Thrifty Traveler's 5-Day Munnar Itinerary

Wednesday, October 25, 2023: Arrival in Munnar

Welcome to Munnar! Start your trip by immersing yourself in the beautiful tea gardens. In the morning, visit the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate and take a guided tour to learn about the tea-making process. In the afternoon, explore the Eravikulam National Park, known for its endangered Nilgiri Tahr population. As the evening sets in, stroll through the Fragrant Nature Munnar Gardens and enjoy the serene surroundings.

• Kolukkumalai Tea Estate: Check prices, Around INR 500, Approx. 3 hours
• Eravikulam National Park: INR 120 for Indian Nationals, INR 400 for Foreign Nationals, Approx. 2-3 hours
• Fragrant Nature Munnar Gardens: No entrance fee, Approx. 1 hour

Thursday, October 26, 2023: Mesmerizing Waterfalls

On day 2, explore the breathtaking waterfalls near Munnar. In the morning, head to the Attukad Waterfalls and marvel at the cascading beauty. Enjoy a packed lunch amid nature. In the afternoon, visit the Lakkam Waterfalls, a serene spot surrounded by lush greenery. As the evening approaches, take a walk to the Nyayamakad Waterfalls and witness the magical sunset.

• Attukad Waterfalls: No entrance fee, Approx. 2 hours
• Lakkam Waterfalls: No entrance fee, Approx. 1 hour
• Nyayamakad Waterfalls: No entrance fee, Approx. 1 hour

Friday, October 27, 2023: Tea Museum and Mattupetty Dam

Start your day by exploring the history of tea at the Tata Tea Museum. Learn about the evolution of tea production in the region and enjoy a fresh cup of tea. In the afternoon, head to the picturesque Mattupetty Dam and enjoy a boat ride in the serene lake. As the evening sets in, take a scenic drive to the Top Station viewpoint and enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats.

• Tata Tea Museum: INR 100 for Adults, INR 75 for Children, Approx. 1-2 hours
• Mattupetty Dam: INR 10 for Adults, INR 5 for Children, Approx. 1-2 hours
• Top Station: No entrance fee, Approx. 1 hour drive

Saturday, October 28, 2023: Echo Point and Kundala Lake

Spend the morning at Echo Point and experience the thrill of hearing your voice echo back in the serene surroundings. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the lush green meadows overlooking the lake. In the afternoon, head to Kundala Lake and indulge in a soothing Shikara boat ride. As the evening approaches, explore the nearby attractions like the Blossom Hydel Park and discover the beauty of nature.

• Echo Point: No entrance fee, Approx. 1 hour
• Kundala Lake: No entrance fee, Shikara boat ride for INR 200-300, Approx. 2 hours
• Blossom Hydel Park: INR 10 for Adults, INR 3 for Children, Approx. 1-2 hours

Sunday, October 29, 2023: Spice Gardens and Departure

In your final day in Munnar, explore the aromatic spice gardens. Start your morning with a visit to the Tea Gardens of Kanan Devan and be enchanted by the aromatic spices. Enjoy a lunch of traditional Kerala cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and take a guided tour to spot exotic flora and fauna. Depart from Munnar with beautiful memories and a bag full of locally sourced spices.

• Tea Gardens of Kanan Devan: No entrance fee, Approx. 1-2 hours
• Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary: INR 10 for Indians, INR 100 for Foreigners, Approx. 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Munnar on a shoestring budget, don't miss the opportunity to hike to the offbeat Anamudi Peak. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is the highest peak in South India. Another hidden gem is the Tea County viewpoint, which provides panoramic views of the lush tea estates and valleys. Locals also recommend visiting the Lockhart Gap viewpoint, a secluded spot offering stunning vistas of the Western Ghats.