Attractions in Munnar: Through the Misty Hills and Tea Estates

Munnar offer a lovely getaway from the usual humdrum of life. Known for its beautiful hills washed in mist, mystic valleys, gushing waterfalls and winding roads curving around fragrant tea gardens, Munnar is a piece of paradise in God’s Own Country, Kerala. Munnar offers a variety of attractions for a memorable escape, from Top Station to the Eco Point, Attukad Waterfalls and Pothamedu Viewpoint. A lot is waiting to be ticked off from your bucket list.   

Among all the tourist places that feel mystical, Munnar feels like a place set in heaven. Surrounded by the rolling hills of the Western Ghats and situated on the confluence of Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala mountain streams, Munnar is one of the most sought-after destinations for South Indian tours. The key attractions in Munnar will leave you eager for more.

It is the sort of place that feels like sipping on freshly steeped tea in a delicate cup of porcelain that is passed down from your grandmother. A little old, a little delicate and a lot more beautiful.   

Must-See Tourist Attractions in Munnar  

• Attukad Waterfalls 
• Echo Point 
• Top Station 
• Pothamedu View Point 
• Eravikulam National Park 

 Attukad Waterfalls  

Attukad or Attukal Waterfalls is one of the many popular tourist attractions in Munnar and among the top places to see near Munnar. Known for its endless trails that weave around gushing streams, camping sites and scenic spots. The gentle breeze flowing in with the cascade of the falls is infused with the aroma of seasonal and medicinal flowers growing in the area. Attukad is best enjoyed in the company of friends and loved ones. The waterfall comes alive during the monsoon. It is the kind of place that sets you free by offering a chance to connect with nature.

Highlights  

• The fall crashes dramatically down rocks and boulders, especially during monsoon and in winter, making for a picture-perfect tourist spot in Munnar.
• A little wooden bridge connecting to the waterfalls is often covered in fog and offers the most amazing scenery of the falls. 
• The waterfalls are surrounded by hiking trails and some of the most beautiful views.

Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM – 06:00 PM  

Entry Free: Not Applicable  

Location: Attukad Waterfall Rd, Pallivasal.   

Echo Point  

Known for its unique geological characteristics, Echo Point is one of the key tourist locations in Munnar. True to its name, Echo Point has a natural echo phenomenon. But there is more to the spot than its acoustic trick. The gentle slopes of the hills and creamy clouds floating above the tranquil water of the lake call for a peaceful pause during the journey.

Highlights  

• Echo Point is located along the banks of the Kundala Lake and the confluence of the Mudrapuzha, the Nallathanni, and the Kundala mountain ranges.  

• Occasional sightings of Neelakurinji flowers during their blooming season can be seen near the point.  

• The scenic backdrop of mountains and calm waters makes Echo Point a perfect click-worthy destination. 

• Because of its location and nearby forested areas, Echo Point is a great spot for birdwatching and professional photography.

Visiting Hours: 06:00 AM – 07:30 PM  

Entry Free: Not Applicable  

Location: Mattupatti Dam to Top Station Rd, Kannan Devan Hills  

Top Station  

Among the places to see in Munnar, the top station offers some of the best panoramic views of the Western Ghats and neighbouring towns of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. As the highest point in Munnar, on any given day, the spot is covered with a sheet of fluffy clouds. It is one of those spots to visit in Munnar where the real magic cannot be captured, but only felt.

Highlights  

• The route to the top often includes nature trails and viewpoints.  
• Mountain biking is a popular tourist activity  
• The sunrise at Top Station is nothing short of poetic. 
• Top Station is located on the west side of Palani Hills National Park, a proposed protected area in Dindigul district. 

Visiting Hours: 06:00 AM – 06:00 PM  

Entry Free: Not Applicable  

Location: Kodaikanal-Munnar highway close to the Tamil Nadu—Kerala border, Kannan Devan Hills  

Pothamedu View Point  

Pothamedu is a panoramic viewpoint that offers some of the best views of the Muthirapuzha River and the Idukki Arch Dam. Perfect for those sunrises and golden hour sunset romantic views, the panorama at Oothamedu View Point is quite humbling and breathtaking. The mist dancing across the valley, rolling tea and coffee estates, spice plantations and the winding roads, all come together in a grand scheme of what makes Pothamedu View Point a highlight of your Munnar trip.   

Highlights  

• Hiking, trekking, and long mountain nature walks can be enjoyed on a pleasant day. 
• Among the things to see in Munnar, sunsets from this viewpoint feel pure magic, with the hills bathing in the soft afterglow of the setting sun and a gentle breeze.
• The location is less commercialised, offering a peaceful and uncrowded escape, even during tourist season in Munnar.

Visiting Hours: Not Applicable  

Entry Free: Not Applicable  

Location: Ottamaram Road, Bison Valley    

Eravikulam National Park  

When you talk about key places to see in Munnar, there is no way you can miss out on including Eravikulam National Park in the itinerary. This national park is the first protected area in Kerala. The national park is also called the Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary and is home to countless endangered mammalian and amphibian species, species of butterflies and different orchid species, including the Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri langur, Atlas moth, Black & Orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, White Bellied ShortWing and more.

Highlights  

• This is one of the places in Kerala and South India where you can spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr goats up close. 
• Trekking through the park is a great activity to enjoy spectacular views of the wildlife, tea estate and misty hills. 
• The park offers eco-tourism activities and conducts regular educational camps.

