Top 8 Tourist Places of Munnar in Kerala, India + Travel Tips

Munnar is a place I totally fell in love with on the first day I arrived. It’s situated at 1,600 m (5,200 ft) in the Idukki district, in the state of Kerala which is also called God’s Own Country.

Munnar is a place of tranquility and peace. You will find neverending tea plantations, pristine valleys, hill ranges, forests, waterfalls, rare flora, and fauna. I had an incredibly wonderful time in Munnar in winter not just because of its breathtaking landscape but because people are so nice in the region.

Moreover, I love their coffee, chai, and all the food there. In this blog, I’m going to share a lot of details about my trip and give you as many tips as possible. My pictures are from February.

2. TOP 8 TOURIST PLACES OF MUNNAR IN KERALA, INDIA

How many days you need for visiting the best places in Munnar depends on how you get around. You can actually cover many things in two days if you have your own car.

If you don’t have your own car, you will mostly need 3 days to visit the best places in Munnar. My plan in this travel guide is for 3 days.

On this map, you have all the places pinned in blue color. Moreover, you can see my accommodation recommendations indicated in yellow color on the same map.

Get ready for the best places to visit in Munnar in 3 days!

MUNNAR TOURIST PLACES MAP

DAY 1 – VISITING THE TOURIST PLACES OF MUNNAR

1) POTHAMEDU VIEWPOINT – #1 BEST TOURIST SPOT IN MUNNAR

Munnar is famous for its many stunning viewpoints. There are indeed a lot of viewpoints around Munnar that will take your breath away. They are among the top tourist places in Munnar.

The most famous viewpoint in Munnar is the Pothamedu viewpoint.

HOW TO GET TO THE POTHAMEDU VIEWPOINT

You can easily get to them by public bus or by car.

If you take the bus from Anachal, it’s around 10 km and it costs 15 rupees. Just say Pothamedu to the ticket seller when the bus comes and he will tell you if it’s the right bus and when to get off. I recommend going there in the morning. In the afternoon, the view was kind of gloomy.

2) ATTUKAD WATERFALLS – #2 BEST TOURIST SPOT IN MUNNAR

If you go to the Pothamedu viewpoint, you can venture to walk to the Attukad Waterfalls.

Attukad Waterfall is a captivating tourist attraction. It’s an awesome place for trekking and picnics.

HOW TO GET TO THE ATTUKAD WATERFALLS

You can drive there or just walk there from the Pothamedu viewpoint.

It’s around 4 km from the Pothamedu viewpoint.

But what I did was the following: I walked back to the road from the Pothamedu viewpoint, took a bus, got off the bus, and then walked down to the waterfalls. The walk is 2.5 km.

Walking is the best because of the view on the way.  After crossing the bridge, you can also walk further to see tea plantations. The view en route is breathtaking.

The Attukad waterfalls from the distance – One of the best places to visit in Munnar, Kerala, India

Next to the Attukad waterfalls – One of the best places to visit in Munnar, Kerala, India

3) PALLIVASAL TEA ESTATE – #3 BEST TOURIST SPOT IN MUNNAR

Munnar is famous for its beautiful tea plantations. Therefore, tea plantations are the most important tourist destinations in and around Munnar.

One of the most impressive tea plantations that you can easily visit is the Pallivasal Tea Estate.

HOW TO GET TO THE PALLIVASAL TEA ESTATE

You can walk from the Attukad Waterfall View Point to the Pallivasal Tea Estate. This tea estate is indicated as Pallivasal Tea Factory on GoogleMaps.

The walk is around 2.5 km.

From here, I walked back to the Anachal. It’s about a 6 km walk. On the way, there are a lot of beautiful viewpoints.

Is it safe to walk back? Not really. The traffic is too crazy here. You had better take the local bus. Or even better to take a rickshaw and stop anywhere you like on the way.

