The vastness of Western Ghats has something for every nature enthusiast. God’s own country, Kerala comprises the best of Ghats, and Munnar exhibits the best of Kerala. Nature’s vividness can be seen in almost all the shades when you are looking for pretty as well as exciting places to visit in Munnar.
This popular tourist attraction in the south has nature’s bounty for every traveller. A popular destination among discerning travellers, there are magical places to visit near Munnar that induce a mad wanderlust. Your vacation doesn’t end at one destination as there are several places to visit in Munnar that lets you enjoy the best of Kerala.
20 Exciting Places To Visit In Munnar
Also known as the “Kashmir of Kerala”, Munnar is a popular hill station in Kerala. It is best known for its scenic beauty and lush green landscape. Here is a list of some of the most alluring places to see in Munnar that you can add to your itinerary.
1. Kumily
Popularly known as the gateway to Thekkady, Kumily is tucked in the heart of dense forests of the Ghats. Also, the largest gram panchayat near Thekkady, the place based on the outskirts of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal place in the list of lesser traversed places near Munnar.
Mainly popular for tea and spice plantations, Kumily is a strategic location for people trading in tea and spices. It has the main bus stand and plenty of stay options around.
Distance & time taken from Munnar to Kumily: 90 kilometres and 3 hours
Popular tourist attractions in Kumily: Abraham’s Spice Garden, Thekkady Lake, nature walk and trekking activities
Reaching Kumily from other parts of Kerala: Rajapalayam is the nearest railway station located 47 kilometres from Kumily. Cochin International Airport is 103 kilometres from where you can easily take a private vehicle to reach Kumily.
Famous for: The spice and the tea plantation
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2. Peermade
Welcome to the world painted blue-grey-green! Peermade has all the nature’s allure to make the place a tempting prospect for nature lovers. The lush green cover of coffee, tea, pepper, cardamom and rubber plantations along the neat contours of the hills makes for a lovely sight.
At 950 m above sea level, Peermade is a reward to the seeking eyes and yearning hearts looking for ultimate tourist places in and around Munnar. Enjoy the perfect bird’s eye view around.
Distance & time taken from Munnar to Peermade: 100 kilometres and 3.5 hours
Popular tourist attractions in Peermade: Thrissanku Hills, Amritha Medu, activities like trekking, lake sighting, and getting to know about growing tea, coffee, spices, and rubber
Reaching Peermade from other parts of Kerala: Kochi International Airport at a distance of 130 kilometres is the nearest airport to Peermade while Kottayam is the nearest railhead to Peermede at a distance of 51 kilometres.
Famous for: Stunning waterfalls, tea, rubber plants, pepper, coffee, and cardamom plantations
3. Parunthumpara
Located between Peermade and Thekkady, Parunthumpara is a picturesque village in the Idukki district that remains one of the popular tourist places to visit near Munnar Kerala. The name Parunthumpara in the local language translates to ‘Eagle Rock’.
Once you visit this place, the exciting views of the endless stretch of greenery around accompanied by nature’s magnificence would leave you spellbound. Go for a nature walk and embrace nature’s beauty around, mountains in the Ghats await you. It is definitely one of the best places to visit near Munnar.
Distance & time taken from Munnar to Parunthumpara: 107 kilometres and 2 hours
Popular tourists attractions in Parunthumpara, Idukki: Mount Sathram, Parunthumpara Hill View Point
Reaching Parunthumpara from other parts of Kerala: Kottayam at a distance of 114 kilometres is the nearest you can reach Idukki by train while Cochin International Airport is 133 kilometres. Take a cab to cover the rest of the distance in 3 odd hours.
Famous for: Lush greenery and the scenic beauty
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4. Periyar
Into the mountainous terrains of the Western Ghats lies Periyar National Park – the protected wildlife reserve known for its tiger population. The national park spans over 350 sq km and is surrounded by Pandalam Hills and Cardamom Hills.
