Munnar is a hill station in the Indian state of Kerala.

[edit]Understand

Munnar is a typical hill station, and was the summer resort of the British. Tourists come here
to see the vast tea plantations of the area. The town itself is typically Indian with the usual
shops, guest houses and is really beautiful and traditional. It is a good place to stay to see the
surrounding countryside. It is also a popular place for Indian honeymooners.

The town is divided into two parts, Old Munnar, where the tourist information office is, and
Munnar, where the bus station and most guest houses are located.

Munnar is 1,600 m (5,400 ft) above sea level. It is pronounced "Moon-aar" short for "moonu
aar" meaning 3 rivers. Three rivers - Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru which flow through
this town, but join some distance away from Munnar.

Munnar is famous for its tea plantations, many of them started by the British. The "Kannan
Devan" brand of Tea from the Tata is cultivated and processed here.

The strobilanthus ("neelakurinji" in Malayalam, the local language), a blue flower which
blooms only every twelve years, is found in this region. It bloomed last in December 2006.
Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, at 2,695 m.

Eravikulam national park is one of the main tourist attraction, where you can find the
endagered species of Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat called "varayadu" in Malayalam). A treck to
Rajamala ("King of hills" in Malayalam), in the morning is sure to spot a few friendly mountain
goats. You can also fond Gaur, Langur, Lion-tailed macaque, and Elephants depending on
the season and time of travel.

Altitude : 1.600 m to 1.800 m above sea level. Temperature : Min. 0 deg.C - Max. 28 deg.C.
Clothing : Warm Clothes and Rain Gear. Tourist Season : August to March Language :
Malayalam and Tamil are main languages spoken here. You can get away with Hindi or
English also.

[edit]Get in
[edit]By Air

Cochin International airport (IATA: COK), ICAO: VOCI), also known as Nedumbassery Airport
and CIAL is the nearest airport. It is around 135 km from the Munnar by car.

[edit]By Train

The nearest railway station is Aluva (120 km). Ernakulam is 140 km and may be more
comfortable if you are coming from the South.

[edit]By car
  From Kochi: Munnar is 140 km (about 3 hours) from Kochi. Allow 6 hrs traveling time
if you are driving up or down, since the road is blind in some places and there are a lot of
trucks and buses that seem to drive as if they own the road. Although the road is smooth
(NH 49), it is narrow, twisty and curvy.Kothamangalam is on the way and is 80 km away
from Munnar. Between Kothamangalam and next town "Adimali", you can experience a
beautiful cool drive through a natural forest. Alongside, you can see many refreshing
waterfalls. Once you reach Adimali, Munnar is just 30 kilometers away - but it will take
almost an hour to reach. This is the last place where you can spot a decent restaurant
before Munnar. Around 22 km from Adimali, you can start seeing the tea plantations on
both sides of the road and a panoramic view of the western ghats. The view is extremely
beautiful during the early mornings.

 From Aluva: Aluva is nearly 120 km from Munnar. Just outside Aluva railway station
you can hire a taxi for Munnar for Rs 1,400 - Rs 1,600. There is a bus stand nearby as
well which operates frequent buses to Munnar.

 From Coimbatore: Munnar is about 160 km from Coimbatore and 120 km from
Pollachi. Coimbatore- Pollachi - Udumalpet - Chinnar - Marayoor -Munnar route is the
most scenic route and though it will take bit longer, it is generally considered worth the
extra time spent.

 From Kodaikanal: Kodaikanal is nearly 170 km from Munnar. Kodaikanal - Perumal

Malai - Mayiladum Parai - Mooliyaru - Oothu - Falls View - Ganguvarpetty - Ghat Road -
Periya Kulam - Theni - Bodi - Bodimettu - Devikulam - Munnar. This route is also scenic.

