Munnar

A hill station in the Western Ghat Mountains surrounded by tea plantations and beautiful countryside, ideal for trekking and nature enthusiasts. As you travel east from the backwaters of Kerala, the landscape changes into rolling hills smothered in tea plantations. Winding roads snake their way around the hillsides, emerging at picture postcard towns. Once the summer capital of the British during the Raj, Munnar is the most important town in this area. The name Munnar is derived from the Malayalam words mun (meaning three) and aaru meaning (stream) as it is located at the confluence of three streams.

Highlights

Anamudi Peak

Located inside the Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak is the highest peak in South India. Treks to the peak are allowed with permission from the Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam

Eravikulam national Park

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One of the most scenic national parks in south India, it offers protection to the endangered Nilgiri Thar (species of mountain goat). It is also home to elephants, deer, jackals, leopards, tigers, otters, mongoose, and a huge variety of birds and butterflies. Once every twelve years, the hillsides are covered in a magnificent purple flower called Neelakurinji – next due in August 2030.

Lockhart Gap

Around 13 km from Munnar this area offers numerous trekking trails with some amazing views of the valleys and plantations.

Marayoor

Famous for its natural sandalwood forests and pre-historic rock paintings.

Mattupetty

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Main attraction is the beautiful lake, which offers boat rides, and the Mattupetty Dam. You can also visit the unique dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project where several varieties of high-yielding cattle are being reared.

Tea Museum

An interesting museum housing curious, photographs and machineries from the evolution of the tea industry in the area. There is also a tea tasting room.

Tea plantations

Visit a local tea plantation to understand the tea growing process and see the tea pickers.

Top Station

The highest point on the main road from Munnar to Kodaikanal with panoramic views of neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

Hotels

Discover the wonderful variety of places to stay in India; including some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, intimate boutique hotels bursting with local character, charming homestays where you’ll have a chance to interact with local families, converted forts & palaces, fabulous lodges and heritage havelis.

Ambady Estate - Munnar

Windermere Estate - Munnar

Tours

Below are a selection of our favourite sample itineraries that we have created based on our experiences of travelling extensively throughout India. As with all our tours, every aspect can be tailor-made to your individual requirements.