With a lot of popular attractions and activities lined up for tourists and exceptional nature views around, a trip to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a must for every traveller around Munnar.
Distance & time taken from Munnar to Periyar: 97 kilometres and 3 hours
Popular tourist attractions in Periyar: Mangala Devi Temple, Boat safari in Periyar lake, guided nature walks, border hike, bamboo rafting (INR 1000/3 hours)
Reaching Periyar from other parts of Kerala: Madurai is the nearest airport located 140 kilometres from Periyar while Kottayam is the nearest railhead. Private vehicles from the airport and railway station are easily available to reach the park.
Famous for: For its wildlife and the forests
Park entry fees: INR 25 (for adults), INR 5 (for children and students)
5. Chalakudy
Theme parks, temples, and quaint villages define the fervent charm of Chalakudy, another of the popular places to visit near Munnar. The place located on the banks of the Chalakudy river in Thrissur district has exceptional nature views around to keep you amazed. Gape at the enchanting beauty and architecture of the Holy Land Replica in St. Mary’s Church.
Walk the famous suspension bridge at Thumboormuzhy dam, it opens up the spectacular views around. Chalakudy is a place that would leave you amazed in several ways.
Distance & time taken from Munnar to Chalakudy: 125 kilometres and 3.5 hours
Popular tourist attractions in Chalakudy: Thumboormuzhy Dam, Rosary Village
Reaching Chalakudy from other parts of Kerala: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airstrip to Chalakudy while Chalakudy Railway Station is 34 kilometres from the town. Thrissur to Chalakudy can be easily reached by a private vehicle in 30 to 45 offices.
Famous for: Its temples, theme parks and attractive old fashioned villages
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6. Athirapally
There is Niagra Falls in Canada and then we have its look-alike in India. Athirapally Falls in the Thrissur district is a prominent attraction and one of the must-visit places near Munnar for travellers. Cascading from a height of 80 feet and spanning 330 feet wide, the Athirapally falls is a nature’s marvel overlooking the Sholayar ranges. The dampened environs soaked in the mist along with great biodiversity around would leave you enchanted for sure. Located on the Chalakudy river the waterfalls originate from the Anamudi mountains in the Western Ghats.
Go for the jungle safari at Athirapally spanning over 90 kilometres from Chalakudy to Malakkappara. The tour organized by the tourism department gives a closer look into the great natural diversity of the region.
Distance & time taken from Munnar: 128 km and 3 hours 46 minutes
Popular tourist attractions in Athirapally: Silver Storm and Dream World are the theme park close to Athirapally, Heritage Garden
Reaching Athirapally from other parts of Kerala: Cochin International Airport is around 40 kilometres away from Athirapally while Chalakudy Railway Station is 35 kilometres away.
Famous for: The stunning waterfall and the scenic beauty of the place
7. Guruvayur
Home to the third-largest temple of Lord Krishna in India, Guruvayoor Temple is an ideal spiritual abode where devotees visit in large numbers. Certainly, one of the best places to visit near Munnar, Guruvayoor located in Thrissur district is considered as an equivalent to Tirupati and Sabarimala. During February-March, the annual Guruvayur festival is organized on a large scale and that’s the perfect time to visit the temple.
Distance & time taken from Munnar to Guruvayur: 182 kilometres and 5 hours
Popular tourist attractions in Guruvayur: Chavakkad Beach (5 km), Guruvayur Devaswom elephant sanctuary – one of the largest in the world
Reaching Guruvayur from other parts of Kerala: Kochi international airport is 80 kilometres from Guruvayoor while Guruvayoor Railway Station is the nearest railhead to the temple easily accessible from private vehicles. Also, KSRTC buses operate from major South Indian cities to the temple.
