Enveloped by the serene and lush environment of the Anamudi Peak, Munnar is a real gem of Kerala. From chilly winter to the blooming spring and misty monsoon, Munnar’s natural treasures are no short of bewitching and will make you want to lose yourself in its magic. However, for all practical purposes, vacation days are usually limited and you would want to make the most of it. And that’s why you need to plan.
Here’s a quick guide to help you make the best of your Munnar vacation.
Plan your travel.
This is the very first step to a great trip! Munnar is well-connected to major cities and towns in India via train routes and highways. Munnar has no direct airport connectivity. If you are flying from anywhere in the country, you need to rent a reliable and affordable car in Kochi airport, which is nearest to the hill station. When booking a cab, you can also look at options for tour packages, which will ensure that you have a well-planned itinerary for the trip, as well as a ready car in hand for all your local tours.
If you want to tailor-make your trip all by yourself, then read on for a few pointers.
Enjoy the drive.
The distance from Kochi to Munnar is only 133 KM and makes for one of the best road trips in the state. The drive through plantations and mountain bluffs, with intermittent views of the mountain peaks, gives a preview of what you can expect at your destination and makes for a scenic journey. There are two route options you can choose from-
· Via NH85, which is approximately 129 KM and takes about 3.75 hours.
· Via Aluva – Munnar Rd and NH85, which is approximately 132 KM and takes nearly 4 hours.
While you are on your way, you can either quietly enjoy the views or stop at a few places to admire nature up close and capture some special moments.
Choose the right stay.
As popular Munnar is, there is no dearth of hotels, resorts, guest houses, and homestays for tourists. However, you need to find the best option that suits your travel agenda, taste, and budget. If you want to experience local culture and connect with people, homestays are the best options. If you want a little indulgence, then there are plenty of, colonial bungalows turned into lavish resorts, mostly around tea plantations and hills, which you can opt for. Always book in advance to avoid steep rates and unavailability.
Explore the plantations.
The landscape of Munnar is dotted with tea, coffee, and spice plantations, among other agri-products. Of these, the tea estates are the most popular. Munnar’s tea plantations are the highest in the country, sitting at an altitude of 2695m. Estates of Kannan, Kolukkumalai, Gruenberg, and Windermere are some of the must-visit tea gardens. Of these, Windermere also has a coffee estate, and quite popular for tours and sampling fresh-grown Arabica coffee. Coffee and spices go hand-in-hand. Most coffee plantations have herbs and spices growing between bushes, which add to the flavor of the beans. You can also visit exclusive farms of cardamom, cinchona, ginger, garlic, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, which also make for interesting hiking terrain with bird-watching and animal spotting.
Visit the dolmens of Marayoor.
One of the most unique things of this region, the dolmens are exclusive to Munnar. The ancient Celtic burials are one of their kind in India and only be found in Marayoor, about 42 KM from Munnar town. The megalithic tombs from centuries ago, resting against the green fields and looking mountains, offers a sight that is surreal, yet fascinating.
Tour the farms of Kanthalloor.
One of the lesser-known places in Munnar, Kanthalloor is a farming community with potato and cabbage patches, strawberry fields, and fruit orchards. It sits at a little higher altitude than Munnar town and makes for a great experience. The farmers also make jaggery and fruit wines, essential oils from sandalwood and eucalyptus, which visitors are welcome to see and buy.
Catch elephants in action at night.
Elephants are synonymous to Kerala, but watching them in action, in the middle of the night, is a rare sight, which you can only find in Munnar. A little outside the town in the village of Annakulam, there is a pond, which serves as the watering hole for the wild things living in the adjacent forests. They usually come out in the dark to feed on the spring water, which is the best time to spot them in action. When you avail a Kochi to Munnar car rental with an experienced driver, you can easily put this on your itinerary and comfortably enjoy the night-drive experience.
With these and much more, the ‘Kashmir of South India’ is an ultimate treat for the mind, body, and soul, and its beauty offers a joy forever to its every visitor. So while you can follow a travel guide, don’t limit yourself to only these options. Go for a long walk or ride a bicycle, meet the tribal folks, shop for local goods, or simply bask in the serenity of God’s own home!
