Munnar is located in the lush Western Ghats of Kerala and is one of the most magical hill stations in India. It is a top pick for people who love nature, newlyweds, and those who are in search of an adventure. Munnar, which is situated at a height of about 1,600 meters above sea level, is sometimes referred to as the "Kashmir of South India." The comparison arises from its marvellous sceneries, hills covered with mist, and tea plantations without an end. The district enjoys a mild climate throughout the year; thus, it is an all-season resort for tourists seeking a break from the rush and noise of city life. The most remarkable feature of Munnar is the enormous tea gardens it has, for which original plans were drawn during the time of British rule. Rolling hills covered with tea estates in Munnar not only serve as places of attraction but also reflect the history of the area, besides the great climate. Visitors are not only allowed to see factories but also get to know the methods used for processing, and enjoy their senses by participating in aromatic tea tasting sessions.In the valley, there are not only tea gardens but also spice gardens, coffee estates, and cardamom plantations are which make the place more attractive. Without a doubt, Munnar is a heaven on earth for lovers of adventure and wildlife. For instance, the Anamudi Peak hike, which is the highest mountain in South India, both the excitement and the breathtaking views are available to you. Eravikulam National Park is one of the best places to spot the Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered species, and to have an understanding of the diversity of the region. Munnar is also popular for Neelakurinji flowers. These flowers bloom after 12 years, and the hills covered in the enchanting shade of blue are the result of the flowers growing there. Besides these, there are many waterfalls like Attukad, Lakkam, and Nyayamakad, which are attracting tourists, and lakes such as Kundala and Mattupetty that are peaceful, and also viewpoints like Top Station, where one can enjoy the beauty of the sunrise and sunset. The combination of Munnar’s lovely environment and its pure, unspoilt beauty is a moment of calm, relaxation, and communion with nature and not just a trip.History of MunnarMunnar’s past is closely connected with its nature, the influence of the West, and local people’s customs. Long before British people came to Munnar, the mountain area was the home of indigenous tribes like the Muthuvans and Mudhuvans, who were living in a forested landscape and had their own ways of living. These people made a living through farming for themselves, hunting, and picking forest products and also maintained a spiritual connection with the hills. The name “Munnar” itself is a combination of the words “Moonu” or three and “Aru” meaning river in Malayalam, thus indicating the coming together of three rivers - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala - and it was around this that the town grew up here. The 19th century marked Munnar’s contemporary history starting point with the British colonial era. British officers and planters discovered the advantages of the Munnar high ranges in the 1870s when they were looking for a place with a cooler climate away from the hot and humid plains of the tropics. The place had very fertile soil; thus, its moderate climate made it a very good idea to grow plantation crops. One of the important people was John Daniel Munro, a British lawyer and planter. He was the one who leased Kannan Devan Hills from the Poonjar royal family, the local ruler in 1877 and therefore started tea cultivation in a planned way in the region.When the British were in charge, they started establishing huge tea estates, and thus Munnar was at the centre of tea production. Their Kannan Devan Hills Produce Company, which was established in the late nineteenth century, had a revolutionary effect on this business, and the production of tea quickly spread throughout the hills. To provide better support to the estates, the British planters constructed infrastructure such as roads, rail links, and ropeways. From architectural and heritage perspectives, Munnar became a master-planned hill station with the arrival of the colonials and their bungalows, churches, and clubhouses, many of which are still around nowadays and have been renovated few decades, showing colonial architecture and heritage thanks to the revitalisation Munna’s work done by many. The increase in the number of plantations led the estate owners to bring in a large number of employees from nearby places, particularly from Tamil Nadu. This resulted in a mixture of different cultures that affected the local people’s lifestyle in Munnar. The labourers who spoke Tamil were indispensable in tea production on the estates, while the British managed their affairs in large estates and lived there comfortably. The estate system dominated Munna’s economic cycle, and till today it still has a huge impact on the town.After the Independence period, the tea estates in Munnar were nationalised and dominated, and then certain people, such as the Tata Tea and the Kerala government took over the management. The Tata Tea Museum in Munnar today tells this tale and still holds traces recording the development of tea culture in the area in its collection of artefacts, photographs, and machinery. Finally, Munnar has had nature along its side in the form of many disasters that included landslides and floods, damaging the area and the ways people lived and made a living. The city has still managed to grow and prosper as a tourist attraction as well as in the plantation industry despite these difficulties. The story of Munnar’s Nar is now found in the tea gardens, the buildings from the colonial period, and in the lives of the local people. Munnar’s past is a moral it tells in its