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 hills.
7. Stay at Echo Point
Echo Point is a beautiful place known for its natural echo effect. It is at the intersection of three mountain ranges and has a beautiful view of the green hills around it. A lot of people go there for the day, but camping nearby is even better.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It:
- You can yell and hear your voice echo through the valley.
- It is a lovely place to see the sunset over the mountains.
- Camping with friends and sitting around a campfire for a night is an experience you’ll never forget.
Pro Tip: Even in the summer, the weather can get pretty cold at night. For a comfortable camping trip, be sure to bring warm clothes, a jacket, and a hat.
8. Visit Eravikulam National Park
This is one of the most visited tourist spots in Munnar. The Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered type of mountain goat that lives only in this area, is what makes the park famous. Park buses take visitors to a place where they can walk and enjoy the beautiful views.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It:
- This is your best chance to get up close and personal with the rare and beautiful Nilgiri Tahr.
- There is also a flower in the park called the “Neelakurinji” that blooms only once every 12 years and covers the hills in blue.
- The views from the top are just amazing.
Pro Tip: The park is closed to the public from February to March every year because that’s when the Nilgiri Tahr breed. Before you go, always check the park’s status online.
9. Have fun boating at Mattupetty Dam
The hills and forests around Mattupetty Dam make it a lovely place. The calm water in the reservoir makes for a great boat ride. You can choose between exciting speedboats and paddle boats, which are more relaxing.
What You Shouldn’t Miss
- It’s a fun thing to do with family, friends, or a partner.
- If you’re lucky, you might even see elephants coming to the water’s edge to drink.
- The area around here is very beautiful and perfect for taking pictures.
Pro Tip: After boating, go to Kundala Lake, which is close by, and is also a beautiful place. It has a dam like that one and lets you ride horses and pedal boats.
10. Go to Top Station to see the clouds from above
The highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road is Top Station, which has some of the most beautiful views in all of Kerala. You can see the plains of Tamil Nadu, the state next door, on a clear day.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It:
- From here, the view of the Western Ghats is just amazing.
- When the mist and clouds settle in the valley below, it often feels like you’re standing above them.
- There are tea gardens and viewpoints along the way to Top Station that make the drive very beautiful.
Pro Tip: The best time to go to Top Station is early in the morning. There are fewer people, and the chances of getting a clear view without fog are much higher.
FAQs:
Q. How many days do you need to spend in Munnar?
A. You can see and do all the main things in 3 to 4 days without feeling rushed.
Q. When is the best time to go to Munnar?
A. The best time to go is from September to March, when the weather is cool and nice, which is great for sightseeing and other outdoor activities.
Q. What should I bring with me on my trip to Munnar?
A. Bring clothes that are comfortable, good walking shoes, and a light jacket or sweater, since it can get cool at night. Don’t forget to bring your camera, too!
Q. Is Munnar a good place for families to visit?
A. Yes, Munnar is a great place for families to visit. There are many things to do there that people of all ages can enjoy, like boating, spotting wildlife, and touring tea gardens.
Q. What are my options for getting around in Munnar?
A. The best way to get around is to rent a taxi for the day. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can also rent a bike or a scooter.
Final Thoughts
Munnar is a real treasure in South India. It has both peace and adventure, as well as culture and nature. The beautiful tea gardens are the main draw, but the real magic of Munnar is the wide range of things to do there. Not only can you see it, but you can also feel it, explore it, and make memories there.
So, the next time you go on vacation, do something different than what you usually do. If you want to plan a trip that has the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, you might want to hire professionals like The Tarzan Way (TTW) to help you make your dream vacation a reality. Have a great trip!
