Although Kerala itself is renowned for its mystical beauty, Munnar is acclaimed as one of the most coveted hill stations of God’s Own Country in the Idukki district. Located at a magnificent height of 6,000 ft in the Western Ghats, this stunning hill station is a true paradise for travelers from all walks of life.
Captivating mountains and valleys, evergreen plantation areas, lush greenery, several things to do, and places to visit in Munnar, make this hill resort a great holiday destination. Whatever the season, or with whom you intend to visit Munnar, surely its fascinating beauty will keep you enchanted! And to make your vacation more enjoyable and memorable.
Here is the list of 10 Must-Visit Places in Munnar:
1. Mattupetty Dam
One of the main tourist attractions in Munnar, this water reservoir in the Idukki district is located about 13 km from the heart of the hill station. Tucked away between majestic mountains and valleys, it acts as the region’s primary source of hydroelectric power.
Since water is accessible around this concrete gravity dam, there is an exotic variety of flora and fauna flourishing around it. If luck favors you can also find Asian Elephants looking to visit this dam site for water and food. The Mattupetty Dam also acts as an ideal spot for sightseeing and a perfect place for birdwatching.
2. Echo Point
The Echo Point’s distinctive beauty marks the confluence of three mountain ranges – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. Situated on the shores of a lake, this place’s peace and serenity are enchanting. Here, you can enjoy a quiet walk around the gentle slopes of the hills, or go to the serene waters of the lake for boating.
The echo point is a birdwatchers ‘ paradise because here you can see many native birds. You can also see a couple of shops on the outskirts of the attraction selling hill station local products. You’ll find the rare flowers of Neelakurinji or Strobilanthes which bloom and enhance their beauty. Echo Point is on your do-list when you visit Munnar. Read Best Places to Visit Kerala in March 2024
3. Attukad Waterfalls
Nestled 2 km from Munnar and surrounded by stunning hills and lush green jungles, this pristine waterfall allows for romantic getaways and picnics. The path to Attukad, however, is very narrow and needs a lot of driving experience. Read List of Popular Beaches in Kerala
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4. Top Station
Top Station is about 32 kilometers away from Munnar, at the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border. It’s the highest point in Munnar (1700 meters) to enjoy the panoramic view of Tamil Nadu’s magnificent Western Ghats and Theni District Valley.
Top Station is a prime example of natural beauty with its low-lying clouds and lush foliage. Historically, Top Station is known as a transshipment point for the delivery of tea provided by Munnar to Tamil Nadu and was named the Kundala Valley’s top railway station. Ruins of ropeway lines are yet to be identified.
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5. Pothamedu Viewpoint
Situated 5 km away from Munnar, Pothamedu View Point is adorned with sprawling hills and lush green mountains. One can witness the spectacular broad view of the area’s tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations.
If you love sunset and sunrise then this is the perfect place for you. From this point of view on a clear day, Idukki Arch Dam which is about 60 km away is visible.
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6. Trekking
Located on the top of the undulating peaks, it is also declared a UNESCO heritage site. The hill station in Munnar offers a mesmerizing wealth of trekking trails for trekkers to explore.
The entire range is filled with greenery carpets, low slopes lined with some of the world’s highest tea plantations and rainforests rich in biodiversity, exotic and spice plantations, Hills with their crests concealed under the curtain of fog, and stretches of rugged terrain.
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7. Meesapulimala
Meesapulimala, the second-highest mountain in South India, rises at an altitude of 2641 meters (8660 feet), high above sea level. The densely covered terrain has eight mustache-like peaks and is therefore called Meesapulimala. The starting point of the trek is either Rhodo Valley or Silent Valley, 6 km before Rhodo Valley, which is a perfect spot for trekking. After a trek from Rhodo Valley for about 8 km, one gets to see the grasslands, wildlife, rainforests, and small waterfalls.
Peace is what one gets to experience here in its purest form amidst the lush green valleys and hundreds of rhododendrons, tea estates, and bubbling streams, making it a must-visit destination for all nature as well as for adventure lovers out there. Meesapulimala is also considered a hotspot of diversity and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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8. Pallivasal Tea Garden
Pallivasal Tea Garden is located in a village of the same name, a few km away on the outskirts of Munnar. The tea gardens are known as beautiful tea plantation meadows for their paradise. Even the Sahya mountain range can be seen in the distance from those gardens. Read Also: The Best 5 Backwater Destinations in Kerala
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9. Kuthumkal Waterfalls
Kuthumkal Waterfalls is situated at Rajakkad, 24 km from Munnar. The waterfalls are a popular picnic spot in the area, boasting a nice climate and captivating water cascading down from a cliff along with the height.
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10. Eravikulam National Park
National Park Eravikulam is the site of the threatened Nilgiri Tahrs spreading over 97 sq. km. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is situated close to Munnar; approximately 15 km away, and is one of Munnar’s must-visit sites. A treasure trove for nature and wildlife lovers, the park also serves as the home to Anamudi Peak (2,695 m) South India’s highest mountain.
You can easily find some of the rarest as well as most endangered wildlife species during a visit to Eravikulam National Park. You will spot Indian Muntjac, Golden Jackal, Tiger, Leopard, Nilgiri Langur, and many more to name a few.
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