stunning, unspoiled nature, yet not just a place to see but a destination that has come a long way from a tribal land to a British plantation town and then a widely loved hill station worldwide.Visiting Places in MunnarMattupetty Dam and Lake: Mattupetty Dam, just 13 km from Munnar, is a beautiful place that is surrounded by the lush green hills and tea plantations. The peaceful reservoir offers the facility of boating; thus, it is a lovely place to visit for families and couples. The nearby forest is the home of elephants, and if lucky, the visitors may spot the herds coming to the lake for water. The quaint views and cool breeze make it a must-visit.Top Station: Top Station is located at a distance of approximately 32 km from Munnar and is the highest point in Munnar, which offers 360-degree views of the Western Ghats and the Theni Valley, Tamil Nadu. Because of the Neelakurinji flowers that bloom every 12 years, the top station is considered the best place to watch the sunrise and sunset. Apart from that, the trip to this place is very beautiful too.Eravikulam National Park: This national park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot, is only 15 km away from Munnar. It houses the Nilgiri Tahr, which is an endangered species, and a large number of rare native plants and animals. If you want to be able to see the Neelakurinji bloom beautifully, you need to visit the park, as it is really one of the best places for that's.Kundala Lake: Kundala Lake is a 20 km drive from Munnar and is famous for its beautiful night walks and pedal boating experiences. The lake, coinciding with the cherry blossoms and eucalyptus trees, just made this place more beautiful. These boats are now known for their uniqueness of Kashmiri-style Shikara boats.Attukad Waterfalls: The place that is only 9 km from the Munnar town is Attukad Waterfalls, which is an amazing cascade surrounded by thick forests and mountains. People come to see the falls in great numbers during the heavy rains, which is probably the best time to see the falls. The length of the area also makes it possible to enjoy a few short hikes and picnic time.Marayoor: Marayoor is located 42 km away from Munnar and is known for its natural forests of sandalwood, dolmens, and rock paintings that date back to the Stone Age. It is a mash-up of history, culture, and nature, providing the visitor with an incredible travel experience. The combination of sugarcane fields and beautiful landscapes makes it a great place to go offbeat near Munnar.Best Time to Visit MunnarSummer (March to May): During summer, Munnar is very nice and cool compared to the plains, which are very hot. The average temperature is usually between 15°C and 25°C. That time is also very good for sightseeing, visiting tea estates, and doing some adventurous activities like trekking and camping. A few places that you can visit at this time are Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park, and Top Station, which get more attractive because of the cool breeze and clear sky.Monsoon (June to September): The rains of Munnar turn it into a thick green paradise. Apart from the heavy rain, the waterfall is very attractive and the hills are covered with mist. The view is very adorable and new. In fact, this is the best time to come to Munnar for a nature lover or a photographer because these are going to be the best pictures of the earth's unspoiled beauty that you will take during this time. Outdoor people who are doing it in the rain can not do a few activities this season are likely to be people who want to stay calm, rest, and travel.Winter (October to February): It is said that the best time to visit Munnar is in the winter season, as the temperature at night goes down to 5 degrees and during the day is between 10 to 15 degrees. The cold weather, misty valleys, and a romantic atmosphere have turned out to be very effective in attracting a considerable number of honeymooners who make up the visitors’ queue during this time. Besides, there are also a considerable number of adventure lovers who come trekking, camping, and sightseeing, thus making the winter season quite busy. The winter time period will give your favourite sightseeing spots like Kundala Lake, Anamudi Peak, and tea gardens the prettiest look.How to Reach MunnarBy Airport: One requiring an extravagant escape to Munnar, the most suitable airport to aim for would definitely be the Cochin International Airport (COK), situated approximately 110 km away from Munnar. From the airport, tourists can take taxis, which are either hired or booked by them and go by a bus that is public bus to reach their destination in 3 to 4 hours. The airport is well connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai, as well as international destinations, thus, for tourist passengers, it makes it the best air route.By Train: Munnar is not located near any railway station. The closest major railway stations are Aluva (110 km), Ernakulam (130 km), and Madurai (135 km). From the mentioned stations, visitors can take taxis, cabs or board the state-run buses to get to Munnar. Many travellers find train journeys scenic as the rail route through Kerala and Tamil Nadu passes through lush landscapes and subsequently connects with the motorways that lead to Munnar.By Road: Munnar is accessible by road from any major city of Kerala or Tamil Nadu. Regular state-run KSRTC buses and private buses operate from Kochi, Aluva, Madurai, and Coimbatore. Driving to Munnar is also popular with many visitors as the journey is itself very beautiful with winding mountain roads, waterfalls, and tea plantations all along the way. This road trip provides many possibilities to stop at the lookouts and immerse oneself in the beauty of the Western Ghats.Why Book with escape2exploreWhen exploring the Munnar Tour and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.