 For detailed report and photos of Munnar to Kodaikanal route please see Munnar to
Kodaikanal

 For detailed report and photos of route to Palani from Kochi thru Valparai please
see Kochi-Valpara-Palani

Distances from Munnar to various cities:

 Thekkady - 106 km

 Aluva - 120 km

 Pollachi - 118 km

 Cochin - 145 km

 Coimbatore - 160 km

 Alleppey - 180 km

 Kumarakom - 200 km

Note: The road to Munnar is narrow with lots of bends and curves. Hire a taxi or a driver with
local experience if you are not familiar with similar conditions
[edit]By bus

Munnar bus station is located on the main street, Main Bazaar. Kochi - takes about 4 1/2
hours. Buses leave Kochi between 6AM-1PM. Aluva - Nearest bus station to
the Cochin International Airport. Around 4 hours to Munnar Ticket cost is around Rs 100 - 180
depending on the type of bus.

There are also buses from Coimbatore and Pollachi.

[edit]Get around

You can rent a geared/gear less motor bike on a daily basis for Rs 350/- per day.

[edit][add listing]See

Some of these site would be more popular to Indian tourists than to Western tourists.

Near Munnar Town

 Atukkad Waterfalls - A scenic waterfalls amidst hills and jungles. You can find a
road leading to Atukkad Waterfalls on Kochi road (just about 5 km from Munnar). This
road is very narrow and needs a lot of experience to drive on.

 Chithirapuram is located at a distance of around 10 km from Munnar. Chithirapuram

has old playgrounds and courts, bungalows and sleepy little cottages which all give this
place an old world charm. This town is also famous for its tea plantations in the world.

 Blossam Park - 1 km from Munnar.

 Pothamedu View Point

Towards Mattuppetty

 Photo Point: 2 kms from Munnar. It is a small place filled with woods and a small
stream. Good location to take photos.

 Mattupetti Dam - 10 km from Munnar, this popular picnic spot activities like boating
and horse riding and is a great place to spend the day especially if visiting with children.
You could take the speed boat ride which is fantastic. It costs 300 INR if you have to hire
a boat for you alone. The ride is for 15 minutes. The maximum capacity is 5 persons and
you could save some money if you are a group of 4 to 5.

 Mattupetti Indo-Swiss Farm - Better known as Mattupetti (cattle village), Tamil

migrant labourers had once upon a time reared cattle here. The cool climate and
abundance of fodder made it the ideal location for the Indo-Swiss dairy farm. Established
in 1961, the Kerala Livestock Development Board (KLDB) manages this highly
specialised dairy farm. The dairy farm is a unique one of its kind with more than 100
varieties of high-yielding cattle being reared. Tourists are not allowed to enter the farm.
Echo Point

 Echo Point - 15 km from Munnar, on the way to top station from Munnar is a small
lake set amidst rolling hills. Every loud call made from a spot on the lake embankment is
returned manifold by the echo from the surrounding hills. Young tourists throng to this
place to listen to the echoes of their friendship calls.

 Elephant Arrival Spot - 18 km from Munnar, Here you can board an elephant for a
ride. It costs approximately Rs 350 per person.

 Kundala Lake - 23 km from Munnar. This lake is very beautiful amidst lush jungles.
Hiring a pedal boat and exploring the lake and its surroundings is an awesome
experience. Except at the place you hired the boat, don't expect to find humans around
the lake as it is surrounded by scenic jungles and hills. Unless you know how to row a
boat, prefer a pedal boat, each trip lasts around 30 min and will be closed at 4:30PM

 Top Station, [1]. 37km from Munnar on the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border, has great
views of the Western Ghats. Top station is the "top"-tourist attraction. This place gives a
real 'above the clouds' experience. Regular buses go to Top Station (1 hr) from Munnar.
A jeep costs Rs 400. The area is known for the Neelakurunji plant, which flowers only
once every twelve years. The flower is violet.

Towards Marayoor

 Tata Tea Museum' is located at the distance of around 2 km on the Nallathany road,
from Munnar. Tourists can see pieces of colonial era and old bits collection. Videography
and Photography is strictly prohibited here. This museum remains open from 10AM till
4PM every day, closed on Monday. There is a Rs 50 ticket fee for adults and Rs 25 ticket
for children.

