Kerala has several beautiful tourist destinations adorned with lush greenery, sweeping hills, meandering rivers and amazing wildlife zones. Munnar is a picturesque hill town- located in the Kannan Devan Hills and Idukki district of Kerala. The backdrop of tea plantations and its mild climate has acted as a tourism booster. It is loved by almost all types of tourists, including honeymooning couples, backpacking lovers, wildlife loving lot and families seeking solace from chaotic city life.
Choosing the right tour package
You should analyze the various munnar tour packages to ensure you get the best experience while exploring this pretty hill town in the Western Ghats. You can opt for packages that bundle trekking or watersports activities with sightseeing. You can also opt for tours that are meant for families and corporate visitors.
Things to do and explore while visiting Munnar
While visiting this beautiful Hill town in Kerala, you will never fall short of activity or sightseeing options. Nature lovers can have a gala time here. They can pick from guided walking tours, Plantation walks and waterfall tours. Munnar is also ideal for adventure seeking tourists and they can indulge in activities like rock climbing, trekking, and camping. The various sprawling tea estates and wildlife sanctuaries are ideal for couples spending their honeymoon or those seeking serenity amidst wilderness.
Listed below are some ideal sightseeing and activities for tourist in Munnar:
- Eravikulam National Park- A destination for nature and wildlife lovers, this national park has got the tag of an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearly 132 species of birds are there along with 26 species of animals. It is spread over 97 sq kms. You can opt for a jeep safari here too and spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
- Munnar tea museum- Munnar and adjacent regions are famous for their tea cultivation heritage. The tourists can witness how tea is harvested and processed at the KDHP Tea Museum. You can actually pluck various types of tea leaves to brew aromatic tea.
- Exploring wildlife- There are some other wildlife zones near Munnar like the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The former houses various rare and migratory bird species.
- Echo Point- It is about 18 km from Munnar and you have to reach the highest point in the city. The picturesque spot is known for naturally occurring echo that takes place when anyone speaks here. The scenic beauty is amazing and it is a picnic spot too.
- Kolukkumalai Tea Estate- Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is reportedly the world’s highest tea plantation, located on the beautiful Kolukkumalai Hills. About 31 km from the city the estate is known for its flavored tea. The old tea factory relies on traditional tea production technique. Except Sunday it remains open at all times.
Tasting the delicacies
Your Munnar tour will not be complete if you miss tasting the regional Karnataka dishes. The dishes like fish in Kerala curry, idiyappam with vegetable stew, spicy chicken fry, Malabar paratha should be savored. You can also find seafood varieties like Kerala special karimeen fish.
How and when to visit
While you can travel to Munnar almost any time of the year, choosing a time between the months from September to May will be ideal. You can skip the grueling summer heat and the weather remains overall mild. The adventure seekers however prefer the winter months more.
Munnar is well connected with major cities in Kerala. The road transport options are good and you can reach Munnar from most cities in Kerala. It is not yet connected by rail network but buses are available from Ernakulam, Aluva and Madurai. It is approx 110 km from the Cochin International Airport.
Useful information for the tourists
While exploring the town keeping a few things in mind will be useful.
- The rickshaws are convenient but not light on wallet. So, you can avail the public transport in the city.
- Booking the hotel in advance is prudent if you visit in the peak season.
- Carrying mosquito repellent, sunscreen and water repellent hats or shoes can be useful.
- Ensure your amazing munnar budget package covers attractions like Kundala Lake and the mystical sandalwood forests of Marayoor.
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