Most people know Munnar from the Idukki district, Kerala as a famous honeymoon destination in South India. Located on the southern tip of the western ghats mountain range, sometimes people refer to this hill station as “The Kashmir of South India.” Because the temperature can go as low as -4 degree celsius (during winter) and as high as 25-degree celsius (during summer.)
Did you know? This is one of the 6 best places to visit in winter in India!
Idukki has numerous tourist places yet Munnar is the best of all! In this blog, let’s get to know the top seven places to visit near Munnar.
7 Popular Places to Visit Near Munnar
- Vagamon
- Thekkady
- Alleppey
- Nelliyampathy
- Kumily
- Kumarakom
- Devikulam
Apart from these seven places, Munnar has Cherai, Kochi, Coonoor, Athirapally, Ooty, etc. Undoubtedly, these are must-visit places near Munnar.
1. Vagamon
A tranquil destination that can give you a serene touring experience without much of a rush and crowd. It has an enchanting Pine forest, lush tea gardens, the Vagamon lake, and the Marmala waterfalls. It is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Munnar Kerala for shooting and photographs.
Best time to visit Vagamon: December to May
2. Thekkady
A famous place for tea and spices plantation and trades. Located amid the dense forests of the western ghats, it is an off-beat tourist place in Munnar. However, people have started flocking to the beautiful Thekkady lake lately.
Periyar National Park is close to this tourist spot. And you can spot many endangered wildlife species here. If you’re lucky you can see boars and wild squirrels.
Best time to visit Thekkady: September to March
3. Alleppey or Alappuzha
Among the best places to visit near Munnar, Alleppey comes on the top owing to the backwaters. Yes, Kerala backwaters are world-famous and this place is a perfect choice. Staying at the houseboats is most preferred by tourists. You can also enjoy kayaking and canoeing. Plus, ayurvedic spas and wellness centers are famous here.
Best time to visit Alleppey: June to February
4. Nelliyampathy
If you’re a greenery lover, then this is your ideal tourist destination. It has widespread orange, tea, coffee, cardamom, and other spices plantations. In addition, it mesmerizes you with:
- Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
- Nelliyampathy viewpoint
- Pothundy Dam
- Seetharkundu viewpoint
Thus, people call it the number one among the beautiful tourist places near Munnar.
Best time to visit Nelliyampathy: October to March
5. Kumily
Indeed, an alluring place that serves as a gateway to Thekkady. Since it has the most area covered with plantations, trekking and hiking are the major things to do here in this place. Unlike other tourist places in and around Munnar, it has the Kalari Centre where you can witness martial art performances (probably Kalaripayatt.)
Best time to visit Kumily: August to April
6. Kumarakom
One of the highly recommended places near Munnar to visit because of its paddy fields, startling fishing experience, delicious seafood, etc. Like Aleppey, this tourist place in Munnar also has backwaters. It has a 14-acre bird sanctuary in which you can spend your whole day.
Best time to visit Kumarakom: September to April
7. Devikulam
Absolutely an alluring tourist destination near Munnar Kerala! It has the heavenly Sita Devi lake, Thoovanam waterfall, Mattupetty dam, a few tea plantations, Kundala lake, and Palivasal waterfall. Thus, it comes in the top ten list of important places to visit in Munnar.
Best time to visit Devikulam: November to March
For a customized Munnar itinerary, Click here!
Frequently Asked Questions About Places to Visit Near Munnar
1. What are the top attractions to visit in Munnar?
TEA museum, Pothamedu Viewpoint, Kundala Lake, Blossom Park, Sita Devi Lake, Marmala waterfalls, etc.
2. What is Munnar famous for?
Munnar is famous for its enticing lush-green plantations, lakes, and waterfalls. Couples mostly prefer this place for their honeymoon.
3. What are the most popular things to do in Munnar with children?
Popular things to do in Munnar by families with children are trekking the dense forests/flora, spotting rare species of animals and birds in wildlife sanctuaries, and exploring the plantations & the tea museum.
