Munnar is a picturesque hill station in the Western Ghats of Kerala and is renowned for its sprawling tea plantations, misty valleys, and breathtaking natural beauty. While many people flock to the popular tourist spots, several offbeat places in Munnar offer a unique and authentic experience. These hidden gems, often overlooked by the masses, provide a look into the region’s rich cultural heritage, untamed wilderness, and local way of life. So, take a trip to the beaten path and immerse yourself in the region’s true essence.
Top 6 Offbeat Places In Munnar
Munnar isn’t just about tea plantations and scenic vistas. When you take a deeper look into the place, you will uncover a treasure trove of offbeat gems waiting to be explored. Below are 7 most offbeat places in Munnar:
1. Atukkad Waterfalls
The Atukkad Waterfalls in Kerala is one of the most popular offbeat places in Munnar that nature enthusiasts find enchanting. With its stunning vista of milky white water tumbling down the verdant mountains, this waterfall is the ideal combination of rocks and lush vegetation. Only a wooden bridge allows access to the waterfall, which is flanked by rolling hills and deep woods.
It’s the perfect place for trekking, with several trails that any hiker who enjoys the sport should not miss. After the rains, the area transforms into a visually stunning scenery that is a sensory delight. You can take a dip in the pool at the waterfall’s base. The cool, crystal-clear water is perfect for a refreshing swim after your hike or walk.
Location: 3335+9GH, Attukad Waterfall Rd, Pallivasal, Kerala 685565
Travel Time: 24 minutes
Travel Distance: 9.0 Km
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Must Read: Parks in Munnar
2. Tata Tea Museum (KDHP Museum)
Image Credit: Ingo Mehling for Wikimedia Commons
The KDHP Tea Museum is popularly called the Tata Tea Museum. Housed in the Tata Tea Orchid Estate villa, the museum honours the centennial of the Tata Group in India. The museum, which occupies 1.5 acres, offers visitors an enlightening look into the past and present of the Tata Group and its companies in India.
The museum has a tiny tea factory where experts walk guests through the nuances of tea processing, tasting, and cultivation. The tour is eye-opening, providing a look into the development of Munnar’s well-known tea estates. The displays also highlight the craftsmanship of the vintage equipment that was employed. You can also explore vintage typewriters, magneto phones, hand tea rollers, and manual calculators.
Location: KDHP House, NH 49, Nullatanni, Munnar, Kerala 685612
Travel Time: 5 minutes
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km
Best Time to Visit: November to March
3. Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty Dam, one of the offbeat places in Munnar, is a concrete gravity dam situated not far from Munnar. Built between 1949 and 1953, it accomplishes two vital functions: producing hydroelectric power and conserving water. The dam creates the magnificent 323.75-hectare Mattupetty Lake. This perpetual lake rises to its fullest during the monsoon season and never dries out, even in the sweltering summer months.
The dam can withstand an incredible 55.4 million cubic meters of water due to its immense strength. On the lake, you can engage in water sports, including horseback riding and boat rides. It’s a sanctuary for wild animals and birds because of the nearby hills and lots of water. You can capture stunning photographs of the dam, the lake, and the surrounding tea gardens.
Location: Munnar – Top Station Hwy, Mattupetty, Kerala 685616
Travel Time: 25 minutes
Travel Distance: 11.1 Km
Best Time to Visit: August and May
Suggested Read: Munnar In Summer
4. Pothamedu Viewpoint
Pothamedu viewpoint provides a soul-rejuvenating panorama. As you ascend, a patchwork of tea plantations, evergreen meadows, and winding roads appears before your eyes. The chilly air is filled with the aromatic whispers of pepper, cardamom, and coffee crops. On clear days, the imposing Idukki Arch Dam and the far-off Muthirapuzha River are visible.
Adventurers who hike to the lookout are rewarded with lush plantation vistas and rolling hillsides. The hills are covered in tea, coffee, and spice crops, making them ideal for leisurely treks in the mountains. You can capture the breathtaking views like the golden sunrise of Munnar from this viewpoint, making it the most offbeat place in Munnar.
Location: 3357+VJG, Kerala 685565
Travel Time: 13 minutes
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km
Best Time to Visit: August to May
5. Chokramudi Peak
At roughly 144 meters above sea level, Chokramudi Peak is another most offbeat places in Munnar. It is one of the tallest peaks in the region and draws both hikers and nature lovers with its amazing panoramic views. Part of the Western Ghats, this remote summit offers visitors an experience they won’t soon forget.
Chokramudi Peak, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offers breathtaking views of the Idukki Dam, deep woods, lush green tea plantations, and towering mountains from its summit. It’s a sight to behold, with its rich flora and animals and fresh air. Chokramudi is home to various bird species. Bring your binoculars and observe the colourful birds in their natural habitat.
Location: Bison Valley, Kerala 685565
Travel Time: 44 minutes
Travel Distance: 23.1 km
Best Time to Visit: December to February
Suggested Read: Munnar In Monsoon
6. Lockhart Gap
Lockhart Gap is among the popular offbeat places in Munnar for nature lovers and photographers. It offers stunning views of the rolling hills, lush green tea plantations, and mist-clad mountains of the Western Ghats. The gap itself is a narrow opening between two mountains, and the viewpoint provides a panoramic perspective of the surrounding landscape.
Lockhart Gap is also known for its trekking paths, which wind through dense forests and offer glimpses of diverse flora and fauna. You can choosr the trails from easy to moderate in difficulty, making them suitable for trekkers of all experience levels.
Location: Lockhart, Gap Road, Munnar, Kerala 685613
Travel Time: 24 minutes
Travel Distance: 13.2 Km
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Further Read: 20 Budget Hotels in Munnar
Munnar, with its lush green hills, winding roads, and serene ambience, offers many offbeat experiences beyond the typical tourist trail. These offbeat places in Munnar promise an adventure for every type of traveller. Whether you’re seeking solitude, cultural immersion, or adrenaline-pumping activities, Munnar has something special in store for you. So, why wait? Pack your bags and book your tickets to an unforgettable trip to Munnar.
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Cover Image Source: Shutterstock
Frequently Asked Questions About Offbeat Places In Munnar
What is the budget for the Munnar trip?
The cost of a Munnar trip can fluctuate based on the tour package you select. Typically, a three-day journey to Munnar costs around ₹7,343.16 per person, which includes sightseeing, accommodation, meals, and local transport.
What is the special attraction in Munnar?
Munnar is home to several attractions that draw tourists from far and wide. These include the Echo Point, known for its natural echo phenomenon, the cascading Atukkad Waterfalls, the sprawling Munnar Tea Plantations, and the Tata Tea Museum (KDHP Museum).
Is 2 days enough for Munnar?
Yes, 2 days can be enough for a trip to Munnar if you plan your itinerary well. During this time, you can explore numerous attractions such as Lakkom Waterfalls, Eravikulam National Park, Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Sengulam Dam, Attukad Waterfalls, Pothamedu Viewpoint, The Blossom Hydel Park, and Lockhart Gap.
On which hills Munnar is located?
Munnar is located in the mountainous expanse of the Western Ghats. It is a picturesque town at the meeting point of 3 mountain streams: Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala.
What is the unique name of Munnar?
Munnar, also known as the “Kashmir of South India”. It is famous for its breathtaking beauty and temperate climate. The town is enveloped in lush greenery, with misty hills and expansive tea plantations adding charm.
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