Places to Visit in Munnar in May: The Ultimate Summer Escape in Kerala

Is the heat and humidity of the burning summer months getting on your nerves? Are they draining your energy? Looking for a relaxing escape? The misty hills, tea estates, forests, and waterfalls make Munnar one of the most loved destinations in South India in summer. There are a lot of places to visit in Munnar in May which are adorned with stunning beauty and calm and breezy weather. This is an ideal place for a honeymoon, leisure holiday, or adventure trip.

Here we present a detailed snippet on Munnar’s top destinations, weather, activities, and travel tips. Take a glance at the places to visit in Munnar in May for a refreshing holiday and start planning right away.

Weather in Munnar in May

• The temperature in Munnar in May ranges from 15°C to 25°C.
• Mornings and evenings are cool and pleasant for outdoor activities. Afternoons are a little hot.
• One can experience pre-monsoon rainfall occasionally. It is advised to carry light woollens and hoodies for evenings.

Top Places to Visit in Munnar in May

Munnar is known for its scenic charm and freshness. Let’s explore the famous places to visit in Munnar in May for a memorable vacation.

Eravikulam National Park

Good news, wildlife enthusiasts! This is one of the best places to visit in Munnar, Kerala, in summer to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. A popular spot for trekkers, this wildlife sanctuary is also home to numerous bird species.

• How to reach: Take a jeep to the entry point of Eravikulam National Park. Then trek up the hills.
• What to do: Spot the  Nilgiri Tahr, enjoy hiking, and take in the beautiful scenery. One can trek up to Anamudi Peak, the highest in South India.
• Ideal for: Adventure freaks and nature enthusiasts.
• Why visit: To experience the spectacular Neelakurinji flower, which blooms once every 12 years.

Mattupetty Dam And Lake

With sparkling water and misty hills all around, Mattupetty Dam and lake are one of the most famous places to visit in Munnar in May. The place is serene and scenic, and a heaven for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

• How to reach: 27 km from Munnar city. Rent a cab to reach the destination.
  
• What to do: Boating, watersports, horse riding, and nature trails. Stop by Echo Point en route to enjoy the view and indulge in echoing fun.
  
• Ideal for: Nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts
  
• Why visit: It’s a promising place to spot bison, deer, elephants, and birds in and around May.

Top Station

Located at an elevation of 1700m, this elevated viewpoint offers jaw-dropping views of the Western Ghats, the Theni Valley, and tea estates. The calm and breezy weather makes it all the more worthwhile.

• How to reach: 32 km from Munnar on the Munnar-Kodaikanal Road.
• What to do: Relish the panoramic view.
• Ideal for: Trekking and nature walks.
  
• Why visit: Best views, trek in the Kurinjimala Sanctuary, and a guided tour of the tea estates.

Tea Museum (KDHP Museum)

Tea lovers, make some noise! This place is a perfect heaven for you all. The Kanan Devan Hills Produce museum is one of the best places to visit in Munnar, Kerala, in May for all kinds of tourists.

• How to reach: The museum is on the Munnar-Udmalpet Road.
  
• What to do: Experience a demonstration of the tea-making process, watch vintage tea machinery in action, and enjoy a docu-feature on the history of tea in India. You can also relish different types of tea and buy the same from their souvenir shop.
  
• Ideal for: Families, couples, and solo travellers.
  
• Why visit: This indoor venue is one of the best choices on rainy days.

Attukad Waterfalls

One of the most spectacular places to visit in Munnar in May is the scenic Ukkadu Waterfalls. This gorgeous cascade lies between Munnar and Pallivasal and is known for its forested hills, small streams, and rare flora and fauna.

• How to reach: Located 9 km from the main town.
  
• What to do: Trekking, bathing, picnicking and photography
  
• Ideal for: Couples and adventure-lovers
  
• Why visit: The waterfall looks full and splendid in May. Enjoy the stunning view.

Kundala Lake

In Munnar, places to visit in one day are pretty fascinating, and Kundala Lake tops the list. Known for breathtaking views and breezy weather, Kundala Lake fascinates peace- and nature-loving people.

• How to reach: Drive for 24 km from Munnar towards Top Station.
  
