ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT IN MUNNAR

Perched at around 1,600 metres above sea level, Munnar - the name means ‘three rivers’ in Malayalam - is located at the confluence of the Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala rivers, and is defined by undulating tea estates, shola forests and mist-laden valleys. Developed as a hill station by the British, the region is home to Eravikulam National Park, which protects the endangered Nilgiri tahr and hosts the seasonal bloom of the Neelakurinji flower every 12 years. Alongside viewpoints, dams and plantation trails, Munnar offers a landscape where ecology, cultivation and colonial history intersect.

ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK

Located within easy reach of Scenic, Munnar, the world’s largest sanctuary for the endangered Nilgiri tahr is spread across a high-altitude shola–grassland ecosystem unique to the Western Ghats. It encompasses Anamudi, the highest peak in South India at 2,695 metres and is known for the rare Neelakurinji bloom, which carpets the hills in blue once every 12 years. Alongside the tahr, it nurtures species such as the Nilgiri langur and leopard. Strictly regulated access helps preserve its fragile ecology, making it one of the region’s most significant biodiversity hotspots.

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KDHP TEA MUSEUM

Also known as Tata Tea Museum, the region’s most well-known tea museum traces the evolution of the region’s tea industry from the late 19th century to present day. Established in 2004 within a working plantation estate, it showcases antique machinery, photographs and processes that chart tea production, from leaf to cup. Visitors can observe demonstrations, view archival equipment and participate in tea tastings.

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TOP STATION

Munnar’s highest viewpoint is located at approximately 7,000 feet above sea level on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border. It offers panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the valley and is best known for the rare purplish-blue Neelakurinji, which blankets the landscape once every 12 years. (Following the 2018 bloom, the next major, widespread blooming event is expected around 2030).

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MATTUPETTY DAM

Built in the late 1940s to conserve water for hydroelectric power, this concrete gravity dam is set amid rolling hills, tea plantations and shola forests. While it presents a scenic setting for boating and leisurely walks, the area is also known for occasional sightings of elephants and birdlife along the water’s edge.

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ECHO POINT

Famed for its natural acoustic phenomenon, Echo Point invites visitors to hear their voices reverberate across misty hills and a tranquil lake for a playful, memorable experience. The area offers panoramic views of rolling tea-clad slopes and forested valleys. Nature walks, boating and birdwatching add to its appeal, while the surrounding landscape occasionally hosts the rare Neelakurinji bloom every 12 years.

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ATTUKAD WATERFALLS

Set along the route between Munnar and Pallivasal, Attukad Waterfalls is a seasonal cascade that comes into its own during and just after the monsoon. Fed by mountain streams, the waterfall descends through dense forest and rocky terrain, creating a dramatic visual framed by mist, steep slopes and tea gardens. A narrow bridge and short walking trails offer vantage points for viewing and photography, while the surrounding landscape nurtures birdlife and small forest species.

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ANAMUDI PEAK

Rising to 2,695 metres above sea level within Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi is the highest peak in South India and the Western Ghats. Its name, meaning ‘elephant’s forehead’, reflects its smooth, dome-shaped summit. The surrounding high-altitude shola–grassland ecosystem supports endemic species such as the Nilgiri tahr. Direct access to the summit is restricted, but the peak can be viewed from designated areas within the park.

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KUNDALA LAKE

Surrounded by eucalyptus trees and rolling hills lined with tea plantations, Kundala Lake is a scenic reservoir formed by the Kundala Dam, one of Asia’s first arch dams. Set against a backdrop of shola forests and gently sloping valleys, the lake is known for its calm waters and seasonal cherry blossom blooms that add a fleeting burst of colour to the landscape.Visitors can enjoy pedal boating, row boating and quiet walks around the area.

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