One hill station in South India that effortlessly blends peace, adventure, and natural beauty, it’s Munnar. Tucked amidst Kerala’s Western Ghats, this scenic paradise is known for its emerald-green tea estates, misty mountains, spice-scented air, and serene lakes. Planning a honeymoon, a family trip, or a solo getaway, Munnar’s charm never fails to captivate.
Find the top places to visit in Munnar in 3 days, the best things to do, and essential travel tips to help you make the most of your time in this lush hill town.
Why Munnar Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List
Munnar isn’t just another hill station — it’s an experience that stays with you. Perched at about 1,600 meters above sea level, the town was once a favorite summer retreat of British officials during the colonial era. Today, it remains one of India’s most loved travel destinations for those seeking both tranquility and adventure.
Munnar Trip Plan for 2 Days: Perfect Itinerary, Best Places & Travel Tips
The region is dotted with sprawling tea estates, swaying spice plantations, dense forests, and breathtaking waterfalls. Munnar is also a biodiversity hotspot — home to rare flora like the Neelakurinji, which blooms once every 12 years, and fauna like the Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered mountain goat.
Best time to visit Munnar is from October to May, when the weather remains pleasantly cool, making it ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and exploring tea gardens. To reach Munnar, travelers can fly into Cochin International Airport (130 km away) or take a scenic 4-hour drive through winding roads lined with spice gardens and cloud-kissed hills.
Perfect 3-Day Munnar Itinerary
Three days in Munnar may sound short, but it’s just enough to soak in the region’s natural splendor. From tea-tasting sessions and mountain treks to waterfalls and national parks, here’s how you can plan the ultimate 3-day itinerary for a memorable Munnar getaway.
Day 1: Visit the Heart of Munnar
1. Visit the Famous Tea Plantations and Tata Tea Museum
Your Munnar journey begins with a visit to its soul — the Tata Tea Museum, located at the Nallathanni Estate. This museum offers a fascinating look into Munnar’s tea legacy. You’ll find age-old machinery, photographs from the colonial era, and exhibits that showcase how tea production evolved over time.
Visitors can watch live demonstrations of tea processing — from withering and rolling to drying and packaging — and end the tour by savoring freshly brewed tea straight from the plantations. The museum also features a small documentary film that tells Munnar’s tea story in detail.
After the museum tour, stroll through the surrounding tea gardens. The endless carpets of greenery, the scent of fresh leaves, and the soft mountain breeze together make it one of the most iconic places to visit in Munnar in 3 days.
2. Stop by the Mesmerizing Attukal Waterfalls
A short drive away from Munnar town lies the picturesque Attukal Waterfalls, a natural wonder that beautifully captures the essence of Munnar’s landscape. The waterfall cascades down rocky cliffs surrounded by thick forests and lush valleys, creating a picture-perfect view.
Adventure enthusiasts can take short treks around the waterfall trails, while nature photographers can capture the ever-changing play of light and mist. Visit between July and October to see the waterfall at its fullest, or during sunrise for a golden, misty spectacle.
Nearby, there are small cafes and tea stalls where you can sip a hot cup of chai while enjoying the mesmerizing roar of the falls — a true Munnar experience.
3. Enjoy the Blossom Hydel Park
For a calm and rejuvenating evening, visit Blossom Hydel Park, located near Munnar town and spanning over 16 acres of landscaped gardens. This beautiful park is a riot of colors, featuring a wide range of flowers, orchids, and ornamental plants.
Perfect for families and couples, the park offers cycling tracks, walking trails, boating facilities, and children’s play zones. The peaceful setting by the Muthirappuzha River adds to its charm. During the spring season, the entire park bursts into bloom, making it a photographer’s delight.
If you love picnics and serene environments, Blossom Park is a must-visit spot on your first day in Munnar.
Day 2: Adventure and Nature in Munnar
1. Trek to Top Station – Munnar’s Highest Viewpoint
Kick off your second day early with a drive to Top Station, about 32 km from Munnar. At an altitude of 1,700 meters, this is the highest accessible point in Munnar and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the Theni Valley.
