Explore Nature’s Paradise: 10 Best Places to Visit in Munnar
Nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats, Munnar beckons with its enchanting landscapes and serene charm. This picturesque hill station, situated in the state of Kerala, India, is renowned for its emerald-green tea plantations that carpet the undulating hills. The crisp mountain air, accompanied by the sweet fragrance of tea leaves, creates an atmosphere of tranquility. Visitors to Munnar can explore the sprawling tea estates, partake in adventurous trekking trails, and bask in the panoramic views from elevated vantage points. The vibrant markets and local cuisine offer a delightful immersion into the rich culture of the region.
Here are the top 10 places that you should visit once you are in this hill station.
Munnar, a serene hill station nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India, is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Known for its lush green landscapes, mist-covered mountains, and vibrant flora, Munnar offers a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you’re planning a trip to this picturesque destination, here are the 10 best places to visit in Munnar.
List of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Munnar, Kerala:
1.Tea Gardens of Munnar
Begin your Munnar journey with a visit to its iconic tea gardens. The undulating hills of Munnar are carpeted with vast expanses of tea plantations. Take a guided tour to learn about the tea-making process, from plucking the leaves to the final production, and savor the breathtaking views.
2.Mattupetty Dam
Situated at an altitude of 1,700 meters, Mattupetty Dam is a marvel of engineering. The dam offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding hills and is an ideal spot for a peaceful boat ride. The nearby dairy farm is an added attraction, allowing visitors to experience the local dairy industry
2. Green Valley View
If you want to explore the beauty of the Vaigai Dam from the bird’s eye view, you can visit Green Valley View. Once you are at the top of the valley, you can experience the outstanding beauty of the lush greenery, enthralling valley, and the huge mountain as the backdrop.
The route is quite tricky and that makes it one of the dangerous viewpoints in Kodaikanal. But, if you are an adventurist by heart, you can try to reach there. When the mist covers the place and your view gets disrupted, you need to be very careful to be there.
2. Green Valley View
If you want to explore the beauty of the Vaigai Dam from the bird’s eye view, you can visit Green Valley View. Once you are at the top of the valley, you can experience the outstanding beauty of the lush greenery, enthralling valley, and the huge mountain as the backdrop.
The route is quite tricky and that makes it one of the dangerous viewpoints in Kodaikanal. But, if you are an adventurist by heart, you can try to reach there. When the mist covers the place and your view gets disrupted, you need to be very careful to be there.
3. Attukal Waterfalls
Tucked away in the dense forests, Attukal Waterfalls is a hidden gem in Munnar. The cascading water, surrounded by rocky landscapes and dense vegetation, creates a serene atmosphere. A short trek from the main road leads to this beautiful spot, making it perfect for a day of relaxation
4. Anamudi Peak
For the more adventurous souls, Anamudi Peak is the highest point in South India. It offers a challenging trek and rewards climbers with panoramic views of the Western Ghats. The lush greenery and diverse flora make this trek a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts
5. Eravikulam National Park
Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, Eravikulam National Park is a biodiverse region with rolling hills and lush grasslands. The park is a great place for trekking and wildlife enthusiasts, offering a chance to spot not only Nilgiri Tahrs but also various species of butterflies and birds
6. Top Station
Situated at the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road, Top Station offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. The viewpoint got its name during the British era when it served as the uppermost railway station. The Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once in 12 years, add a rare and spectacular touch to the landscape.
7. Pothamedu Viewpoint
For a panoramic view of the tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations, head to Pothamedu Viewpoint. The mist-covered hills and the lush greenery create a mesmerizing spectacle, especially during sunrise and sunset. It’s an ideal spot for photographers and nature lovers alike
8. Kundala Lake
Nestled amidst rolling hills and lush forests, Kundala Lake is a serene destination for boating. The pedal boat ride on the shimmering waters surrounded by verdant landscapes is a tranquil experience. The nearby Kundala Arch Dam is also worth a visit
9. Marayoor Dolmens
For history and archaeology enthusiasts, Marayoor Dolmens provide a fascinating glimpse into the past. These prehistoric structures, believed to be burial chambers, date back thousands of years and offer a unique insight into the region’s ancient civilizations
10. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Venture a bit farther from Munnar to explore the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. This biodiversity hotspot is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered grizzled giant squirrel. Guided trekking tours offer a chance to explore the sanctuary and witness its natural beauty
2. Green Valley View
If you want to explore the beauty of the Vaigai Dam from the bird’s eye view, you can visit Green Valley View. Once you are at the top of the valley, you can experience the outstanding beauty of the lush greenery, enthralling valley, and the huge mountain as the backdrop.
