cochin.xyz

Everything About Kochi !
read this page on mobile

Munnar - One Day Sightseeing Itinerary

Munnar's Attractions list & Route Map for do-it-yourself sightseeing

Jeeps are better ways to explore the interior attractions in and around Munnar mountainous terrain.
Jeep Safari in Munnar

Jeeps are better ways to explore the interior attractions in and around Munnar mountainous terrain.

[#route]Let's divide the Munnar's attractions in four parts- Along the major 4 roads radiation out of Munnar town.
Ideally each will needs a day's time - or more - to cover. See the route map below.

Route A

T

his is a northbound route from Munnar town towards the Udumalpet. Those driving to/from Bangalore and Coimbatore side will be taking this route to Munnar.

Most of the attractions ( about a dozen) is scattered on the and long this route. The further most daytip attraction in this route is Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, that's about 50 km from Munnar town.  Otherwise you will be spending most of the times visiting the waterfalls and many viewpoints enroute.

As you drive from Munnar to Udumalpet, essentially you are going around the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, the Anamudi peaks.

Nyayamakad, Lakkam Waterfalls are near to Munnar. Easily visitable as you drive past this route. Thoovanam waterfalls is the furthermost, on the edges of the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. It's a 2hours trek from the manin road.

There are quite a few 'Viewpoints' as well on this route. Towards your left is the mountain peaks and forest. Most of the tree plantations are spread on the right side of the route , including the well known Kannan Devan hills.

Marayoor is a quique place as it's place to see the sandalwood forest up close.

If you are driving from Bangalore/Coimbatore side, plan smartly to cover some of these attractions as you drive in or drive out of Munnar. You'll save time as well as as the drive is enjoyable.

Route B

Unlike route A, this is a dead end route, meaning you've to drive back from the last point - The Top Station. You'll be driving along the Mattupaddy & Kundala dam and reservoirs on your left. Top station - at 6000 feet above sea level - is the highest place in Munnar. This this probably the coldest area in Munnar and you're practically above the cloudline.

Enroute you may see the wildlife crossing (elephant herds). The highlight is the boating at Mattupetty reservoir. There are many scenic points to make short stops & photo opportunities.
Munnar to Top station is 35km. A round trip will take more than half day of sightseeing and activities.

Route C

This is on the way to Thekkady and Theni. The Lockhart viewpoint and Chinnakanal Waterfalls are the highlights. There is a Tea Museum as well at Lockhart. Anayirankal dam has boating. Devikulam is a mini hill station away from the bustles of Munnar. You' are essentially taking the NH85 towards Madurai from Munnar.

Route D

This route towards Cochin from Munnar is probably the busiest. Also with many attractions and detour opportunities. Start with the Tea Museum in the Munnar town area. This route will winds through some of the spectacular tea plantations sites in Munnar.

There are many viewpoints as you drive towards Cochin direction. Attukad Fall needs a bit of trekking club this with Pothamedu View point if you are making that detour. Attukad is the nearest fall to Munnar. You can visit the Headworks dam and the Blossom Park around it.

At chithirapuram ( on Munnar bypass stretch) is a great viewpoint to watch sunset. Take the bypass route if you are planning for boating at Sengulam Dam. This is dam is short detour from Anachal ( take the left fork) at the junction for Sengulam.

 

At Sengulam you can hire jeeps for a local expedition. There are many attractions where a jeep safari ( tour) is prefered due the type of terrain and road condition. A 8-10 point safari jeep hire would cost around Rs3000 to Rs4000 depending on the season. They cover the routes faster than car. Nadukani , Kallimali view point worth a visit. Better dome by jeep. Ripple falls is another popular waterfalls in this part.

Ponmudi dam too has boating in its panoramic reservoir.

Back to the highway, you'll pass the Valara Falls, right beside the main road. Cheeyappara falls is further closer to the highway, but less spectacular than Valara falls. Both are after crossing Adimali town.

 

What are the sights & activities in Munnar?
Most tourists visit Munnar to explore the te-plantations & rolling hills in and around Munnar.

Excursion to Top Station , Mattupetti , Eravikulam National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary are other popular activities.

This there are activities like boating & therking.

Most importantly people come to enjoy the climate and the immensely photogenic sceneries.

Where is the Tea Museum in Munnar?
Kannan Devan Tea Museum is about 1.5km north of Munnar town centre.

How to reach the Tea Museum in Munnar?
You can walk from Munnar Town to the Tea museum. Or Take an auto rickshaw ride (about Rs25).

How to do Trekking in Munnar?
The best way is to join a guided trek.

'Soft Trek' - meaning less tedious trails along the tea plantations - is a very popular option. Ask you hotel. They'll arrange a guide agency (costs typically Rs 500-1000 for a half day trek).

Or Contact the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC , Munnar). They do organise overnight trekking camps (Top Station) based on the season.

Much of the plantations are private property. Seek a guide for permitted areas. So is the areas under the forest department.

How Much does Jeep Tours cost in Munnar?
They charge around Rs1500 for a trip covering main sights.

What is the cheap & best way to explore Munnar?
Take the DTPC ( District Tourism Promotion Council ) tour. The ticket cost Rs400 per head. There operate the tours based on the themes & attractions on the route : Sandal Valley Tour, Village Tour and the Tea Valley Tour.

Timing: 9 am to 6 pm Fare: Rs. 400/- per head. For bookings, contact: DTPC, Information Centre, Munnar Ph: 231516

What is the Itinerary of Munnar DTPC Tea Valley Tour ?
Mattupetty, Echo Point, Kundala, Top Station, Munnar, Rajamala (Eravikulam National Park), Attukad waterfalls and Pothamedu View Point.

What is the Itinerary of Munnar DTPC Sandal Valley Tour ?
Nymakkad View Point, luckkom waterfalls, Vaguvarai View Point, coffee - tea plantations, sandalwood forest, Chinnar wildlife sanctuary.

What is the Itinerary of Munnar DTPC Village Tour ?
Devikulam Signal Point, Panoramic Viewpoint at Tea Vally, Lockheart Camp, Chinnakanal view, Anayirangal Dam, Kallimali View Point, Spice Farm Visit, Sreenarayanapuram Ripple Waterfalls, River Bank Walking, Chithirapuram View Point

How much does it cost for DTPC tour of Munnar ?
Rs 400 per head.

How long is the DTPC tour of Munnar ?
The tour starts by 9 and enns by 5. Some ling tours starts

What are the most popular sightseeing itinerary in Munnar?

1. Munnar - Mattupetty Dam - Echo Point - Kundala Dam - Top Station (34km).

2. Munnar - Pothamedu - Chithirapuram - Pallivasal - Cheeyappara - Adimali - Valara (40 km).

3. Munnar - Rajamala - Marayoor - Chinnar (70 km).

4. Munnar - Devikulam - Lock Heart Gap - Power House Waterfalls, Anayirankal (24 km)

What are the main Trekking Points in Munnar ?
Anamudi - Rajamala - Meesapulimala - Top Station - Kundala - Devikulam

Four major sightseeing routes for Munnar

Four major sightseeing routes for Munnar

Munnar sightseeing route map

Four major sightseeing routes for Munnar

cochin.xyz

Everything About Kochi !
--
Kochi and Ernakulam

Kochi and Ernakulam, are they the same?

--
Ernakulam to Wayanad
--
Cherai
--
Poothotta

Poothotta Backwaters makes a great excursion or short half day outing destination, just at the outskirts of Kochi.

--
Aanavilasam Luxury Plantation House

Just 6 exotic suits & villas in a sprawling cardamom plantation - That's Aanavilasam!

1