On our recent trip to Kerala we were in Munnar for 3 days. And that is when we realised that a perfect Munnar tour package should consist of a Munnar itinerary for 4 days. Because with a minimum of 4 days in Munnar, you can cover most of the famous places to see in Munnar. And the best things to do in Munnar as well.
But, having said that, there are a lot more offbeat things to do in Munnar if you are a lover of nature like us. And you can always extend your 4 days Munnar trip itinerary by a few days. Or, drop some of the famous tourist places and include some of these offbeat places in your list, that I will include towards the end of the post. So, without further delay, let me start with the 4 days Munnar trip itinerary.
Table of Contents
Day 1 of the 4 days Munnar trip itinerary – Cochin to Munnar Road Trip
The drive from Cochin to Munnar is one of the most scenic road trips in India. To be able to do justice to it, start early from Cochin. On the way from Cochin to Munnar, there are several sightseeing places where you can stop. All of these are full of fun and excitement. So, make time to stop at these places while on your way from Cochin to Munnar. Some of these being –
Cheeyappara Waterfalls
Although there are multiple waterfalls on the way from Cochin to Munnar. But the Cheeyappara Waterfalls are right besides the highway. Even if you decide not to stop here, you can just slow down and admire it while crossing the site. After visiting the Athirapally waterfalls on our recent trip to Kerala and also so many other massive waterfalls of India, particularly the majestic waterfalls of Meghalaya, I will not say that Cheeyappara Waterfalls are exceptionally huge. Still it is impressive enough as it cascades down seven different natural steps of the hills. And it is also attributed to be more than 1000 feet tall. So, its really a nice attraction right besides the highway, particularly post monsoons when it is at the peak of it’s volume.
If you want, you can as well stop your vehicle here. There are lots of shops selling toys and some snacks on both sides of the road near the Cheeyappara Waterfalls. So, you can also relax and grab a quick snack or do a little shopping while here.
There are many other waterfalls on the way from Cochin to Munnar including Valara Waterfalls. But they are not as massive. And may require a little detour or trekking from the highway to reach them.
Spice Gardens of Munnar
Kerala is famous for it’s spices. Even in the ancient times, Kerala was one of the major exporters of all kind of spices including turmeric, cloves, cardamom etc. And so is it even today. On the way from Cochin to Munnar, as you cross halfway through the route, you will encounter many spice gardens of Kerala. These spice gardens offer guided tours through the garden. And also have a shop where you can make purchase of fresh spices. We had visited a spice garden on the way from Cochin to Munnar on our Kerala trip years back. And it was definitely a very exciting tour, wherein I learnt a lot about the benefits that different spices provide to our body, their medicinal values and a lot more. So, when on your way from Cochin to Munnar, do stop at the Spice Gardens for a quick tour.
The tea estates of Munnar
As breathtaking as any other attraction are the lush green tea estates of Munnar. The symmetrically planted tea plants covering the slope of the hills, with mystic clouds hanging above are a scene to behold. Just 7-8km before reaching the town of Munnar, you will witness some very beautiful tea estates along the slope of the hills. There is also parking space here. I am not sure if there is an official name of this site. But definitely you will recognise it as you see rows of vehicles parked alongside the highway. And people trying their best to capture this beauty in their cameras. You can even venture amidst the tea plants to let the fresh aroma of green tea leaves fill your senses. Just be careful not to damage the plants.
Other random sightseeing spots on way from Cochin to Munnar
Apart from the designated spots, you will cross through several spots as you drive in the winding hills from Cochin to Munnar where you cannot help but stop on a bend or a stretch to take in that breathtaking scene with which nature has bestowed Munnar. Aim to reach your destination by evening, before dark as the roads are winding, narrow and full of traffic including buses that ply between Cochin and Munnar.
