Munnar Trip: Everything You Need to Know
Munnar is one of the most beloved destinations for travelers. Visitors to Munnar mainly explore two primary routes:
Top Station – Vattavada Route
Marayoor – Kanthalloor Route
Additionally, there is a third route:
- Devikulam – Thekkady Route
1.Top Station – Vattavada Route
All the sightseeing spots on this route are along the way. Some of the key attractions include:
• Rose Garden
• Carmelagiri Elephant Park
• Carmelagiri Botanical Garden
• Photo Point
• Mattupetty Dam
• Boating Point
• Echo Point
• Kundala Dam
• Ellapetty
• Top Station
From Top Station, you can continue to Vattavada, the highest agricultural village in Kerala. Depending on the season, you can witness various crops and even purchase fresh produce.
Other attractions in this route include:
• Pazhathottam (Fruit Garden)
• Chilanthiyar Waterfalls
All these places can be covered in a single day.
2.Marayoor – Kanthalloor Route
This route includes:
• Eravikulam National Park (Located in Rajamala, it is home to the largest population of Nilgiri Tahr in Asia. Visitors must park their own vehicles and take a mini-bus operated by the forest department. The entry fee for adults is ₹200. However, spotting the Tahrs is a matter of luck. Many visitors feel disappointed if they don’t see them, but the journey itself is a great experience. The route passes through forests, tea plantations, and waterfalls, leading to one of the highest accessible points in Kerala. If traveling with kids, carry food and water, as hunger is certain on the return journey. There is a small coffee shop at the top. Plastic bags, food, and bottled water are not allowed beyond the bus stop, but there is a shop where you can leave your bags before heading up. You can explore the area as long as you like and return by bus at any time.)
• Lakkam Waterfalls (A waterfall where visitors can take a dip.)
• Sandalwood Forest (Before reaching Marayoor, a detour through Nachivayal leads to the Sandalwood Forest, where herds of deer often graze. You can also visit the jaggery factory in the middle of the sugarcane fields.)
• Aanakottapara (A viewpoint famous for its ancient Muniyaras, or dolmens, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of Marayoor.)
• Irachilpara Waterfalls (A beautiful waterfall resembling a massive shower. To reach this hidden gem, take a left turn at Kovilkkadavu and drive a short distance.)
From here, you can continue towards Kanthalloor, which is famous for its fruit farms. You can also experience off-road safaris to Bhramaram Viewpoint.
3.Devikulam – Chinnakanal – Poopara – Thekkady Route
This is one of the most scenic yet lesser-explored routes in Munnar. Key attractions include:
• Gap Road (A mesmerizing stretch of road offering spectacular views.)
• Lockhart Gap View
• Periyakanal Waterfalls
• Anayirankal Dam (One of the most beautiful dams in Munnar,
offering excellent boating experiences.)
For those returning from Munnar, this route provides an alternative way back via Poopara, Rajakkad, and Adimali. This is also the route leading to Kolukkumalai, one of the highest tea plantations in the world.
By choosing the right route, you can make the most of your Munnar trip!