Destination · Kerala
Munnar: Tea Hills of the Western Ghats
Rolling tea estates, cool air and winding mountain roads at around 1,500 metres, a few hours above Kochi. The quiet first stop of most Kerala journeys, and worth two or three nights.
Setting
Tea country at approx. 1,500 m
Recommended stay
2–3 nights
From Kochi
Approximately 4–5 hours by hill road
Onward
Thekkady approx. 3.5–4 hours
Overview
Cool air and a slower clock
Munnar was laid out as a tea-planting station in the 19th century, and the estates still cover every hillside: neat green terraces, factory chimneys, small estate towns and roads that climb and twist through the plantations. After the heat of the coast the air is cool and the evenings can be cold, and the appeal is the landscape rather than any list of sights.
The right pace here is slow. A drive through the estates, a tea-factory visit, a walk, a viewpoint for the morning light, then time at the hotel or an estate bungalow. Two nights give one full day in the hills; three allow a second, gentler day or a visit to the Eravikulam National Park, subject to its opening calendar.
Why visit
Why visit Munnar
The landscape
Some of the most beautiful plantation country in India, at its best in the early morning before the mist lifts.
A change of air
Cool highland weather after the coast, which is why international visitors and families alike rest here.
The natural first stop
The road from Kochi leads here, and Thekkady and the backwaters follow naturally below.
Key experiences
The Munnar essentials
Enough for two relaxed days; we do not try to fit in every viewpoint.
Also worth considering
- A short guided walk through estate country or a spice garden
- Chinnar wildlife sanctuary on the Tamil Nadu border, for a long day with nature walks subject to availability and forest rules
- The Marayoor sandalwood forests and dolmens on the same road
- An estate bungalow stay rather than a town hotel, booked well ahead
Planning your visit
Planning your visit
When to go
The hills are pleasant for most of the year and cold at night from December to February. The monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain, mist and occasional road disruption; the hills are green and quiet then, but outings are weather-dependent. Eravikulam National Park typically closes during the Nilgiri tahr calving season; exact closure dates are announced by the Kerala Forest Department.
How long to stay
Two nights give one full day for the estates and a viewpoint. Three nights suit families and seniors, and leave room for Eravikulam or a slow day at the hotel.
The road up
The drive from Kochi takes 4 to 5 hours on a winding road; we stop for lunch and at viewpoints, and keep the first afternoon free. Travellers who suffer from motion sickness should sit in front and tell the driver.
How Munnar fits into a journey
Munnar is the first stop on Kerala Classic after Kochi, and the hill stop on Coffee, Hills and Backwaters. From here the road continues to Thekkady (3.5–4 hours) and then down to the backwaters. It is also the two-night hill stop on the short private trips Munnar, Thekkady & Kerala Backwaters and Madurai, Thekkady, Munnar & Kochi.
Private vehicle options
The hill roads suit a sedan, an Innova Crysta or similar, or a Tempo Traveller for groups; larger coaches are not practical on some estate roads. Your chauffeur knows the viewpoints and where to stop for the light.
For transport only, see car with driver.
Relevant journeys
Journeys through Munnar
The tea hills feature in each of these journeys:
Senior and family considerations
Munnar is easy at the pace we plan it; the roads are the only real consideration.
- Take the drive up slowly with stops; the last hour is the most winding
- Viewpoints are reached by car, with short walks; Eravikulam involves a park bus and a gentle walk
- Nights are cool, so pack a layer for everyone
- Three nights keep each outing short and leave a rest day
Tell us about motion sickness or mobility needs and we will plan the hill days accordingly.
Questions
Munnar: your questions
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