The ultimate summer travel guide to Munnar: 15 cool escapes

Munnar, a hill station lying in South India’s largest tea-growing region of God's own country, Kerala, is situated at an altitude of over 1500 metres, and it can only be described as breathtaking. With its lush green plantations, majestic tea estates, abundant wildlife, and enchanting waterfalls, Munnar offers refreshing retreats from the daily hustles and bustles.

Despite being situated in humid Kerala state, Munnar has favourable weather all year round, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 20°C. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone seeking solace, there is something for everyone at Munnar. This is your ultimate summer travel guide to Munnar that provides you with fifteen cool escapes.

Chokramudi Peak

• Best for trekking and nature walks.
• Elevation: 2,100 metres
• How to reach: The nearest railway station is Aluva Railway Station (130 km). Buses and taxis are available.
• Tip: To have a strong grip on this steep terrain, wear trekking shoes made of good-quality materials.
• Nearby attractions: Kundala Lake, KFDC Ecotourism, Lakkam Waterfalls

Chokramudi Peak is an easily accessible one-day trekking destination, which can be suitable for people who do not want to spend much time. This peak has a Shoals Forest that sets an example for those who love nature so much. One of the best places to visit in Munnar with friends is due to the amazing viewpoints up there that offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Chokramudi Peak(Credits: Canva)

Eravikulam National Park

• Best for Wildlife enthusiasts and families
• Ticket Price: ₹ 65 for Indian citizens, ₹ 245 for foreign nationals
• Timings: 07:30 AM to 04:00 PM
• How to reach: The nearest railway station is Aluva Railway Station (110 km). Buses and taxis are available.
• Tip: An extra fee is charged for videography as well as photography.
• Nearby attractions: Rajmala Hills, Nayamakad Waterfall, Munnar Tea Plantation

Eravikulam National Park spans an area of 97 square kilometres in which the Nilgiri Tahr, endemic to the Western Ghats, lives. This park also hosts Neelakurinji flowers, which blossom once every twelve years on Anamudi Peak, which has an elevation of 2,700 metres above sea level. Wildlife enthusiasts and families visiting Munnar for its natural beauty cannot leave this national park unexplored.

Eravikulam National Park(Credits: Canva)

Attukad Waterfalls

• Best for picnicking and camping
• Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• How to reach: The nearest railway station is Aluva Railway Station (110 km). Buses and taxis are available.
• Tip: Hold fast on your shoes because rocks are slippery.
• Nearby attractions: Lakkam Waterfalls, Anamudi Peak, Nyayamakad Waterfall

Attukad Waterfalls’ lush greenery and serene landscapes remain hidden away from most people’s sight. The falls provide a refreshing experience, with milky water cascading down their rocky cliffs, making them perfect for picnicking and camping. It has natural pools created by these falls that are ideal for taking a cool dip in.

Attukad Waterfalls(Credits: Canva)

Kundala Lake

• Best for picnics and boating
• Timings: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
• How to reach: The nearest railway station is Aluva Railway Station (120 km). Buses and taxis are available.
• Tip: You need a good camera to capture the beauty.
• Nearby attractions: Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, Cultural Centre, Kurisumala

Kundala Lake is located 20 kilometres from Munnar town and has a beautiful setting of green slopes and cherry blossoms. You can enjoy boating on this lake as it offers traditional rowboats, pedal boats, and Kashmiri shikaras. The lake is very peaceful, with beautiful reflections that make it an ideal place for picnics.

Kundala Lake(Credits: Canva)

Lakkam Waterfalls

• Best for family trips
• Rates: Rs. 20 per head (admission fee)
• Timings: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• How to reach: Aluva Railway Station is the closest station, covering a distance of 130 km. Cabs and buses are available too.
• Hint: Leeches are found on the pathway.
• Nearby attractions: Attukal Waterfalls, Anamudi Peak, Dolmens, Marayur

The Lakkam falls that originate from the Eravikulam stream have an appealing, polished texture resembling silk. Local Kerala cuisine is deliciously sold at the small restaurant located near this spot. It’s great for family outings and experiencing nature’s tranquillity.