Famous for: It is one of the 108 Divya Desams
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8. Cherai
The 15 km long beach destination towards the Arabian Sea in the Ernakulam district of Kerala is certainly one of the highly recommended places near Munnar to visit. With a wide range of beach activities and exciting nature around there can’t be a more exciting destination to chill out and rejuvenate. Vypeen Island is a popular attraction nearby which acts as a separator between the Kerala backwaters with the Lakshadweep Sea. Go around, there is a lot for you to explore. Munambam Breakwater Point & Beach towards the northern end of the beach offers exceptional views of the meeting of Periyar river and Arabian sea
Distance & time taken from Munnar to Cherai: 131 kilometres and 4 hours
Popular tourist activities in Cherai: Surfing, water scooters, speed boats, snorkelling, and canoe ride
Reaching Cherai from other parts of Kerala: Ernakulam railway station and Cochin International Airport are located 25 kilometres from Cherai beach and can be easily accessed from the beach by a private vehicle.
Famous for: Picturesque view and the beachfront
9. Nelliyampathy
Nelliyampathy covered in greenery and bedecked with floating clouds is one of the perfect tourist places in Munnar . Nature’s myriad of colours would leave you spellbound as you meander through the lush green paddy fields and sprawling tea estates. Even better, the panoramic views at the Palakkad Gap would leave you mesmerized.
Privately managed bio-farms, orange plantation, and awesomeness around act as the perfect spectacle for every nature lover and therefore Nelliyampathy is surely one of their best places to visit near Munnar.
Distance & time taken from Munnar to Nelliyampathy: 183 kilometres and 5 hours
Popular tourist attractions in Nelliyampathy: Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Pothundy Dam, valley view and waterfall view in Seetharkundu
Reaching Nelliyampathy from other parts of Kerala: Palakkad is the nearest railhead at a distance of 56 kilometres while Coimbatore International Airport is the nearest railhead at a distance of 55 kilometres nearest airstrip to Palakkad.
Famous for: Beautiful landscape, picturesque views and tea plantation
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10. Sabarimala
Sabarimala – the popular hill temple of Lord Ayyappa in the heart of Pathanamthitta, is one of the most popular tourist places near Munnar where devotees from all over the country come to seek blessings. Stationed at 914 m above sea level, the temple is located in the vast hills of the Western Ghats.
November – Mid-January is considered the perfect time to visit the temple. Everybody is permitted inside the temple except for women who are 10 to 50 years old.
Distance & time taken from Munnar to Sabarimala: 197 kilometres and 5 hours
Popular tourist attractions in Sabarimala, Pathanamthitta: Pampa Ganapathy Temple, Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple.
Reaching Sabarimala from other parts of Kerala: Chengannur Railway Station is the nearest railhead at 53 kilometres from Sabarimala. Take a private vehicle to reach Pamba which is 5 kilometres from the temple. From there on the temple is a 5 kilometres trek.
Famous for: It is one of the largest pilgrimage sites in the world.
11. Kodaikanal
Famed as the ‘Princess of the Hill Stations, Kodaikanal is as beautiful as it gets. It is also one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in India. Known for its natural beauty and exotic tourist destinations, Kodaikanal is one of the best places to see near Munnar.
Located at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level, Kodaikanal can be visited year-round for the weather is great. A visit to Kodaikanal is incomplete if you don’t visit the beautiful lakes. Make sure you check those out.
Distance & time taken from Munnar to Kodaikanal: 166 kilometres and 5 hours
Popular tourist attractions in Kodaikanal: Kodaikanal Lake, Silver Cascade Falls, activities like trekking, boating, and visiting the famous temples.
Reaching Kodaikanal from other parts of Kerala: Madurai Airport at a distance of 120 km is the nearest airport to Kodaikanal while Kodai Road is the nearest railhead to Kodaikanal at a distance of 95 kilometres.
Famous for: The natural beauty of the place, the waterfalls, lush greenery and panoramic hills
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12. Vagamon
Away from the crowded cities and the bustling city life, Vagamon is where all those seeking peace and tranquillity can head to. 1100 meters above sea level, Vagamon is one of the few offbeat places near Munnar.