Day 2 of the 4 days Munnar trip itinerary – Eravikulam National Park and around
Although the main town of Munnar is very small, the beautiful sightseeing places around Munnar are spread in all directions. So, you should define your Munnar trip itinerary in such a way that you cover the sights in one direction each day. That way, we recommend visiting the Eravikulam National Park and other sights in this direction on the second day of your 4 days Munnar trip itinerary. The places in this itinerary include :
Tea Museum of Munnar
The process of how tea leaves reach from the plant to our tea pot is really fascinating. And that is what you get to witness on this Tea Museum in Munnar. And not just that, the Tea Museum also documents the journey of how the cultivation of tea started in the area of Munnar, how it evolved. How the early machinery of tea factories looked like. And how advancement has happened in this area over the years. This tea museum in Munnar was established in 2005 by Tata Tea Estate. The Tea Museum is also equipped with a tea tasting room where you get to taste the different flavours of tea including black tea, long leaf tea and green tea to name just a few. The timings of the museum are from 9:00am to 6:00pm on all days except Mondays and some holidays like Good Friday.
Eravikulam National Park
The next spot on the second day of your 4 days Munnar trip itinerary is Eravikulam National Park. A beautiful National Park where you park your vehicle in the base. And then take a ticket to get a ride up in the mountains. From there, you can trek the last 2km stretch. It was a beautiful walk when we explored the higher reaches of Eravikulam National Park years back. And the memory is still fresh as yesterday in my mind. You mostly get to witness the wild goats on this trek. And rarely elephants. But the walk up and down the slope through the breathtaking natural beauty surrounding you itself makes it worth it to explore this place. So, I highly recommend not missing Eravikulam National Park on your trip to Munnar.
8th Mile Gap Viewpoint
Another one of the most beautiful view points that Munnar is full of. 8th Mile view point is located 5km ahead of the Eravikulam National Park. It offers breathtaking views, fresh air, and a walk amidst the clouds to those who explore the area.
Lakkam Waterfalls
Lakkam Waterfalls is located further ahead of the 8th Mile Gap Viewpoint. It is one of the many beautiful waterfalls that you will get to witness while exploring Munnar. One can go right up to the waterfalls. Although not as massive as many other waterfalls of Munnar, but the location of Lakkam Waterfalls makes it special. On the way to Marayoor from Munnar, this waterfall is located hidden inside very dense forest area, with thick layers of flora along the winding path that leads to the waterfalls.
Marayoor Sandalwood Forest
The Marayoor Sandalwood Forest are the only location in Kerala where you can find natural sandalwood trees. It is also naturally very beautiful. And it is on the way from Lakkam Waterfalls to Muniyara. Another must visit destination on the second day of your 4 days Kerala trip itinerary.
Muniyara
Also known as “Dolmen”, Muniyara is a megalithic monument in the Marayoor district in Kerala. It is also the last site on your second day of 4 days Munnar trip itinerary. The caves date back to 2nd or 3rd BC. There were precious gems and other such stones discovered from these caves. The historians believe that Buddhist Monks achieved nirvana while praying and meditating for years in these places. Nevertheless, these are live symbols of how old and how rich the culture of India is, and how much back in the history the civilisation goes. A visit to Muniyara is definitely a must.
Day 3 of the 4 days Munnar trip itinerary – A day trip to Idukki Dam and around
Idukki Dam is one of the most beautiful offbeat and serene places around Munnar. If you decide to explore this area, some of the places you can visit on the third day of your 4 days Munnar trip itinerary include the breathtaking Idduki dam, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Thommankuthu Waterfalls – another massive cascading seven steps waterfalls, and several hill top view points like Hill View Park, Ramakkalmedu and Vandanmedu. Since the Idduki district is really vast and stretches all the way till Vagamon in the south west, it will be a long day if you decide to cover all of these points on a day trip from Munnar. So, if you are traveling with kids or elderly, I suggest, limit your trip to Idukki wildlife sanctuary and Idukki Dam. Otherwise, as an alternative, you can do this on trip on the third day in Munnar. And rather halt for the night in one of the other hill stations in Idukki like Vagamon.
