Rolling tea plantations, cool mountain air and misty viewpoints make Munnar one of South India's most loved hill stations. Here's how to plan a relaxed trip through Kerala's tea country.
September to March is the most pleasant, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. The monsoon (June–August) is beautifully lush and green but wet and misty. Summers (April–May) stay mild — a welcome escape from the plains.
Wander the tea estates and visit the Tea Museum to see how it's processed. Eravikulam National Park is home to the Nilgiri tahr (and, once every twelve years, the Neelakurinji bloom). Add Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, Top Station's valley views and Attukad Falls.
Tea-estate resorts on the hillsides offer the best views and quiet; the town is handier for food and transport. Book ahead in peak season and for weekends. Compare verified Munnar stays and live prices on the hotels page.
The nearest airport is Cochin (Kochi), about 110 km / 4 hours away by road on scenic, winding ghats. There's no train to Munnar itself. Once there, hire a cab for a day to cover the viewpoints, which are spread out.
Carry light woollens even in summer for cool mornings and evenings, book Eravikulam park tickets early in season, and allow extra time for the winding mountain drive. Fresh cardamom, tea and spices make good local buys.
Cochin International Airport (Kochi), about 110 km and roughly 4 hours away by road.
Its vast tea plantations, cool climate, viewpoints and Eravikulam National Park — and the rare Neelakurinji bloom that colours the hills purple once every twelve years.