 Naimakkadu Water Falls'

 Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park:[2] 45 mins from Munnar. See Nilgiri Thar
(Hemitragas hylocres) - an endangered species of mountain goats, rolling grasslands and
sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills, rare flora and fauna, Atlas moth
(largest in the world), lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, The Kurichi or Neelakurinji
Flowers turn the hills of Rajamalai blue every 12 years. The next bloom will be in 2018.
One can actually debate if going to the high peak just to see some goats is worth all the
effort or not. However, the walk along the park is very romantic and has some breath
taking view.
  Anamudi Peak inside Eravikulam National Park: The highest peak (2,695 m) south
of the Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary in majestic pride. The slopes of the hills
abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the
world, is a unique inhabitant of the park. Other rare species of fauna found here are the
Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, etc. An ideal place for trekking,
facilities are provided here and tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi.

 Lakkam Water Falls' A small waterfall 24 km from Munnar.

 Marayoor - Around 40 km from Munnar. It is the only place in Kerala with natural
growth of sandalwood trees, natural caves with murals, and relics from late Stone Age
civilisation. There is a sandalwood factory of the Forestry department of Kerala and a
children's park extending across one hectare of land under the canopy of a single Banyan
tree, all of which attract tourists in large numbers.

 Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary,[3].Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is located in the Wester

Ghats of Kerala. This wildlife sanctuary has a large number of plants and animals. This
wildlife sanctuary is spread in around 90 sq km of area. This sanctuary is one of the
protected areas in the western ghats because of the significance of its flora,
geomorphologic features, ecology and local cultural.

Other places to visit:

 Salim Ali (Thattekkad) Bird Sanctuary, [4]. There are woodpeckers, Malabar gray
hornbills, Ceylon frogmouths, parakeets, and rose-billed rollers. This sanctuary is located
20km from Kothamangalam on the road between Ernakulam and Munnar. There are
basic and mid-range hotels in Kothamangalam and an Inspection Bungalow in
Boothathankettu. You can take a boat cruise from Boothathankettu to Thattekkad.
Admission Foreigners/Indian Rs 40/10.

water fall near rajmala

 Kolukkumalai Tea Estate - At a height of about 2,175 m (7,130 ft), this orthodox tea
factory lays claim to being one of the highest in the world. The view of the Western Ghats
is absolutely enchanting.
  Water falls[5] - Check out several natural waterfalls on the way to Munnar. They
provide an excellent place for photography.

 Kalvarimount
[edit][add listing]Do

 Walk in the Clouds - Trek to your heart's content while the clouds slowly descend
upon you.

 Rock Climbing and Rappelling - Munnar has a steep rock face about 30 m (100 ft).

 Munnar Carmelagiri Elephant Park (Munnar Elephant Safari), Mattupetty Road,

Munnar (On the way to Mattupetty Dam),☎ +91 94 4782 7696, +91 94 4737
9376 (info@munnarelephantpark.com), [6]. The elephant safari takes you through the
misty forests, deep valleys and the rugged hill paths of the Munnar forests. One hour
package, half day and one day tours. Features are, elephant bath, elephant shower,
elephant feeding, timber dragging demonstrations and displays of elephant commands
and communication. edit

 Boating There are several places to go out for boating in Munnar. One can choose
among paddle boats and speed boats to Kashmiri-Shikara. Young couples who travel to
Munnar should not miss out on the beautiful 'Kashmiri-Shikara' boat ride. It is one of the
most romantic experiences.

 Bicycle. Experience the natural beauty of Munnar by riding a bicycle through

beautiful paths of Munnar and pass through a tea state called Madupatty, around 14 km
form Munnar. edit

 Yoga @Kaivalyam Retreat, Moolakada, Pallivasal (7 km from Munnar towards

Cochin), [7]. 2 hrs. "Kaivalyam" a holistic health retreat in midst of natural surrounding of
tea valleys of Munnar. It provides a year around destination to domestic as well as
international travelers to indulge in learning experience of holistic lifestyle with traditional
form of Yoga and organic way of dining. edit

 The Christ Church, in Old Munnar. The exteriors have worn out with time though the
charming interiors still have a very nice ambiance. It was consecrated way back in 1910
and still has 14 original rows of pews. The first Catholic Church in the High Ranges was
Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church.