Read : A perfect 5 days Kerala tour package
Day 4 of the 4 days Munnar trip itinerary – Mattupetty Dam and around
Mattupetty Dam in Munnar provides a breathtaking view of the layers of Nilgiri Mountains from across the river. Another must visit spot when in Munnar. However, there are several other places you can visit before and after the dam itself on this day of your trip. These include :
Flower Garden
Your first stop on the fourth and final day of the four days Munnar trip itinerary will be the flower Garden. More than a garden, it is actually a nursery. But it is so beautiful. With all the different varieties of flowers blooming in a glass house, it is definitely worth some instagram – favourite pictures. So, you can quickly stop here for a visit. And if you think you can, then do buy some exotic flowers and plants from here.
Photo Point
The next stop on today’s itinerary is a photo point wherein you get to stop inside a tea garden and take a snap. A typical memory that you will relate to your Munnar trip for the rest of your life!
Elephant Ride point
After Photo Point comes the elephant ride point. As the name suggests, you can enjoy a ride on an elephant here. You can also help bath or feed an elephant here.
Mattupetty Tea Factory
The next stop is Mattupetty Tea Factory. While the Tea Museum takes you on a documented journey of evaluation of tea gardens in Munnar. On the other hand, the Mattupetty Tea Factory will demonstrate how the tea leaves are plucked, processed, packaged and then transported to shops from where they reach our home and finally our tea pots. This is a very informative tour, particularly for the young kids in your group. So, highly recommend taking it.
Mattupetty Dam
Your next stop is Mattupetty Dam. The scene that I had witnessed standing on the Mattupetty Dam years back was one of the most beautiful scenes that I have ever seen in my life. With a vast picture perfect river, and then layers and layers of mountains right behind it in the shades of blue and green. As if God has himself painted it on a canvas and then breathed life into it! A must visit place it is to comprehend why Kerala is called “God’s own country”.
Boating Center
After the Mattupetty Dam comes the boating center where you can enjoy a boating on the river. Boating is operational here from 9:00am to 5:00pm, depending on the weather conditions. And imagine being in the middle of the heavenly scene that you just witnessed from the Mattupetty dam – thats what you get when boating here. So, once again, I highly recommend enjoying a boat ride here.
Echo Point
A place characterised by a panoramic view of a breathtaking lake, and the green farmlands and meadows stretching all around it – thats how I would describe Echo Point. With horses riding on the bank of the lake, small shops selling hand crafted wooden artwork and craft pieces, and some local snacks, this place is simply heaven. Take a stroll, or enjoy a horse ride, or, do a shopping. Enjoy the place however you want. The natural beauty of the area is sure to bewitch you.
Kundala Dam and Boating
A little further from Echo Point is Kundala Dam. Here you can enjoy the natural scenery around. And also enjoy a pedal boat ride on the lake.
Top Station Munnar
As the name suggests, this last spot on your 4 days Munnar trip itinerary today is located at the top of a hill. Where one can trek to, and then observe breathtaking views of the surroundings. Due to the altitude, from here, you can get views of the beautiful valleys and mountains of Munnar like from nowhere else. Also, if time permits, from here, you can even visit Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and Kurinjimala Sanctuary (where the rare Neelakurinji Flowers bloom).
After completing these 4 days in Munnar, you can head back. Most probably you will proceed to Cochin from Munnar. And then either proceed to your next destination or back home from here. On our own trip to Kerala, we headed from Munnar to Alleppey via Cochin. And reached Alleppey around 3 in the evening. Although we had a leisurely breakfast and started by around 10am from Munnar.
What if I want to make a Munnar trip plan of 3 days
If you have only 3 days time, I will suggest visiting these places in Munnar and skipping the rest. Just because they are more famous and you should not return back home with a feeling that you didn’t cover some of the most popular spots in Munnar worth visiting. Otherwise, even the other places are equally beautiful. Visit these places on your 3 days trip to Munnar –
- Eravikulam National Park and around
- Matuputty Dam and around
What if I want to make a Munnar trip plan for 2 days
To be very honest with you, 2 days is way less a time to visit Munnar. One day will almost be gone in reaching Munnar from Cochin until you are taking an overnight bus from Cochin to Munnar. And with just one full day at hand, you will have a really tough time selecting which of the above mentioned 3 directions around Munnar should you go. If you must, I will prefer the Eravikulam National Park and around because I liked this route and the sights on this route the best. However, if you are travelling overnight and have two full days to explore Munnar, then just as I mentioned above, choose to visit these two directions around Munnar :
- Eravikulam National Park and around
- Matuputty Dam and around
If you have time at hand, I highly recommend you checkout this one day trip in Munnar, covering nature, culture and local cuisines!!
