10 things to do in Munnar for a trip you’ll never forget
What do you think of when you think of Munnar? For most people, it’s a green paradise with tea plants growing on hills that go on forever. The air smells like fresh spices, and mist hangs around the mountains. Now is the best time to plan your getaway to “10 things to do in Munnar” to this beautiful hill station in Kerala and get away from the chaos of the city. But the real magic of Munnar is not in its famous tea gardens. There is a secret world of adventure waiting for you. Think about riding your bike down winding roads, seeing the power of ancient martial arts, or camping under a sky full of stars. To really see Munnar, you need to go to places that aren’t on the tourist trail. Our guide has everything you need, whether you’re looking for adventure, peace, or a little culture. To help you plan an unforgettable trip to the mountains, we’ve made the best list of things to do in Munnar. 1. Go on a tour of a tea estate You can’t go to Munnar without going to a tea garden, and the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is the best one. It is the tallest tea plantation in the world, and it still makes tea the old-fashioned way. When you take a tour here, it’s like going back in time. Why You Shouldn’t Miss It: You can see the whole process of making tea, from picking the leaves by hand to packing the finished product. The ride up to the estate in the jeep is an adventure in and of itself, with bumpy roads and beautiful views. You can drink tea that is fresh and full of flavour right where it is made. Pro Tip: Go early in the morning to see the estate’s sunrise. The sight of the sun rising over the hills of Tamil Nadu is truly stunning. 2. Ride a quad bike through the hills Quad biking is a great option for people who want to have some fun. You can ride a powerful All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) on a special track at adventure parks like Dreamland. It’s a fun and exciting way to see the beautiful spice fields and foggy mountains of Munnar. Why You Shouldn’t Miss It: It’s a fun thing to do with your friends and family. You can see the landscape in a new way while having a fun ride. It’s a great way to make your peaceful trip to Munnar more exciting. Pro Tip: Wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable and won’t mind getting a little dirty, since the tracks can get muddy, especially after it rains. 3. Go hiking in a rainforest People who love nature will love hiking through Mathikettan Shola National Park. This rainforest is a “shola,” which is a type of high-altitude forest that only grows in the Western Ghats. The hiking trail here is not too hard, so most people can do it. Why You Shouldn’t Miss It: You can see a lot of different animals, like the Malabar Giant Squirrel, Gaur (Indian bison), and even elephants sometimes. There are a lot of beautiful birds in the forest, and their chirping makes a magical sound while you hike. You can get a close look at a one-of-a-kind ecosystem. Pro Tip: Always get a local guide for your hike. They know the trails well, can point out animals you might miss, and keep you safe. 4. Watch old martial arts and dance Kerala has a lot of different kinds of art, and you can see two of the most famous ones in Munnar at places like the Kalari Kshethra. These shows are a great way to spend an evening and learn about the culture of the area. What You Can See: Kalaripayattu is an old martial art that is thought to be one of the oldest in the world. See skilled fighters use swords, shields, and spears in an exciting show. Kathakali is a traditional Indian dance that tells stories from Hindu myths. The actors wear fancy clothes and colourful makeup, and they act out the story with their faces and hands. Pro Tip: Get there about 30 minutes before the Kathakali show starts. It’s interesting to watch the artists do their complicated and colourful makeup, which is a performance in and of itself. 5. Get some rest with an Ayurvedic spa treatment Ayurveda, an ancient form of healing rooted in nature, originates from Kerala. There is nothing better than getting a traditional Ayurvedic massage after a few days of hiking and exploring. These treatments use special herbal oils and methods to make your body and mind feel new and fresh. Why You Shouldn’t Miss It: It’s a very relaxing experience that helps you feel less stressed and tired. The treatments are natural and meant to be good for your health. The peaceful experience is even better because the spa centres in Munnar are so quiet. Pro Tip: Find a spa that has a “Green Leaf” certification from the Kerala government. This makes sure that the centre meets quality standards and gives real Ayurvedic treatments. 6. Ride your bike on winding mountain roads Mountain biking is one of the best adventure activities in Munnar if you like to be active. You can rent a bike and ride through the beautiful green valleys at your own pace. Ride along the winding roads that go through tea gardens and small villages. The cool mountain air will feel great. Why You Shouldn’t Miss It: It lets you get closer to nature and see parts of Munnar that people who drive there don’t see. You can stop whenever you want to take pictures or just look at the view. It’s a great workout with a beautiful view. Pro Tip: Get a map of the route from the rental company. They can help you find trails that are right for your level of fitness, from easy rides on flat roads to harder climbs up
