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Tea plantations of Munnar mist filled

Some Quick Facts about Munnar

  • Location: Munnar is located in the state of Kerala, in the southern part of India.

  • Geography: It lies amidst the highest mountain ranges of the Western Ghats, known for their lush greenery and biodiversity.

  • Language: The local language is Tamil, but English is widely spoken and understood in tourist areas.

  • Transport: Public transportation options include buses, auto-rickshaws, cabs, and jeeps for local travel.

  • Climate: Temperatures typically range between 5°C and 25°C, with winters (especially in December) occasionally dipping to 0°C. The monsoon months (June–July) bring heavy rainfall.

  • Currency: The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR).

  • Banking: Banks and ATMs are available, but mostly concentrated in town centers.

  • Alcohol Availability: Munnar has no bars. There is only one beer and wine parlor at Isaac’s Residency in the town.

  • What to Pack: Don’t forget to carry warm clothing, especially if you’re visiting between November and February.

  • Wildlife: Munnar is home to the Eravikulam National Park, famous for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and Neelakurinji bloom (once every 12 years).

  • Tea Legacy: Munnar houses Kolukkumalai, the highest organic tea estate in the world, known for its orthodox tea factory.

  • Meaning of the Name: The name “Munnar” originates from Malayalam and Tamil, meaning “three rivers”, referencing the confluence of the Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala rivers.

Munnar Hill station in Kerala

Location and how to reach Munnar

Getting to Munnar – Distance, Buses, Trains & Airports

​📍 Distances to Munnar from Nearby Cities
Cochin (Ernakulam): 130 km – Approx. 4 hours by road
Thekkady (Kumily): 110 km – Approx. 3.5 hours
Coimbatore: 160 km – Approx. 5 hours
Madurai: 155 km – Approx. 5 hours

🚌 Bus Connectivity to Munnar

 

The Munnar Bus Station is located at Old Munnar, but buses also stop and depart from the town center. Munnar is well-connected by road to major cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

 

  • From Ernakulam (Kochi) & Aluva: Frequent buses by both state-run (KSRTC) and private operators. check local stations for updated timings.

  • From Thekkady (Kumily): Direct buses operate daily.

  • From Coimbatore: Morning and afternoon buses via Udumalaipettai and Marayoor.

  • From Madurai: Limited direct buses

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💡 Tip: Advance reservation is recommended during weekends and peak tourist seasons.

🚉 Nearest Railway Stations to Munnar

 

  • Aluva Railway Station (100 km) is the closest major railhead to Munnar. It’s well-connected to major cities across India.

  • Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town can also be used if your train skips Aluva (e.g., Rajdhani Express).

  • From Aluva:

    • Taxis and cabs are available right outside the station (fare varies).

    • The KSRTC Bus Station is just a 5-minute walk, with frequent buses to Munnar.

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✅ Check Indian Railways schedule here (registration required for bookings)

✈️ Nearest Airport to Munnar

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  • Cochin International Airport (COK) – 110 km from Munnar

    • Prepaid taxi is available from the airport,

    • However best Option for Tourists: Hire a cab for the entire Kerala itinerary for better value and comfort.

    • For public transport: take a kochi metro feeder service [available every half an hour] to Aluva Metro station, and an auto rickshaw to Aluva Bus station. There are buses to Munnar from Aluva bus station [Kerala road transport corporation], available every two hours

🚌 Public Transport in Munnar

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Getting around Munnar requires some planning, especially if you’re not traveling by your own vehicle.

 

  • Local Bus Services: Short-distance public buses are very limited in Munnar. Most KSRTC buses are long-route services connecting to cities like Kochi, Thekkady, and Coimbatore. There are no sightseeing buses within Munnar.

  • Cabs & Jeeps for Sightseeing: To explore the region’s attractions (tea plantations, dams, viewpoints, waterfalls), you’ll need to:

  • ​Jeep Transport: Given the hilly terrain, Mahindra Commander Jeeps are commonly used. These come with a front-facing middle row, and are ideal for bumpy high-range roads.

  • Auto Rickshaws (Tuk-Tuks): The most economical local option, auto rickshaws are widely available. They run on rear-mounted diesel engines and are surprisingly spacious, even offering a small boot for luggage. However, they’re better suited for short rides within the town.