• What to do: Paddle boating, rowboating, shikara rides, and horse riding.
  
• Ideal for: Honeymoon couples.
  
• Why visit: This place is relatively off the beaten path, so it attracts very few crowds in May.

Pothamedu View Point

Another wonder in the list of places to visit in Munnar in May is Pothamedu View Point. Known for panoramic views of green valleys and plantations, this place lies between Kochi and Munnar.

• How to reach: Located 10 km from Munnar, on the NH-85.
  
• What to do: Enjoy the stunning views of tea, coffee, and spice plantations. Watch the sunrise, and go for a hike.
  
• Ideal for: Trekkers and nature lovers.
  
• Why visit: This place is ideal for relaxing and rejuvenating after a day of sightseeing on a hot summer day.

Marayoor

Marayoor is one of the unique places to visit in Kerala in May for a quick summer escape. Adorned by sandalwood forests, ancient rock paintings, and megalithic dolmens, Marayoor enriches the holiday experience.

• How to reach: Located 40 km from Munnar, on the Munnar-Udamalpet Highway.
  
• What to do: Trek in the sandalwood forests and watch the dolmens and cave paintings.
  
• Ideal for: History buffs, photographers, and offbeat travellers.
  
• Why visit: Amid hills and tea estates, this is a break in the monotony of the scenery.

Offbeat & Hidden Places to Visit in Munnar in May

Meesapulimala – Trekking Above the Clouds

Meesapulimala, the 2nd-highest peak of the Western Ghats, resembles a tiger with a moustache and is a trekker’s paradise. One must get permission from the Kerala Forest Department to trek 8661 feet to reach the top.

How to reach: 33 kms on NH-85.
What to do: Trekking to the peak through diverse landforms of the Rhodo Valley, from shola forests and grasslands to tea estates.
Ideal for: Trekking experts
Why visit: Trekking up to the topmost point is an escape from the unbearable summer heat and humidity of May.

Lakkam Waterfalls—A Forest Gem Near Marayoor

Among the popular waterfalls, Lakkam is an offbeat name in Munnar. Located near Marayoor, this small waterfall is part of the Eravikulam stream and looks very scenic in summer. The place is open for tourists from 8 am to 4 pm and has an entry fee of INR 50 per person.

How to reach: Located on Udumalpet Road, this place is 25 km from Munnar.
What to do: Trekking, nature walks, picnics, swimming, and photography.
Ideal for: Honeymoon couples and peace-seekers
Why visit: The stream’s cool water splashes take away all the discomfort of the weather.

Chokramudi Peak—Munnar’s Secret Short Trek

If trekking and nature walks are on your Munnar itinerary, go for Chokramudi Peak. Known for its moderately difficult trekking trail, people usually opt for ecotourism trekking packages offered by the Kerala Forest Department.

How to reach: 10 km from Munnar, via NH 85.
What to do: Photography, trekking, sunrise views, and spotting Nilgiri Tahr.
Ideal for: Trekkers, peace lovers, and honeymoon couples
Why visit: The pre-monsoon showers make the place look straight out of a canvas.

Things to Do in Munnar in May

• Visit the KDHP Tea museum and factories. Enjoy the demonstration of tea processing.  Relish freshly brewed tea to soothe your mind and body.
• Enjoy short treks or cycling tours in the misty trails. Splash and swim there and feel fresh in the hidden waterfalls.
• Relish local Kerala delicacies. Appam, stew, and banana fritters are a must-try in Munnar.
• Enjoy hearty shopping in the local markets. Pick tea, coffee, spices, aroma oils, and handmade chocolates.

Places to Visit Near Munnar

• Chinnakanal Waterfalls: Popular as the mini Niagara of Kerala, or Power House Waterfall, this looks gorgeous in May.
• Lockhart Gap Viewpoint: Known for jaw-dropping views of mountains and valleys, Lockhart Gap looks like a picture postcard. Drive a jeep through the meandering roads and enjoy the sunrise.
• Kolukkumalai Tea Estate: Renowned as the world’s highest tea plantation, this place is popular for aromatic tours, sunrise, nature walks, and sipping fresh organic tea.
• Devikulam: One of the best places to visit in Munnar, Devikulam is a quaint, picturesque hill village. The lake and stunning scenery around soothe the mind and soul.

