Munnar, Kerela
Overview
Breathtakingly beautiful, Munnar is an ideal tourist destination nested in God's own country - Kerala. Normally, the travelers visit Munnar to experience the vast tea plantations of the area but there is a lot to it than just tea farms scattered around the slopes of the hill. This beautiful destination has unending expanse of tea plantations, pristine valleys & mountains, exotic species of flora & fauna in its wild sanctuaries and it has an aroma spice scented cool air.
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Munnar is such a beautiful place that it cannot be potrayed in a single canvas.
Best time to visit : Throughout the year, however each season has its own speciality.
June to September : This is the monsoon season in Munnar and it is a great time to visit the hill station, if you’re looking for a quiet vacation. Covered with lush green foliage, monsoons in Munnar have a charm of their own. This is also a great time to enjoy the rain & mist, do remember to carry an umbrella or raincoat along.
December to February : The winter months are by far the best time to visit Munnar since the weather is pleasant and is perfect for a vacation or a honeymoon. This is also a great time for adventure enthusiasts who can enjoy adventure activities such as rock climbing, trekking and rappelling. Do carry woollens along as the evenings can get quite cold.
March to May : March marks the beginning of summer in Munnar. Summer in Munnar is a perfect time to enjoy sightseeing and visiting tea estates and the Tata Tea Museum. Carry light cottons, though also carry an umbrella as rain showers are common during the summer months.
Travel Options
Munnar does not have an airport of its own. The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, which is 110 kms away by road. From Cochin, we will arrange a car to get you to Munnar. The Madurai International Airport is 140 kms away from Munnar. In case you off-board at the Madurai International Airport, we will arrange a car to get you to Munnar.
The nearest railway station from Munnar is at Aluva, which is at a distance of 110 kms from Munnar. The Ernakulam Railway Station is 130 kms away, while the Madurai railway station is at a distance of 135 kms. From these points, we will arrange a car for you to reach to Munnar.
State run or private buses, plying from various towns in Kerela, Karnataka & Tamilnadu are cost effective ways to reach Munnar by road. Pickup & drop from bus stand will be arranged by us.
We will arrange the commutation to / from home to Munnar in a private vehicle driven by a trustworthy driver. We will share the varied vehicles at our disposal, which you can choose from to ensure a hassle free & comfortable journey. However you always have an option to self drive. Unless you are based out of Kerela, or neighboring towns of Tamil Nadu then self drive to Munnar might be hectic for a short break. Drive to Munnar from Bangalore & Chennai is almost 500 kms (10 hrs) !!!
Driving to Munnar can be a lot of fun. Here is a distance chart to help you plan your road trip better.
Munnar - Ernakulam: (135 kilometres) 4.5 hours | Munnar - Thekkady: (110 kilometres) 4 hours | Munnar - Palani: (120 kilometres) 2.5 hours `
Munnar - Coimbatore: (150 kilometres) 6 hours | Munnar - Madurai: (135 kilometres) 6 hours
Itinerary - 3N/4D
Day 1 - Explore the tea gardens
Once you are at Munnar, we will arrange a pickup for you to reach the resort destination. Check in to a wonderful tea garden facing room and let the nature embrace you. Refresh and relax in the serene ambience. You can always lay back and order a room service for your lunch or make you way to the beautiful restaurant within the Elysium resort
Post lunch, you can relax at the resort or can explore the beautiful tea gardens of Munnar. We will arrange a car which will take you the beautiful Nullatanni estate tea gardens. [Duration - 38 mins Drive]. Tea gardens with clouds all over and fragrance of plants with a uniform green cover is just amazing.
On the way to the tea gardens you can stop by a very nice, well maintained rose garden, full of rare orchids, roses fuschia and other exotic flowers.
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You can spend around half an hour to watch and photograph the beauty of nature. Once you reach the Nullatanni estate tea gardens, you will be mesmerized by the scenic beauty of the undulating terrain and the lush green cover of tea plantations
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You can indulge in photography for long periods, which is a delightful experience, as plants change shades with variation in light and angles.
