Best Time to Visit Alleppey: A Seasonal Guide
Discover Best Seasons Alleppey, or Alappuzha, is a destination where every corner springs a delightful
If you’re in Alleppey and have completed exploring the town and the backwaters, and looking for a dramatic change in landscape, Munnar is the perfect getaway. A few hours’ drive from Alleppey, Munnar welcomes you with its lush green tea plantations, mist-covered hills, and cool mountain air—a stark contrast to the tropical charm of Kerala’s coastline. The journey itself is an experience, taking you through winding roads, dense forests, and charming villages.
Munnar, known as the “Kashmir of South India,” is a paradise for nature lovers with lush green tea gardens, misty hills, and breathtaking waterfalls. Here’s a list of the top attractions and travel tips for sightseeing in Munnar.
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate: Perched at an altitude of 7,900 feet, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is the highest tea plantation in India, offering panoramic views of misty mountains and the undulating lush green valleys below. Located about 35 km from Munnar, this historic tea estate has a factory dating back to the 1930s. The estate is renowned for its traditional tea-making process, using age-old methods that give it a distinct flavor and aroma. Visitors are taken on a guided tour of the entire process from picking of the tender tea leaves to final packaging. The only way up to the estate is via a jeep safari through rugged mountain trails, making the journey an adventure in itself. If you’re a tea lover, photographer, or nature enthusiast, you should not miss a visit to Kolukkumalai.
Tata Tea Museum: The Tata Tea Museum, also known as the Kannan Devan Hills Plantation (KDHP) Museum was established by Tata Tea in 2005 at Nallathanni Estate. The museum chronicles the journey of tea production in Munnar right from the time of the British planters to its evolution to the modern thriving industry that it is today.
Visitors will find antique tea-processing equipment such as tea rollers, dryers, and grinders, historical photographs of early planters, workers, and plantation life, which showcase the rich legacy of Munnar’s tea industry. A highlight of the visit is the live demonstration of tea processing, where you can witness the various stages of tea production from plucking of fresh tea leaves to production of the final brew. The museum also features a tea-tasting session, allowing guests to savor black, green, and aromatic teas.
Lockhart Tea Estate: Lockhart Tea Estate, one of Munnar’s oldest and most scenic tea plantations, located 9 km away from Munnar on Thekkady Road, offers visitors a chance to experience heritage tea production amidst breathtaking landscapes. It has a museum located within a historic building that was constructed in 1936. The estate is loved for its vast rolling tea gardens, colonial-era factory, and panoramic valley views.
The estate dates back to 1879 being established by Baron John Von Rosenberg and his son, Baron George Otto Von Rosenberg, who initially experimented with cinchona and coffee before switching to tea cultivation because they found the weather conditions ideal for growing tea. The museum features photographs, antique machinery, and exhibits that illustrate the evolution of tea processing techniques apart from offering breathtaking views of the entire valley of Lockhart. Visitors can also witness firsthand, the various stages of tea processing at the adjacent Lockhart Tea Factory which produces around 20 million kilograms of tea in one year.
Tip: Visit early in the morning for the best experience and photography.
CSI Church: A historical landmark that stands testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the region, the CSI Church showcases Gothic-style architecture with impressive granite stone construction and beautiful stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes. It was built by the British in 1910. Today, it is an active place of worship and a popular tourist spot. It remains open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and does not charge an entry fee. It is open to all irrespective of their religious faith. For those interested, the CSI Camp Centre in Munnar offers homestay accommodations within the church campus.
Tip: Visit in the morning or early evening to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere without the crowd.
Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park, also known as Rajamalai National Park, is located about 8 km from Munnar. It is a reserve forest and wildlife sanctuary known for its rolling grasslands, mist-covered hills, and rich biodiversity. The Anamadu Peak, the highest mountain in South India, stands tall over the park at a height of 2695 meters.
Spread across 97 square kilometers, the park is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat found only in the Western Ghats. Other animals sighted here are sambar deer, lion-tailed macaques, Indian muntjacs, and gaurs. Visitors can also spot a variety of birds such as the Kerala laughing thrush, black-and-orange flycatchers, Nilgiri flycatchers, Nilgiri pipits, white-bellied shortwings, and Nilgiri wood pigeons. Butterfly lovers will love to watch the endemic Palni bushbrown, the red disk bushbrown and the Nilgiri clouded yellow flitting around amid a hundred other species.