Lakkam Waterfalls(Credits: Canva)

Lockhart Gap

• Best for picnicking and hiking
• Visiting hours: 6 a.m.–6 p.m.
• How to reach: The railway station that is nearest to Aluva is Aluva railway station, situated 120 km away. There are also buses and cabs available.
• Tip: Carry water and snacks with you since there isn’t much around here in terms of amenities.
• Nearby attractions: Devikulam, Anayirangal, Anayirangal or Elephant Lake, Pothamedu View Point

Lockhart Gap (named after the gap shaped like a heart between two hills) lets you experience floating mist along with the pleasant smell of fresh tea leaves. It is an ideal picnic spot, with trekking activities that provide picturesque views of the valley beneath it.

Lockhart Gap(Credits: Canva)

Mattupetty Dam

• Best for sightseeing and speed boating
• Ticket price: Entrance fee: 10 rupees per person; boat charges: 500 rupees (for fifteen minutes)
• Timings: 09:30 AM to 05:00 PM
• How to reach: The nearest station is Angamaly Railway Station (115 km). Buses and taxis are available.
• Tip: Mattupetty is an ideal place for camping and trekking.
• Nearby attractions: View Point of Yellapetty, Cowboy Park, and Meesappulimala ViewPoint

Situated near Anamudi Peak, there is a bright green lake in the Mattupetty Dam where tourists can enjoy sightseeing along with speed boating. It’s one of those places that you cannot forget due to the gardens around it and the calm water at the end, which still has some pebbles.

Mattupetty Dam(Credits: Canva)

Top Station

• Best for mountain biking and trekking
• Timings: 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM
• How to reach: Aluva Railway Station (120 km) is the nearest railway station. Buses and taxis are available.
• Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and carry a hat.
• Nearby attractions: Kundala Dam Lake, Kannan Devan Tea Museum, Echo Point

The highest point in Munnar, which offers panoramic views as well as being home to the area’s highest railway station, is called Top Station. The year 2024 will be the best time to visit when Neelakurinji flowers will turn this entire landscape blue like nowhere else on earth.

Top Station(Credits: Canva)

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary 

• Best for wildlife enthusiasts who love unique getaways
• Ticket price: ₹5 for children; ₹10 for Indian adults; ₹100 for foreign nationals.
• Timings: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• How to reach: Ernakulam Junction Railway Station (173 km) is the nearest station. Buses and taxis are available.
• Tip: Forbiddance of feeding, teasing, or hurting animals.
• Nearby attractions: Viriyoottu Malai, Nanadala Malai, and Kumarikkal Mala Peak

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a range of species, including Hanuman Monkeys, Spotted Deer Tigers, Slender Lorris, and others, making it a heaven for wildlife lovers. The sanctuary itself is famous for its ecotourism, where unique treehouses offer an immersive experience in nature.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary(Credits: Canva)

Rose Garden

• Best for trekking and Bird Watching
• Ticket price: ₹20 per person; ₹30 camera fee
• Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• How to reach: Ernakulam Railway Station is the nearest major station. Buses and taxis are available.
• Tip: Eco-friendly Homestays can be found here.
• Nearby attractions: Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, Cultural Centre, Kurisumala, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

At a height of a thousand metres above sea level lies the Rose Garden, spread across two acres with beautiful flowers like Dahlias, roses, chrysanthemums, etc. The garden’s intricately carved contours coupled with sweet scents make for a great photo-shoot moment as well as an ideal place for people who love natural beauty.

Rose Garden(Credits: Canva)

Nyayamakad Waterfall 

• Best for family outings and picnics
• Ticket price: Free
• Timings: All day, but avoid going at night as much as possible since it poses many dangers in the dark hours of the day.
• How to reach: Aluva Railway Station (120 km) is the nearest railway station. Buses and taxis are available.
• Tip: It’s Better If You Go There In Daylight
• Nearby attractions: Anamudi Peak, Anayirankal Dam, Blossom Hydel Park, and Cheeyappara Waterfalls

Nyayamakad Waterfall is one of the unique places where you can see women picking tea leaves on the way to the water. Nyayamakad is Munnar’s biggest waterfall; hence, it provides a journey and a destination for family outings and picnics as well.