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It's an absolute must to walk around the tea gradens and elevate your moods.
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You can then visit the Kannan Devan Tea Museum, situated within the Nullatanni estate. It is the first tea museum of its kind in the country. The museum depicts the origin and growth of century-old tea plantation, from a simple tea roller to the present fully automatic tea factory of Madupatty.
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Do not miss to visit the tea-manufacturing unit where you can see different steps of tea processing.To savour the taste of different teas, attend the tea tasting session inside the museum.
Kanan Devan Tea Museum: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | Open all days, except Monday | Entry Fees - Kanan Devan Tea Museum : Rs. 75 (Adults) & Rs. 35 (Children)
After having the aromatic tea at the tea museum, we will take you to the Abbas & Co.Tea Merchants located at 25 Bazaar, Munnar, which offers competitive prices to buy various flavors of tea, green tea, coffee, cashews, eucalyptus oil, homemade chocolates and spices (cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, pepper).
Post shopping you can stop by the famous Bamboo Hut restaurant for some quick evening bites.
Try the muesli with vegetable salad or fruit salad and freshly baked pizzas
After snacks, the car would take you back to the resort where you can enjoy a prebooked ayurvedic massage session for 1 hour.
For dinner, you can try the sumptuous buffet spread at the resort itself. Stay overnight in the resort.
Day 2 - Meet Nilgiri Tahr
Wake up early and have your breakfast at the resort. Our car will be waiting to take you to the Eravikulam National Park, which is home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr. The National Park houses a large variety of flora and fauna; moreover, the beauty of the park is unparalleled. [Duration 20 minutes Drive]
The famous Anamudi peak, the highest in South India, is located in the southern region of the park. Anamudi literally means ‘elephant’s forehead’ – a reference to the peculiar shape of the peak.
- Spend half a day at the park exploring the myriad colors of nature & basking in its beauty.
- Keep your camera ready for rare species such as barking deer, small Indian civet, Indian bison & mongoose.
Opening Hours : 7 am - 6 pm (Daily) | Closed for 45-60 days from 1st Feb
Entry Fees - Indians - Rs.15 | Foreigners - Rs. 200 | Children below 12 years - Rs.5
Around noon, leave for Carmelagiri elephant park. Enjoy a ride on the back of the elphant where the safari will take you through the rugged terrain and deep valleys of the misty munnar mountains.
Opening Hours : 9 am - 5 pm (Daily) | Rs 400/person (10 -15 mins ride ) | Rs 250 (25 digital photos on a CD) | Rs 100 for a fruit basket offering to the elephant.
After the delightful elephant ride, you can go to T&U leisure restaurant for lunch
Do try Kerela cuisines especially Malabar Fish Curry
Post lunch, you can visit the Mattupetty dam & Mattupetty Indo-Swiss Farm. The Mattupetty dam is a very popular picnic spot and is visited by many tourists.
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In the vicinity of the dam is a beautiful lake where you can enjoy a serene boat ride on the calm waters.
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The Indo - Swiss Farm is a highly specialized farm where more than 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared. Visitors are allowed to enter only three of the eleven cattle sheds as the rest are off limits.
Mattupetty Dam Boating Timings – 9:30 am to 05:30 pm | Boating – Rs. 300 (15 mins/5 people), Big boat: Rs. 700 (30 mins/20 people)
Mattupetty Indo - Swiss Farm Timings – 09:00 am to 11:00 am and 02:00 pm to 3:30 pm | Mattupetty Indo - Swiss Farm – Rs. 5 per person
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In the evening, the car would take you to Punarjani Traditional Village. It is a cultural centre that is run by well-trained artists who have charmed and continue to charm audiences with their outstanding performances. Kathakali and Kalarippayattu are the two main art forms that are performed here.
While the former is a famous classical dance drama showing intense emotions through facial expressions, the later is a traditional martial art form based on actions and thrills.
