One of the prettiest destinations you will visit, Munnar is a place unlike any other. Lush green rolling hills, tea plantations as far as the eyes can see and the Western Ghats for company, these are just some of the reasons why it is one of South India’s most loved hill stations.
The images of iconic green rolling hills and expansive tea plantations are considered some of the most definitive images of Kerala as a destination along with the backwaters. Apart from being a popular tourist destination, it is also home to some of the largest tea producing estates in the world, most notably Tata. An administrative town surrounded by nature, winding lanes and truly exotic flora, Munnar is considered one of the most romantic destinations in the country and is a place that you’ll find yourself keep coming back to.
History And Culture Of Munnar
While there aren’t many records of Munnar’s history until British surveyors explored the region in the 18th century, Munnar’s earliest record is of it being a forest in the Travancore kingdom, inhabited by the Muthuvan tribe.
British resident John Daniel Munro first visited Munnar to settle a dispute between the Travancore kingdom and Madras. Munro was mesmerized by its beauty and implored the Poonjar Royal Family to lease him the land. He set up the North Travancore Land Planting & Agricultural Society in 1879. Munro instructed the society to cultivate coffee and cinnamon, and thus transformed the land.
This would not be the only transformation Munnar would go through. The introduction of cultivating tea would rapidly change everything. Towards the late 1900s, a lot of companies including the Finlay Muir and company (one of the biggest tea producers) realized the potential of producing tea in the lush hills of Munnar and quickly bought 33 estates to ramp up their tea production efforts.
In 1963, Tata group made its entry into the tea industry along with Finlay, they formed the Tata Finlay group and by extension Tata Tea Limited was founded. This led to two things, tea became the most largely produced crop in the region, making the hill station the tea haven that it is today. People started to take note of Munnar as a destination. The urge to see the beautiful tea plantation and unwind amidst these beautiful hills made it one of the prominent tourist destinations in the world.
The culture of Munnar is influenced by the Muthuvan locals, various British customs and a combination of influences from Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Tempted to visit? Here’s how you can visit!
How To Travel To Munnar
By Air
Munnar is a relatively small hill station and does not have an airport of its own. The closest airport to is the Cochin International airport, which is about 3 hours away. Cochin is extremely well connected to most metros and tourist attractions in the country. Flying into Cochin and driving to the hill station is one of the most popular options for people traveling from outside South India.
By Train
It doesn’t have its own railway station. Aluva is the closest, about 100 km away. The other major railway station is Ernakulam Junction, about 120 km away. If you’re traveling from Tamil Nadu, the closest railway station is Madurai Junction, which is 169 km away.
By Road
Since Munnar is a hill station, a part of the journey can only be completed by road. Driving to Munnar from most places in Kerala is four to seven hours away. Some places in Tamil Nadu like Madurai and Coimbatore are also four to seven hours away, thus making Munnar an extremely accessible destination.
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Best Time To Visit Munnar
Winter months are the best time to visit Munnar, anytime from September up until March is ideally the best time. Summer months from April to June are also relatively pleasant and definitely a good enough time to visit. Avoid the monsoon months, i.e. from June to August.
Munnar receives a lot of rainfall and your plans to explore Munnar during this period can be severely disrupted. If you find yourself in Munnar in August, try to attend the Onam celebrations that are widely celebrated across the valley.
Getting Around
Munnar is full of winding roads and the distances between destinations aren’t exactly walkable. We recommend having a vehicle at your disposal to truly make the most of Munnar. Hiring a car or renting a bike is the best way to explore the wildlife and the beautiful tea gardens that Munnar has to offer.
Breaking Stereotypes About Munnar
“Munnar is just the tea gardens.”
Munnar’s tea gardens are unlike none other, there are few things as relaxing as spending a day in the tea gardens surrounded by the Western Ghats. However, it has a lot more to offer in and around it. Eravikulam National Park is one such example. The park is home to tigers, leopards and other endangered flora and fauna is a must-visit during your trip to Munnar.
Similarly, Chithirapuram, Echo Point, the Marayoor Sandalwood Forest and the Attukad Waterfalls are some other spectacular places in and around Munnar that you can experience.
Go Check Out
Eravikulam National Park
Located in Munnar at an elevation of 2,000 meters above sea level, Eravikulam National Park is home to tigers, leopards, Nilgiri tahr, the Indian sambar, wild jackals, and other exotic flora and fauna. The national park is known to house some of the rarest and the most endangered species and is a must-visit.
Echo Point
A popular picnic spot around a lake, Echo Point is one of the most popular destinations in Munnar and is a favorite among campers and photographers.
Mattupetty Dam
Another popular picnic spot. Mattupetty Dam is a water conservation and hydroelectricity generation project. It’s surrounded by nature and is home to a plethora of birds and animals and is famous among families since it offers activities like nature walks and boating.
Attukad Waterfalls
The trek up to Attukad waterfalls is an exciting one. Surrounded by dense vegetation, this secluded waterfall has become a hotspot among locals and travelers alike!
Top Station
You’d be forgiven for thinking you are surrounded by clouds. Top Station at an 1,800-meter elevation, is the best place to get a panoramic view of the mountains around you as you look down at Munnar.
Marayur/Marayoor
Home to the only sandalwood forest in Kerala. It’s suggested that the Pandavas in Mahabharata visited Marayur. It’s extremely famous among tourists and history buffs alike for its ancient dolmens and Neolithic rock paintings that go all the way back to the Stone Age.
Also Read: 5 Destinations In South India When You Want Cool Weather & Green Views
Summing Up
Munnar is a pretty, calming, and family-friendly destination where you can easily spend a weekend or even more. With its misty hills and sprawling tea estates, the hill station is a blessing for those looking for a relaxing experience amidst nature. When are you visiting Munnar?
