Hello fellow travellers!

I’m Aravind, and I recently embarked on a memorable journey to the beautiful hill station of Munnar. Also, travelling from Hyderabad to Munnar was an adventure in itself, and I can’t wait to share all the details with you.

How to Reach Munnar from Hyderabad:

There are two main options for travelling from Hyderabad to Munnar:

1. Train: A Hyderabad to Aluva train ticket costs around 570 INR per head. Also, from Aluva, you can take a bus to Munnar.
2. Bus: An AC sleeper bus from Hyderabad to Aluva costs approximately 2,800 INR per person. Upon reaching Aluva, you can catch a bus to Munnar.

Budget Stay Suggestions in Munnar:

For budget-conscious travellers, I recommend staying at accommodations costing around 1,200 INR per night for three persons. Also, we opted for Nature Valley Cottage, priced at 2,800 INR per night per room. The rooms were average but comfortable enough for our group. This setup ensured everyone had a place to rest after exploring Munnar’s beautiful landscapes. Despite modest accommodations, our budget-conscious approach allowed us to fully enjoy Munnar’s beauty within our means.

Must Know: With a budget of ₹50,000 for four people, we booked our stay in Munnar online.

3 Days Itinerary for Munnar:

• Day 1

1. KFD Flower Garden: Immerse yourself in a vibrant display of colours at KFD Flower Garden, where a variety of exotic flowers bloom. The garden offers a serene escape, perfect for photography and nature enthusiasts.
2. Photo Point: Capture the beauty of Munnar’s lush landscapes at Photo Point, a scenic spot known for its picturesque backdrop. This location is ideal for taking memorable photos amidst tea gardens and rolling hills.
3. Elephant Park: Experience the thrill of interacting with elephants at Elephant Park, where you can enjoy elephant rides and learn about these majestic creatures. As well as , it’s a fun and educational activity for families and animal lovers.
4. Mattupetty Dam: Visit Mattupetty Dam, a popular spot for picnics and boating, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. The calm waters and scenic surroundings make it a perfect place to relax and unwind.
5. Echo Point: Hear your voice echo back at Echo Point, a unique natural phenomenon in Munnar. Moreover, this spot is not only fun for shouting across the hills but also offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
6. Kundale Lake: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Kundale Lake, set amidst rolling hills and tea plantations. Also, the serene waters and beautiful scenery create a tranquil experience, ideal for a relaxing day out.
7. Top Station: Reach the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road at Top Station, offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats. This viewpoint is famous for its breathtaking vistas and is a must-visit for nature lovers.

• Day 2

1. Tata Tea Museum: Discover the history and art of tea-making at the Tata Tea Museum, where you can explore exhibits and enjoy a guided tour. It’s a fascinating place to learn about Munnar’s famous tea plantations and sample some fresh brews.
2. Pothamedu View Point: Take in the sweeping views of lush green valleys and tea estates at Pothamedu View Point. This spot is perfect for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of Munnar’s rolling landscapes.
3. Attukad waterfalls: Witness the stunning cascade of waterfalls nestled amidst dense forests and tea gardens. Moreover, it’s an ideal location for a refreshing hike and a serene picnic by the water.
4. Kannan Devan Tea Museum: Entry to the Kannan Devan Tea Museum costs ₹75 for adults and ₹35 for children aged 6 to 12. Also, the museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Mondays.

• Day 3

1. Kolukkumalai Jeep Safari: For an amazing experience, take a challenging 6-kilometre ride to witness a breathtaking scene that feels like heaven on earth. Start from Munnar to Suryanelli and check the sunrise time beforehand. Aim to arrive at least ten minutes early. We woke up at 3:00 AM and left by 4:00. It took about an hour to reach Suryanelli. There, we got into a Jeep with our skilled driver, Ebinser David, who expertly navigated the tight turns. We reached the top around 6:10 AM. Also, the thin air made the short 200-metre walk to the top feel challenging. At exactly 6:30, the sun rose, offering an incredible sight that brought us peace and happiness. Moreover, this is an experience you should have at least once in your life.
2. Munnar Gap Road: Lockheart Gap Road in Munnar, Idukki district, offers stunning views of the Western Ghats, with hills, tea plantations, and misty valleys. Also, it’s a popular spot for travellers, perfect for leisurely drives, trekking, and photography.

After returning from our daily excursions, we enjoyed exploring the streets of Munnar, indulging in local street food like parotta and fast food, and shopping for souvenirs.

Must Know: Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to visit Kollukumalai in Munnar, which is known for having the most beautiful tea plantations.

Ideal season to visit Munnar:

The best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant. Despite its beauty, Munnar comes with its own set of challenges. The weather can change suddenly, and heavy rain is common. During peak tourist seasons, you might encounter long waits for sightseeing and accommodations. Also, the narrow, winding roads can lead to traffic jams, and in some areas, the roads and internet connectivity might be poor. Additionally, there are environmental protection concerns.

Food Must Try in Munnar:

• For nonvegetarian cuisine, visit Rapsy Restaurant.
• For vegetarian dishes, Saravana Bhavan is an excellent choice.
• Also, if you’re looking for a mix of both, head to Guru’s Hotel & Spices.

Must Know: Expenses for jeep hire include 2,500 INR on day 1, suitable for 4-5 members, 3,500 INR on day 2, and a total of 5,000 INR on day 3, with 2,500 INR for the journey from Munnar to Suryanelli and another 2,500 INR for Suryanelli to Kolukkumalai. Bike rentals range from 500 to 600 INR per day.

Packing Essentials for Munnar Trip for Beginners:

• Sweaters (the weather can be chilly)
• Extra money for additional activities
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen

Tips for Travellers:

• Ensure you have some extra cash for unexpected expenses and more adventurous activities.
• Moreover, use auto rickshaws for short distances. They are convenient and affordable.

Compared to other hill stations in South India, Munnar stands out for its stunning tea plantations and breathtaking views. Also, I particularly enjoyed the tea gardens along the road to Top Station. Moreover, seeing clouds drift down into the lush, green mountains covered with tea plants was absolutely stunning.Roam, daydream, repeat—immerse yourself in the thrill of travel through the inspiring stories on https://sowl.in/stories. Your next adventure awaits, so start planning your journey today!