The route is quite tricky and that makes it one of the dangerous viewpoints in Kodaikanal. But, if you are an adventurist by heart, you can try to reach there. When the mist covers the place and your view gets disrupted, you need to be very careful to be there.
3. Kodaikanal Lake
Kodai Lake or the Kodaikanal Lake is the central point of the hill station and it will charm you with its magnificent beauty. This manmade lake and the scenery around it engulf your senses and the picturesque beauty of nature is something that you may not find elsewhere in Tamil Nadu.
Besides, bathing in the beauty of nature, Kodai Lake also offers you several activities to attend to make your trip happen. You can go boating on the lake and experience the outstanding view around from the middle of the lake. This place is also the photographers’ paradise for scenic beauty.
4. Bear Shola Falls
If waterfalls are something that attracts you a lot, then visiting Bear Shola Falls in Kodaikanal is definitely worth visiting. Located only 2km away from Kodai Lake, Bear Shola Falls is a wonderful picnic spot for the locals and tourists. The waterfall has an interesting story behind its name.
It is said that this waterfall was a favorite haunt of a bear that used to visit the place to drink water. The lovely waterfall and the surrounding area are beautiful and you will find it interesting to spend time here. The exotic flora and fauna around the falls are worth watching. If you visit it during the monsoon, you can get to see the waterfall at its fullest.
5. Kodaikanal Pine Forest
If you don’t include Kodaikanal Pine Forest in your itinerary, it will be a great miss. Kodaikanal Pine Forest is delightful to watch as you can visit hundreds of pine trees, lush vegetation, and varieties of species of mushrooms over here.
The tranquility of this place is an add-on when you want peace around you. You can add more fun and excitement to your journey by adding horse rides. Also, the place gets a bit muddy in monsoon, but the beauty of the forest you can explore then is awesome. Visiting the Kodaikanal Pine Forest will be a lifetime memory for you.
6. Berijam Lake
While talking about the top 10 places in Kodaikanal to visit, Berijam Lake will be one of those. The refreshing setting of the lake and the deep greenery around it will take away all your tiredness and refresh your mind and body.
This place is a wonderful picnic spot where you can have fun with your group. You can also go fishing in Berijam Lake, but to do that, you will need to get permission from the fishing department. To explore the beauty of the lake more closely, you can take a boat ride to the lake.
7. Mannavanur Lake
Kodaikanal is crafted with beautiful Lakes all over it and Mannavanur Lake is one of those. This is also a popular picnic spot for tourists and locals, but if you want to spend some time in solitude, you can always visit Mannavanur Lake in Kodaikanal.
Not only the lake, but the journey to it is also enjoyable. The pine trees and the eucalyptus trees create a canopy over the road and it feels soothing to take the drive. You can also go boating and horse riding here.
8. Kurinji Andavar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Murugan, Kurinji Andavar Temple is one of the favorite destinations of the pilgrims. It is the outstanding architecture of the temple that will blow your mind and if you are lucky enough, you can get to visit the famous Kurinji flower that blooms every 12 years.
Established by a European Lady in 1936, this temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kodaikanal.
9. Bryant Park
Located in the middle of the town, this huge park can accommodate enough crowds without making the place clumsy. You can visit artificial ponds, flowering plants, gardens, trees, and open lawns inside the park. But, the beauty of the rose garden will blow your mind.
The garden hosts huge varieties of roses and when those are in full bloom, it looks heavenly. Also, there is a Bodhi tree and a 150-year-old Eucalyptus Tree to catch your attention. To visit exotic plants around the world, you can visit the greenhouse. It will take around two hours to visit the entire park in one go.
10. Poombarai Village
On the slopes of the Palani Hills, Poombarai is a small village with a population of fewer than 6000 people. The view of this typical Tamil Nadu village is outstanding and the people are warm and welcoming. The main attraction of this village is the Kuzahanthai Velappar Temple that is 3000 years old.
Also, this place is famous for garlic cultivation. This is a picturesque village and not visited by many people. So, the beauty is untouched. If you are fond of off-beat places, Poombarai Village won’t disappoint you ever.
So, these are some of the best places to visit in Kodaikanal. This hill station of Tamil Nadu is full of nature’s wonder and it can be difficult to finish in one go. Keep time in your hand to get introduced to the awesome culture and tradition of the place and visit the extraordinary viewpoints to make the pages of your memory richer.
Munnar, with its captivating landscapes and diverse attractions, is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Whether you’re exploring the tea gardens, trekking to the highest peaks, or enjoying the tranquility of its lakes and waterfalls, Munnar promises a memorable experience for every traveler. Plan your itinerary wisely to make the most of these 10 best places to visit in Munnar and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that this hill station has to offer Keep time in your hand to get introduced to the awesome culture and tradition of the place and visit the extraordinary viewpoints to make the pages of your memory richer.
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