The pristine hill retreat of Munnar is a traveller’s paradise. With its remarkable natural beauty, unique flora and fauna and a variety of exciting activities on offer, Munnar has all the ingredients to make your vacation an unforgettable one. We have drawn up a pretty comprehensive list of the 7 best, the most interesting things to do in Munnar.

This pristine sanctuary located along the Western Ghats is, perhaps, the most spectacular attraction of Munnar. It is shelter to several exotic species of flora and fauna, including the largest surviving population of the Nilgiri Tahr. At the southern region of the park, rises the Anamudi peak, which is the highest point in South India. Buses run by the park management take visitors on a scenic ride up the hills. From the end point, you can take a short trek to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Return buses take you down the hill again.

The rolling hills of Munnar carpeted by the emerald green tea gardens are an amazing sight indeed. It is wonderfully soothing to take a walk amidst the beautiful tea estates, the air scented with the aroma of tea, and the sight of the misty mountain in the horizon. A visit to the Tata Tea Museum is a must. It gives an idea of the basic functioning of a tea factory, it also houses antiques from the colonial era. Munnar DTPC also organizes a Tea Valley Tour.

Fasten the seatbelts and brace yourselves for the car ride to the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, which is one of the highest tea plantations in the world. Though the ride is particularly difficult and bumpy, it is worth the effort because of the magical views of the Western Ghats that greet you along the route. To watch the sunrise from the Kolukkumalai, as the clouds gently float around you, ranks high on the wish list of things to do in Munnar and is a lifetime experience indeed!

Munnar is heaven for adventure enthusiasts. From rock climbing to paragliding, from ballooning to rappelling, from cycling to trekking, take your pick! Mountaineers relish the challenge of climbing the Anamudi and Meesapulimala, the highest and second highest peaks respectively in Kerala. A lot of these activities are offered by the NAF (National Adventure Foundation) and TFA (Track Finder Adventures). About 9km from Munnar lies the magnificent Attukad waterfalls amidst rolling hills and thick woods. Tucked away in the lap of Nature, it is an ideal place for long treks.

One of the best ways to enjoy the tranquil natural beauty of Munnar is to go for a cycling tour. There are quite a few bike rental outlets to help tourists. One of the most popular routes takes you to the picturesque Madupatty tea estate, located around 14 km from Munnar. Another popular route is to the Top Station, located about 37 km from Munnar. En route you can stop by other attractions like the Kundala Lake, Echo Point etc.

The Mattupetty Dam, located about 10 km from Munnar is a popular picnic spot where tourists can go boating. One can choose among paddle boats or speed boats to Kashmiri-style Shikara. It offers a mesmerizing view of the surrounding mountains and the reservoir is also known to be a popular visiting ground for elephant herds.

En route to the Mattupetti Dam, is the Munnar Carmelagiri Elephant Park. The exciting elephant safari through misty forests along rugged hill paths makes for an unforgettable experience. The key features of this safari are elephant shower and feeding, timber dragging demonstrations and display of elephant commands and communication.

Rejuvenate your tired body with a soothing Ayurvedic treatment and massage at one of the many spas in the town which practice the traditional processes of cleansing and detoxification.

Do you want to discover the secrets of authentic Kerala cuisine while on holiday? Local, home-run cooking classes provide a wonderful opportunity to get a hands-on experience of the traditional recipes, ingredients and cooking methods. Of the various things to do in Munnar, this stands out due to its uniqueness.