Kerala

Are you planning for your next tour to hill station? Munnar can be your best choice if you want to experience the beauty of Kerala. Eternal spread of tea plantations, immaculate valleys and foot hills, interesting species of flora and fauna in its wild nature reserves and jungles, fragrance of spice sniffed cool air and beauty at its best. 

Welcome to Munnar!

Cheeyappara Waterfall, Silent Valley, Rajamali National Park, Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Grassland and Kundala Lake would surely justify your reason behind visiting Munnar. If you are non-veggie then Munnaris bliss for you. Fish and beef (however now proscribed) are extensively consumed in God's Own Country. Usually, Kerala chic Malabar parotta and rice are complemented by beef, fish and meat.

History and Culture:

Munnar's name is derived from the Malayalam words "Munu" (three) and "Aru" (river), referring to its strategic location at the confluence of three rivers: Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundaly. The region was a popular summer resort for the British during the colonial era and remnants of British influence can still be seen in its architecture and tea plantations.

Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Munnar:

Munnar is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kerala. There are some amazing photogenic places to visit in Munnar like eco point, top station and many more. The details of such photogenic places of Munnar are described as below. 

1. Kundala Lake:

This artificial lake, known for prolific beauty, is located around 20 Km from Munnar. You can enjoy leisure activities like boating and explore the picturesque charmer of nature. Kundala Lake is enveloped by hills and valleys which is also a home on the “Neelkurunji” flower that blooms once in twelve years. You can visit here throughout the year. There are no entry fees here but you will be charged for carrying a video camera.

2. Top Station:

If you want to enjoy embracing views of the Western Ghats and the most charismatic valley in Munnar, Top Station is a must-visit. It has acquired this name because of being the highest point with a railway station. Adventure lovers can undertake trekking to the top station through the central village.

3. Eco Point:

Located at 15 Km from hill station is the most mystical place to visit in Munnar. Visitors enjoy the natural phenomenon of echo here. The eye-catching beauty of this place is fascinating for both kids and adults. Carrying a trekking /walking stick is recommended while ascending through steep slopes.

4. Mattupetty Dairy Farm:

It is also known as Indo- Swiss dairy farm. This place will give you an insight into how livestock is taken care of to produce the best quality dairy products. The lush green pastureland gives its visitors an alluring view. Do not miss this serene place in Munnar.

5. Eravikulam National Park:

It is located within proximity of 15 km from Munnar. Declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is spread across 97sq. Km and is home of endangered NilgiriTahrs. A paragon reservoir for nature and wildlife lovers, the park also serves as the habitat for many exotic and endangered species. Indian Muntjac, Golden Jackal, Tiger, Leopard, and NilgiriLangur can be photoengraved here.

6. Blossom International Park:

Trip to Munnar will be incomplete if you don’t visit this place. This 16 acres parkland is a home of rare and exotic plants. It’s a hub for thrill and leisure seekers. Activities like boating, bird watching, nature walk, roller skating, and adventure trails can be enjoyed here.

7. Ashtamudi Lake:

Ashtamudi Lake is famous for its amazing backwaters, greenery, and vibrant birdlife. It is the best place for a beautiful houseboat ride and picturesque views.

9. Anamudi Peak:

The Anamudi peak is 8842 feet above sea level and is situated in the Anaimalai hills. This mountain is the highest point in South India and the Western Ghats.

10. Attukad Waterfalls:

Attukad waterfalls are located between Munnar and Pallivasal and are well-known for their long trekking route. It is located 9 kilometers from Munnar and is visible from the road. 

12. Pothamedu View Point:
13. Munnar Hill Station:
14. Meesapulimala:

Meesapulimala is one of the most popular and the second highest peak in western ghats. If you love doing trek, you must consider going to Meesapulimala trek where you can find various options to stay from Kerala tourism.

15. Cheeyappara Waterfall:
16. Silent Valley:
17. Tea Museum:

You atleast needs 3 days if you want to cover all different places mention here. 

Adventure Activities:

For adventure lovers, Munnar offers a variety of activities:

• Trekking
• Camping
• Paragliding
• Rock Climbing

There are various park available in Munnar which offers different activities for the entire day. You can enjoy water sports, cycling, tea plantation visit, kids area and all amazing rides as nominal fees.

