Where to stay in Munnar
Munnar is a hill station in Kerala's Western Ghats, at about 1,500 metres, surrounded by rolling tea estates. The town itself is small and busy, so most visitors stay in resorts and homestays among the plantations on the roads leading out of town, choosing between convenience and views.
Munnar town
Hotels in and near the town centre are close to the bus stand, the market and restaurants. It is the cheapest and most practical option, but traffic is heavy and you will drive to the tea gardens and viewpoints.
Chithirapuram and Pallivasal
South of town, Chithirapuram and Pallivasal have many resorts and homestays with balconies over the tea-covered hills and waterfalls. It is quieter than the centre and about 20 to 30 minutes by road.
Mattupetty and Top Station road
Northeast of town, towards Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point and Top Station, resorts sit among tea estates with misty views. It is ideal for walks, but restaurants are limited to the hotels.
Near Eravikulam National Park
Stays on the road towards Rajamalai and Eravikulam National Park are close to the park entrance, home of the endangered Nilgiri tahr and the peak of Anamudi, the highest in South India.
One thing to think about
Munnar's roads are steep and narrow, and traffic jams form in town on weekends and holidays. Choose a resort with good reviews about access; some are at the end of rough tracks. The monsoon from June to August brings heavy rain.
Other places to stay in India: Oberoi · Trident · The Leela
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Munnar are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Common questions
When is the best time to visit Munnar?
From about September to May, with the clearest and most pleasant weather between December and February. The monsoon from June to August is very wet but makes the hills intensely green. Eravikulam National Park closes for a few months each year during the Nilgiri tahr calving season.
Can I visit a tea factory in Munnar?
Yes. The Tata Tea Museum in Munnar shows how tea is processed, with old machinery and a working demonstration. Several estates also offer tea tastings and guided plantation walks. Ask your hotel to arrange visits.
How do I get to Munnar?
The nearest airport is Kochi, about four hours by road through the hills. There is no railway in Munnar; the nearest stations include Aluva and Ernakulam. Taxis and buses climb from Kochi, with stops at waterfalls and spice gardens along the way.
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