The lush greenery and the many tourist attractions such as the Vagamon Pine Forest, Vagamon Lake, and the Marmala Waterfalls are quite a charm. You must visit these scenic places in Vagamon to know what the hype is all about.
Distance & time taken from Munnar to Vagamon: 103 kilometres and 3.5 hours
Popular tourist attractions in Vagamon: Kurisumala Ashram, Thangalpura, activities like paragliding, camping, and trekking.
Reaching Vagamon from other parts of Kerala: Cochin International Airport at a distance of 93 kilometres is the nearest airport to Vagamon while Kottayam Railway Station is the nearest railhead to Vagamon at a distance of 44 kilometres.
Famous for: It is a famous picnic spot with dense vegetation and stunning surroundings.
13. Alleppey
Alleppey is known as the ‘Venice of the East’ and rightly so. Quite famous for its backwaters worldwide, Alleppey is one of the most beautiful tourist places near Munnar. It is also home to some very beautiful beaches giving you another reason to explore the place.
If you want to take a trip just to rejuvenate and refresh and get away from the bustling city life and get away from routine then too Alleppey is a great option as the beautiful city is home to many Ayurvedic spas and wellness centres.
Distance & time taken from Munnar to Alleppey: 163 kilometres and 5 hours
Popular tourist attractions in Alleppey: Alleppey Beach, Kerala Backwaters, activities like canoeing, kayaking, and shopping at the famous markets.
Reaching Alleppey from other parts of Kerala: Cochin International Airport at a distance of 75 kilometres is the nearest airport to Alleppey while Alleppey Railway Station lies within the city.
Famous for: Its houseboats cruises, beaches, lagoons and paddy fields.
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14. Coimbatore
It’s called the ‘Machester Of India’ and for all the right reasons. You would ask why? Here it is. It is because the city has a huge textile industry that is fed by the surrounding cotton fields. The beautiful city is situated on the banks of River Noyyal and the natural beauty of the place is breathtaking.
Known for its many natural attractions, Coimbatore is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu and is growing into being a cosmopolitan day by day. The many restaurants and great places to see makes it one of the best places near Munnar.
Distance & time taken from Munnar to Coimbatore: 158 kilometres and 4.5 hours
Popular tourist attractions in Coimbatore: Siruvani Waterfalls, Marudhmalai Hill Temple, Vydehi Falls, and activities like trekking, trying authentic South Indian cuisine and meditating at Dhyanlinga.
Reaching Coimbatore from other parts of Kerala: Coimbatore Airport is located within Coimbatore while Coimbatore Junction railway station is located within Coimbatore.
Famous for: Textiles, sarees and jewellery
15. Kochi
Kochi is known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’ and we couldn’t agree more. Kochi is located on a majestic estuary and has been attracting tourists for over 600 years. Ancient mosques, Chinese fishing nets, Portuguese era houses and the influence of the British culture are some of the highlights of Kochi.
An Indian village with the nuances of British culture and an added touch of Portuguese culture is what Kochi is. You will have so much in your kitty here that you will never want to come back. Not to forget, South Indian culture affects the place too.
Distance & time taken from Munnar to Kochi: 126 Kms and 3 hours 4 minutes
Popular tourist attractions in Kochi: Indo-Portuguese Museum, Hill Palace, Veegaland, Santa Cruz Basilican, and activities like fishing, playing with elephants, and watching a Kathakali Dance performance.
Reaching Kochi from other parts of Kerala: Cochin International Airport is located within Kochi while Ernakulam Junction railway station is the nearest railway station to Kochi located at a distance of 7 kilometres.
Famous for: It is a major centre for the spice trade
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16. Coonoor
Coonoor is one of the most beautiful and serene hill stations you will come across in India. Coonoor is also the second-largest hill station in the wonderful Nilgiri Hills of Western Ghats. It is situated at an altitude of 1,930 meters and just 19 km from Ooty.
