Best Places to Explore in Munnar

Munnar, nicknamed the ‘Kashmir of South India’, is Kerala’s top tourist spot, renowned for its lush green panoramic views and soothing chill climate. Enjoying the scenery from the comfort of a resort’s balcony is a very cliché trip plan. Munnar is not a destination to enjoy from a balcony; there are the best places to explore in Munnar that are sights for the sore eyes. To relish these sights, planning every moment of the day is important.

Chasing Waterfalls

Three waterfalls in Munnar enhance the greenery and attract visitors. They are Ripple, Kuthumkal, and Chinnakanal Waterfalls. Ripple Waterfalls are a beautiful gateway to nature, just 2 kilometres away. Preferred months are September to May. Kuthumakal Waterfalls, a misty waterfall, is ideal for picnic lovers. The best time to visit is post-monsoon, which is June to October. Chinnakanal Waterfalls, also known as Power House Waterfalls, is a tall waterfall. The neighbouring rocks are covered with tea plantations, giving the place a heavenly ambience. Monsoon is the best time for visiting. The morning is the best time to visit waterfalls. Seeing them in daylight will be memorable. Since the area is wet and slippery, make sure to wear footwear with grip and avoid any sort of risky trekking.

Lakes and Dams to Relax By

Munnar’s ecosystem is preserved and supported by three dams: the Ponmudikunnu Dam, the Anayirangal Dam, and the Kunadala Lake.

Ponmudi Dam, locally known as Ponmudikunnu Dam, is a concrete gravity dam. Boating and driving are leisure activities here. For relaxed sightseeing, visit the dam between October and May.

Anayirangal Dam is one of the largest earthen dams in Kerala. The dam is laced by lush greenery from the tea plantations, evergreen forests, and hills. Boating, tea estate drives, and wildlife spotting are leisure activities. June to October are the months when the beautiful blend of greenery and water levels is at its peak.

Kundala Dam is Asia’s first arch dam, made as part of the Pallivasal Hydroelectric Project. This place has some natural surprises, such as the cherry trees blossoming twice a year and the rare flower Neelakurinji blooming once in 12 years. Other leisure activities are boating and enjoying the tea gardens. The months from November to May are perfect due to the pleasant weather and greenery.

Views You Can’t Miss

Coming to the lands, Mountain fans can enjoy the best of Munnar at three spots. Kallimali View Point, Gap Road, and Plane Para.

Kallimali View Point is a photogenic spot, 12 km away from our hotel. Surrounded by the tea estates and lush valleys, the green and serene atmosphere is the highlight of this place. Hardcore photographers, you can fill your Instagram feed with these spots captured on your camera. If you visit during sunrise or sunset hours, you could capture the beauty of this place during the golden hour.

People who enjoy peaceful, long drives will love the Gap Road. 14 km away from our hotel, the road is a thrilling stretch of sharp curves and foggy mountains. Early morning birds would love the dreamy view of the hills and valleys covered in Munnar’s mist and fog.

Plane Para is the ideal spot for the trekkers. The wide landscapes and unique rock formations are the highlights of the place. If you carry a set of binoculars, you can enjoy birdwatching from Plane Para. It is 16 km away from our hotel.

Nature & Adventure Escapes

The best places to explore in Munnar are not just hills, valleys, waterfalls, and roads; it also features lakes and parks. Devikulam, Wonder Valley Adventure Park, and Eravikulam National Park are the spots that have a mix of nature and thrill. Devikulam is a scenic lake located 10 km away, and laced by misty hills and tea plantations. The lake is named after the Goddess Sita. The lake gained its mythological significance as Goddess Sita is said to have bathed in it due to its therapeutic and mineral properties. The scenic and pristine view of the lake makes it photogenic. Wonder Valley Adventure Park is situated 12 km away and is a great spot for adventure enthusiasts. The park offers vibrant activities like ziplining, rope climbing, bungee trampoline, and water rides. Eravikulam National Park is a famous habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr, the endangered mountain goat species. Trekking, grasslands, and Anamudi Peak are the leisure activities here. The rare blooming of Neelakurinji and the pleasant weather during April to June make it the perfect time to visit the park.

Tea Tales & Heritage Walks

The tea and the heritage walk in Munnar are other major reasons for being one of the best places to explore in Munnar. People visit Munnar just for the tea. The most visited tea factory is Periyakanal Tea Factory, 20 km away from the hotel. The top heritage site is Muniyara Dolmens, 42 km away from the hotel. Chai lovers can head straight to Periyakanal Tea Factory to learn everything about the making of tea from leaf plucking to processing. You can buy authentic tea powder to relish the Munnar taste at home. The Muniyara Dolmens are ancient stone monuments located in Marayoor, 42 km away. The Dolmens showcase Munnar’s prehistoric past in the photogenic sandalwood forests’ landscapes.

Conclusion

To explore these tourist attractions, you need to stay in a hotel that can provide you with all the necessary amenities and is within an accessible distance to all of these points. Booking the right stay will make your trip more fun; the hard part is booking the right one. It should have comfort, safety, and good food. If you are having a hard time finding one, check out Le Serene, a one-stop for comfort, safety, premium services and food, and located within an accessible distance from all these tourist spots.