Places to Visit in Munnar
 

Munnar will always have a special place in your heart if you have visited this place at least once. The serene feeling that overpowers you as you cross the Neriyamangalam Bridge to the magical world of Munnar is always memorable. With blissful landscapes, deep and dark woods, endless tea plantations, historical museums graceful hills and elegant waterfalls, Munnar is a complete pack for the nature lover in you.

1.Sengulam dam
Located at a a distance of 14 kilometers from Munnar town, the dam was constructed as a part of Sengulam Hydroelectric project .Surrounded by the scenic Letchmi hills to the north, Vellathooval valley and Admali on the south and Chokramudi peak to its east, the dam offers an amazing 360 degree view of nature. They also offer pedal boats, speed boats and even bigger boats if you prefer to roam around in the lake. There are other activities like games corner, fish spa and a small park where you can have a nice time with your loved ones.

2. Mattupetty dam
Located at a distance of about 13 kilometers from the town, Mattupetty dam is a beautiful constructionbuilt in 1940 under Pallivasal hydroelectric project. The lush green valleys, cool climate, and abundant availability of water make it a good dwelling place for animals and birds. The wide stretch of water with the sly reflection of the tea gardens around is a breathtaking view. Watersports like boating and speed boating is provided here. Mattupetty is also known as cattle village for the livestock project launched by the bilateral Swiss Indian government in 1963. The best time to visit the dam is between August and
May.

3.Kundala dam
Kundala dam and lake lies at a distance of 23 kilometers from Munnar. The highlight of this dam is the breathtaking panoramic view of the endless greenery and the gigantic lake with glimmering water. You can enjoy the beauty of this place by taking a ride in a pedal boat, Shikkara or row boat. Games and horseback riding are also provided which makes it a fun spot to enjoy a nice picnic with family and friends.

4.Eravikulam national park
Best known as Rajamalai , Eravikulam National Park is situated at a distance of about 13 kilometers from the town. The park, rich with flora and fauna is popularly known for its rare species of Nilgiri Tahr. With endless hills, breezy climate and butterflies flying around you, Eravikulam will surely steal your heart. Due to the steeping number of Nilgir Tahrs, government has banned tourist during the calving season to protect the calves. So except for February and March, you can visit the place the whole year.

5.Tata tea museum
TATA tea museum is currently operated by the Kannan Devan Hills. If you are an ardent tea lover and would love to watch step of tea processing, this is the place to be. Though called the museum, it is a working miniature tea factory where workers guide you through steps from plucking fresh leaves, drying them and grading them into different levels. You can buy good quality tea and beverages from the outlet near the museum

6.Echo point
Located at a height of 600 meters from sea level, The Munnar echo point has a magical phenomenon where you can hear back you voice as you shout out. With misty clouds, peaky hills, elegant meadows and dense woods, echo point is a wonderful place to stop by when you are travelling to Munnar. Being the confluence of three mountain ranges, namely Kundala, Nallathanni and Mudrapuzha. There are a number of activities you can do here. From trekking through the hills to strolling through the valleys and enjoying a boat ride in the lake, Echo point is a place where you can hear the heartbeats of nature.

7.Top station
Located at a distance of 32 kilometers from Munnar, this is the best place to get a 360 degree view of the Western Ghats. The spot located at an altitude of 22200 meters from sea level is best known for its Neelakurinji flowers which blooms once in 12 years. The top station view point is located at about a distance of 2 kilometers from here. Trek slowly with a bottle of water as the steeply slope can be hard. Various trekking trails go through Top station. The Pampadumshola trek which ends at Vattavada is the most popular trek here.

8.Anakulam
Fond of adventure and loves off road rides? Want to spot elephants in their wild habitat? Anakulam in Munnar is the best place to spot elephants and be close to nature. Located 9 kilometers away from Manakulam, this area is one of the regions that get the highest rainfall in the country. Thereby the roads from Mankulam to Anakkulam annually get washed away. Always make sure to camouflage with the woods and stay at a distance from elephants.

9.Lockhart tea museum
Being one of the biggest manufacturers of orthodox tea, Lockhart group is pretty famous tea company in Kerala. Though, it’s a bit expensive, each part of the factory and museum are worth visiting. Lockhart group has begun their tea business with an aim to manufacture the best tea and to educate people about different types of tea leaves. This is a paradise for a true tea lover.