One of the major attractions of Eravikulam is the Rajamalai Zone, the only area open to tourists, but closed during the calving season that begins in February and continues through March. The zone offers stunning panoramic views and excellent trekking opportunities. The park is also famous for the Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once every 12 years, covering the hills in a mesmerizing carpet of blue, pink, and lilac. The flowers last bloomed in 2018 and are expected to bloom again in 2030. With its diverse flora and fauna, scenic landscapes, and cool mountain air, Eravikulam National Park is a visual extravaganza waiting to be explored.
Entry Fees: INR 125/head for Indian adults and INR 95/head for children, and INR 420/head for foreigners.
Camera Pass: INR 45/head for an ordinary camera, and INR 335/head for a video camera.
Tip: Book entry tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.
Top Station & Echo Point
Top Station got its name from the fact that it was the highest railway station located in the Kundala Valley. Located around 32 km away from Munnar, on the Munnar-Kodaikkanal road, at 1700m it is indeed, Munnar’s highest point. Adjacent to the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, Top Point offers panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the valleys of the Theni district of Tamil Nadu.
Echo Point
Echo Point is a unique spot where your voice echoes through the mountains! It girdles the banks of a serene lake allowing you to walk around the gentle slopes or explore the surrounding tea plantations and spice gardens. Take a boat ride or simply sit by the lake, which also serves as a great spot for a picnic.
Best Time To Visit – April To May
Tip: Visit during sunrise or sunset for breathtaking views.
Mattupetty Dam & Lake
A serene lake surrounded by tea plantations, lush hills, and forests, Mattupetty Lake is the reservoir created by the Mattupetty Dam’s waters, a concrete gravity dam built in the 1940s to conserve water for electric power generation and irrigation. Boating options include speed boats, pedal boats, and rowboats.
Nearby the Mattupetty Dairy Farm, run by Indo-Swiss Livestock Project is open to public visit on all days of the week from 9 AM to 11 AM and 2 PM to 3:30 PM. The entry fee is INR 5 per head.
Tip: Try speed boating for an adrenaline rush!
Attukal & Lakkam Waterfalls
Attukal Waterfalls – Located somewhere between Pallivasal and Munnar, the Attukal Waterfall is a hidden gem amidst forests, perfect for nature lovers and trekkers. The roll of the cascading waters on the smooth rocks creates a white froth. The falls end in a pool of cool water. The surrounding vegetation turns lush green in monsoon. Hiking trails abound in and around, and the landscape is also perfect for picnics and camping. Guided tours can cost up to INR 100 per head.
Lakkam Waterfalls – Easy to access, the Lakkam, or Lakkom Falls originates from the Eravikulam Plateau and cascade down from 7,300 feet above sea level covering a total height of 50 feet and ends in a natural pool that is suitable for a refreshing dip, and has tiny fish swimming in its cool waters. Some of these cascades remain inaccessible to trekkers. The falls are surrounded by a dense collection of Vaga trees and trekkers must hike boulders to reach the falls. The Eravikulam National Park organizes a guided trek to the waterfalls for INR 100 per person.
Timings: The falls remain open to tourists every day from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Entry Fee: The entry fee is INR 20 per person for both Indian and non-Indian citizens. There is no extra charge for camera or video equipment.
Tip: –
Kundala Lake & Dam
About 20 km from Munnar, Kundala dam, and lake is a picture-worthy green paradise surrounded by lush forests, and an ideal picnic spot. The dam is built on River Periyar which flows serenely through the Western Ghats mountain range. Entry to Kundala dam is free. Twice a year, Cherry Blossom trees bloom here lending the place an alluring beauty. Take a 30-minute boat ride or mount a horse, which will take you around the dam and lake.
Timings: Kundala Lake timings are from 9 AM to 5 PM but boating ends by 4.30 PM.
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Boating Fees:
Tip:
Pothamedu & Lockhart Viewpoints
Pothamedu Viewpoint – Pothamedu Viewpoint is a stunning sunset spot overlooking evergreen valleys and tea plantations. For early risers, a mesmerizing sunrise can be your reward for trekking up to this viewpoint through the surrounding hills that are a spread of coffee, cardamom, pepper, and tea plantations. On a sunny, cloudless day, Muthirapuzha River and Idukki Arch Dam are visible at a distance. An ideal, picnic and photography spot with no entry charges, trekkers love Pothamedu Viewpoint for the vantage it offers for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Lockhart Gap Viewpoint – Lockhart Gap Viewpoint, located 12 km away from Munnar is the perfect place to observe a gap between two mountains that looks similar to the shape of a heart. But that’s not all you see here. The viewpoint also offers expansive views of the misty valley down below with an incredible view of the winding roads of Munnar. The sunrise and sunset here are gorgeous. There is a cave nearby which is called Malayil Kallan Guha, which tourists usually visit. The place holds special appeal for photographers.
