectations before visiting Munnar, but we were pleasantly surprised by its beauty and the tranquility it offered. If you’re a fan of sweater weather, love reading a good book with a hot cup of tea, and soaking in breathtaking green vistas, Munnar is the destination for you.
Should You Visit Munnar?
Now, it’s important to mention that Munnar may not be the most action-packed or culturally vibrant destination in India. If you’re seeking a place with a wide range of food, bustling markets, adrenaline-pumping adventures, or vibrant cafes, Munnar might fall painfully short, which I realized only after I got there. However, there are specific types of travelers who would find their bliss in this serene hill station.
Seekers of Solitude and Tranquility:
If your idea of a vacation involves disconnecting from the chaos of daily life, Munnar is perfect. Imagine staying in a cozy hotel room, enjoying room service, binge-watching Netflix, and taking leisurely walks amidst lush greenery. With so little to do in Munnar, this may very well be your agenda.
Stag Groups Looking for Relaxation:
For groups of men on a stag trip, Munnar offers a calm and laid-back retreat. It’s ideal for unwinding, enjoying a few drinks, card games, and embracing the serenity of the surroundings.
Retirees in Search of Tranquil Escapes:
Retired individuals who crave peace and quiet will find Munnar to be a great escape, especially if they live in cities like Mumbai and Delhi.
Nature Enthusiasts and First-Time Tea Plantation Visitors:
If you haven’t experienced the charm of a tea plantation before, Munnar will captivate you. Nature lovers will marvel at the breathtaking views, especially while driving in and out of Munnar. The scenic tea gardens make for a delightful sight, and you can learn about the tea-making process and explore the plantations. If you have been to tea plantations before, however, you may find this to be a dull place to go to – in which case, only stop by for one night.
How to get to Munnar
There is no airport or train station in Munnar. If you prefer air travel, the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is approximately 125 km away. And if you’re considering a train journey the closest railway station is located in Kochi or Ernakulam. Kochi serves as a major junction for trains from different parts of India, including Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Mangalore. Some trains may stop at Aluva Railway Station which is a more convenient option.
As you know, we did a road trip from Goa to Munnar. You can opt for a road trip from Kochi to Munnar as well – it is a beautiful 4-hour drive through winding roads and will offer spectacular views as you near the hill station. Cabs and buses are also available.
Where to stay in Munnar
When it comes to staying in Munnar, you have two options. In and around main Munnar, there are dozens of hotels catering to various budgets. While you will be in the heart of whatever little action there is, you won’t enjoy endless green slopes and views.
Your other option is to stay 25 km or 40 minutes away in a village called Chinnakkanal. Here too, you will find many homestays, Airbnb’s, hotels, and even a Hosteller property. We stayed at an Airbnb called Neelakurunji Luxury Plantation Bungalow and I would not recommend it. Chinnakanal is less touristy, and more green and is a place you would envision when thoughts of a tea plantation hill station come to mind.
Things to do in Munnar
Munnar boasts of viewpoints, waterfalls, and tea – so that’s what most of the activities center around. Most viewpoints, while pretty, are in my opinion, just invented for the sake of adding to listicles and generating business for tea vendors and corn-sellers who pop up beside them. So don’t go out of your way to visit them all.
Here are a few things I did in Munnar, followed by activities I didn’t do but you may like to:
Ripples Tea Chai Bazaar
Visit the Ripples “Tea Chai Bazaar” to explore a wide variety of high-quality tea options, including long leaves and a range of flavors. This supermarket also offers other items such as ayurvedic oils and coffee.
Cheerappaya Falls
Conveniently located as you enter Munnar, Cheerappaya Falls is a beautiful waterfall that doesn’t require you to take a detour or trek. On our drive from Kochi to Munnar, we took a break to stretch our legs and capture some photos. We didn’t see any other waterfalls on our route, and my guess is that the others require a trek to get to.
Kundala Dam
We embarked on a 24 km drive to Kundala Dam, one of the prominent attractions in Munnar. Here, people enjoy various water-based activities like paddle boating, kayaking, and coracle boat rides. Alternatively, you can take a leisurely stroll and admire the serene lake and dam surrounded by lush greenery.
If you have more time in Munnar, here are additional options for you to consider. My friends and I were not too interested in these activities and I am only listing them here due to lack of options:
- Treks: Munnar offers various trekking trails that take you through scenic landscapes and allow you to explore nature up close.
- Tea Plantation Tour: Learn about the tea-making process by visiting a tea plantation and picturesque tea gardens.
- Tea Factory Visit: Explore a tea factory to observe the tea production process and sample different tea varieties.
- Other Waterfalls: Apart from Cheerappaya Falls, you can visit other waterfalls in Munnar such as Attukad Waterfalls, Lakkam Waterfalls, and Nyayamakad Waterfalls.
- Viewpoints: Munnar boasts stunning viewpoints like Echo Point, Top Station, and Pothamedu Viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills. But honestly, anywhere you stop will have a view.
- Street Shopping: Indulge in some street shopping to buy local handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs.
While some may find these activities to be enjoyable, others may have different preferences. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoyed reading this blog and found something of value as you plan your own trip. Follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