What are some of the offbeat places to visit in Munnar
Some other places in Munnar, which are offbeat, not so famous, not so crowded include :
Chinnakanal Waterfalls
The Chinnakanal Waterfalls is a beautiful cascading waterfalls located almost 15-16 km before the Munnar town. It was located very near to where we stayed this time – Abad Copper Castle. The waterfalls originated from high up in the Devikulam Hills. And it is actually possible to trek down to the bottom of the waterfalls. Thus, Chinnakanal Waterfalls forms for a good picnic spot where one can enjoy a few hours. And it is often devoid of the crowd of usual tourists that head to other more famous locations in Munnar.
Hydel Park
A small , green and beautiful botanical garden almost 6 km before the main town of Munnar, Hydel Park is an idle spot if you wish to skip the crowd at the main botanical garden of Munnar. Although not very big, it can be a nice spot for kids and family to relax for a while.
Pothamedu View Point
A viewpoint almost 5km before the town of Munnar, right besides the resort “Abad Copper Castle” , Pothamedu Viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the valley. There are a couple of very small tea and snack shops here. And some offbeat trekking trails nearby that you can take to randomly explore the area. Since, this viewpoint was right besides our hotel, we visited here twice during our stay – once in the evening and the next time in the morning. Both the times, the views from here were beautiful and it was not at all crowded.
If you have more time at hand, we highly recommend exploring these places.
Which of the above are places to visit in Munnar for couples
If as a newly wed or a couple you are looking for places which are not so crowded, which are offbeat or less explored then head to these locations in Munnar :
- Chinnakanal Waterfalls
- Pothamedu View Point
- Echo Point
- Boating in the river
Although I must say, when we visited Munnar years back, we enjoyed even some of the crowded spots as a couple. Because no matter what the place, we were able to find our own slice of heaven and enjoy it. Be it taking a picture in a tea estate, or a boat ride on one of the lakes, or the trek up in the mountains in Eravikulam National Park. Also, to be honest, these spots were not so crowded then. So, if you don’t mind, you can once visit all the spots that you want or that time permits you.
Related read : Must visit places in Kerala – God’s own Country
What are some offbeat things to do in Munnar
Stay in a tree house in Munnar
Munnar is one of the few places in India that has several “tree house” accommodations. Staying in a tree house up above the land is an adventure in itself. And something very high on my kids bucket list. Although we couldn’t do it this time, I highly recommend experiencing a tree house stay when in Munnar.
Try camping in Munnar
Did you know that Munnar has several campsites. The camps are adventurous, cost effective and even family friendly. So, if camping has been on your bucket list, Munnar is the right place to try it out.
Go for a random trek in Munnar
One morning while walking near our resort, we took a detour from the main road to a trail leading to the valley, crossing through breathtaking tea estates. There were no vehicles on this route. And hardly any other traveler besides us. This is where we discovered utter peace, except for the beautiful chirping of the birds and the occasional rustling of the leaves. It was as if my senses were amplified and I could pick on the beautiful sounds of nature while on this trail. In front of our eyes stretched beautiful tea estates and the valley beyond. I am sure each and every corner of Munnar is filled with such beauty. And will highly recommend you to explore your own random trekking trail when in Munnar than going the usual route.
Enjoy an early morning walk in Munnar
On our recent trip to Munnar, wherein we stayed at Abad Copper Castle, a little outside the main town of Munnar, we enjoyed several early morning walks around the area. The mornings in Munnar are particularly refreshing. With mist filled sky, cloud hovering low, you can feel the freshness as you breath into the morning air. The early morning beauty that we got to see was a sight to behold. So, if you are a morning person, I highly recommend taking an early morning walk in Munnar, particularly out of the main town area.