Walking among tea plantations – One of the best things to do in Munnar, Kerala, India

4) ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK – #4 BEST TOURIST SPOT IN MUNNAR

The Eravikulam National Park is famous for its beautiful nature, trekking routes, waterfalls, and endangered animals such as the mountain goat.

HOW TO GET TO THE ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK

Eravikulam National Park is 8 km from Munnar and 20 km from Anachal. To get there, you can take a rickshaw or taxi.

ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK TIMINGS

Officially, the Eravikulam National Park is closed for February and March. If you want to go, start the day with this one.

It’s open every day from 8 am to 4 pm except Saturday when it’s open from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.

ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK ENTRY FEE

Entry fees
Indian: 125 ₹
Child: 95 ₹
Foreigner: 420 ₹ (~5.50 USD)

Camera fees
Ordinary: 45 ₹,
Video camera: 335 ₹

DAY 2 – VISITING THE TOURIST PLACES OF MUNNAR

4) KUNDALE LAKE

I used public buses to get to Kundale Lake. From Anachal, the total distance is 37 km. 

From Anachal to Munnar, it takes 35 minutes and 20 rupees (0.24 € / ~ 0.26 USD). From the same bus station where I got off, there is a bus to Kundale, you need 50 minutes and 40 rupees. At 11:35 a bus leaves from Munnar. It felt it was a scheduled bus. 

The Kundale Lake is a very busy tourist spot.  There are a lot of sellers there. I recommend you to try all kinds of things there. I got a south Indian coffee (15 rupees) and a fresh coconut (40 rupees). You can also try different boats there for fun.

5) MATTUPETTY DAM – #5 BEST TOURIST SPOT IN MUNNAR

From Kundale Lake, to get to the Mattupetty Dam, you can take a local bus. They run quite often. I walked on the road to get there and on the way, the landscape was taking my breath away. 

Tea plantation with the Mattupetty Dam in the background – One of the best places in Munnar for tourists

They are the most entertaining creatures in India. I love the way they are standing in the middle of the road and are so not bothered by the traffic. On the way, an Indian family picked me up so I didn’t walk the entire distance. 

Cows chilling on the road in Munnar – Places to visit in Munnar, Kerala, India

On the way, when you reach the lake, there are a lot of viewpoints and people selling all kinds of delicious stuff like sweet corn for 50 rupees (0.60 € / USD), pineapple with chili, or chai for 10 rupees.

There is an elephant crossing point as well but I didn’t see any. I took a rickshaw for like 6 km until the end of the dam and I paid 200 rupees (2.40 € / ~ 2.60 USD). Then, I thought I would get another vehicle. At the bridge, there is a point where people are waiting for jeeps, rickshaws, or whatever. I was trying to figure out how it works.

In the end, a group of friends in a private rickshaw picked me up and I went with them to the Botanical Garden. Actually, I first thought it was a collective rickshaw. 

The botanical garden is ok but in my opinion, it’s nothing spectacular. The ticket is 50 rupees for foreigners. Then, from there I started to walk and got a lift from an Indian couple to Munnar. Lastly, I took a bus back to Anachal. 

DAY 3 – VISITING THE TOURIST PLACES OF MUNNAR

For this day, rent a jeep with your friend or family. If you are on your own, through your hostel or hotel, search for a rickshaw driver. Or get a rickshaw or public jeep for each destination you need to go to. This last option, I only recommend to very experienced travelers. The total distance from Munnar and back is around 73 km.

6) KOLUKKUMALAI TEA ESTATE – #6 BEST TOURIST SPOT IN MUNNAR

This is a very famous tea estate 35 km from Munnar.

In case, you want to go, I advise you to hire a jeep with a driver or a rickshaw. Bear in mind that Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is not pinned in the right place on google map. You need to google Kolukkumalai Factory Outlet.

