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It’s mid-summer and the sun is scorching hot, dehydrating everything and everyone in its way. During this time, when the temperatures can go as high as 42 degrees (looking at you, Hyderabad), one can only pine for cooler climates and crave for getaways to escape the unbearable heat, and land in the cool lap of mother nature. While there are a number of places you could choose, we picked Munnar as our preferred destination.
Nestled amidst the lush green mountains of the Western Ghats, this stunning town gives travelers a glimpse of what heaven may look like. Boasting of immensely varied biodiversity, it’s Eravikulam National Park boasts of 85 species of butterflies, 81 species of birds (including migratory species), 48 species of Mammals, 22 species of Amphibians and 33 species of reptiles. It is also where the famous blooming-once-every-12-years flower Neelakurinji is housed.
Easy to reach and suitable for every age group, Munnar is the perfect destination for your great summer escape. Since the green hill station is so well connected with all major South Indian cities, you could even consider the place for a weekend trip.
Let us help you plan a little bit and give you 2 nights and 2 day-trip itineraries for Munnar.
How to Reach:
By Air: Munnar does not have an airport and the nearest airport, Cochin International Airport is located 110 km away. Taxi/cab and buses are available from the airport to Munnar.
By Rail: Aluva (110 km) is the nearest railway station with trains connecting from various parts of the country. Ernakulam Junction (130 km) is the major junction from where you can get trains for major cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, and Mangalore.
By Bus: Private operators and Kerala State Transport Corporation operate bus services to Munnar from major cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. A number of luxury and Volvo buses between cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Mysore to Munnar are also available.
By Road: Driving to Munnar, however, has to be the best choice. With great roads, thrilling winding curves, and beautiful scenery to keep you company throughout the journey, this would certainly be a preferred mode for the more adventurous travelers.
Things to do:
DAY 1:
MORNING
Mattupetty Top Station (timings 6:00 am to 6:00 pm): Approximately 4 km away from Munnar bus station, Mattupetty Top station is a beautiful place to indulge in some photo ops with your gang or loved ones. The tea plantations surrounding the hills and along the roads seem to be painted in vivid green, giving the entire scene an out-of-the-world appearance.
AFTERNOON
Echo Point (timings 6:00 am to 6:00 pm): Echo Point is situated on the way to Kundala Lake. The name is self-explanatory: it is a place where you can yell into the void and listen to it throw it back at you.
Kundala Lake: Now that you’ve had some fun time at Echo Point, head over to the neat and serene Kundala Lake. The fresh, cool breeze is sure to refresh your soul as your experience boating in the lake.
NIGHT
It is suggested that travelers not venture out in the open at night as the fogs make it unsafe for sightseeing. This time is best utilized with your travel companions around a bonfire at your place to stay with some lip-smacking country food.
DAY 2:
MORNING
Marayoor Forest: Start early for the Marayoor Forest so you can enjoy the early morning fog. Located on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, the forest is a historical heritage site, dating back to almost 10,000 B.C. With rock paintings and aroma of sandalwood wafting through the forest, it is sure to be one of the most surreal experiences. This place would be preferred by anyone with even a slight interest in archaeology.
AFTERNOON
Eravikulam National Park: Home to the famous Neelakurinji flowers and the endangered species Nilgiri Tahr, Eravikulam National Park is Kerala’s first National Park. It also famously known for Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South India.
EVENING
Lakkam Waterfalls: The serene setting of Lakkam Falls combined with the rich plantations around is one of the most beautiful destinations in Munnar. This place is equally popular for trekkers, as they hike and explore the dense jungle and rolling hills surrounding the place.
If you have more time and want to visit some other places, here are some options:
1) Mattupetty Dam (10 km from Munnar Bus Station)
2) Top Station for adventure trekking (40 km away from Munnar)
3) Rose Garden (Blossom Park) located in Top Station Highway.
4) Pothamedu View Point located in Bisonvalley Road.
5) Mattupetty Dairy Farm (Indo-Swiss Livestock Project).
6) Attukad Waterfalls (near Pallivasal). Best visit during monsoon.
7) Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (habitat for endangered species and birds).