On a clear day, you can see rolling hills covered in tea gardens and clouds floating just below you. The viewpoint is especially popular among photographers and couples seeking romantic sunrise views. It’s also one of the few places in Kerala where you can stand on the border and look across into Tamil Nadu’s scenic plains.
There are small shops here selling homemade chocolates, tea, and local handicrafts — perfect for souvenirs.
2. Visit Eravikulam National Park
Next, make your way to Eravikulam National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over 97 square kilometers, this park is known for its rolling grasslands, misty hills, and the majestic Anamudi Peak — the tallest in South India.
Visitors can take eco-friendly buses to the top, followed by a short trek to scenic viewpoints that offer panoramic vistas of the Western Ghats. If you visit between February and April, you might witness the blooming of the Neelakurinji flowers, which turn the hillsides into a sea of blue once every 12 years.
It’s best to book tickets online in advance, as the park limits daily visitors to protect its fragile ecosystem.
3. Visit Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point
Round off your adventurous day with two of Munnar’s most scenic attractions — Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point. The dam, surrounded by verdant hills, is ideal for boating, picnicking, and bird watching. The still waters of the lake reflect the surrounding greenery, creating postcard-perfect views.
Just a few kilometers away lies Echo Point, where the hills perfectly bounce back your voice — a fun experience for families and kids alike. The area is surrounded by forests and tea plantations, adding to its charm. You’ll also find small stalls selling local snacks, tea, and souvenirs, making it a perfect stop for some leisure time.
Day 3: Offbeat and Relaxing Experiences
1. Kundala Lake – Peaceful Escape
Start your third day with a tranquil visit to Kundala Lake, about 20 km from Munnar. This manmade lake, surrounded by rolling hills and cherry blossom trees, offers pedal boating, shikara rides, and picnic spots.
In the early morning, the entire area is covered in mist, with soft sunlight filtering through — it’s a dreamlike sight. Kundala also has the Kundala Dam, which makes for another great viewpoint. Couples often choose this lake for its romantic atmosphere and photogenic scenery.
2. Visit the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
If you love adventure and breathtaking views, the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is a must. Located at an altitude of around 7,900 feet, it holds the record as the world’s highest tea plantation. The journey involves a thrilling jeep ride over rugged mountain trails — an experience in itself!
Once you reach, you can visit the century-old tea factory that still uses traditional processing techniques. The fresh mountain air, panoramic views of Tamil Nadu’s plains, and the aroma of hand-rolled tea make this a memorable part of your Munnar journey. A warm cup of freshly brewed Kolukkumalai tea enjoyed amidst the clouds is pure bliss.
3. Shop Local: Munnar’s Spice Markets and Handicrafts
Before you end your trip, explore Munnar’s local markets for souvenirs and regional specialties. The town is famous for spices like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and clove, as well as handmade chocolates, aromatic oils, and herbal products.
You can also find beautiful handicrafts, bamboo decor, and tea varieties packed in artistic boxes. Local markets near Munnar town and the old bazaar are great for authentic purchases. Supporting these shops helps the local economy and gives you high-quality organic products at great prices.
Best Things to Do in Munnar Besides Sightseeing
- Take a Tea-Tasting Tour: Try various blends of Munnar tea and learn about their aroma, flavor, and health benefits.
- Go Trekking: Explore popular trails like Meesapulimala, Chokramudi, and Letchmi Hills for adventure and stunning views.
- Enjoy a Jeep Safari: Ride through hidden waterfalls, tribal villages, and remote tea plantations for an offbeat experience.
- Visit a Spice Garden: Learn how Kerala’s famous spices are grown, harvested, and processed.
- Relax with an Ayurvedic Spa: End your trip with an authentic Kerala massage to rejuvenate your body and soul.
Where to Eat in Munnar – Top Cafes and Restaurants
Food in Munnar is a delightful mix of Kerala’s traditional cuisine and international flavors.
- Rapsy Restaurant: Renowned for Kerala parottas, beef fry, and local fish curry.
- Saravana Bhavan: Perfect for vegetarian South Indian meals.
- Tea Tales Café: Serves tea-based dishes and pastries with mountain views.
