Top 10 Things to do in Munnar

1. Safari to  Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park in Kerala’s Idukki district is a cool spot with lots of different plants like grass, shrubs, and Shola forests. It’s split by Turner’s Valley into two parts – one with grassy plateaus and the other with shrubby cliffs. Back in the day, it was like a playground for hunters and scientists, but now it’s a protected area. You’ll find all sorts of cool animals and plants here, like the Nilgiri Tahr and the Neelakurinji flower that only blooms once in 12 years. It’s a hotspot for nature lovers and tourists, with loads of different creatures to see. Plus, there are over 800 types of flowers, some of which are used for medicine. So if you’re into wildlife and beautiful scenery, this park is the place to be!

Entry Fee and Timings:

Eravikulam National Park is open from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you’re from India, it costs Rs. 100 per person to enter, and for kids, it’s Rs. 95. For folks from other countries, it’s Rs. 500 per person. If you want to bring your video camera, it’s an extra Rs. 350. Also, remember that the park is closed from January 29th to March 31st because it’s calving season for the Nilgiri Tahr.

2. Dreamland Fun and Adventure Park Munnar

When you’re in Munnar, make sure to swing by Dreamland Fun and Adventure Park—it’s a must-visit for solo travelers, couples, and families alike. Nestled at 6000 ft in the South Western Ghats, this park is all about fun rides, friendly vibes, and not breaking the bank. Opened in 2010, it’s become the go-to spot for day-long thrills and spills. From camel rides to water rollers, there’s something for everyone. Plus, they’ve got all sorts of activities divided into adventure, amusement, and off-road sections. You can explore a huge mirror maze, take a ride on a rope car, or brave the horrors of the horror house. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, try mountain climbing or take on the Polaris ATV. Don’t miss out on the special attractions like the suspension bridge and 3D photo studio—it’s a day of non-stop fun you won’t forget!

Entry Fee and Timings:

To get into Dreamland Fun and Adventure Park, the entry fee costs 1000/- for both adults and children. The park is open every day from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. If you’re planning to visit, here are some tips: avoid eating fried food before going on rides, alcohol isn’t allowed in the park, and it’s a good idea to bring hats or sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun.

3. Tata Estate Tea Museum:

The TATA Tea Museum in Munnar celebrates the long history of tea in the area. It was created by Tata Tea in 2005 at the Nallathanni Estate. Inside, you’ll find pictures and machines that tell the story of tea. It’s a way to honor the people who worked hard to make tea plantations thrive. You can learn about the lively past of tea estates and how tea processing has changed over time in Munnar. The museum also lets you taste different types of tea, giving you a chance to enjoy the wonderful smell of freshly brewed tea. Whether you love tea or just want to know more about where it comes from, the TATA Tea Museum offers an interesting and fragrant visit.

Entry Fee and Timings:

If you want to visit the Tata Tea Museum in Munnar, it costs INR 75 for adults and INR 35 for kids aged 6 to 12 years. The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day except Mondays. But remember, it’s closed on public holidays like Good Fridays. Also, if you’re bringing a camera, you’ll need to pay an extra INR 20. So, make sure to plan your trip ahead and prepare to discover the interesting world of tea at the Tata Tea Museum.

4. Elephant Safari at the Carmelagiri Elephant Park:

In a densely forested hill station, it’s rare to find an open area amidst the trees, tea gardens, and spice plantations. However, along the Munnar Top Station Highway in Kerala, there’s a stretch of 100 square kilometers of meadows where elephants frequently gather. This spot, known as the Elephant Arrival Spot, is about 18 kilometers away from the main market area of Munnar but is easily noticeable if you’re heading to the Top Station, the highest point in the Nilgiri Hills. Elephant trails and dung scattered around indicate their presence at different times of the day. Visiting the Elephant Arrival Spot only takes a couple of hours, during which you can enjoy guided elephant rides and take pictures while walking through the meadow. However, be cautious of leeches and consider using antiseptic lotion as a preventive measure.

Entry Fee and Timings:

You can walk around the open area anytime you want, but you can only ride on elephants from 9 AM to 5 PM every day. You don’t have to pay to go into the Elephant Arrival Spot, but you’ll need to give a small amount of money to the mahouts for the elephant rides.