Tip:
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is home to 144 species of animals. The main attraction of this sanctuary is the Grizzled Giant Squirrel, which is native to this region. Another prime attraction is the Gaur, also known as the Manjampatti White Bison. Other animals found here are Panthers, Indian Elephants, Common Langur, Bonnet Macaque, and Garra Mullya Minnows. Little Cormorants, the Rusty-Spotted Cat, Sambar, Nilgiri Tahr, Bonnet Macaques, Kraits, Spectacled Cobras, Darters, Leopards, Tigers, Star Tortoise, Crocodile, Tufted Grey Langur, Wild Elephant, Slender Loris, and Spotted Deer have also made this sanctuary their home.
The sanctuary is a paradise for bird lovers with opportunities to spot birds such as the Black Eagle, Yellow-throated Bulbuls, Grey Heron, Serpent Eagle, Little Egret, and many others. The sanctuary also serves as a habitat for 156 species of butterflies, 42 species of fish, and several other reptiles along with some interesting insects. A part of the forest is dotted with Sandalwood trees and other medicinal plants.
Visitors can trek to the best viewpoints or drive to the Thoovanam Waterfalls, which lie within the sanctuary, take a wildlife safari, or stay in a treehouse.
Best Time To Visit: December to February.
Entry Fee: For Indian citizens, INR 10/person for adults & INR 5/person for children under 12 years. For foreigners, INR 100/person.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6: PM all days of the week.
Recommended Time For Exploration: 3-4 hours.
Tips:
Taboo:
Blossom Park
Also known as Munnar Hydel Park, Blossom Park, with its green lawns, ornamental flower gardens, and serene lake is perfect for a relaxing stroll, cycling, and photography. Ideal for a picnic, the park has a play area for kids with swings and other rides. Other facilities available here are boating, cycling, and roller skating.
Best Time To Visit: November To March
Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM on all days including public holidays.
Tip: Ideal for families and couples looking for a peaceful escape.
Marayoor: A town located 42 km north of Munnar, Marayur is a unique Sandalwood reserve. It also has ancient dolmens (single-chamber monolithic tombs) and rock paintings that date back to the Stone Age. History lovers will surely find Marayoor interesting.
Tip: Buy pure sandalwood products from government-approved stores.
Distance: The distance from Alleppey (Alappuzha) to Munnar is approximately 170 km. The journey takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on the route and mode of transport.
Choose Your Travel Options
1. By Road (Car/Taxi) – If You want to travel In Comfort & Enjoy The Scenery
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Route 1: Alleppey – Kottayam – Ettumanoor – Thodupuzha – Munnar
Route 2: Alleppey – Ernakulam – Adimali – Munnar (Longer but better roads)
Cost: INR 4,000 – INR 6,000 (for a private taxi)
Best For: Travelers who want a scenic, comfortable, and flexible journey.
Tip: Start early to enjoy the breathtaking hill views during daylight hours.
2. By Bus – If You Want A Smaller Pinch On Your Pocket
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Cost: INR 250 – INR 600 (depending on the type of bus)
Options:
Best For: Budget travelers who don’t mind a slightly longer journey.
Tip: Book an AC or sleeper bus for a more comfortable ride, as the hill roads have sharp curves and bends.
3. By Train (Partial Route) – Not Direct but an Option For Travelers Who Love Train Journeys. There is no direct train to Munnar, but you can take a train from Alleppey to Ernakulam (2 hours) and then continue by road. The nearest railway station to Munnar is Aluva (110 km away), roughly a 3-hour drive, or Ernakulam, which is (130 km away), and approximately 3.5 hours away by road.
Best For: Those who prefer a mix of train and road travel.
Tip: Trains from Alleppey to Ernakulam are frequent, but road travel from Ernakulam to Munnar takes between 3.5 and 4+ hours depending on congestion, season, and road conditions.
4. By Flight (Fastest but Expensive & Indirect)
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (110 km from Munnar)
Steps:
Cost: Flight fares vary, but a taxi from the airport to Munnar can cost around INR 3,000 – INR 5,000.
Best For: Those flying in from other cities and want to reach Munnar quickly.
Best Time to Visit Munnar
September to May: Best for pleasant weather and lush green landscapes.
June to August (Monsoon): Beautiful but risky due to landslides and slippery roads.
Heading to Munnar — Tips
Munnar Travel Tit-Bits
From sipping fresh tea in the world’s highest tea plantations to exploring rolling hills dotted with vibrant flowers, Munnar is a marvel waiting to be explored. Plan for a refreshing escape and unforgettable experiences.
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