10 amazing reasons to visit Munnar

Situated in the Western Ghats, Munnar is a mountain lover’s paradise. Munnar boasts the highest peak in South India in the form of Anamudi Peak, overlooking tea plantations, lakes, wildlife, and spice plantations. Another beautiful mountain peak is Chokramudi Peak, which also offers scenic views of the Idukki Dam and vast tea plantations. Both the mountain peaks are situated in the Eravikulam National Park and are home to Nilgiri tahrs, gaurs, and elephants. 

Eravikulam National Park, also known as Rajamalai National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1975 to protect the region as it was inhabited by the endangered Nilgiri tahr. It later became a National Park in 1978. Primarily blanketed by grasslands, the National Park comprises a variety of flora like the famous Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years. It is also an abode to various animals like leopards, deer, jackals, and wildcats along with other rare ones like the Nilgiri martens, small-clawed otters, and ruddy mongoose.

Declared a National Park in 2008 due to its significance as an elephant strip, the Mathikettan National Park is characterized by the presence of Shola trees. It is home to a diverse range of animals and birds such as the Nilgiri langur, Indian Muntjac, Wild boar, Malabar banded peacock, Nilgiri Flycatcher, and Scarlet Minivet.

A visit to Munnar is incomplete without visiting tea plantations, as it has one of the world’s most beautiful tea estates. The most well-known estate in Munnar is the Kannan Devan Hills Plantations which is famous for having the country’s first-ever tea museum - the Tata Tea Museum, making it a must-visit place.

The Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is the highest tea estate in the world, thereby providing a beautiful vantage point. The estate employs traditional and age-old methods of tea processing and offers visitors a sample of their various tea selections to savor. Tourists can go on an off-road jeep adventure, hike through the hills, or just take some stunning pictures with the majestic Nilgiri hills as their backdrop. No matter what you choose to do, you are bound to enjoy your visit.

The Lockhart Tea Estate is one of the oldest Tea Estates in Munnar. It was established in 1936 but was inaugurated much later in 2014. The estate provides in-depth details on the cultivation, processing, and manufacture of tea. Visitors can purchase tea and also interact with the plantation workers.

Munnar has some of the most serene lakes, which make for a calming experience amidst all the trekking and hiking. Perched on the way to Top Station, Kundala Lake is the most famous one in Munnar, surrounding lush greenery and overlooking the golden sunrise. The dam adjacent to the lake is said to be Asia’s first arch dam where tourists can go for boating and kayaking, for a more wholesome experience.

If you think visiting dams is not the most interesting activity to do as a tourist, Mattupetty Dam is definitely going to change your mind. Mattupetty Lake is a result of the gravity created by the dam. It is a perennial lake that does not dry up even during peak summers, thereby helping birds and animals in the vicinity to quench their thirst. Tourists can go on different boat rides or ride a horse along the banks of the lake.

Anayirangal Dam, built on the Panniyar river is an earthen dam built in the 1960’s. Surrounded by tea plantations and dense forests, one can go on a scenic boat ride and enjoy the beautiful landscapes.

Trekking is the perfect amalgamation of nature and adventure and what better place than Munnar to do that ? If you are a beginner, strolling through the tea gardens of Chummar while inhaling the aroma of tea leaves is a lovely way to begin your trekking journey.

If you have some experience in trekking but want to take it a little easy, you can opt for the Lakshmi Hill trek, which is also one of the most popular treks in Munnar. If you are a pro at trekking or just feeling adventurous, Kannan Devan Hills may be the best way to go about it. The amazing view of the valleys and plantation is totally worth the journey through the rocky terrains.

If you are looking for a refreshing break after all the adventure, Munnar has some beautiful waterfalls to visit and re-energize. Thoovanam waterfall, located inside Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, is surrounded by verdant foliage. The gushing water and lush greenery make it a perfect getaway for nature lovers.

Attukal Waterfalls is another gem nestled among hills and thick vegetation, is an adventure enthusiast’s paradise. It is also safe to visit during the monsoons to enjoy the scenic beauty post-rainfall. Lakkam Waterfalls is the perfect spot for a picnic with a view or to go on a reinvigorating swim. The peaceful vibe of the place is bound to put you in a relaxed and happy state of mind. Some of the other alluring waterfalls in Munnar include Kuthumkal, Valara, Cheeyappara, and Nyayamakad waterfalls.

Munnar is known for its jaw-dropping locales and spectacular views, making it a paradise for travelers looking for an escape into nature. Pothamedu View Point offers exactly that. The View Point offers a panoramic view of the valley and consists of hills covered in tea, coffee, pepper, and cardamom plantations. While enjoying the views, don’t forget to sip on some tea from the tea shop in the vicinity to create the perfect vibe for yourself.

Top Station View Point offers a bird’s eye view of the valley and the intrinsic beauty of Munnar. It is a preferred spot for hikers, campers, and trekkers. Visiting Top Station can also be an opportunity to explore Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and Kurinjimala Sanctuary as well.

Munnar should hands down be on the bucket list of every camping enthusiast, as it has some of the most unique camping spots with amazing views. From campsites overlooking the clouds to sites nestled in lush green valleys, there are so many inimitable options to choose from. Some of the coolest camping sites in Munnar include Munnar tent camps, Spies Munnar Camping, Suryanelli Eco Camp Village, Wild Sherpas, and Cloud Farm. These campsites offer the most enchanting views of the hills and valleys of Munnar, enveloped in clouds. Campers can also witness the most spectacular sunrises and bask in the warmth of the golden rays of the sun while enjoying their morning cup of coffee.

If you are looking for a bougie camping experience, Munnar also has glamping options. Skyes Glamping Resort and Luxeglamp Munnar offer a luxurious glamping experience.

The dense forests of Munnar are home to a plethora of wild animals, birds, and plant life. Some of the exotic animals in the region include Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri marten, Grizzled giant squirrel, Gaur, Rusty-spotted cat, Star Tortoise, and Bonnet Macaque.

Birds endemic to the region are the Yellow-throated Bulbul, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Nilgiri Pipit, Loten’s Sunbird, and more.

In addition to these rare species, the famous Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once in 12 years are also a part of Munnar’s plant life adding to its glory.

A paradise for non-vegetarian food lovers, the delicacies of Kerala cuisine are surely going to add an aromatic twist to your culinary journey in Munnar. Some of the most popular dishes that should be on your must-try list are Ari Pathri and chicken curry, Kerala prawn curry, beef fry with Malabar Parotta, Idiyappam with egg curry, and spicy chicken fry.

If you are looking for vegetarian delicacies, Puttu and Kadala curry is a delectable option. The famous Kairali Thali is another famous vegetarian option consisting of a variety of dishes served on a traditional banana leaf.

After a hearty meal, satisfy your sweet tooth cravings with some yummy desserts and sweets like Palada Payasam, Neeyappam, Unniyappam, Chatti Pathiri, Ada Pradhamam, Banana Halwa and Elaneer pudding.

The fusion of the unparalleled beauty of nature and adventurous experiences in addition to flavorful food makes Munnar a wholesome visit. Add Munnar to your travel bucket list right away and contact https://backpackersunited.in/ to help plan your best trip yet!