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Munnar is a stunning hill station placed in the Idukki district of God's Own Country. Spread over 557 sq km and 2695 m on the southern Western Ghats, Munnar gained immense popularity during the British colonial rule as a favourite summer destination. They got so mesmerised by the incredible beauty that they made it the capital of the British regime in South India.
Blessed with infinite space for tea plantations, exotic species of flora and fauna, pristine valleys, gorgeous mountains and expansive wildlife sanctuaries, you just cannot ask for anything more from this idyllic tourist destination. This beautiful destination has all these and more. It's the place you would love to visit; it's the place you would wish never to leave. The journey from Chennai roughly takes around 12 hours, covering a distance of 588 km.
Best Season To Travel To Munnar
The months from September to March are considered the best time to explore Munnar. The monsoons leave Munnar with a fresh and rejuvenated look and make it the ideal time to visit this destination with your loved ones or for a romantic getaway. The winters can be tricky at times; thus, it is always advised to carry warm clothes with you.
How To Reach Munnar
The nearest airport to Munnar is Kochi that is placed 130 km away from Munnar. Thus, travelling by air can be avoided.
Aluva is the closest railway station from Munnar that is still 100 km away from Munnar. The remaining distance from the railway station and the airport will have to be covered via road by bus or cab.
If you are travelling from Chennai, Munnar is well connected from the national highways and is the most preferred mode of transport as you can set your eyes on the beautiful landscape and vistas on offer.
For commuting within Munnar, there are local buses, cabs or autos available that will take you to almost every corner of Munnar. You can alternatively hire a bike for rent at INR 300-400 a day as you set and discover new avenues in this hill station.
Best Route To Reach Munnar From Chennai
Route 1: Chennai - Tiruchirapalli - Munnar
Route 2: Chennai - Tiruchirapalli - Coimbatore - Munnar
Route 3: Chennai - Salem - Coimbatore - Munnar
Route 1 is the easiest and the shortest route to Munnar from Chennai; hence, we would select route 1. The total distance is 588 km, and it takes approximately 12 hours to complete your journey by road.
First Stopover – Trichy
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After going 332 km or roughly 6 hours from Chennai, you would reach your first stopover, Trichy or Tiruchirapalli. One of the fastest emerging cities in the state of Tamil Nadu, Trichy offers a refreshing change for the travellers and is blessed with loads of ancient churches and temples and plenty of mind-blowing natural landscapes.
Some of the must-visit places to check out in Trichy are Rockfort Ganpati Temple, Kallanai Dam, Vekkaliamman Temple, Samayapuram Amman Temple, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Makkombu, etc.
Final Destination – Munnar
Munnar is a beautiful tourists destination that excites every ounce of all kinds of travellers. Positioned 256 km from Trichy or approximately 6 hours away, the hills, valleys, mist, waterfalls and streams, tea plantations and a gorgeous collection of flora and fauna make it an instant hit for someone looking to switch off from the bustles and hustles of the busy city life.
There are several tour operators offering packages that feature enigmatic experiences in this alluring tourist destination.
Attractions In And Around Munnar
Rose Garden
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Placed 2 km from Munnar, this Forest Rose Garden houses every type of rose ever found along with a rare variety of flora. This is one of the sights that you should not miss out during your trip to Munnar.
Echo Point
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A visit to the beautiful Echo Point gives you access to breathtaking vistas and incredible natural surroundings. Placed on a calm lake bank, 15 km from Munnar, this place is the perfect place to check the echo phenomenon.
Elephant Arrival Spot
PC: Aruna
Located within 18 km from Munnar, Elephant Arrival Spot allows you to hop on an elephant and enjoy a high ride as you explore the wilderness of the gorgeous hill station.
Photo Point
PC: Navaneeth Kishor
Photo Point is positioned 2 km from Munnar and is blessed with picturesque beauty, serenity and a calm environment featuring woods and a sparkling water stream. Nestled amidst tea gardens, this place is a dream destination for photographers and is perfect for creating display pictures on social networking profiles.
Mattupetty Dam
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Placed 13 km from Munnar at the height of 1700 metres above sea level, this dam is famous for the Indo-Swiss livestock projects. There are plenty of adventurous activities like speed boating and horse riding to indulge in to have a great time.
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
PC: Arun Muralidhar
This ancient tea factory is perched at an altitude of 8000 feet above sea level. Located 35 km from Munnar, the drive is worth it as you get an excellent collection of flavoured teas.
Adventurous Activities In Munnar
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Head to the Bison Valley Spices villages from Pothamedu or Gap Road, and you would love the trekking trails on the route. Other favourite activities on offer are rock climbing and rappelling.