Trek to a river bed for a picnic
There are several rivers flowing around Munnar. Like there was one right besides our hotel – Abad Copper Castle. And we enjoyed beautiful views of this river right from the restaurant of our hotel. You can actually ask your accommodation if it is safe to trek down to the river bed. They might even guide you to the spot. You can get a picnic basket packed and enjoy a serene picnic around the river bed. Away from the hustle and bustle of the main sightseeing places in Munnar.
Make a time-lapse video
Every trip is about creating wonderful memories, isn’t it ? Years back when we had visited Munnar, we had visited almost all the places in Munnar which are famous and visited by everyone who lands in Munnar. So, this time around, we decided to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty of Munnar without rushing ourselves. One of our favourite things to do was to sit by the window in the restaurant of our hotel. And make time-lapse videos of the passing by clouds as we enjoyed a hot supper, taking in the views of the river passing by and the beautiful hills behind!! Try one on your next trip to Munnar.
Ask your accommodation to arrange for a nearby expedition like a waterfall visit
Since there was a lot of rush on our recent trip to Munnar at all the tourist places. Our hotel manager informed us of a lesser known offbeat waterfall nearby which we could enjoy without any crowd. I am sure Munnar is full of such beautiful locations. So, instead of rushing for the most famous, most crowded locations and spending lots of your time either standing in queues for entry or in the traffic, I highly recommend going on your own trail to discover a naturally beautiful spot around where you are staying. And heading there instead.
Related read : Things to do in Kumarakom – the backwater retreat of Kerala
What is the best time to visit Munnar
Munnar has a pleasant climate all through the year. So, you can visit this hill station anytime. There might be heavy rainfall in the monsoon months though. And this year, for the first time, there was flooding in the lower areas. So, the route to Munnar was disturbed during the monsoon season of July to September. October to March is the best time to visit Munnar in my opinion. Particularly the month of October because right after monsoon the hills are so green and serene. But, avoid holiday season. This time around, we visited during the Dussehra vacations. And as a result there was so much rush at all the sites. That we had to simply skip many of them.
How to reach Munnar
Cochin is the nearest airport to Munnar. So, most of the tourists fly into Cochin International Airport and then take a cab to Munnar. Although the route from Coimbatore to Munnar is also very scenic. We self drove from Cochin to Munnar. As this is also one of the best routes to reach Munnar. It takes around 4 hours to drive from Cochin to Munnar. The roads are very winding. And one of the most challenging ghat roads that we have drove in South India when compared to other hill stations and ghat roads of South India that we have visited like Bangalore to Ooty tour, Bangalore to Kodaikanal, Bangalore to Yercaud to name a few.
Where to stay in Munnar
Munnar has all kind of accommodations. Being a typical tourist destination, Munnar caters to all types of tourists. While couples can have a luxurious honeymoon experience at resorts like The Vibe Munnar. There are ample resorts and hotels that cater to groups and families with young kids like . And then there are backpacker friendly hostels and dormitories as well as homestay and campsites in Munnar. You can browse the complete list of accommodations in Munnar here from our partner website booking.com
We will highly recommend staying out of the main town of Munnar. Which has grown many folds since our first visit to Munnar years back on our 5 days trip to Kerala. It is a lot more green and serene as you step right outside the main town borders. We ourselves stayed at the Abad Copper Castle Hotel on our recent trip to Munnar. It was a small but beautiful property. With awesome views of the mountains and valleys from it’s rooms as well as a beautiful river flowing right besides the property.
General tips on visiting Munnar
- Carry some light wooden cloths no matter what the season, since Munnar gets cold in the evening all the time. In winters you will need to carry proper jackets and sweaters.
- Munnar is a small town, and if you are staying in a hotel on the outskirts, then keep all basic medicines and other requirements stuffed as you might not get anything around.
- You can get cabs for day trips if you are not driving on your own, but do book in advance in peak seasons.
- Munnar tends to get crowded in holiday seasons and during school holidays. So, avoid these seasons if possible. We met with a lot of crowd when we visited. And had to drop visiting some of the places due to crowd.
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