If you are a hardcore backpacker, you can go to the public jeep station (close to where the bus stations) in Munnar very early a bit before 7 am and you can catch a ride to Suryanelli paying peanuts. From there you can walk or take a rickshaw to the tea estate. And around 16:00 there might be a jeep back. Or you can also head to the Chinnakalal Tea Plantation.

In front of a tea plantation in Munnar – Best tourist places in Munnar, Kerala, India

7) CHINNAKALAL TEA PLANTATION – #7 BEST TOURIST SPOT IN MUNNAR

It’s just a less touristy tea plantation 13 km away from the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate.

8) DEVIKULAM LAKE – #8 BEST TOURIST SPOT IN MUNNAR

If you travel another 17 km, you will get to this lake, the Lake of Goddess. And from here, it takes only 10 km to get back to Munnar.

BONUS

Celebrations
Indians love celebrating and there is always something to celebrate in India. When I was in Anachal, I was lucky to experience the anniversary of the local church. Part of the celebration was a procession on the street with awesome music.

The interesting thing about it was that not only the Christians but the Muslims and Hindus of the community also joined them to celebrate. I don’t think that I’ve ever seen anything like this.

At this point, I would like to mention that people in this part of India are really proud that all religions live together peacefully. You can see that in the bus that I showed to you. The Christian celebration is probably the best proof of that. And here you can see a church and a mosque side by side. And a few meters away there is a Hindu temple.

A Christian church in Munnar, Kerala, India

3. WHERE TO STAY IN MUNNAR

In the map above you will find my recommendations indicated in yellow color. This way you can see easily the distance from the tourist attractions.

MUNNAR HOSTELS

Lost Hostel, Munnar 
This is where I stayed. It’s located in the village of Anachal I really enjoyed it. The hostel is surrounded by nature and has a fabulous view from the rooftop. They have a kitchen where you can make coffee and cook whatever you want.

For the rest, I did a lot of research. I picked the ones for you with a very beautiful view and high ratings.

MUNNAR HOMESTAYS

Munnar Minds Homestay
It’s also located in Anachal.

Grace Inn Munnar Homestay
Grace Inn is close to Anachal, the Attukad waterfalls, and the Pallivasal Tea factory.

MUNNAR AIRBNB

I’ve found two amazing places that I recommend for families or several friends together if you have a car or a driver. These places are in the middle of plantations. Especially, the first one is amazing!

The MudHouse Marayoor

Heavenvalleys cottage

4. WHERE TO EAT AND FOOD IN MUNNAR

In Anachal, there is only one restaurant. It’s called Salkara. I ate there several times and I liked everything. Try Indian breakfast there as well. Indian breakfast is almost like a proper lunch or dinner.

To be honest, every food I tried in Munnar was very tasty. Here are some mouth-watering meals you don’t want to miss. 

For breakfast

Idiyappam with egg curry is one of the most special food in Munnar

Egg curry: 60 INR
2 idiyappam: 20 INR
1 South Indian coffee: 20 INR
1 water: 10 INR
Total: 110 INR (~ 1.30 € / ~ 1.40 USD)

For lunch

2 garlic nan: 80 INR
Kadai paneer: 120 INR
Total: 200 INR (2.40 € / ~ 2.60 USD)

In the hostel, where I stayed they also prepare breakfast and dinner. It’s super delicious as well. Dinner price: 200 ₹.

In snack shops, you can get fried banana for 10 rupees. It’s my favorite snack in India. And the best is either with a chai or a South Indian coffee.

5. HOW TO GET TO MUNNAR

There are many ways to get to Munnar. The thing is that Munnar is a town, and most hotels and things to see are not in Munnar but somewhere around Munnar. But when people talk about them, somehow they call everything Munnar.

So, from Mysore, I was going to travel to Munnar.

HOW TO GET FROM MYSORE TO MUNNAR

I took a night bus to Kochi / Cochin (Ernakulam). Kochi is an awesome place as well. There are a lot of cool things to do in Kochi.

