If you would like to go to a ‘real’ hill station in India which is cool most times of the year, then MUNNAR is your answer! No wonder it is called the Kashmir of South India.
Munnar is situated at about 5,200 ft above sea level in the state of Kerala in India. The best way to reach Munnar is fly into Kochi and drive up a scenic mountainous road – 112 kms (60 miles) and 3 hours.
What do you do in Munnar?
Munnar is full of tea plantations, exotic lush greenery and craggy peaks. Rolling hills, fully covered with lush green tea bushes, are everywhere. There are plenty of leisurely walks and scenic areas to admire, beautiful waterfalls too.
Mattupetty Dam
If you are interested in boating, Mattupetty Dam which is located 13 kms from Munnar, has a choice of paddle boats and speed boats at its beautiful lake.
Tata Tea Museum
A visit to Tata Tea Museum might interest you – find out how tea leaves are processed to make various types of tea!
There are plenty of opportunities for treks and trails – the best places being Anumudi Peak in Rajamala Hills and Devikulam, another hill station about 3 kms from Munnar.
Anamudi Peak
Considered the highest peak in South India and in Western Ghats at a height of 2,695 metres, Anamudi peak is viewed best from Eravikulam National park. A short trek of 2 km to the top will reveal a superb view!
Anamudi means “elephant’s forehead”, which refers to the appearance of the mountain resembling the head of an elephant.
Eravikulam National Park
It is the main attraction in Munnar with the possibility of spotting the endangered Nilgiri Tahr at close quarters at Rajamala. The waterfall at Lakkom is another beautiful sight. The National Park is regionally important as a catchment area for east and west flowing Rivers.
Whatever you like to do, Munnar’s cool weather, green surroundings, winding roads to drive on and good Kerala curries……. now, that should be the ideal recipe for a relaxed vacation!
I love India. I’ve been to Kerala and it is indeed beautiful. Did not go to Munnar though. Thank you for the photos.
Munnar really looks like a paradise on Earth! I was supposed to fly to north India in April, at this point don’t know anymore if I will be able to get a visa, however you convinced me to add this town to my India itinerary 🙂 awesome
Lovely to be reminded of my time there too.
Beautiful drives, hiking, and good food… sounds like a perfect vacation.
Lovely photos.
We did a home stay which was very nice. The couple were hospitable and the quaint bungalow was full of flowers !
Brings back lovely memories of my visit to Munnar.
Ive been to Kashmir, but not to Kerala, so maybe this needs to be added on to my next India trip. Having visited the tea plantations in Malaysia these look very similar, beautiful!
This post brings back fond childhood memories of summer vacations spent in Munnar. You’ve captured the beauty of this hill station and its tea plantations so well through your photographs. I’d love to return to Munnar and head off along its hiking trails once more.
I’m more of a coffee drinker than a tea drinker, but I’d love to explore this area and find out more about these tea plantations. I guess the height above sea level is what makes the leaves so perfect for drying to create the perfect cup of tea.
Munnar is one of my most favorite destinations in India. I like the outskirts (Chinnakanal area) more than the main tourist zone. Thanks for this beautiful throwback.
Ooh, this place looks absolutely amazing! I bet even just an hour there would relax and refresh my spirit.
I have never been to India but if I ever do I would like to do a tour of a tea plantation as I love a cup of tea. I love the scenery in this area. the mountains are stunning.
I’ve always wanted to visit a tea plantation and I’ve never been to idea. This post seems to fit my future plans to do both. Besides, I would love a cup of tea! Thanks so much for sharing this lovely experience.
Munnar is my favorite destination of India and it is truly jewel of hill stations of India. Mattupetty Dam which is located 13 kms from Munnar, is truly a beautiful place. This place is full of greenery and total relax.
I would love to visit the plantations, it looks quite beautiful with all the hills and the beautiful patterns that it creates
We have visited tea farms in many places around the world. So we would definitely want to visit the one in Munnar if we go back to India. It certainly looks like it is situated in a stunning part of the country. With amazing mountain views. Although I am not sure I see the “elephant’s forehead” in those rocks. Might need some more contemplation time! A great reason for a visit.
I LOVE tea so visiting the Tea Museum would be awesome! It looks like such a beautiful landscape and scenery as well!
Munnar looks so amazingly lush and green! Good to know that temps are cool there for most of the year. I think the tea museum sounds fascinating, and I’d love to hike up Anamudi Peak for views of the landscape 😀
Wow, Munnar looks incredible. I’ve spent some time in Kerala but didn’t know anything about Munnar before reading this. Definitely going to consider it for my inevitable return 🙂
This brings back happy memories of my trip to Kerala. Gosh, that must be at least ten years ago now. Great tea, fabulous walks. I remember ordering tea with dinner as everyone seemed to have a teapot on their table and I wanted to blend in. Was surprised to discover it was beer, I really wanted tea, lol.
What an absolutely beautiful place! I’ve always wanted to see tea grown in India and this looks like the perfect place. The view of the mountain, too! Amazing!