The organisation arranges an hour’s show for each art form. If you want to see how the artists do that dramatic make-up, visit this place at least an hour before the performance. To learn about the rich cultural heritage of Kerala, a visit to this centre is an absolute must.
Opening Hours : 05:00 pm – 07:00 pm (Open all days) | Entry Free Rs. 200
After witnessing the enchanting traditional performance, head back to the resort and relax.
For dinner, you can head over to Fire-Grill Riverside barbeque restaurant located inside the Westwood Riverside garden resort. You can enjoy a great spread of buffet along with a bonfire.(*Bonfire is subject to weather conditions.)
Stay overnight in the resort.
Day 3 - Enjoy the serenity of waterfall
After a good night sleep, wake up for the delcious breakfast being served in the hotel restaurant.
Post breakfast, get ready for a refreshing trip to the Attukad Waterfalls which is set amidst looming hills and thick forests, this scenic spot is ideal for a family picnic or a romantic getaway. It is located between Munnar and Pallivasal in Idukki district and is a feast for the eyes [25 mins drive].
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- You can splash into the water and enjoy the serenity of the waterfall
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- You can click some wonderful photographs of the landscape
Opening hours : 10:00 am – 06:00 pm (Open all days)
After spending some delightful time at the scenic waterfalls, give your taste buds a treat by visiting either one of the recommended restaurants .
Try authentic south Indian meal on banana leaves/Ghee Roast masala dosa at Saravana Bhavan (Veg Restaurant)
You can't miss the chicken chops/chicken & egg biryani /lemon black teas at the Rapsy Restaurant (Non-Veg Restaurant)
Post lunch, you can visit the Blossom International Park. The park comprises of several rare species of flowering plants and lofty trees that make it a place worth visiting. Visitors can indulge in a lot amusing activities, such as boating, cycling and roller-skating here. For people looking to spend moments of leisure in the serene environment, there are tree houses, ropeways and swings within the park.
You can capture the painstakingly manicured area through your lenses. Blossom International Park exudes beauty at every turn. The water body, beautiful flowers and expansive patches of grass serve as excellent backdrops for photography.
The park can be considered as a huge playground for kids. There are swings, tree houses and ropeways to delight the young visitors up to their heart's content.
Opening & Closing Time : 09:00 am – 07:00 pm Open all days | Entrance Fee Rs. 10 for Adults & Rs. 2 for Children
After a long day, head over to your resort and spend some soothing time in the resort.
For dinner, you can again try the delicious delicacies served in the hotel restaurant. We can also arrange a special family dinner or an exclusive romantic candle light dinner with your beloved .
Spend the last night of your trip reminiscing memories of the entire trip.
Stay overnight in the resort.
Day 4 - Leave for your home destination
After your breakfast, head back to your room to prepare to leave for your home destination (checkout at 12:00 P.M). We will arrange for a drop from the resort to the nearest aiport/station/bus stand.
Our special travel itinerary will definitely create memories for you which you can relish forever.
Resort to Stay
Elysium Garden Hill Resorts offers a perfect setting of blooming nature unfolding the natural beauty of Munnar. Cozily nestled in the midst of hills and streams, the resort offers mesmerizing views of the misty terrain. Close to the fascinating Munnar town, the ambience, offers a perfect setting to enjoy an idyllic beautiful family retreat. You can check more about the resort on their website.
Travel Tips
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The road leading to Attukal waterfalls is very narrow and requires careful and skilled driving.
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While walking in the tea gardens, wear shoes and cover your legs as there are lot of leeches, especially during the monsoon.
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Martelli Restaurant is the best Italian restaurant in Munnar. The food is excellent, service is good and the environment is nice. Prices are very reasonable. Do not forget to try the sea food pasta / freshly cooked wood fired pizza / avocado & prawns salad.
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Do no miss to buy tasty and rare fruits like tree tomatoes and wild passion fruit.