By the way, I got the ticket as soon as I arrived in Mysore. For private buses, it’s better to book ahead. My ticket cost only 740 rupees. That was actually the last time I booked in person.

Later, I learned that there is a mobile app called Redbus to book buses. If you check the app, you will find both lower and higher fares. The ride took 10 hours 30 mins to Kochi (Ernakulam).

HOW TO GET FROM KOCHI TO MUNNAR BY BUS

We arrived at around 7 am in Kochi.  From here I needed to take a governmental bus. There are only governmental buses for Munnar. Just ask for the bus to Munnar. In bus stations in India, whatever you want to know, just ask. Each bus has a ticket seller whose job is to find the customers. Already at 7:40 am a bus departed for Munnar. The ticket is 130 rupees to Munnar.

There are a lot of buses for Munnar all day. You can double-check them on www.aanavandi.com.

I just booked the hostel on the bus and realized that I didn’t need to travel all the way to Munnar to get to my hostel. Thus, I got off in Alimadi because from there, there are buses frequently to many places. I took a break in a café for breakfast with a good coffee. South Indian coffee is really the best no matter where you are.
Here is the transport somewhere. Bear in mind that in the end, I didn’t go all the way to Munnar.

TRANSPORT SUMMARY

Mysore – Kochi, 397 km: 740 rupees
Kochi – Munnar, governmental bus, 126 km: 130 rupees
Adimali – Anachal, governmental bus, 14km: 20 rupees
Total: 890 rupees (~11 € / ~12 USD) for 537 km travel by bus

6. HOW TO TRAVEL IN MUNNAR

In Munnar itself, there is not much to see or do. Things to see and do are all around Munnar. Let’s see how you can get around Munnar.

BY GOVERNMENTAL BUS

Let me tell you how it was in Anachal. You will need to go to the main road in Anachal if you want to go anywhere by bus. Just ask anyone on the street for the bus you want to take. There is no actual bus stop.

For example, if you want to go to Munnar. People are gathering in front of a shop close to the Salkara restaurant. There is no proper timetable, I think. Just go anytime.

On every bus, there is a guy selling tickets. This guy is always standing at the door of the bus shouting the final destination of the bus. If you are not sure whether the bus stops where you want to go, ask him.

Anywhere around Munnar, the buses work like this. Furthermore, wherever you are, if you are not sure about where the bus stop is, ask people. Sometimes, I ask more than one person to make sure about the right way.

As for the prices, for example, the distance between Anachal and Munnar is ~12 km and that costs 20 rupees (~ 0.26 USD). Anything in between costs around 10-16 rupees.

I mostly used these buses as I really like mingling with the locals. If you take the bus, sit on the seat next to the driver. It’s scary but you have a very nice view from the front of the bus. 

WITH LOCAL JEEP

It’s pretty hard to figure out how they operate. It’s only used by the locals living in the villages. If you see jeeps with a lot of people inside, those jeeps are for public transport. You can always ask the drivers where they are going and join them.

If you are a foreign tourist, they will probably not understand why you would want to travel with them and will try to explain to you how to get a vehicle for sightseeing. They just don’t understand why you would want to be in a crowded jeep if you are a tourist.

BY RICKSHAW

If you don’t have loads of time available, I recommend getting around with a rikshaw. There is no fixed price. The price depends on your negotiation skills.

WITH PRIVATE JOB

Many tourists either rent their own car or hire a jeep with a driver. That’s probably the most time-efficient and comfortable way to explore Munnar. The prices vary. What deal you get is really up to you.