🍽️ Food & Restaurants in Munnar

 

Munnar town, especially during peak seasons, can feel congested, and this reflects in its restaurants too.

 

Restaurant Types:

  • Town-Center Restaurants: While convenient, these often face parking issues and tend to get crowded.

  • Stand-Alone Restaurants: Found along the route between Old Munnar and Town Center, these are more accessible, but pricing may vary depending on location and tourist density.

  • Hotel Restaurants: Most hotels and resorts have in-house restaurants open to walk-in guests. Many offer both buffet and à la carte menus.

  • Local Snack Outlets: Try roadside stalls selling hot banana fritters, vada, and other deep-fried delights—perfect for the cool weather.

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Popular Dining Options:

  • Saravana Bhavan: Known for authentic South Indian meals, especially their banana leaf lunch. Always busy; limited parking.

  • Sujatha Inn: Offers Gujarati and North Indian cuisine.

 

💡 Tip: For convenience and quality, dine at your hotel if it has a well-reviewed kitchen.

Kolukkumalai tea packets

🛍️ Shopping in Munnar

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  • What to Buy: Tea: Munnar is synonymous with tea. Best places to buy:

    • KDHP Outlet (Kanan Devan Hills Plantation) – wide variety of authentic tea products.

    • Spice and Tea Shops – find rare blends like Kolukkumalai orthodox tea.

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  • Spices: Cardamom, pepper, cloves, and cinnamon are commonly available at government-approved spice shops.

  • Homemade Chocolates: Though there’s no traditional connection, Munnar is known for its homemade chocolates, and you’ll find several stores selling a wide variety of them.

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✅ Always check for FSSAI-approved outlets for quality assurance when buying spices or chocolates.

🌄 Places to Visit in Munnar

​​Set in the heart of the Western Ghats, Munnar is a scenic hill station that offers a rich blend of natural beauty, colonial charm, and adventure. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, photographer, or trekker, Munnar has something to offer for everyone.​

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One of the most popular sightseeing routes in Munnar is the 35 km stretch from Munnar town to Top Station, packed with must-visit spots along the way:

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  • 🚗 Munnar to Top Station Route – Classic Sightseeing Trail

    • Mattupetty Dam – A picturesque dam flanked by tea gardens and rolling hills. Ideal for quick stops and speedboat rides.

    • Kundala Lake & Dam – A serene lake surrounded by forests and hills; pedal boating available.

    • Echo Point – As the name suggests, shout out and hear your voice bounce back. Great for fun photos and short walks.

    • Top Station – Historically significant as a colonial tea dispatch point. It offers stunning panoramic views of the Western Ghats and valleys straddling the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Though a road once connected Top Station to Kodaikanal, it has been closed since the 1990s.

 

  • 🏛️ Tea Museum

    • ​Just a few kilometres from Munnar town, the KDHP Tea Museum offers a glimpse into the colonial tea industry. You can see vintage equipment and learn about both Orthodox and CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) tea processing methods. A must-visit for tea lovers and history enthusiasts.

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  • 🐐 Eravikulam National Park

    • Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat), this is Kerala’s first national park. Inside the park lies Anamudi Peak—the highest peak in South India. Although trekking to Anamudi is restricted, the park offers well-maintained paths and shuttle services to designated viewpoints.

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  • 🌴 Marayoor & Chinnar (Towards Coimbatore) - Located around 40 km from Munnar,

    • Marayoor is known for:Traditional Jaggery production

    • Lakkam Waterfalls

    • Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary – Offers trekking and forest camping with chances to spot elephants, giant squirrels, and a variety of flora.

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  • 🏞️ Gap Road – Scenic Drive with Valley Views

    • Gap Road is one of the most scenic stretches in the Munnar region, located on the way to Chinnakanal. The road cuts through the hills with breathtaking views of the deep valleys and mountain ranges of the Western Ghats. It's especially popular among photographers and those who enjoy leisure drives or bike rides. The viewpoint at the top offers panoramic vistas, especially striking during sunrise or late afternoon. The area is best explored in clear weather and offers some of the best Instagram-worthy shots in Munnar.
       