Nyayamakad Waterfall(Credits: Canva)

Blossom Hydel Park

• Best for boating and nature walks.
• Ticket price: ₹ 2 for children, ₹ 10 for adults
• Timings: 09:00 AM to 07:00 PM
• How to reach: Aluva Railway Station (120 km) is the closest station. A way to get there is by bus or taxi.
• Tip: Go in the morning if you want fewer crowds.
• Nearby attractions: Mattupetty Dam, Blossom International Park, Sita Devi Lake

A beautiful mountain flower garden and Muthirapuzha River sightseeing are offered at Blossom Hydel Park. The park is a perfect spot for boating and walking in nature, where guests can enjoy calmness and peace.

Blossom Hydel Park(Credits: Canva)

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

• Best for tea plantation tour.
• Ticket price: ₹ 75 per person is how much it costs for a ticket.
• Timings: 07:00 AM–06:00 PM
• How to reach: It is nearest to Angamaly Railway Station (132 km). Taxis and buses are available.
• Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the tour.
• Nearby attractions: Echo Point, Top Station, Kolukkumalai Hills

The Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is renowned as the highest tea estate in the world, where stunning views and tea manufacturing lessons can be found. The tea produced here is of very fine quality, and visitors can take a trip around the plantation as well as the factory.

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate(Credits: Canva)

Elephant Lake

• Best for family outings and nature walks
• Ticket price: ₹ 10 per person
• Timings: 09:00 AM–06:00 PM
• How to reach: Angamaly Railway Station (133 km) is the closest railhead. Buses and taxis are available.
• Tip: Do not miss out on the lovely drive up to the lake.
• Nearby attractions: Lockhart Gap, Elephant Arrival Spot, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

Anayirangal, popularly known as Elephant Lake, is located amidst thick forests along with tea gardens. It’s an ideal place for family outings and nature walks amidst serene views offering scenic beauty.

Elephant Lake(Credits: Canva)

Lakshmi Hills

• Best for trekking and hiking
• Timings: 07:00 am till 06:00 pm
• How to reach: The nearest railway station is Aluva Railway Station, which has a distance of about 120 km; taxis and buses can be booked from either place.
• Tip: Comfortable shoes and a water bottle are a must on this trip.
• Nearby attractions: Kundala Lake, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Blossom Park

Lakshmi Hills is a place for moderate treks offering a view of tea gardens, hills, and Eravikulam National Park. These treks have durations ranging from 3 to 6 hours, making them an exciting experience for adventure lovers.

Lakshmi Hills(Credits: Canva)

Munnar is a perfect summer getaway with its breathtaking natural beauty and cool climate. Adventure, relaxation, or simple pleasure in nature are all here in Munnar. Plan your trip to this beautiful hill station and discover the best of Kerala.

Stay at The Hosteller Munnar for an unforgettable summer escape

Once you decide on a summer break in Munnar, ensure that you make your stay memorable by booking accommodation at The Hosteller Munnar. Situated amidst the green tea gardens and serene landscapes, The Hosteller provides a mix of comfort and adventure.

It is important to note that this hostel has two different kinds of rooms: private rooms and cosy dorms, to suit any kind of traveller, whether solo, a family, or a group of travellers. A lively communal area, delicious local meals, and arranged trips complete the experience so that even when you are here, you can feel as though you belong here with nature in Munnar.

Following an exploration of such attractions as Chokramudi Peak, Eravikulam National Park, and beautiful waterfalls, visitors can come back to this place for relaxation in the open air while enjoying a view of the stars in the sky. Make your reservation at The Hosteller Munnar now and begin a journey that will never fade away from your memories of Kerala’s hill stations that are worth taking pictures of all the way through your trip.