Munnar: Your Ultimate Escape to Serenity Amidst Kerala’s Tea Gardens
Welcome back, fellow adventurers! If you’ve been following my Kerala journey, you know I recently dipped my toes into the vibrant seaside town of Kochi. But today, we’re diving deep into Munnar, a place that absolutely stole my heart.
Imagine endless, emerald-green tea plantations, a gentle breeze, and the kind of peace that makes you forget the world exists.
Munnar, with its serene charm, truly reminded me of other beloved hill stations like Coorg, Ooty, and Darjeeling, and even Ella in Sri Lanka. I’ll admit, I didn’t arrive with sky-high expectations, but Munnar pleasantly surprised me. If you’re someone who lives for cozy sweater weather, a good book paired with a steaming cup of tea, and soaking in jaw-dropping green vistas, then congratulations – you’ve just found your next dream destination.
As I step into the heart of Munnar, it feels as though time itself has paused, offering a gentle reminder to savor the simple, breathtaking beauty that surrounds .
Is Munnar Your Perfect Getaway? Find Out Here!
Let’s be real: Munnar isn’t a non-stop thrill ride. If you’re chasing bustling markets, adrenaline-pumping adventures, or a kaleidoscope of culinary delights, you might find it a bit quiet. I certainly did, at first! However, Munnar shines for specific types of traveler’s. Could one of them be you?
Seeking Pure Solitude?
If your ideal vacation involves hitting the reset button and disconnecting from the daily grind, Munnar is your sanctuary. Picture this: a cozy hotel room, room service at your beck and call, a Netflix marathon, and leisurely strolls amidst the lush greenery. With so little to do, this tranquil agenda might just become your favorite.
Stag Groups Looking to Unwind:
For groups of guys seeking a laid-back escape, Munnar offers a chilled-out vibe. It’s perfect for unwinding, enjoying some drinks, card games, and simply soaking in the serene surroundings.
Retirees Craving Quiet:
If you’re retired and longing for a peaceful retreat, especially from the hustle and bustle of cities like Mumbai and Delhi, Munnar is a breath of fresh air.
Nature Lovers & First-Time Tea Plantation Explorers:
If you’ve never experienced the magic of a tea plantation, Munnar will mesmerise you. Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the breathtaking views, especially on the scenic drives into and out of the hill station. The rolling tea gardens are a delight, and you can even learn about the fascinating tea-making process. But a word of caution: If you’ve explored many tea plantations before, you might find Munnar a bit less novel. In that case, a single overnight stay might be all you need to tick it off your list.
Getting to Munnar: Your Travel Guide
Munnar keeps its tranquil vibe by not having its own airport or train station. But don’t worry, getting there is part of the scenic adventure!
By Air:
The closest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), about 125 km away. From there, you can easily catch a cab or bus.
By Train:
Your nearest railway stations are in Kochi or Ernakulam, both major junctions with connections from across India (Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, Mangalore, etc.). For a more convenient option, some trains also stop at Aluva Railway Station.
By Road:
As you know, my journey was a thrilling road trip from Goa to Munnar! You can also enjoy a beautiful 4-hour drive from Kochi to Munnar, winding through spectacular roads that offer incredible views as you get closer to the hill station. Cabs and buses are also readily available for a comfortable journey.
Where to Stay in Munnar: Your Accommodation Options
When it comes to picking your stay in Munnar, you’ve got two main choices, each with its own charm:
Main Munnar Hub:
In and around the main town, you’ll find a wide array of hotels for every budget. While you’ll be right in the heart of the limited “action,” you might miss out on those iconic, sprawling green tea slope views.
Chinnakkanal Village (25 km Away):
For the truly immersive tea plantation experience, head about 25 km (a 40-minute drive) to Chinnakkanal. Here, you’ll discover numerous home stays, Airbnbs, hotels, and even a Hosteller property. We stayed at an Airbnb called Neelakurunji Luxury Plantation Bungalow, which I wouldn’t recommend. Chinnakkanal is less touristy, significantly greener, and perfectly embodies that picturesque tea plantation hill station vibe you’re likely dreaming of.
Top Things to Do in Munnar: Embrace the Tranquility
Munnar’s charm lies in its viewpoints, waterfalls, and, of course, tea! While many viewpoints exist, I found some felt a bit “invented” for the sake of tourism. You don’t need to visit them all. Here are the activities I personally enjoyed, followed by a few others you might consider:
My Munnar Must-Dos:
- Ripples Tea Chai Bazaar: Dive into a treasure trove of high-quality teas here, from long leaves to a delightful range of flavours. This supermarket also stocks other local goodies like Ayurvedic oils and coffee – perfect for souvenirs!
- Cheeyappara Falls: This stunning waterfall is incredibly convenient, located right on the way as you enter Munnar. No detours or treks required! We stopped here on our drive from Kochi, stretched our legs, and snapped some beautiful photos.
- It was the only waterfall we encountered on our route that didn’t demand a trek.
- Kundala Dam: We took a scenic 24 km drive to Kundala Dam, a prominent attraction. Here, you can indulge in various water activities like paddle boating, kayaking, and traditional coracle boat rides. Or, simply enjoy a leisurely stroll and soak in the serene lake and dam, framed by lush greenery.
Other Activities to Consider (If You Have More Time):
While my friends and I opted for a more relaxed pace, these might pique your interest:
- Treks: Explore Munnar’s scenic landscapes up close with various trekking trails.
- Tea Plantation Tour: Delve deeper into the tea-making process by visiting a picturesque tea garden.
- Tea Factory Visit: Observe the fascinating tea production process firsthand and sample different varieties.
- Other Waterfalls: Beyond Cheeyappara, you can seek out Attukad, Lakkam, and Nyayamakad Waterfalls.
- Viewpoints: Capture panoramic views from Echo Point, Top Station, and Pothamedu Viewpoint. Though honestly, just about anywhere you pull over offers a stunning vista!
- Street Shopping: Grab some local handicrafts, aromatic spices, and unique souvenirs.
Whether you’re an avid adventurer or a seeker of quiet moments, I hope this guide helps you plan your perfect Munnar escape.
Don’t forget to follow along for more travel inspiration!