Local Cuisine:

Kerala's rich culinary tradition is well represented in Munnar. The local Kerala cuisine is a delightful mix of flavors. Must-try dishes include:

• Appam and Stew
• Puttu and Kadala Curry
• Rice and payasam (sweet dessert)

Celebrations of Festival in Munnar

The best way to experience the culture of any region is to attend their festival. If you really want to feel the tradition of Munnar, you should visit it during all different festival mentioned below.

• Munnar celebrates and rejoices in Aadi, Karthika Vilakku, Munnar Flower Show, Munnar Mela, Munnar Panchayat Mela, Onam, and Pongal.
• This is the best time to witness the culture and traditions of Munnar. If you are a shopping freak then from tea to spices, there are too many things to buy from Munnar.
• Buy coffee, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, pepper, clove etc. Homespun chocolates available here would just sooth your tongue.

Best Time to Visit Munnar

June to September is the rainy season here and despite the fact numerous travelers avoid coming here in the monsoons, this is a wonderful time to holiday in the hill station. Enclosed by opulent green vegetation, rains in Munnar have an allure of their own.

Winter can be considered as a best season to visit Munnar where highest tourist comes to this place.

Weather in Munnar

Weather in Munnar is mostly pleasant especially during winter and monsoon.

Munnar is the best place to visit in Kerala, which promises a perfect combination of natural beauty and adventure. Plan your trip to this amazing hill station.

Kochi, also known as Cochin in Ernakulam district, is Kerala's commercial capital. Kochi is commonly referred to as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea".

Trivandrum which is also known as Thiruvananthapuram is a state capital of Kerala. Located by by the Arabian Sea, it is one of the most beautiful cities to explore in Kerala. The city is famous for old and ancient places with present day monuments. Its character comes from a thoughtful mix of tradition and learning, seen in heritage temples, cultural institutions, and lively neighborhood markets.

Locals are proud of their rooted culture: classical music, dance, handloom, and a strong literary spirit. Food here is simple yet soulful—fresh seafood, homely Kerala meals, appam with stew, and plenty of tea and filter coffee. Wellness is part of the lifestyle, with Ayurveda and yoga easily found across the city.

Trivandrum is easy to get around, with a compact centre, friendly people, and reliable local transport. The climate is tropical—expect warm days, refreshing rains that turn everything green, and lovely golden hours by the coast. English, Malayalam and Tamil are commonly heard, making travel smooth for most visitors.

Thekkady is a famous hill station and one of the most popular tourist place in Kerala, India famous for beautiful tea plantation. The term Thekkady is derived from the teak-related word "thekku". Thekkady is a hill station is located in Kerala's Idukki district  famous for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is inhabited by elephants, tigers, deer, as well as other rare animals. You may also take a boating ride along the lake, where you can view the Mullaperiyar Dam amidst dense green forests.

This hill station is ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers. You can ride an elephant, trek, or buy spices and handicrafts in the town of Kumily which is nearby. Thekkady has good hotels and resorts that provide a serene and refreshing vacation throughout the year.

Tourist Places to Visit in Thekkady

If you are on Kerala tour, you can explore some of the most popular tourist places near Thekkady. 

1. Periyar Lake:

Periyar Lake is a serene and lovely place in the heart of the forest. It has been developed through a dam and it is characterized by its scenic beauty and serene nature. Tourists can experience a boat ride here and even get a glimpse of animals such as elephants, deer, and birds around the lake. It is an ideal site to unwind and enjoy nature.

2. Periyar National Park:

It is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in south India. It has elephants, tigers, wild boars, and a variety of birds and butterflies. The park can be explored via jungle safaris, bamboo rafting, or guided nature walks. It is an excellent way to avoid urban life with its fresh air and lush greenery.

3. Elephant Junction Thekkady:

Elephant Junction allows people to pass their time with friendly elephants in a safe and entertaining atmosphere. You can go on an elephant, take it a bath, and feed it with bananas. It is the favorite place of families and children who want to know more about these peaceful creatures. It is also a good place to take pictures.