Popular Tour Packages For Munnar in May

2 Nights / 3 Days – Munnar Weekend Getaway

• Day 1: Arrival from Cochin to Munnar. Evening at leisure. You can explore the local market.
• Day 2: After breakfast, head out for sightseeing. Visit Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Top Station, and Tea Museum. Book a Kalaripattu or Kathakali show.
• Day 3: Check out after breakfast.
• Inclusion: Accommodation for 2 nights, breakfast at the hotel, transfer, and sightseeing.
• Exclusions: Personal expenses, such as tipping, laundry, shopping, airfare or train tickets, entry fees, and any other costs not mentioned in the inclusion list.
• Average Cost: INR 10,230 per person.

3 Nights / 4 Days – Munnar and Thekkady Nature Escape

• Day 1: Arrival from Cochin to Munnar. Visit Valara and Cheeyappara Falls en route. Evening at leisure. Explore the local market. Dinner at the hotel.
• Day 2: Sightseeing after breakfast. Visit Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Top Station, and Tea Museum. Book a Kalaripattu or Kathakali show.
• Day 3: Check out after breakfast and head to Thekkady. Visit spice farms en route. On arrival, go for a boat safari in Periyar Forest.  Evening at leisure.
• Day 4: Check out after breakfast.
• Inclusion: Accommodation, breakfast at the hotel, transfer, and sightseeing.
• Exclusions: Personal expenses, such as tipping, laundry, shopping, airfare or train tickets, and entry and permit fees.
• Average Cost: INR 13,000 per person.

4 Nights / 5 Days – Munnar, Alleppey & Kochi Honeymoon Package

• Day 1: Arrival from Cochin to Munnar. Visit Valara and Cheeyappara Falls en route. Evening at leisure. Explore the local market, followed by dinner at the hotel.
• Day 2: Sightseeing after breakfast. Visit Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Top Station, and Tea Museum. In the evening, experience a cultural show in Munnar.
• Day 3: Check out after breakfast and head to Alleppey. Visit spice farms en route. On arrival, check into a private houseboat. Spend the day on the houseboat. Enjoy scenic backwater and local food on board.
• Day 4: Deboard the houseboat after breakfast. Check into a hotel in Alleppey. Head out for Marari and Alleppey beaches. Evening at leisure. Enjoy a candlelit dinner by the beach.
• Day 5: Check out after breakfast.
• Inclusion: Hotel accommodation, transfers, breakfast at the hotel, sightseeing. Houseboat package including all meals on board.
• Exclusions: All entry tickets, early check-in and late check-out charges, tipping, laundry, shopping, airfare, or train tickets.
• Average Cost: INR 17,000 per person.

5 Nights / 6 Days – Complete Hill Station & Backwater Tour

• Day 1: Arrival at Cochin and travel to  Munnar. En route, visit Valara and Cheeyappara Falls. After check-in, explore the local market or watch a Kalaripattu cultural show, followed by dinner at the hotel.
• Day 2: Breakfast at the hotel. Head for Munnar sightseeing. Visit Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Top Station, and Tea Museum. In the evening, experience a Kathakali show.
• Day 3: Check out after breakfast and head to Periyar. Visit tea plantations and spice farms along the way. Check into the hotel. Evening at leisure. Explore local markets and indulge in spice shopping.
• Day 4: Head for a forest safari in a boat after breakfast. Check out after the safari. Head to Alleppey. Lunch is on the way. Spend the evening at Alleppey beaches.
• Day 5: Breakfast at the hotel followed by check-in to the houseboat. Explore the backwaters and relish the fresh meals cooked onboard. Spend the night in the houseboat.
• Day 6: Breakfast at the houseboat. Check out and depart for Cochin.
• Inclusion: Hotel accommodation, transfers, breakfast at the hotel, sightseeing. Houseboat package including all meals on board.
• Exclusions: All entry tickets, forest permits, early check-in and late check-out charges, tipping, laundry, shopping, airfare, or train tickets.
• Average Cost: INR 22,000 per person.

Customisable Summer Packages

• There are many holiday packages for Munnar in May. One can choose from luxury, budget, plantation stays, or family-friendly options and customise the holiday plan to specific requirements.
• People can even personalise the tours, adding guided plantation walks, adventure activities, and nature trails at an additional charge.