Visiting Hours: 07:00 AM – 04:00 PM (Closed in February and March)  

Entry Fee: Indian Adults – INR 200/-, Foreign Nationals INR 500/-  

Location: Munnar-Udumalpet Road, Kannan Devan Hills  

Highlights of Munnar  

• The name Munnar comes from the three mountain streams that merge in the town. 
• Munnar is the native ground for a rare variety of kurinji flowers, Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana). The flower blooms once every 12 years.  
• Compared to many other hill stations that have become commercialised and more touristy, Munnar still holds its raw charm. It is perfect for those who seek peace and selfies. 
• Ananudi peak, which is one of the highest peaks of the Western Ghats, is a popular trekking point in Munnar. 
• The terrain is dotted with rolling hills, crystal-clear lakes like Kundala and Mattupetty, and cascading waterfalls like Attukal and Lakkam. The sprawling tea plantations and numerous tourist attractions in Munnar make for a great holiday experience.
• Munnar is one of the best tourist places in Kerala to enjoy tea tourism. The manicured tea gardens of Kannan Devan Hills Plantation are one of Kerala's popular tea plantations in Munnar, with the country’s first tea museum located inside the plantation. 
• The Eravikulam National Park is a protected sanctuary in Munnar and one of the top spots to visit in Munnar. The park is home to a significant population of the Nilgiri Tahr goat.
• The Anamudi National Park near Munnar is a protected area and part of the Shola forest area, offering countless opportunities for wildlife sightings and trekking in the lap of nature.  
• The Neelakurinji Biodiversity Knowledge Centre, established in Adimaly, near Munnar, describe the rich biodiversity of the region through 3D models and household items of the Muthuvan tribal community.

Munnar is one of those exotic holiday destinations that will leave you mesmerised. The unspoilt natural beauty, rare flora and fauna and offbeat charm of the place offer a taste of culture and simplicity. Besides the spots mentioned above, countless other attractions in Munnar will offer a lasting experience that you will cherish for a lifetime. Some of the best parts of your Kerala Munnar tourism will include- Wonder Valley Adventure and Amusement Park, Tata Tea Museum, Chinnakanal Waterfalls, Photo Point at Mattupetty Road, Meesapulimala and Lockhart Gap View. 

Best Time to Visit Munnar  

The tourism season begins around October. The months between October and March bring pleasantly cool and comfortable weather, perfect for sightseeing, trekking and long walks along the lush tea estates. But truth be told, Munnar wears every season as beautifully as the last.  

Planning a Munnar escape and looking for that perfect itinerary that will allow you to explore and spend some quality time in the lap of nature? With Veena World’s curated Munnar tour packages, get ready to experience a unique escape to this quintessential destination. From handpicked stays to guided tours through Munnar’s scenic gems, and everything in between, we promise to weave the right story for your escape.   

FAQs 

Q1. What are the must-visit viewpoints in Munnar for the best mountain and tea estate views? 

Munnar is famous for its breathtaking viewpoints, where the lush tea estates meet mist-covered mountains. Some of the best spots include Top Station, which offers panoramic views of the valley below and is known for its "sea of clouds" effect, especially during sunrise. Lockhart Gap Viewpoint provides a perfect vantage point for stunning sunsets over the hills. Pothamedu Viewpoint, located just outside Munnar town, is great for a leisurely walk and to enjoy the tea plantations from above. Each of these spots gives a unique perspective of Munnar’s natural beauty, so make sure to visit as many as you can, and don’t forget your camera!  

Q2. What’s the best way to explore Munnar’s tea plantations and learn about tea-making? 

Munnar’s tea plantations are its heart and soul, and there’s no better way to experience the region than by walking through the estates and learning about the tea-making process. A visit to the KDHP Tea Museum is a great starting point, where you’ll learn about the history of tea cultivation in Munnar and see old machinery still in use. If you’re up for an adventure, take a jeep ride to Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, the highest organic tea plantation in the world, for a guided tour. You can also walk through plantations like Lockhart or Sevenmallay to interact with workers and taste freshly brewed tea right from the source.  

Q3. Are there any nature-focused attractions or short treks in and around Munnar? 

Yes, Munnar is a haven for nature lovers, with plenty of short treks and nature spots that let you soak in its beauty. The Eravikulam National Park is a must-see, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and offering a scenic walk through the park with views of the majestic Anamudi Peak. For waterfall enthusiasts, Lakkam Waterfalls and Attukal Waterfalls are both stunning and easy to access for a relaxing walk or a photo session. If you’re seeking a more challenging trek, the Meesapulimala trek is an excellent option, though it requires prior permission. Munnar’s landscapes are perfect for anyone looking to connect with nature, whether it’s through a peaceful stroll or a more adventurous hike.  

Q4. What are some unique attractions in Munnar beyond tea and viewpoints? 

While tea estates and mountain views are the highlights, Munnar offers other unique experiences for those looking to explore beyond the usual attractions. Mattupetty Dam is a popular spot where you can enjoy boating or simply relax by the tranquil lake. For a bit of fun and natural acoustics, visit Echo Point, where you can hear your voice echo off the surrounding hills. Blossom International Park is a peaceful retreat, ideal for families or couples who want to unwind amidst colourful flowers and serene surroundings. You can also explore spice gardens to see how local spices like cardamom, pepper, and vanilla are grown and harvested, giving you a deeper insight into Munnar’s agricultural side.  

Q5. How much time should I spend in Munnar to see the main attractions? 

To truly experience Munnar and its main attractions at a leisurely pace, 2–3 full days is ideal. On Day 1, you can start by visiting the tea plantations, the Tea Museum, and enjoying the nearby viewpoints. On Day 2, head to Eravikulam National Park to spot wildlife and enjoy a trek, followed by a visit to Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point. On Day 3, take a more immersive experience with a trek to Meesapulimala or venture to Kolukkumalai Tea Estate for a unique adventure. This relaxed pace allows you to appreciate the natural beauty of the region and gives you plenty of time for photography, rest, and tea breaks.