Coonoor is a delightful location with a panoramic view of the Catherine Falls and Nilgiri Hills. Rich in greenery, the manicured hills, colonial culture and amazing sceneries of Coonoor will leave you relaxed and inspired.
Distance & time taken from Munnar to Coonoor: 226 km and 6 hours
Popular tourist attractions in Coonoor: Visit the popular Sim’s park, Ketti Valley, Dolphin’s Nose, Lamb’s Rock and explore shopping while on your trip.
Reaching Coonoor from other parts of Kerala: Coonoor is situated within driving distance of Cochin (Ernakulam), 242 km away which takes approximately 7 hours to travel.
Famous for: Production of Nilgiri Tea also it is the second-largest hill station in the region and its
17. Coorg
Coorg is officially known as Kodagu, an affluent hill station in Karnataka. Located among the imposing mountains in Karnataka, Coorg is the place to be if you are a nature lover. Coorg produces a lot of coffee and also stands as a popular destination due to its culture.
Coorg has breathtakingly exotic scenery, lush greenery, forest-covered hills, spice and coffee plantations that only add to the landscape.
Distance & time taken from Munnar to Coorg: 448 km and 12 hours
Popular tourist attractions in Coorg: Cover the beautiful towns like Kushalnagar, Gonikoppal, Virajpet, Pollibetta, and Somwarpet. Also, experience the beautiful homestays for a top-notch experience.
Reaching Coorg from other parts of Kerala: Coorg shares its borders with the Kannur and Wayanad districts of Kerala. There are 4 or 5 routes to travel from the Coorg region to the neighbouring places in Kerala. The approximate distance between Coorg and Kerala is 100 km.
Famous for: Its variety of coffee
18. Kumarakom
Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a collection of multiple small man-made islands. Kumarakom, like Alleppey, has some beautiful backwater areas as they collectively form the most important tourist destinations of Kerala.
With paddy fields, a thriving fishing culture, delicious local cuisine, luxury resorts, Kumarakom is a top destination. The Kumarakom bird sanctuary, spread across 14 acres, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist’s paradise.
Distance & time taken from Munnar to Kumarakom: 146 km and 5 hours
Popular tourist attractions in Kumarakom: Plenty of amazing destinations including Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake, Vagamon, Kottayam and Kumarakom Craft Museum make for wonderful sightseeing.
Reaching Kumarakom from other parts of Kerala: Cochin International Airport is the closest at 85 km from Kumarakom. Kottayam railway station is the closest railhead. You can also take buses or taxis any time from Kottayam.
Famous for: Home to a wide variety of Flora & Fauna
19. Ooty
Ooty is an ideal destination for couples and honeymooners, alike. Enjoy the panoramic views of this beautiful hill station right from your seat. The Nilgiri Mountain Railways has the steepest track in all of Asia, and it is one of the best train rides you will ever have the chance of experiencing.
Ooty resembles simplicity, so anyone who visits the place can feel at one with the local culture. The journey to Ooty is dotted with magnificent sights of the awe-inspiring Nilgiri hills, tea gardens, and serene waterfalls. You ought to be in Ooty if you are visiting Munnar as this is one of the best destinations.
Distance & time taken from Munnar to Ooty: 242 km and 7 hours
Popular tourist attractions in Ooty: Plenty of lakes including Ooty lake, Emerald Lake and Avalanche lake. Also, visit the Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Thread Garden and more. Do not miss the amazing Nilgiri Mountain railway.
Reaching Ooty from other parts of Kerala: The most preferred way to travel to Ooty is by car or taxi – at approximately 150 km away.
Famous for: Its tea plantation, scenic beauty and the calm environment
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20. Devikulam
Devikulam consists of a legendary lake, with green sceneries, waterfalls and tea plantations. This is a beautiful hill station to visit near Munnar. Located at an altitude 1800 m above sea level, you can visit the mythical Sita Devi Lake, rolling hills, waterfalls, and tea and spice plantations. The
Distance and time taken from Munnar to Devikulam: 9.8 km and 30 mins
Popular tourist attractions in Devikulam: Other than the lush green surroundings and breathtaking views, the Palivasal Waterfalls, Thoovanam falls and the tea plantations are places to visit in Devikulam.