 The High Range Club has a charming colonial style. The club house is built of
wicker and teak and is the social hub for the tea "Planters" of the region. Members enjoy
lounging in the bar over Planter's Punch followed by a good meal, a game of billiards or
reading a book in the library.

 Munnar Supply Association (MSA) Set up in 1900, this is another nostalgic

landmark worth visiting in Munnar. It is the oldest department store in the area and has
 been re-inventing itself to stay relevant and popular after almost 102 years. The store was
run by "planters" who still manage its affairs. The MSA is a red brick, red tiled building
with gables, buttresses and a porch and is now a heritage site.
[edit][add listing]Buy

The best things to buy are Tea, coffee, spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and pepper
and definitely home made chocolates.

 Abbas & Co. Tea Merchants, 25, Bazaar, Munnar. Abbas & Co is wholesaler but
also sells to visitors. Really good price for tea, green tea, coffee, cashew - nuts, home
made chocolates, spices, aloe vera gel Budget. edit

 Fresh tea from a factory outlet, Kannimallay Estate, Munnar. Several varities of tea
fresh from factory. It's on the way to Eravikulam National Park, 5 km from Munnar
town. edit

[edit]Banks/Currency Exchange

 State Bank of Travancore. ☎ +91 4865 2530274.

 State Bank of India, Munnar. ☎: +91 4865 2530381.

 State Bank of Travancore, Devikulam. ☎ +91 4865 2565441.

[edit][add listing]Eat

Kerala is famous for Fish Curry. For snacks, one should try local spicy cashew nut, chilly bhaji
with hot tea as they are a traditional snack and makes good combination in cold weather.

 Bamboo Hut, G.H. Road. Wide range of food for reasonable prices, although service
can be a bit slow. On the upside, the place usually has good music (from Bob Dylan to
electronic chill-out sound), which is normally quite hard to find in India.

 Food Court, Munnarinn, [8].

 Saravana Bhavan, Right at the heart of town and one of the most inexpensive places
to eat. The service here is quick and the food is absolutely delicious. You might have to
share your table with others. This place provides South Indian dishes, served on a
banana leaf.

 Silverspoon Restaurant, Munnarinn, Main Bazaar (Right beside the bus

station). Breakfast until 11AM. This place does a great value buffet breakfast of
cornflakes, toast, omelet plus Indian breakfast food for Rs 95. edit

 TreeTop Restaurant, ☎ +91 4865 264273 (+91 4865 264399), [9]. Multi-cuisine
restaurant. 70 person seating capacity providing vegetarian and non-vegetarian foo. edit
Munnar has some amazing street food (try the Gobi noodles), so if you are after a cheap and
delicious meal check the area around the bus stand in Munnar (not the KSRTC bus stand in
Old Munnar).

 CampNoel, Pazhathottam, Munnar (15 km from Top Station), ☎ +91 4865

214095, [10]. 7AM to 10PM. Multi cuisine restaurant at 2075 m (6,800 ft) above sea level
and possibly the highest altitude restaurant in Kerala. If coming from Top station, turn
right at 19mile. Road is bad so make sure you have a suitably robust vehicle or inform
them and they will pick you up.The journey is worth it. Please inform them early if you are
going there for only for food. edit

 Sri velavan stores, G.H.road, Munnar, ☎ +91 4865 232379. All provisions available
at reasonable prices. edit

 Patel Gujarati Restraunt, (Near Post Office). Gujarati and Marwari meals. Eat your
heart out. Amazing food for under Rs 100. edit

