Munnar, a hill station in the Indian state of Kerala, is a popular tourist destination known for its lush green hills, tea plantations, and scenic beauty. Munnar offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and culture, making it an ideal holiday destination for all. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 best places to visit in Munnar, covering the must-see tourist attractions and hidden gems.
Echo Point
Echo Point, located at an altitude of 600 ft, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Munnar. It is a scenic spot surrounded by lush green hills and a serene lake. The name “Echo Point” comes from the natural echo phenomenon that occurs here, where your voice echoes back to you. Echo Point is an excellent place for photography and trekking.
Top Station
Top Station, located at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level, is the highest point in Munnar. It offers a panoramic view of the Western Ghats and the valley below. Top Station is a perfect place to witness the sunrise and sunset and enjoy the natural beauty of Munnar. It is also famous for its rare Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once in twelve years.
Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty Dam is a concrete gravity dam located on the Mattupetty Lake. It is a popular tourist spot, surrounded by lush green hills and tea plantations. Mattupetty Dam is an ideal place for boating, fishing, and picnicking. The dam also has a beautiful park and a dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project.
Kundala Lake
Kundala Lake is an artificial lake located at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level. It is a serene place surrounded by lush green hills and a beautiful garden. Kundala Lake is an ideal place for boating, pedal boating, and shikara rides. It is also famous for its cherry blossoms and the Kundala Dam.
Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park, located at an altitude of 6000 ft, is a must-visit place in Munnar. It is famous for its endangered species of Nilgiri Tahr, an endemic mountain goat of South India. Eravikulam National Park also has a beautiful trekking trail that takes you through the lush green hills and grasslands. It is open from September to February.
Tea Museum
Tea Museum, located in the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea, is a museum dedicated to the history and evolution of tea plantations in Munnar. It has a vast collection of tea processing machinery, photographs, and memorabilia. Tea Museum is an ideal place to learn about the tea-making process and taste different varieties of tea.
Attukal Waterfalls
Attukal Waterfalls is a scenic waterfall located between Munnar and Pallivasal. It is a hidden gem of Munnar, surrounded by lush green hills and tea plantations. Attukal Waterfalls is an ideal place for trekking and picnicking. The best time to visit the waterfall is during the monsoon season.
Pothamedu Viewpoint
Pothamedu Viewpoint, located at an altitude of 5000 ft, is another popular tourist attraction in Munnar. It offers a panoramic view of the tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations and the beautiful valley below. Pothamedu Viewpoint is an excellent place for nature walks, trekking, and bird watching.
Anamudi Peak
Anamudi Peak, located in the Eravikulam National Park, is the highest peak in South India, standing at an altitude of 2695 meters. Anamudi Peak is an ideal place for trekking and adventure enthusiasts. The trekking trail takes you through the lush green forests and offers a breathtaking view of the Western Ghats.
Conclusion
Munnar is a beautiful hill station with numerous tourist attractions and hidden gems. From scenic spots to adventure activities, Munnar offers something for everyone. Echo Point, Top Station, Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum, Attukal Waterfalls, Pothamedu Viewpoint, and Anamudi Peak are some of the best places to visit in Munnar. If you’re planning to visit Munnar, make sure to add these tourist attractions to your itinerary.
FAQs
- What is the best time to visit Munnar?
The best time to visit Munnar is from September to February when the weather is pleasant, and the tea plantations are lush green.
- What are the adventure activities to do in Munnar?
Trekking, rock climbing, rappelling, camping, and paragliding are some of the adventure activities to do in Munnar.
- Is there any entry fee for Eravikulam National Park?
Yes, there is an entry fee for Eravikulam National Park. The fee varies for Indians and foreigners.
- Can we see Neelakurinji flowers in Munnar?
Yes, you can see Neelakurinji flowers in Munnar. They bloom once in twelve years and are found in the Top Station and Eravikulam National Park.
- What is the nearest airport to Munnar?
The nearest airport to Munnar is Cochin International Airport, which is approximately 110 km away.
