Unsullied…untouched…unfoldingThings to do in Munnar
Kerala, God’s own country is known for its pristine backwaters, forts palaces and mystic forests housing a wide diversity of flora and fauna. Home to the ancient sacred science of Ayurveda, Kerala has a lot to offer for its travel pilgrims. But just like a pool of jewels, Kerala holds its most precious stone close to its heart – Munnar.
How to reach Munnar :
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Aluva
Nearest Bus Stand: Munnar Bus Stand/ KSRTC Bus Stand
However, the best way to reach Munnar..and by best we mean the most fun way would be by road. The destination is half as beautiful as the journey itself. Just make sure you have a sturdy roof rack attached on your car to carry all your stuff and make the journey more comfortable.
Best time to visit Munnar: June to September
Although many tourists avoid these months to steer clear of the rains, monsoons bring out the best in Munnar. If you are planning for a quiet getaway anywhere between June to September would be a great time to visit Munnar.
Seductive, winsome and bewitching, the lofty belittling hills of Munnar attract legions of tourists every year. Wedged carefully in the heart of Kannan Devan Hills, Munnar is located in the Idukki district of Kerala and stands tall at a height of 1600 meters above sea level. Lovingly called the Kashmir of South India, this beautiful hill station has become the most favoured off-beat holiday destination for families and couples alike. If you are someone in need of some serious soul cleansing, Munnar needs to be in your bucket list.
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Here are 10 reasons why Munnar should be on every traveller’s bucket list :
Things to do in Munnar
1. It is impossible for anyone to miss the Attukal Waterfalls
Munnar is known for its unsettling waterfalls. Thousands of tourists visit these marvels of nature every day to unwind. Attukal is one such marvel of nature. Rolling amidst a thick uncharted forest and hills, these are in every sense majestic. Its strategic location between Munnar and Pallivasal makes the road trip even more scenic. A small yet cozy tea shop near the falls offers you a good beverage, refreshments and a great view of the Attukad Waterfall.
2. Experience the Swiss countryside at the Indo Swiss Dairy Farm in Mattupetty
Go a little further ahead of the Mattupetty Dam and Little Switzerland awaits you. The livestock project at Indo Swiss dairy farm is more than just a great initiative by Kerala Livestock Development and Milk Marketing Board.
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The project, the result of a bilateral agreement between India and the Swiss government, was started in the year 1963. Don’t be fooled by its name. The place itself reminds one of the lush green English countryside. If you want to lay low for a while be a Huckleberry Finn, this farm is the place to go.
3. Lock Hart Gap: Every hiker’s fancy
Do you crave to trek through uncharted forests?
If you love bushcraft and camping, Lock Hart Gap would definitely catch your fancy. This hiker’s paradise is located close to Mattupetty and is a perfect blend of adventure and nature. Adrenaline junkies can find many sports suiting to their needs.
4. Experience old English gothic charm at C.S.I Christ Church (Life of Pi Church)
Hundreds of starstruck fans visit places just to recapture the essence of their favorite superstar moment. Munnar houses an array of old era churches that urge any passer-by tourist to stop for a minute and pay their respects.
The C.S.I Christ Church or popularly known as Life of Pi church got its name from the 2012 hit Life of Pi. Shot in Munnar, the story takes the protagonist Pi to a beautiful church in search of peace and wisdom. The beautiful gothic architecture perfectly complements the serenity of the neighborhood.
5. More thrill and Romance: Spend a night at a typical tree house
You wake up one cloudy morning, put on your jammies, slip your cold feet into a pair of super comfy slippers and make yourself a cup of tea. You manage to get out of your bed, finally and walk towards the big glass door. The door slides back and a very earthy aroma hits you instantly. Before you lies a picturesque valley engulfed in greenery.
Like this idea? Erumadam is what you are looking for. These tree houses are a perfect getaway from the humdrum of city life.
6. A romantic Shikara Ride at Kundala Lake
The Kundala lake home to Asia’s first arch dam is unquestionably coming next in the list of Best Things to do in Munnar. Landlocked by picture-perfect hills and silent valleys, they bring in the serenity of Munnar. The lake offers a horde of options such as row boating, pedal boating as well as shikara rides.
7. Go Mowgli or go home: An elephant ride at Carmelagiri Elephant Safari
Another major tourist attraction in Munnar is its elephant safari at the Carmelagiri Elephant Park. Just ask your driver to pull the car along the more dense regions of Mattupetty Road and grab a mahout to enjoy the ride of your life. The park fascinates adults and kids alike with its short 15 minutes elephant rides through the unexplored forests Munnar.
8. Rejuvenate…Relax…Rest: Ayurveda at its best
Feeling splurgy? Or just need some detox?
Kerala is a paradise for those in love with Ayurveda. It is scattered with healing centers and detox spas with a myriad of services suiting to your pocket as well as taste. And Munnar is no exception to this. Rejuvenating body detoxes, spas, the Balinese massage, an authentic Shirodhara or simply the classic – deep tissue massage. Take a pick for a truly satisfying unwind session.
9. If it ain’t authentic, it ain’t Malabar: Kerala Cuisine
Being in Munnar and missing the authentic Kerala cuisine is a sin.
Some of the most favored local eateries that serve authenticity with taste are Bamboo Hut, Mayabazar, and Mezbaan Hotel. It is impossible to miss out on the Malabar Cuisine and we suggest you try out the Saravana Bhavan. Stop by a Cafe to enjoy the delicious pasta. If you have a curious bug in you and off-beat is your favorite word, every street, gully, and corner has something to surprise your taste buds.
10. And tons…and tons…and tons of street shopping!
Munnar is a paradise for shopaholics, a rather unconventional way. Ones looking for Gucci, Fendi, Prada would be disappointed but if you are into gourmet stuff?…the place can turn into your favorite Meena Bazaar. There isn’t a variant of tea or coffee Munnar’s market miss out on. Spices, herbs and essential oils.
Bandidos Pitstop is heaven for bikers, providing all sorts of motorcycle accessories. Not to mention the local shops displaying beautiful Kerala Kasavus, Perfection meets simplicity.
If you travel in a car, then roof racks in Melbourne is a must thing to have for your luggage safety.
With something or else to offer Munnar officially meets every requirement of a travel addict. This marvel of a place is a fusion of peace, healing, and adventure. Hidden in the belly of the beast, this little wonderland is a true reflection of human soul serene, simple and Devine.
When Munnar beacons all you have to do is Cerca Trova – Seek and Ye shall find.