5. Rose Garden:

Rose Garden, just two kilometers from Munnar city center on National Highway 49, sits at 3,500 feet above sea level and offers a delightful experience. Despite its name, the garden is not only about roses; it boasts a variety of flowers, creating a picturesque setting akin to heaven on earth. Spread across two acres, the garden features a diverse range of plants, including cardamom, spices, and crops like vanilla. You’ll also find fruit trees like Litchi and Rambutan, alongside Amla trees. Additionally, the garden offers fresh vegetables, seasonal fruits, honey, coffee, and tea from its own farm. With eco-friendly homestays available, you can fully immerse yourself in Munnar’s beauty, with hiking trails and scenic routes to explore nature’s wonders.

Entry Fee and Timings:

To visit Rose Garden, it costs INR 20 per person, and it’s open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day. It’s suggested to spend 1-2 hours exploring the garden. If you bring a camera, there’s an additional charge of INR 30.

6. Tree house Stay:

Experience an unforgettable stay amidst nature in Munnar’s tree houses, where you can indulge in rejuvenating activities that cater to all interests. From serene bird watching to adventurous spice plantation hikes and leisurely tea garden walks, there’s something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the local culture with cooking sessions and savor the flavors of Munnar with tea tasting sessions. You can easily find accommodation at Munnar tree houses in Booking.com and other sites.

7. Indo Swiss Dairy Farm:

In the small village of Mattupetty, there’s a dairy farm called the Indo-Swiss Farm. People also call this village Madupetty and sometimes call it ‘The Switzerland of Kerala’ because of a project between India and Switzerland that made this farm. This place is also known as the Cattle Village because it got a special cattle development and research center in 1963, thanks to the Government of Switzerland. The aim was to make cattle farming better in Kerala. Now, this program is managed by the Milk Marketing Board and Kerala Livestock Development. There are about 400 high-quality cattle here, and they’re specially bred. Apart from the animal pastures, the fields also have herbal plants and coco leaves.

Entry and timings:

The dairy farm welcomes visitors every day of the week from 9 AM to 11 AM and 2 PM to 3:30 PM. You need to pay a small fee of INR 5 per person to enter.

8. Punarjani Traditional Village:

Punarjani Traditional Village, nestled in Munnar, offers a unique cultural experience for visitors seeking a glimpse into Kerala’s rich traditions. The name “Punarjani” means rebirth, reflecting its mission to revive Kerala’s cultural heritage. Here, guests can witness captivating performances of Kathakali, a mesmerizing dance-drama, and Kalaripayattu, the region’s traditional martial art. The village comes alive at night, inviting art and culture enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the state’s vibrant cultural tapestry. Beyond the performances, guests can observe the intricate preparation process for Kathakali, interact with the talented artists, and indulge in rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa treatments. Punarjani Traditional Village promises an unforgettable journey through Kerala’s artistic legacy.

Entry Fee and Timings:

Punarjani Traditional Village is open every day from 8 AM to about 10 PM. But the shows only happen from 5 PM to 7 PM. The Kathakali dance-drama starts at 5 PM and lasts for one hour. If you come by 4 PM, you can see the artists getting ready for the show. The Kalaripayattu martial arts show starts at 6 PM and also lasts for an hour. Tickets for the shows start at ₹300 per person, depending on the type of seat you choose. Children under five get free tickets. For Ayurvedic massages, prices start at ₹1500.

9. Shopping at Munnar

Munnar is a great place to shop, offering lots of things made locally that you can take home. You can buy spices like ginger and cinnamon, which are really good quality. Don’t forget to try the different kinds of tea, they’re famous here. And if you love chocolate, there are handmade ones with flavors like peach and almond. Coffee is also a big thing, with strong and tasty types available. You can also find oils that smell nice, like eucalyptus oil. There are colorful clothes made with natural dyes, and beautiful handmade paper and cards. Plus, you can get fresh strawberry jam, made right here. Whether you’re exploring the busy markets or the calm plantations, Munnar has lots of special things to take home.

10. Visit the Wild Elephant Village at Anakulam:

Discover the amazing Anakulam and its beautiful waterfalls on the Wild Elephant Tour during the Munnar Valley Trekking adventure. Anakulam is famous for being the home of elephants and has special landscapes with tall mountains and step cultivation lands. Join the Anakulam Safari to explore these wonderful places and see wild elephants living freely in their natural homes. You can also visit different waterfalls and even take a swim if you want. Get ready for an incredible journey that will amaze you with the beauty of nature.

Entry Fee and Timings:

The cost to enter the Anakulam safari is 4700 rupees per person, but it can change depending on how many people are in the group. The safari lasts for about 8 to 9 hours.