Reaching Devikulam from other parts of Kerala: The nearest railway station is in Kottayam, about 149 km away from the district. The closest airport is in Cochin which is about 150 km away. Taxis and Buses are easily available from Cochin to Devikulam.
Famous for: Picturesque landscape and stunning waterfalls.
How To Reach Munnar
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By Air: The nearest airport from Munnar is Cochin International Airport that lies at a distance of 110 kilometres from the city. You can easily get a cab from here that will take you to your destination.
By Train: The nearest railway station from the city of Munnar is located 100 kilometres away in Aluva. A bus or a private cab from the station can help you reach your destination.
Ideal Travel Duration: You need around 5 days to explore and experience the best in Munnar and places around it.
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Best Time To Visit Munnar
Image Credit: IM3847 for Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit the city of Munnar is considered to be between September and March. It is during this time that the weather is quite pleasant and exploring the various attractions in the city becomes a memorable experience. So, when planning your visit to Munnar this year, consider the time period between September and March.
Concealed in nature’s vastness, these exciting and enchanting places to visit near Munnar cut the real picture of the famed beauty of Kerala. So, when are you booking your trip to Kerala? Visit this country that belongs to God and do share your feelings with TravelTriangle.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit Near Munnar
What are the top attractions to visit in Munnar?
Some of the top attractions that you can visit in Munnar include: 1. Attukal Waterfalls 2. Eravikulam National Park 3. Pothamedu View Point 4. Photo Point 5. TATA Tea Museum 6. Top Station 7. Kundala Lake 8. Mattupetty Dam
What are the famous places to visit near Munnar?
Some of the most famous places to visit near Munnar are Alleppey, Kozhikode, Coimbatore, Athirapally Waterfalls, and Kochi.
Can I visit Munnar during the Covid situation?
Yes, you can plan a vacation to Munnar during the current Covid situation. However, make sure to follow all the Covid protocols. Stay masked at all times when in a crowd or going out, sanitize your hands at certain intervals, and maintain the required social distance.
What are the most popular things to do in Munnar with children?
Some of the best experiences that you can enjoy with children are 1. Enjoy a visit to the tea garden 2. Witness intriguing wildlife at Eravikulam National Park 3. Spend a day at Punarjani Traditional Village 4. Have fun at Attukal Waterfalls 5. Enjoy boating in Kundala Dam Lake
What is Munnar famous for?
Munnar is famous for not just one but many reasons and some of those are that the place has great weather year-round and its lush greenery. Munnar is also known for tea plantations and for being home to some of the endangered species.
What is the best time to visit Munnar?
The best time to visit Munnar is from September to March when the weather is great and you would be able to explore the place comfortably.
Is Ooty better than Kodaikanal?
Ooty and Kodaikanal are two very different destinations. Ooty is known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’ and is famous for its lush greenery and Eucalyptus and Camphor plantations whereas Kodaikanal is known as the ‘Princess of the Hills’ and is a more budget-friendly destination with a lesser crowd.
Is Kochi better than Vagamon?
Both Kochi and Vagamon are two very beautiful destinations and picking one over the other would be unfair. Kochi must be visited for exploring the finest natural harbours whereas Vagamon must be visited for its natural beauty.
What is the best time to visit Alleppey?
The best time to visit Alleppey is from October to February when the weather is pleasant and temperatures moderate making it a comfortable time to explore the city.
What are the best things to shop for in Alleppey?
Some of the best things to buy in Alleppey are artefacts, Khadi clothing, handicrafts, spices, and Coir products.
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A perpetual nature seeker, Amit is on a mission to explore the best of planet Earth. Much famed as the Whistling Hound, Amit’s is currently based out of Wroclaw in Poland, and is experiencing the best of his life in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.
