A mesmerizing hill station, set among tea plantations in the Kannan Devan Hills, Munnar is a perfect choice to explore Western Ghats. The place is known for its mild climate and warm hospitality. It is always a honeymoon destination and is gradually grabbing more international visitors. There are beautiful bungalows and churches constructed by British settlers to explore, and go for leisure walks in the hills.
Best time to travel
The most suitable time to visit Munnar is during the summer season, from March until May. During these months, the maximum temperatures up in the hills remain a few degrees cooler than down on the plains and would provide relief from other hot places in India. Book your hotel in advance to avoid last minute hassle. You must carry waterproof and warm clothing, especially if you are going during the monsoon, from June until September. Traveling outside of the summer season means offseason thus you’ll experience mild evenings, lesser crowds, and be able to find hotels with lesser prices.
Places to visit
The Tea Museum, at the Nallathanni Estate, gives you the royal history of tea production in the Kannan Devan Hills. This place gives you photo opportunities over the surrounding landscape head to Lockhart Gap, where you can try rock climbing.
How to reach
The closest international airport to this city is 120 km away at Cochin (COK). Madurai (IXM) is 165 km distant, at the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. The nearest railway station is Ernakulam Junction, which is about 120 km from Munnar and also linked to the town by National Highway 49.You can hire Air-conditioned buses or cars with drivers are usually the easiest methods of getting to Munnar. If you’re traveling locally then taxis and 3-wheeled autos are cheap and, if you ask, can usually be hired for a day or half-day.
Cuisine
The menus of restaurants in and around Munnar provide delicious dishes that you can’t miss. Several vegetarian restaurants, plus places serving Keralan dishes are easily available with mouth watering cuisine with the specialty by the use of creamy coconut milk, curry leaves, and locally grown fresh spices. The best treat to mouth is to eat a crispy, pancake-like masala dosa or to tear apart a flaky paratha.
Customs and etiquette
While going to Hindu temples or Muslim mosques, make sure to remove your shoes first and leave them outside the temple. The society in and around Munnar is conservative and public displays of affection are considered inappropriate by the local people and believes in lot of customs and traditions. You should wear clothing that covers the shoulders, thighs, and cleavage helps avoid unwanted attention by the local residents. Tipping for services is not compulsory however anything from a few rupees to 10 percent when dining in restaurants is usually appreciated there. You can do shopping at markets and in some shops the pricing is flexible, so you’ll often be able to get heavy discounts.
Thus start planning your trip accordingly.