Cost of Trip
Rs 22,999 approx. per couple ( All inclusive ) *
Add-ons - Customized Special Itinerary
You have the flexibility and freedom to add or remove whatever you like / dislike. If you have a higher budget you can choose to add more activities from the add-ons list below or if your budget is tight or would like more time to relax, you could remove a few activities from the itinerary above. Below are some of the add ons which can be added to your itinerary.
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You must not forget to meet Nimi Sunil Kumar, who is renowned for her bestseller cookbook - Lip Smacking Dishes of Kerala. Nimi's Lip Smacking Classes are open for all those who love experimenting in cooking. She conducts cooking classes on authentic Kerala cuisine on a regular basis, where she happily shares her knowledge in a friendly environment.
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Devikulam Seetha Devi Lake, located 16 kms away from Munnar on the Thekkady Direction, is believed to have got its name, as Seetha Devi (wife of Rama in Ramayanam) bathed in this lake. The Seetha Devi Lake with its mineral water and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing. Prior permission should be obtained from Tata Tea Ltd. to visit this lake.
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The Kollengode Palace, flaunting a flawless blend of Kerala and European architectural styles, is a place worth visiting. It was built in 1904 by Raja Vasudeva of Kollengode and given as a token of love to his daughter. Later in 1975, it was converted into a museum by the Department of Archaeology. Ancient stone engravings and sculptures, temple models, megaliths and manuscripts on dry palm leaves are among the proud possessions of the museum.
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Situated at a height of 7900 ft above sea level, Kolukkumalai tea estate is known to be the highest tea plantations in the world. The estate, located on Kolukkumalai Hills, is around 31 km from Munnar and takes almost 52 minutes to reach by jeep. Visitors can sip different flavours of tea and buy fresh tea from the factory outlet.
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"Top Station", the highest point in Munnar, is positioned in the Kannan Devan Hills at a height of 1700 metres above the sea level. This captivating spot is most popular for the rare Neelakurinji plants, which bloom only once in 12 years, and envelope the hills in a bright blue colour.
Inclusions *
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3N/4D stay in Elysium Garden Hill resort with CP meal plan (Accommodation + breakfast + 2 dinners). 1st night & 3rd night dinners are included.
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Rates applicable for 2 persons staying together, sharing the same room
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Helputravel.in's service charge (15%) + Service Tax (as applicable)
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Local transportation (car) & parking charges (as per itinerary only)
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Entrance fees of all sightseeing places to be visited (as per itinerary only)
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Elephant back ride & photo cd bundle
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One massage session for couple
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One candlelight dinner
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Boating at Mattupetty dam
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Guide services
Exclusions
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Transportation from your home / source destination to the holiday destination
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Video, film and professional camera fees
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Insurance, gratuities,telephone calls, laundry, mineral water, soft & hard drinks, porterage (coolie charges) or any personal expenses
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Any tour extensions unless specifically mentioned as part of the journeys
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Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary
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Any cost arising due to natural calamities like landslides, road blockage, political disturbances (strikes), etc. (to be borne by the client, which is directly payable on the spot)
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Any increase in taxes or fuel price, leading to increase in cost on surface transportation & land arrangements, which may come into effect prior to departure
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Any extra cost incurred on behalf of an individual due to illness, accident, hospitalisation, or any personal emergency
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Anything which is not included in the inclusion
Terms & Conditions
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Refund on cancellation depends upon concerned hotel / service provider's cancellation policy. Helputravel.in's service charge is Non-Refundable
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Helputravel.in reserves the right to change / modify or terminate the offer any time at its own discretion and without any prior notice.
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In case of unavailability in mentioned hotels, alternate accommodation will be arranged in a similar category hotel.
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Package rates are valid for INDIAN NATIONALS only. Rates for FOREIGN NATIONALS to be provided on request.
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Helputravel.in has taken due care and responsibility to verify and check all information on our website at the time of compilation, however, as this information is supplied by the relevant accommodation & tour / cruise operators, it accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracy or misdescription contained in the publications.
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