Events & Local Experiences in May

• May is recommended for travelling to Munnar. It witnesses frequent pre-monsoon showers. Hence, the weather in Munnar in May is comfortable and cools down after the rainfall.
• One can also experience the early blooming of monsoon flowers in May, which always delights nature lovers.
• Though there is no specific temple festival in Munnar in May, one can experience the traditional Thrissur Pooram festival in Thrissur, located 154 km from Munnar.

Where to Stay in Munnar in May?

Take a quick look at the best and most popular places to stay in Munnar in different categories. The tariffs are moderate in May. Moreover, with early summer or off-season discounts, the cost of the Munnar trip is reasonable at this time.

Luxury

Blanket Hotel & Spa

Located near the Attukad Waterfalls on the Aluva-Munnar Road, Blanket Hotel and Spa promises a delightful holiday experience. With Thulasi Ayurveda Spa, Mountain Garden with a waterfall, and guided trekking with in-house naturalists, this luxury stay boosts the holiday experience.

• Average Tariff: INR 13,000 per night

Parakkat Nature Resort

Designed with elegance and grace, Parakkat Nature Resort is another luxury resort in Munnar. Located in Chithirapuram, Pallivasal, this hotel offers a one-of-a-kind stay experience in cave rooms. They arrange a variety of adventure activities, such as rope cycling and rope walking.

• Average Tariff: INR 6325 per night

Mid-range:

Tea County, Munnar

One of the finest KTDC properties, Tea County, offers stunning views of hills and tea gardens. This is located in Ikka Nagar and is very close to the primary local market. The Ayurveda therapies provided here, the health club, the beer parlour, and indoor and outdoor games make it ideal for a family vacation.

• Average Tariff: INR 5500 per night

Tall Trees Resort:

Located on the Bison Valley Road, Tall Trees is an experience in itself. The green gym and jacuzzi make the hotel a popular choice. They also plan for guided nature trails.

• Average Tariff: INR 10,000 per night

Budget-Friendly:

Green Ridge

If you are looking for a pocket-friendly hotel in a convenient location, Green Ridge is the best choice. Do check out their in-house coffee shop and multi-cuisine restaurant.

• Average Tariff: INR 2500 per night

Rainforest Munnar

Snuggled in the KDHP Lechimi Tea Estate, Rainforest Munnar is true to its name. Surrounded by thick fern trees, it makes you feel like you’re staying in a forest. With a water stream on the premises and an adjacent tea and cardamom plantation, this hotel makes a budget holiday truly exciting.

• Average Tariff: INR 2300 per night

Bonus Tips

• Though May is not the peak season, booking of forest safaris, houseboat cruises, and cultural shows is still recommended.
• Munnar is a no-plastic eco zone. While exploring the local markets, carry cloth or jute bags.
• The weather in May in Munnar might get cold in the evening or after the pre-monsoon showers. Carry a light jacket, umbrella, and raincoat.
• For sightseeing, especially to Echo Point and Lockhart Gap, start early to avoid mist blocking the view.
• Travel with local drivers, who are very familiar with the routes.
• Keep cash handy. Some remote areas may have poor network coverage, limiting digital payment options.

Conclusion

If aromatic tea estates, misty hills, spectacular waterfalls and lakes, and buzzing local markets get you high, Munnar in May is your thing. From boating, horseback riding, and ziplining to museum visits, trekking, and plantation walks, the places to visit in Munnar in May offer everything. This month gets pre-monsoon showers, which make the surroundings look fresh and green. Moreover, places are very quiet, making them an ideal choice for honeymoon couples seeking solitude. There are quite a few Munnar holiday packages by TravelTriangle that can be customized as per the requirements. So, if this is what you are looking for in summer, plan a trip to Munnar right away.

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Ritika Agarwal

Unveil the hidden treasures of the globe and turn every travel dream into reality. As a Content Writer, I am passionate enough to craft stories from ancient wonders to modern marvels. My words paint the picture-perfect itinerary for unforgettable experiences. Let my words be your trusted guide to immerse in the diverse culture and discover the beauty of the unknown.