Munnar: The Emerald Hills of Kerala
Our journey to Munnar began with a flight from Delhi to Kochi. From Kochi Airport, we hired a taxi for the four-hour drive to the hill station. As we left the plains behind and climbed into the Western Ghats, the scenery became increasingly spectacular. Winding mountain roads, cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and the first glimpses of tea gardens made the journey unforgettable. We stopped several times along the way to admire the views and capture the breathtaking landscapes with our cameras.
Munnar is a beautiful hill station, blessed with rolling hills, cool weather, and endless stretches of lush tea gardens. The neatly manicured tea plantations carpeting the mountains create a breathtaking landscape that is both peaceful and picturesque. Whether enjoying a leisurely walk through the estates, admiring the mist-covered valleys, or simply relaxing amidst nature, Munnar offers the perfect escape from city life. Its natural beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and refreshing climate make it a wonderful place to slow down, unwind, and truly appreciate the serenity of the hills.
Cheeyappara Waterfall
Cheeyappara Waterfalls, a stunning seven-step waterfall located in the Idukki district of Kerala, India, along the Kochi–Munnar highway.
Rolling Tea Slopes & Eucalyptus Groves of the Western Ghats
Gentle Giants on the Hills of Munnar
One of the most memorable sights in Munnar was watching elephants grazing peacefully on the lush green hills. Surrounded by rolling tea estates and misty mountains, these gentle giants blended beautifully into the landscape, creating a scene that seemed straight out of a nature documentary. Seeing them in their natural habitat was a wonderful reminder of the rich wildlife and unspoiled beauty of Kerala’s Western Ghats.
Misty Views at Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty Dam is located about 15 kilometres from the town, this picturesque reservoir is surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery where three mountain ranges meet. The calm waters reflecting the mist-covered slopes create a stunning landscape, while boating on the lake offers a peaceful way to soak in the beauty of the Western Ghats.
Surrounded by tea gardens and misty Western Ghats peaks, Mattupetty is renowned for its tranquil waters and elephant sightings near the shoreline.
An Evening of Kalaripayattu at Punarjani Traditional Village
One of the most exciting experiences during our stay in Munnar was attending a Kalaripayattu performance at Punarjani Traditional Village. As the evening began, the arena came alive with the sound of drums and the sight of highly trained performers demonstrating this ancient martial art of Kerala. Their speed, agility, and remarkable control were truly impressive. The show became even more thrilling with fire performances, daring acrobatics, and displays of sword and spear combat that highlighted the strength, discipline, and centuries-old traditions of Kalaripayattu. Watching these skilled artists perform with such precision and confidence was both entertaining and inspiring, making it a memorable cultural experience and one of the highlights of our visit to Munnar.
A Relaxing Morning at the KFDC Floriculture Centre
A visit to the KFDC Floriculture Centre in Munnar was a delightful and relaxing experience. Strolling through the colorful flower gardens and lush greenery in the cool mountain air was a wonderful way to start the day. The highlight was enjoying a cup of aromatic Kerala filter coffee while soaking in the peaceful surroundings. Simple yet memorable, it perfectly captured the charm and tranquility of Munnar.
Spice Garden Visit, Munnar
A visit to a spice garden in Munnar offers an excellent introduction to Kerala's rich spice heritage. Walking through the plantation, visitors can see and learn about spices such as cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, and turmeric growing in their natural environment. The guided tour explains the cultivation methods, medicinal uses, and culinary importance of these spices.
Tea Factory and Museum, Munnar
A visit to the Tea Factory and Museum in Munnar was both informative and enjoyable. The museum traces the history of tea cultivation through vintage photographs, old machinery, and plantation artifacts, while the factory provides a fascinating glimpse into the journey from freshly plucked leaves to the final cup of tea. Munnar's high-altitude plantations and cool climate produce tea renowned for its fresh aroma and rich flavour. The experience was made even more special by enjoying a freshly brewed cup of tea in the tea shop, made from leaves grown in the surrounding estates. Sipping tea while overlooking the plantations added a perfect finishing touch to the visit.
From Munnar to Thekkady – A Journey Through Kerala's Spice Country
The three-hour taxi journey from Munnar to Thekkady was every bit as enjoyable as the destination itself. As we drove through Kerala's lush spice country, the landscape was dotted with plantations of cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and coffee, filling the air with a subtle, earthy fragrance. We stopped at a small roadside restaurant to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed South Indian filter coffee, a refreshing break that perfectly complemented the cool weather. The scenic drive, the aromatic spice gardens, and the peaceful surroundings made this short journey a memorable part of our Kerala experience.
3-Hour Scenic Drive
Winding mountain roads through cardamom and pepper slopes
Filter Coffee Pitstop
Freshly brewed South Indian filter coffee at roadside eateries
Spice Country Gates
Entering dense spice forests surrounding Periyar sanctuary
Elephant Ride at Thekkady – Rani’s Forest Trail
During our visit to Thekkady, we had a memorable experience at the Elephant Rehabilitation Centre, where we enjoyed a peaceful ride through a forested area surrounded by greenery and calm nature. The highlight of the visit was meeting the gentle elephant named Rani, who carried us slowly along the shaded trails, making the journey both safe and special.
A Memorable Kerala Sadya Experience
One of the highlights of our Kerala journey was enjoying a traditional Kerala Sadya, served directly on a fresh banana leaf. Unlike many other banana-leaf meals in South India, a Sadya is a grand vegetarian feast featuring a remarkable variety of dishes, each placed in a specific order and offering a perfect balance of flavours. The generous use of coconut, the assortment of curries and side dishes, and the delicious payasam made the meal both unique and memorable. Eating this festive meal in the traditional way was not just lunch—it was a wonderful introduction to Kerala's rich culinary heritage and hospitality.
Periyar Lake Boat Safari
We took the early morning boat safari on Periyar Lake, hoping to spot wildlife in and around the national park. Although the tranquil lake, misty hills, and dense forests made for a scenic experience, we were unfortunately unable to see any wild animals during the trip. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and much depends on luck, weather conditions, and the movement of animals. Nevertheless, the peaceful boat ride through the heart of the forest offered a glimpse of Periyar's natural beauty and untouched wilderness.
Thekkady to Kochi – A Scenic Farewell to Kerala
Our four-hour taxi journey from Thekkady to Kochi brought our memorable Kerala trip to a close. The drive once again took us through the state's lush spice plantations, where pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and clove grew amidst the verdant hills. We also passed several vanilla plantations, where the delicate vanilla orchid climbs on supporting trees and produces long green pods that are carefully hand-pollinated and cured to develop their rich aroma and flavour. The scenic countryside, fragrant plantations, and peaceful landscapes provided a fitting farewell to God's Own Country.
4-Hour Drive
Descending from hill plantations to coastal Kochi
Vanilla Orchids
Hand-pollinated green vanilla pods curing in the sun
God's Own Country
A peaceful conclusion to an unforgettable expedition
Tips for Munnar and Thekkady
Light Woollens & Jackets
Carry light woollens or a jacket, as mornings and evenings can be cool.
Advance Activity Bookings
Book popular activities such as the Periyar Lake boat safari in Thekkady in advance, especially during holidays and weekends.
Reputed Tea & Spice Stores
Purchase tea and spices only from reputed outlets or plantation stores for better quality and authenticity.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as many attractions involve short hikes and uneven paths.
All-Season Rain Protection
Keep rain protection handy throughout the year, as weather in the hills can change quickly.
Early & Late Wildlife Visits
If interested in wildlife, choose early morning or late afternoon visits to Periyar National Park for the best chance of spotting animals.