10.Kolukumalai
Being one of the hardest trek in Munnar, Kolukumalai is a signature trek preferred by adventure lovers. The trek which starts at Sooryanelli passes through Meeshapulimala. The 2 hour long trek would be a pristine experience where you get to experience the beauty of the Nilgiris. Camping at Kolukkumalai is an activity that you can’t miss out. They provide tents, sunrise trek along with breakfast, dinner and campfire. You can see the amazing singapara, a rock that resembles the face of a lion.

11.Meeshapulimalai
The elegant hills covered embraced by a thick blanket of Clouds got became an overnight sensation after the release of the film Charlie where the hero talks about the magical view of the hill. Being the second highest peak of South India, you need special permission to trek to the topmost point. It is better to start with a group of more than three from the base point to reduce expense of jeep. Independent treks are strictly prohibited. The entrance fee for the trek is Rs 350/- per head and jeep charges will come around Rs 1000/-.

12.Chinnar wildlife sanctuary
The Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is a large throny scrub forests which is a dwelling place for many species of flora and fauna. With less than two months of rain, Chinnar sanctuary has a relatively hotter sand drier climate when compared to other wildlife sanctuaries. The sanctuary is known for its medicinal plants and rare species of animals like star tortoise, grizzled squirrel, gaur, slender Loris, wild elephant, tiger, leopard etc.

13.Marayur
Located 42 kilomete4rs from Munnar, Marayur forests are famous for its rare sandalwood forests. Though Kerala has lesser number of sandalwood trees when compared to other states, our state has the best sandalwood in terms of quality. This is due to the fact that parts of Marayur and Wayanad where these forests are located received lesser rainfall throughout the year. Marayur is also famous for its ancient dolmens and rock painting that are dated back to the Stone Age.

14. Letchmi estate
With a number of tea gardens and a huge waterfall nearby, Letchmi estate is a popular spot to visit when travelling to Munnar . Letchmi hills are a series of four hills with tea plantations all around. You can learn a lot of about tea here. Also, you get to see different types of tea; white, green and black and maybe experience plucking some leaves with the plantation workers. The place is scenic and easy to climb, thereby suitable for all age groups.

15 Pothamedu view pint
If you are in a mood to relish yourself with a breathtaking view point and trek through deep woods, Pothamedu view point is your best choice. This amazing location is scenic with plantations of tea, coffee, cardamom, hills and valleys. The panoramic view of valleys blended in greenery would be intoxicating for the nature lover in you. You can see the Idukki arch dam from here.

16.Attukadu Waterfalls
On the way to Pallivasal Munnar, is located this beautiful waterfall which is a visual surprise for each traveller. If you are looking to take a short break in between you travel, this is a best place to have a cup of tea and chat with your family. With many hills and a breathtaking view, Attukad waterfalls are a paradise if you love to take photographs.

17. Thoovanam Waterfalls
You can reach Thoovanam waterfalls by heading to Alampatty from Chinnar wildlife sanctuary. This is a good choice if you are forest person. Walking through a steep path downwards through the woods, you will reach the iconic Thoovanam waterfalls. The steep rocks combined with the roaring water is indeed a combination not to be missed out., There is a log house near to the falls where you can stay overnight being lulled with the hushing noise of the falls.

18. Lakkam waterfalls
Located near Eravikulam National park, this beautiful cascade of splashing water is famous for its scenic view. Being not that deep, you can actually swim here too. The waterfall which flows from Eravikulam reaches at Pambar. If you are looking for an ideal picnic location with a waterfall nearby, this is your place.

19. Cheeyapara waterfalls
Located between Neriyamangalam and Adimali , this waterfall proceeds in different steps. Located at an altitude of 1000 feet above sea level, the cascades are made by a river called Deviyar. It is close to the road, making it a favorite spot of travellers to take photographs. Cheeyapara is preferred by adventure lovers with the hills, mountains and forests around it.

20.Chokramudi peak
Chokramudi peak is a challenging trekking spot preferred by many adventure lover. The peak, which is situated about 7700 feet above the sea level surrounds Devikulam, Chinnakanal and Bison valley. One has to travel 3 kilometers through the Kannan Devan hills to reach the peak. Being a habitat for a number of plants and animals, you may get to see rare species of animals and birds on the way. Always wear a thick coat as the path might be misty.