Rolling hills covered in emerald tea plantations stretch across this hill station in Kerala. At 1,532 meters, the cool climate makes it ideal for tea cultivation since 1880.
Munnar sits 1,600 meters above sea level in Kerala's Idukki district, at the meeting point of three rivers. You'll walk through hillsides covered in neat rows of tea plants, spot Nilgiri Tahr goats in Eravikulam National Park, and perhaps catch the rare Neelakurinji flowers that paint the mountains purple once every 12 years. The town serves as a base for visiting tea factories, hiking mountain trails, and exploring waterfalls like the 800-meter Chinnakanal cascade.
Getting to Munnar
You can reach Munnar from Cochin International Airport, 110 kilometers away. Take a taxi or bus through the mountain roads - the 4-hour journey winds past small villages and tea plantations. Buses run every two hours from the airport and cost less than taxis, but take longer due to frequent stops.
Weather and Seasons
Temperatures range from 5°C to 25°C year-round. Plan outdoor walks between December and February when the weather stays dry and cool. During monsoon season (June to September), heavy rainfall makes many hiking trails muddy and some viewpoints close temporarily.
Tea Plantations
Kanan Devan Hills Plantations spread across the hillsides around Munnar. Tea pickers work from sunrise to late afternoon, collecting leaves in wicker baskets. Visit the Tata Tea Museum to see functioning 100-year-old machinery and learn about local tea processing methods. You can watch tea leaves being sorted and dried, then sample different varieties.
Wildlife and Nature
At Eravikulam National Park's 97 square kilometers, you'll find South India's largest population of Nilgiri Tahr mountain goats. The park rangers lead guided walks where you can spot elephants and sambar deer. Climb Anamudi Peak (2,695 meters) - South India's highest point - on a clear morning for the best views.
Mountain Trails
Walk the tea plantation paths independently or with local guides. The Top Station trail (32 kilometers from town) takes you through tea fields to valley viewpoints. For shorter walks, follow the 2-kilometer path to Echo Point or take the Pothamedu route past cardamom plants and coffee bushes.
Waterfalls and Lakes
Cross the narrow bridge to reach Attukal Waterfalls, 9 kilometers from town. At Kundala Dam Lake (21 kilometers away), rent a paddle boat for an hour on the water. During monsoon months, stop at the roadside viewpoint to see Chinnakanal Waterfalls dropping 800 meters down the mountainside.
Local Food
Start your day with Kerala breakfast staples like idli and sambhar at the town's small restaurants. The morning bazaar sells fresh banana chips and hot vada. Many local cooks prepare fish curry using cardamom and other spices grown in the surrounding hills. Try the local tea, which comes flavored with cardamom from nearby plantations.