4. Thekkady Rose Park:

Thekkady Rose Park is a colorful and well-preserved garden that has various different kinds of Roses and other decorative plants. It is an awesome spot to walk either casually or to capture beautiful pictures. There are small playgrounds that can be played by children and the serene scenery is a perfect place to be used by couples and nature lovers.

5. Kadathanadan Kalari Centre:

This cultural center provides live demonstrations of Kalaripayattu, the traditional form of martial art of Kerala. The tourists can also experience Kathakali which is the classical Kerala dance drama with facial makeup and costumes. The location is a great place to feel a part of Kerala's vibrant culture and talent in a thrilling environment.

6. Mangala Devi Temple:

This is the ancient temple, devoted to Goddess Mangala Devi and situated in the forest, close to the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. It is accessible only during the Chitra Pournami festival. The temple is elevated at about 1300 meters where it provides an amazing scenic outlook on the hills and forests that are around. This hike to the temple is also quite scenic.

Things to Do in Thekkady:

There are many activities offered by locals and forest department in Thekkady. You can choose based on your interest and time availability. Some of the popular activities you can do around Theddady are:

1. Go for a boat ride in Periyar Lake
2. Enjoy a jungle safari in Periyar National Park - This is once in a lifetime experience in which forest department organizes various activities amidst forest.
3. Experience bamboo rafting inside the forest
4. Watch Kalaripayattu and Kathakali performances
5. Visit spice plantations and take a guided tour
6. Try elephant rides and activities at Elephant Junction
7. Go for trekking and nature walks in the hills
8. Shop for spices and handmade souvenirs at the local market

Local Foods to Try:

1. Appam with Vegetable Stew (Vegetarian)
2. Puttu with Kadala Curry (Vegetarian)
3. Idiyappam with Egg Curry (Non-Vegetarian)
4. Kerala Sadya (Vegetarian)
5. Kappa with Meen Curry (Non-Vegetarian)
6. Pazham Pori (Vegetarian)
7. Erissery (Vegetarian)
8. Fish Moilee (Non-Vegetarian)
9. Vegetable Biryani (Vegetarian)
10. Payasam (Vegetarian)

Festivals Celebrated in Thekkady

Majority of the festival celebrated in Kerala are celebrated here in Thekkady which includes:

Chithirapuram Pongal:

Chithirapuram Pongal is a traditional harvest festival celebrated with joy by the local people. Families prepare sweet pongal, decorate their homes with kolams, and offer prayers to thank nature for a good harvest.

Periyar Pongal:

Periyar Pongal is a special festival celebrated in the Periyar region with cultural programs, traditional food, and community gatherings. It brings people together to enjoy music, dance, and the spirit of the season.

Navarathri:

Navarathri is a colourful nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. People in Thekkady celebrate it with devotional songs, lighting of lamps, and beautiful decorations in temples and homes.

Onam:

Onam is the biggest festival of Kerala, and it is celebrated in Thekkady with great excitement. Traditional flower rangolis, Onam Sadya (feast), boat races, and cultural shows make this festival very special for locals and tourists.

Stay Options:

Thekkady offers many stay options, suitable for all budgets:

1. Luxury Hotels: Greenwoods Resort, Spice Village – CGH Earth
2. Mid-range: Peppervine Hotel, Abad Green Forest
3. Budget: Homestays, guest houses, and lodges near Kumily town

Travel Tips for Thekkady Visitors:

1. Carry light woollens, especially in winter months
2. Book safari and bamboo rafting in advance
3. Respect wildlife and do not litter inside forest areas
4. Carry comfortable shoes for trekking and plantation visits
5. Local guides are helpful and know the area well
6. Mobile signal may be weak in deep forest areas

Best Time to Visit:

1. Summer (March to May): Warm days, good for early morning safari and sightseeing
2. Monsoon (June to September): Heavy rains but lush green views, best for nature lovers
3. Winter (October to February): Cool and pleasant weather, perfect for all activities

Kumarakom is a village located on Vembanad Lake in Kerala's backwaters. It's filled with canals, where houseboats sail the waters. Kumarakom is a collection of beautiful little islands on the Vembanad Lake, South India's largest lake. The city is around 70 kilometers from Kochi.