BY MOTORBIKE

It would be probably my dream to ride a motorcycle anywhere in India, including in the mountains around Munnar. I only recommend it if you already have a lot of experience driving on curvy mountain roads because it’s quite dangerous to drive there. That’s only my opinion, though. :-)

7. PRICES AND BUDGET TIPS FOR MUNNAR

PRICES IN SUPERMARKETS

1 kg bread: 35 INR (~0.42 € / ~0.46 USD)
6 eggs: 30 INR (~0.36 € / ~0.39 USD)
1 L mango juice: 35 INR (~0.42 € / ~0.46 USD)
750 Papaya: 30 INR (~0.36 € / ~0.39 USD)
1 pineapple and 1 orange: 60 INR (~0.73 € / ~0.79 USD)
Half kg tomatoes: 20 INR (~0.24 € / ~0.26 USD)
1,5 L water: 20 INR (~0.24 € / ~0.26 USD)

MONEY-SAVING TIPS FOR DAILY COSTS

Accommodation
I spent 500 INR per day on a 6-bed mixed dorm. In hostels, in Munnar, you pay less if you stay in an 8-bed mixed dorm or in a tent. I don’t do it but you can. For female solo travelers, I recommend female rooms if it’s possible.

Transport
You can visit every place in Munnar only using the governmental bus or jeeps used by the locals. It’s slow but if you start the day early, you will have time for everything. And this way, you will spend around 40 – 100 INR on public transport per day.

Water
In India, there is filtered water in all the hostels I’ve been to. So, you can basically fill your water bottle all the time without having to buy water. It’s not only good for your budget but by refilling your water bottle, you don’t contribute to one of the biggest disasters of humankind which is plastic trash.

Breakfast
Look at the supermarket prices. By supermarket, I mean a small store on the street. I collected some nutritious and healthy stuff. If you add the bread, eggs, veggies, and fruits, you see that you can easily prepare a healthy breakfast not spending more than 200 ₹.

Let’s assume, you buy more stuff and you spend 300 INR. That means, for one day you spent 100 ₹ for a super healthy breakfast. Having a big breakfast with coffee outside would cost you the same, actually. Of course, you can eat a lot of unhealthy and simple stuff and spend much less.

Lunch
In Munnar, during lunchtime, I was always on the way. You can find really healthy and cheap stuff on the way on the street like sweet corn, pineapple, coconut. Eating such little things on the way would cost you 100 INR altogether.

Dinner in a restaurant
Dinner in restaurants can cost anywhere between 100 – 300 INR. It really depends on what you eat. You can also buy stuff from supermarkets and cook in your hostel.

Daily budget summary

Given all this, you spend a maximum of 1000 INR (12 € / 13 USD) per day. Obviously, you can spend less or more. For example, I stopped for a South Indian coffee quite a lot. And when I saw that the place had fried banana as well, I just had to buy one. :-)  Nevertheless, my budget for one day in Munnar remained around this amount.

Accommodation: 500 INR (6 € / 6.6 USD)
Food: 400 INR (4.90 € / 5.30 USD)
Daily transport: 40 – 100 INR (0.50 € / 0.50 USD – 1.20 € / 1.30 USD)
Total: 940 – 1000 INR (11 € / 12 USD – 12 € / 13 USD)

8. LEAVING MUNNAR

Again, here is this website to check the bus scheduled from anywhere around Munnar: www.aanavandi.com.

POPULAR PLACES TO TRAVEL TO FROM MUNNAR

From Munnar to Adimali: 30 minutes
From Munnar to Aluva: 4 hours
From Munnar to Ernakulam / Kochi: 4:40 hours
From Munnar to Kottayam: 5 hours
From Munnar to Aleppey: 6 hours
From Munnar to Thiruvananthapuram: 7:30 hours

I  left for Kumarakom, one of the most beautiful places in the Kerala Backwaters. There are many ways to get there. I personally, took a bus to Munnar from Anachal and then from Munnar to Kottayam. This is actually not necessary. You can take a bus to Adimali and then another bus to Kottayam.

Costs
Bus: Anachal – Munnar: 20 rupees
Bus: Munnar – Kottayam: 146 rupees

If you want to know more about the Kerala Backwaters and my adventures in Kumarakom and Alleppey (Alappuzha), check out this blog:
The Backwaters in Kerala, India

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