  • 🏭 Lockhart Tea Factory – Heritage Tea Experience

    • One of the oldest tea factories in Munnar, the Lockhart Tea Factory, dates back to the British colonial era and still retains its original charm and architecture. Located near Bison Valley, the factory showcases the traditional orthodox tea processing methods, and guests can witness every stage of tea production—from leaf to brew. The adjacent Lockhart Estate also has a tea museum and plantation trails, offering a complete tea tourism experience. Don’t forget to pick up freshly packed orthodox teas at the in-house store!
       

  • 🏞️ Kolukkumalai Tea Estate (via Chinnakanal)

    • A highlight for off-road and tea tourism lovers. Take a scenic detour near Chinnakanal towards Suryanelli, from where a Jeep ride (1 hour / 13 km) takes you to Kolukkumalai Tea Estate—the highest organic tea plantation in the world.

      • The factory, still operating with original 1940s British machinery, uses traditional orthodox tea processing.

      • Roads are rugged, so only Jeeps can access this spot.

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  • 🥾 Trekking and Camping in Munnar

    • ​Munnar is a paradise for trekkers. From gentle hikes to challenging climbs, the region caters to all levels.

      • Soft Treks:

        • Letchmi Estate Trek – Easy trails through tea gardens.

        • Kannadipara Trek – Known for early morning mist and lush scenery.
           

      • ​Hard Treks:

        • Meesapulimalai Trek – The second highest peak in South India. Expect surreal landscapes and crisp air.

        • Chokramudi Trek – Begin at dawn and watch the sunrise above the clouds—a magical experience.
           

      • Trek & Camp Programs

        • Yellapetty Trek & Camping

        • Rhodo Valley Trek & Meesapulimalai Extension – Ideal for seasoned hikers looking to explore deep wilderness.

 

🎒 Need a local trekking expert? get in touch with us if you would like to have some trek and hike or even camping programs organised in Munnar

Trek to Meeshapulimalai in Munnar

🧳 Travel Tips for Visiting Munnar

📍 General Overview

  • Munnar is a favourite destination among Indian honeymooners and nature trekkers, offering stunning views of the Western Ghats.

When we say Munnar, we generally refer to the Munnar town center and its surrounding region within a 25 km radius.
 

​✈️ Nearest Airport & Railway Station

  • Cochin International Airport (COK) – 120 km / approx. 3.5 hrs

  • Aluva Railway Station – Closest major railhead at 110 km

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🛣️ Road Distances from Major Cities

  • Fort Kochi – 135 km / 4 hrs

  • Thekkady (Kumily) – 100 km / 3 hrs

  • Coimbatore – 160 km / 4.5 hrs

  • Madurai – 155 km / 4 hrs

 

🌡️ Weather & What to Pack

  • Temperature ranges between 5°C and 25°C. Winters (Dec–Feb) can drop to 0°C in some areas.

  • Carry warm clothing year-round, especially during winter and monsoon months.

  • AC is generally not available in most hotels due to the cool climate [however hotel have started fixing ACs, global warming is for real].

  • Room heaters are offered in select properties.

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🗣️ Language

  • The primary language spoken is Tamil, though English is widely understood.

 

🏨 Accommodation & Area

  • Munnar has limited luxury properties—book early during peak seasons.

  • Most resorts are spread across a 25 km radius. Always check distance from Munnar town when booking.

  • Money exchange services and ATMs are available in the town centeer.

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☕ Tea Plantations

  • Around 80% of Munnar’s hills are covered in lush tea plantations.

  • Most estates are owned by Kanan Devan Hills Plantation Company, a subsidiary of Tata Global Beverages.

  • The colonial history of tea cultivation still echoes through the town.

 

🚕 Local Transport

  • Auto-rickshaws are the most economical way to get around town.

  • Jeeps and cabs are available for sightseeing and travel to nearby destinations.

  • Motorbike rentals are available in town (ID proof & deposit required). Just Google “bike rentals in Munnar.

 

⚠️ Travel During Peak Season

  • During long weekends or holidays, roads to Top Station, Eravikulam National Park, and central Munnar town may experience heavy traffic due to narrow roads and high visitor volumes.

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