11 TOP TOURIST PLACES TO VISIT IN MUNNAR, TRIP TO KERALA.

11 Top Tourist Places To Visit In Munnar

Planning a trip to Kerala? Here's our list of 11 Top Tourist Places To Visit In Munnar.

The whispering pastures of Munnar embellished with crystalline lakes surely justify Kerala being dubbed God’s own country. Once known as the summer resort of the British and resting about 1600 m above the sea level, Munnar is situated at the convergence of three mountains- Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. The town is divided into two parts wherein the ‘old Munar’ features the tourist information center and ‘Munnar’ serves as the main hot-spot that offers bus stations and popular guest houses.

We have cherry-picked some destinations that you should add on to your ‘must visit’ list when you’re in Munnar.

Rajamalai National Park (Eravikulam National Park)

Photograph by www.flickr.com user GoDakshin

The almost-extinct Nilgiri Tahr dwells sound and secure in the sleepy surroundings of Eravikulam National Park, adorned by the Anaimudi Peak. Home to lion-tailed macaque, leopards, Atlas moth, tigers, one-of-its-kind flora and fauna, Neelakurunji flower, etc., the National Park is spread over an area of approx. 97 kms in the Rajamalai hills. Those who find it uninteresting to climb up to Rajamalai hills just to see the rare animal species, they would be stunned by the picturesque landscape that it has to offer. Moreover, trust us you, a lazy stroll along the park would be totally worth it. However the visitors must be prepared for spending a good 4 to 5 hours in the park because buying tickets, sight-seeing, and other activities take time.

Top Station

Photograph by www.flickr.com user genome4hire

If you happen to be in Kerala during winters, there is nothing like Top Station. The fog covered mountains seem to merge the cloud boundaries and it feels as if you’re sailing on clouds. Located at a distance of 37 km from Munnar on the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border, Top Station offers great views of Western Ghats. Regular buses and jeeps can be hired at decent prices to reach Top Station which is famous for a seasonal flower Neelakurinji (the strobilanthus that grows once every 12 years).

Echo Point

Photograph by Wikicommons

Located at a distance of 15 kms from Munnar, Echo point falls on your way to Top Station. A small lake set in the middle of rolling hills witnesses loud echoes of friendships and love. Each loud call made from any particular spot on the lake embankment bounces back from the hills creating audible echoes.

Mattupetty

Photograph by www.flickr.com user karmadude

A niche dairy farm with over 100 species of cattle, Mattupetty is located at a distance of 13 Kms from Munnar. A fun picnic spot for some and an interesting sight-seeing destination for others, Mattupetty gives you an opportunity to make a stop at the Kundala Lake and tea plantations. The dairy farm is usually open from 9.00 am to 11.00 am and 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm but you must check the timings online before paying a visit.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Photograph by www.flickr.com user Kerala Tourism

Asian Elephants, Sambhar deer, Gaur and giant Malabar squirrel, among others cosily reside at the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary which is approx. 60 km from Munnar. A fully guided nature walk through the forest could be interesting proposition for the nature lovers which can be easily arranged with prior permission from the Sanctuary care-taker.

Devikulam

Photograph by www.flickr.com user BoyGoku

Natural views straightaway popped up from the pages of your favourite story book and created the panoramic Devikulam. Your escape into the hustle-bustle free life would not be complete without a stoppage at Devikulam. Relax, rejoice and rejuvenate yourself, that’s what this small-little hill retreat is all about. 7 kms off Munnar, scenic valleys, lush green tea estates, lively lakes, springs and sparkling streams await you. Take leisure walks, click pictures and do take your fishing rod along to try your hands at trout fishing at the Sita Devi lake. Please note that fishing at the lake would require prior permission from the Secretary of High Range Angling Association.

CSI Christ Church

Photograph by www.flickr.com user sourabhmassey

Travellers with a proclivity for the quaint old-world charm must visit the old stone church adorned with stained glass window panes and brass plaques safeguarding the memories of tea planters. Operated under the supervision of the Church Mission Society, the Church was built in the year 1910 and is frequented by all kinds of visitors from around the world for the sheer peace it offers.

Marayoor

Photograph by www.flickr.com user madpai

An intoxicating brew of culture and class, Marayoor is popular for its naturally flourishing sandalwood plantations. It also boasts a sandalwood factory operated by the Forest Department. Marayoor is equally renowned for its caves embracing relics from the New Stone Age civilization.

Tea Museum

Photograph by www.flickr.com user Marcin Wichary

A place widely known for its tea plantation does require a masterpiece preserving the legacy. The Tea Museum in Munnar does exactly the same. It preserves and showcases some of the finest and most interesting aspects on the beginnings and progress of tea plantations in Kerala's high ranges. Opened a few years back by Tata Tea, the Museum features photographs, curios, and equipment; all of which narrate stories about the origins and development of tea plantations in Munnar. Located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea, the Museum is worth a visit while you’re in Munnar.

Atukkad Waterfalls

Photograph by www.flickr.com user kabils

Flowing smoothly amidst hilly terrains and jungles, Attukkad waterfalls are located at a distance of 5kms from Munnar. Nature lovers would love get down there to enjoy a few refreshing showers.

Chithirapuram

Photograph by Nikita Kapoor

Home to ancient bungalows, cottages, playgrounds, and courts, Chithirapuram is enveloped in an old world charm. Located at a distance of approximately 10 km from Munnar, the town is also popular for its tea plantations.