Cities in India

Munnar

Languages : Malayalam and English
Best time to visit : October–March
STD Code : 0486

Munnar is a small hill station set amongst the Kannan Devan hills. It is famous for its lush green surroundings, lakes, reservoirs, forests, and tea estates. The quiet environs of Munnar attract the traveler to relax in the lap of Mother Nature. Munnar also beacons the adventure-seeking traveler, who is interested in paragliding. It has some of the highest tea estates in the world.

Munnar is located in the eastern part of the state of Kerala, in the southern region of India, amongst the craggy hills of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 1524 m above sea level. It is 130 km east of Kochi and borders the state of Tamil Nadu. The weather in Munnar is pleasant. Summers (April–June) are mild, while winters (November–February) are cool. It experiences heavy southwestern monsoon rains in June–August.

The best time to visit Munnar is between the months of October to March. Travelers must avoid the monsoon season while visiting Munnar.

Places of Interest
Travelers can have panoramic view of the verdant surroundings and forested hills from Munnar. Walks and hiking around this small town offer an exhilarating experience. Travelers can also enjoy walking amongst the numerous tea estates of Munnar and view the entire process of making tea, right from plucking of tealeaves to their processing at the Kundale tea plantation.

Anaimudi (2,695 m), the highest peak in southern India, can be viewed from Munnar.

The Christ Church is an important place to visit in Munnar. Built of stone, it was constructed by the British in 1910. This church is known for its stain glass windows. It has a number of brass plaques in memory of the tea planters.

The National Adventure Foundation conducts a course on paragliding in Munnar. Travelers can also enjoy boating in the lakes in Munnar.

SITES NEARBY
The Evarikulam National Park is 16 km from Munnar. This national park is the home of elephants, lion-tailed macaque, and the Nilgiri tahr (a rare mountain goat). Travelers can also explore the Rajamala Hills adjoining the national park.

Marayoor is 42 km from Munnar to east of the Evarikulam National Park. Here one can experience the peaceful ambience and beauty of a sandalwood forest.

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is 10 km from Marayoor and 52 km from Munnar. This sanctuary is the home of elephants, leopards, and bear. Top Station, bordering the state of Kerala, offers spectacular views of the Western Ghats.

Ten kilometers from Munnar, en route to Top Station, one can visit the Mudapetty Dam. This is a popular picnic spot and travelers can indulge in activities like boating and horse riding here.

HOW TO REACH
Munnar does not have an airport or railway station. The nearest airport and railway station is at Kochi, which is 130 km west of Munnar. Munnar is accessible by road from most of the towns in Kerala. It can also be reached from Madurai (6 hours) and Coimbatore (6 hours), which are located in the state of Tamil Nadu. Auto-rickshaws and bicycles can be hired for exploring the town.