Mountains

MunnarTravel guide

Kerala's Tea-Carpeted Hills

Munnar, KeralaUpdated 21 September 2026

Munnar’s rolling tea plantations, misty valleys, and Eravikulam National Park make it a refreshing highland escape from Kerala’s coastal humidity.

Tour a tea factory to see how leaves are processed, then trek through Eravikulam to spot the endangered Nilgiri tahr against a backdrop of Anamudi Peak. The Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point offer boat rides and photo ops amid serene waters.

Top things to do in Munnar

1
Eravikulam National Park
See the endangered Nilgiri tahr in the Rajamalai section, against rolling grassland and peaks.
2
Tea Museum
Learn how tea is processed, with old machinery and a working demonstration.
3
Top Station
A viewpoint on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border over the Western Ghats; go early, before the mist rises.
4
Mattupetty Dam and Kundala Lake
Boating stops on the road to Top Station.
5
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
A dry rain-shadow forest about 60 km away, home to the grizzled giant squirrel and star tortoises.

Before you go

Eravikulam closes for a few weeks for the tahr's calving season, usually February to March; check before you go.
Mist and rain are common: drive carefully on the hairpin bends, and avoid driving at night in monsoon.
Book Eravikulam tickets online at weekends and holidays, when queues are long.
Leeches appear on forest walks after rain; leech socks or salt help.

Where to stay

Munnar town: Close to shops and buses; busier and noisier.
Chithirapuram and Pallivasal: Resorts among the tea estates about 10 km away; quieter.
Chinnakanal and Suryanelli: Quiet valley stays near Anayirangal Dam, for nature lovers.

What to eat in Munnar

Appam with Stew
Veg or non-veg
Lacy rice pancakes served with coconut-based vegetable or chicken stew
Try at breakfast joints; ask for ishtew for veg version
Puttu and Kadala Curry
Veg
Steamed rice cylinders with black chickpea curry in coconut gravy
Morning staple at local tiffin centers; pair with ripe banana
Karimeen Pollichathu
Non-veg
Pearl spot fish marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaf and grilled
Best at toddy shops; eat with rice and lemon wedge
Malabar Parotta with Beef Curry
Non-veg
Flaky layered flatbread with slow-cooked spiced beef curry
Street food stalls; tear parotta to scoop curry
Avial
Veg
Mixed vegetable stew in coconut-yogurt base with curry leaves
Served at sadya meals; ask for extra coconut for richness
Ela Ada
Veg
Rice flour parcels stuffed with jaggery and coconut, steamed in banana leaf
Evening snack at tea stalls; eat warm with tea

Written by AI. If you have allergies or eat strictly veg, check with the cook.

Health & safety in Munnar

Emergency (police, fire, medical)112 Ambulance (most states)108

Hospitals near Munnar on Google Maps ↗

Save your stay's address offline, and in an emergency call 112 first.

Published by Team Spotplans. Written with AI from public travel sources, not submitted by a creator. Check opening times and prices before you go. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we'll fix it.

Plan a trip to Munnar

When to go

Best Sep–Mar

September to March for clear views and comfortable trekking; monsoon (June-August) brings lush greenery but landslip risks.

What it costs

₹1,800-3,000 per night

₹1,800-3,000 per night for mid-range hotels and meals; includes accommodation, food, and local transport. Tea factory tours and park entry extra.

How to get there

Nearest airport: Cochin International - 110 km, ~3.5 hr by taxi. Nearest railway station: Aluva - 110 km, ~3.5 hr by road. Regular buses and taxis run from Kochi, Coimbatore, and Madurai.

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