 Purohit Restaurant, Inside Hotel Dhanyasree, Dhanyasree Jn. Chilling Plant Road,
Munnar (Nr Tea County Resorts), ☎ +91 4865 232552 (+91 4865 232553, +91 9946
239251). 6AM-10:30PM. Bombay, Jain, Gujarati, Rajasthani, Punjabi and South Indian
food. Good Gujarati, unlimited Thali at Rs 85.Budget. edit

 Mahaveer Veg Restaurant, Kalinivas Building, Main Road, Munnar, ☎ +91 4865
231677 (+91 99 4629 2907). Provides authentic North-Indian food with style ranging from
Gujarati to Punjabi and delicious rotis. Meals start from Rs 75/-. Only vegetarian food
served. The downside to the place is cleanliness at the tables. edit

 Kaivalyam Retreat, Moolakada, Pallivasal Estate P.O. Munnar (7.5 km towards

Cochin direction), ☎ +91 4865 232628 (+91 9495 821617, +91 9526
477838), [11]. 24x7. Kaivalyam retreat has a 100% pure vegetarian restaurant which
serves organic and healthy yogic food. As it is a yoga retreat more emphasis is given to
food quality and hygiene. Serves North Indian, South Indian and a few continental dishes.
Their desserts are good. Set in the midst of cardamom and pepper plantation. Rs 200.
edit

[edit][add listing]Drink

Fresh Tea, Coffee and Milk is available at most places. Hard and soft drink are also available
at fair number of shops. Packed Grapes and Mix fruit juice is also available at few places.

 Abad Copper Castle, Pothamedu-Munnar, ☎ +91 4865 231202. edit

[edit][add listing]Sleep

[edit]Budget
  Eightlands Holidays, Colony Rd, ☎ +91 4865 232986, +91 4865 230938, Mob:+91
9495 812364, +91 9446 561652, +91 9447 030938, [12]. Service and the rooms are a bit
average. Nothing great, just cheap. Rs 700-900. edit

 Theresian Cottages (Homestay), Munnar (Near Tea County Resorts), ☎ +91 4865
230351, +91 9447 397720, +91 9495 879748. checkin: anytime; checkout: 12
noon. Good location with nice views. Nearby to many restaurants. Tea and coffee is
available. Kerala Tourism Department approved. Room with 2 beds~600. edit

 Autumn Tree Resorts, Devikulam, ☎ +91 4865 264273, [13]. Rs 950-2,500. edit

 Allens Cottage, (10 km from the town, opposite to the KSRTC bus
stand), [14]. Upscale and standard cottages away from all the disturbences of the city edit

 JJ Cottage, (Close to the KSRTC bus stand in old Munnar), ☎ +91 4865
230104 (jjcottagemunnar@sancharnet.in). Nice rooms, very friendly and helpful staff with
surprisingly good cheap food. Double rooms may be negotiated down to Rs 300 during
the low season. Feels more like a bed and breakfast than your average guest-house. edit

 Hotel Misha, Misha Jn (Close to the main market in old Munnar. Opposite Hotel
Green Ridge.), ☎ +91 4865 230376, +91 4865 232376(mishaholidays@gmail.com), [15].
checkout: 12 noon. Can be negotiated further down to Rs 700-800/- in peak season and
lower in off season. Rs 1,200-1,700. edit

[edit]Mid-range

 Hotel Anai Mudi, [16], Munnar - Marayoor Route.

 Blackberry Hills, [17], (3 km from Munnar).

 Camelot, (10 km from Munnar). If you are traveling in your own vehicle then this may
be a good choice. You need to drive 2 km off road to reach the resort, which is fun.
However if you are new to driving, leave your car at the entrance and ask the owner to
pick you up from there. Pack your food in town as the choice of food at resort is
limited. [18].

 Deshadan Mountain Resort, [19]. (5km from Munnar).

 Chancellor Resort, [], Chinnakkanal. (22 km from Munnar Town on the way to
Thekkady/Periyar).

 Copper Castle, [20], Pothamedu road, (2 km from Munnar).

 Bracknell forest, [21], Pothamedu road. (7 km from Munnar).