- Copper Castle Restaurant: Offers Indian and Continental dishes with a panoramic valley view.
Don’t forget to try Munnar’s signature cardamom tea, homemade chocolates, and banana chips.
Where to Stay in Munnar – Budget to Luxury
Munnar offers a wide range of stays — from cozy homestays to luxury resorts.
- Budget: Green Ridge, Spice Jungle Resort, Bellmount Resorts
- Mid-Range: Tea County Resort, Camellia & Elettaria
- Luxury: Blanket Hotel & Spa, Parakkat Nature Hotels, Fragrant Nature Resort
For a truly immersive experience, book a tea estate stay where you wake up to panoramic plantation views, chirping birds, and the aroma of fresh tea leaves.
Travel Tips for a 3-Day Trip to Munnar
- Carry warm clothes, as evenings can get chilly, especially between December and February.
- Start sightseeing early to cover maximum attractions before evening fog sets in.
- Avoid monsoon months (June–September) due to potential landslides.
- Book accommodation and park tickets online in advance.
- Keep some cash handy, as digital payments may not work in remote spots.
- Respect local culture and avoid littering in natural areas.
So pack your bags, breathe in the aroma of tea leaves, and let Munnar’s misty hills embrace you with their timeless charm.
FAQs
1. What are the best places to visit in Munnar in 3 days?
In 3 days, you can explore Munnar’s top attractions such as Eravikulam National Park, Top Station, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake, Attukal Waterfalls, and the Tea Museum. These spots capture the true beauty of Munnar’s tea gardens, wildlife, and misty landscapes.
2. How can I plan a 3-day itinerary for Munnar?
A perfect 3-day itinerary includes sightseeing and relaxation:
- Day 1: Visit Tea Museum, Attukal Waterfalls, and Blossom Park.
- Day 2: Explore Eravikulam National Park, Top Station, and Mattupetty Dam.
- Day 3: Visit Kundala Lake, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, and local spice markets.
This plan ensures you experience both the scenic and cultural sides of Munnar.
3. What is the best time to visit Munnar for a 3-day trip?
The best time to visit Munnar is between October and May, when the weather is pleasant, skies are clear, and the hills are lush green. Avoid the heavy monsoon months (June to September) as rainfall may restrict outdoor activities.
4. Is 3 days enough to explore Munnar?
Yes, 3 days are ideal to explore all the major tourist attractions in and around Munnar. You can cover the scenic viewpoints, tea estates, lakes, waterfalls, and even enjoy local shopping without rushing your itinerary.
5. What are the must-do activities in Munnar in 3 days?
Some of the best things to do in Munnar include:
- Tea tasting at local plantations.
- Boating at Mattupetty and Kundala lakes.
- Trekking to Top Station or Anamudi Peak.
- Jeep safari to Kolukkumalai Tea Estate.
- Visiting spice gardens and local markets.
6. Which waterfalls should I visit in Munnar?
The most famous waterfalls in Munnar are Attukal Waterfalls, Lakkam Waterfalls, and Nyayamakad Waterfalls. These are located close to the main town and offer breathtaking natural views, especially during post-monsoon months.
7. What are the best viewpoints in Munnar for photography?
For spectacular photography, visit Top Station, Pothamedu Viewpoint, Lockhart Gap, and Echo Point. These locations offer panoramic views of misty valleys, cloud-covered peaks, and endless tea plantations — perfect for nature photographers.
8. What are some offbeat places to visit in Munnar in 3 days?
If you prefer less-crowded spots, explore Vattavada village, Chinnakanal, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, and Marayoor Sandalwood Forest. These offbeat destinations offer serene beauty and authentic local experiences beyond the usual tourist trail.
9. What should I pack for a 3-day trip to Munnar?
Pack light woolens or jackets, especially for evenings, as temperatures drop at night. Also, bring comfortable walking shoes, a raincoat (if visiting during monsoon), sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
10. How can I reach Munnar from Kochi or nearby cities?
Munnar is well-connected by road. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (130 km), and the nearest railway station is Aluva (110 km). From there, you can hire a taxi or take a scenic bus ride to reach Munnar in about 3–4 hours.
