Quick answer
Munnar is Kerala’s tea country in Idukki district, about 1,600 m high. The top sights are Eravikulam National Park (home of the Nilgiri tahr), Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake, Top Station, the Tata Tea Museum and Attukal Waterfalls. The best time is September to May. Munnar is about 125 km (4 hours) from Kochi and 160 km from Coimbatore by road.
About Munnar
Munnar sits where three mountain streams meet, surrounded by endless rows of tea bushes planted since the British era. It is the gateway to Anamudi, the highest peak in South India (about 2,695 m), which rises inside Eravikulam National Park.
Top places to visit in Munnar
- Eravikulam National Park (Rajamala) — see the rare Nilgiri tahr up close. The park usually closes for a few weeks around February–March for the calving season.
- Mattupetty Dam — speed boats and pedal boats with tea hills all around.
- Echo Point — a lake shore where your voice echoes back from the hills.
- Kundala Lake — shikara-style boating and cherry trees.
- Top Station — about 32 km away on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border, with views into the Theni valley.
- Tata Tea Museum — the history of tea in the High Ranges and a working factory demo.
- Attukal and Lakkam Waterfalls — best during and after the monsoon.
- Photo Point and tea estates along the Mattupetty road.
Kochi to Munnar taxi fare
One way · ~125 km · driver bata included
Sedan 4+1₹2,350
SUV 6+1₹3,000
MUV 7+1₹3,130
Innova Crysta 7+1₹3,390
Best time to visit Munnar
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | September – February | Cool and clear, best for sightseeing. |
| Summer | March – May | Pleasant days around 20–25 °C, school holiday crowds. |
| Monsoon | June – August | Very heavy rain, landslide risk on some roads, waterfalls at their best. |
The Neelakurinji, which turns the hills blue, blooms once every 12 years; the last bloom was in 2018.
How to reach Munnar
| From | Approx. distance | Approx. time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kochi / Cochin Airport | 110–125 km | 3.5–4 hrs | Kothamangalam – Adimali |
| Coimbatore | 160 km | 4.5–5 hrs | Pollachi – Udumalpet – Chinnar – Marayoor |
| Madurai | 160 km | 4.5–5 hrs | Theni – Bodinayakanur – Bodimettu |
| Thekkady | 90 km | 3 hrs | Kumily – Nedumkandam |
The Coimbatore route passes through the Chinnar and Marayoor forests, where you may see elephants and gaur. Avoid driving it late at night.
3-day Munnar plan
- Day 1: Reach Munnar, stop at Cheeyappara and Valara falls on the Kochi road, evening at the Tea Museum.
- Day 2: Eravikulam National Park early morning, then Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake and Top Station.
- Day 3: Attukal Falls and the spice gardens, then head back or continue to Thekkady.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Munnar from Kochi airport?
About 110 km, roughly 3.5 hours by road.
Can I go from Coimbatore to Munnar by taxi?
Yes, about 160 km via Pollachi, Udumalpet and the Chinnar forest — around 5 hours.
How many days are enough for Munnar?
Two to three days. Add Thekkady for a longer Kerala hill trip.