 Holiday Heaven, [22], Chinnakkanal. (20 km from Munnar Town).

 Kaivalyam Retreat, - Organic living and dining with Yoga [23], Moolakada, Pallivasal
(7km from Munnar).
  Marthoma Retreat, - On the way to top station (About 2 km from Munnar Town) [24].
Has a restaurant, but food is made to order.

 Hotel Oak Fields, [25], Pothamedu. (5 km from Munnar).

 The Siena Village, [26]. Chinnakkanal, (20 km from Munnar Town on the way to
Thekkady/Periyar).

 Spice Garden Resort, (Located in the second mile, around 8-10 km from Munnar
Bus Stop), ☎ +91 4865 263698, +91 9447
163696(contact@spicegardenresorts.com), [27]. Cheap, clean,courtesous staff and
located on hill slop so breathtaking view. Has a multi cuisine restaurant that can provide
breakfast and dinner however food is only made to order. Hot water 24 hrs, TV in all
rooms, Trekking and travel assistance, laundry. A doctor is on-call, parking spaces and
driver accommodation are provided Rs 1,500-2,500 (Indian nationals). edit

 Hotel Westwood Riverside, [28], (1 km from Munnar Town).

 Whispering Meadows, [29], (6 km from Munnar Town). Around Rs 2,500.

 Bella Vista Resort, Chithirapuram Post, Munnar (15 minutes car drive from Munnar
town), [30]. Very scenic with roof top restaurant. Double honeymoon cottage around Rs
1,800. edit

[edit]Splurge

 Ayur County resort, Munnar (18 km from Munnar Town), ☎ 91 4865

685618 (info@ayurcounty.com, fax: +91 4868 249218), [31]. Ayurvedic centre,
cardamom plantation visit, fishing, trekking, camp fire, multi-cuisine restaurant and coffee
shop childrens play area and activity room, credit card facility, travel desk, site seeing trip
Round the clock hot and cold water, STD direct dialing, cable TV in all rooms, pick up and
drop off, conference hall, doctor on call a luxury resort for H=honeymoon couples,
families and corporates. Rs 2,500-12,500. edit

 Camp Noel, [32], (36 km from Munnar Town)

 Tall Trees, [33]. Pothamedu, (4 km from Munnar).

 Best Western Fort Munnar, [34]. Chinnakkanal. (22 km from Munnar Town).

 Club Mahindra Lakeview Resort, [35]. Chinnakkanal. (20 km from Munnar Town on
the way to Thekkady/Periyar}.

 Tea County, [36]. Munnar.

 Windermere, [37] Bison Valley Road, outskirts Munnar.

[edit]Contact

 Main Post Office. ☎ +91 4862 530280.

[edit]Emergency numbers
  Police control room ☎ 100

 Fire station ☎ 101

 Ambulance ☎ 103
[edit]Cope

[edit]Ayurvedic Treatment / Massage

 Swatic Ayur Care Centre ☎ +91 9447 031656, +91 4865 231656,+91 4865
230395.

 Surya Ayurvedic Health Resorts, Chithirapuram. ☎ +91 4862 563204.

[edit]Stay safe

Apply sunscreen lotion while you leave Munnar because as you descend the hills the weather
gets warmer and causes sun burn.

[edit]Hospitals

 Tata General Hospital, Munnar ☎ +91 4862 530270

 Matha Hospital , Munnar ☎ +91 4862 530744

 Arun Hospital, Munnar ☎ : 91 4862 530410

[edit]Get out

 Eravikulam National Park

 Mattupetty

 Kodaikanal Munnar - Devikulam - Bodimettu - Bodi - Theni - Periya Kulam - Ghat

Road - Ganguvarpetty - Falls View - Oothu - Mooliyaru - Machoor - Mayiladum Parai -
Perumal Malai - Kodaikanal - approx 170 km

 Thekkady

 Pollachi

 Coimbatore

 Palani

 Madurai

 Munnar to Kodaikanal

 Kochi-Valpara-Palani

 Kovalam