Tourist places in Munnar

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (60 km from Munnar)

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is 60 km from Munnar, located in the rain shadow region of Western Ghats of Kerala, extends over an area of over 90 sq km. Chinnar is a house of large number of plants and animals like rarest of the rare giant grizzled squirrel, which are said to be less than 200, around the world. Apart from it, this sanctuary is also shelter to tigers, spotted deer, Sambar, turtles, elephants, bonnet macaques, Peafowl, Bulbul, Flycatcher, Kingfisher, Drongo, Bushchats, Hoopoes, black eagles, vipers, Hanuman Monkey, Peacocks, little cormorants and darters. As one moves from Karimuthi to Chinnar you can see those birds and animals on either side of the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Chinnar gets much less rain than Kerala’s other wildlife sanctuaries. Recently reported the famous “white bison of Manjampatti” at Chinnar. With 225 species of birds, Chinnar is rich in avian diversity. The sanctuary is home to some of the highest peaks including Kottakombumalai (2144 mts), Vellaikalmalai (1863 mts) and Viriyottumalai (1845 mts). The extensive sandalwood forest at Marayoor is nearby an added attraction to the place.


The sanctuary abounds in a variety of trees, including the unique thorny scrub forest with Xerophytic species. The flora of the sanctuary comprises dry deciduous forest, thorny scrub forests, high sholas and wet grasslands. The undulated landscape with craggy rocks patches adds to the scenic grandeur of the sanctuary. Best Season to visit the sanctuary is from December to April. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is also ideal for boating and trekking. The forest department does not offer any conducted safaris, however there are other options like the “river trekking programme” (from 6 to 11 AM & 3 to 6 PM, Rs. 50/person) and the “trek to thoovanam waterfall” (Rs. 35/person). Other options include the trek to the pre-historic dolmens. Bookings can be made for all these programmes from the checkpost or the Eravikulam wildlife sanctuary warden’s office.


Mattupetty Dam 13 km from Munnar)

Situated at a height of 1700 Mts , Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialised dairy farm, the Indo-swiss live stock project. Over 100 varietes of high yielding cattle are reared here.Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm

Visit Time : 0900 - 1100 hrs and 1400 - 1530 hrs. 

Rate : Rs. 5/- per head. ( liable to change)

The Mattupetty lake and dam , just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed Launch and slow speed motor boats are available on hire.

Pothamedu (6 km from Munnar)

Pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.

Devikulam (7 km from Munnar) 

This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.

Pallivasal (8 km from Munnar)

This is the venue of the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala and a place of immence scenic beauty. 

Attukal (9 km from Munnar)

A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treks.

Nyayamakad (10 km from Munnar)

Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters. The enchanting surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.

Chithirapuram (10 km from Munnar)

With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old world charm. Home of the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.

Lock Heart Gap (13 km from Munnar)

This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.

Rajamala (15 km from Munnar)

The natural habitat of the Niligiri tahr , Rajamala is 2695 Mts above sea level. Half the world's population of the rare mountain goat or tahr which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here.The Niligiri tahr in Rajamala are now to be found in small herds found in Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Niligiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated to be over 1300.

Visiting Time : 0700 - 1800 hrs.

Visitors are not allowed during the monsoon.

Entry Pass : Rs. 10 for adults, Rs. 5 for children below 12 years, Rs. 50 for foreigners.( liable to change)

Permitting Authority : Wild Life DFO, Munnar.

Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar)

The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695 Mts) is located in the Southern region of the park.

Originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex), the Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. It covers an area of 97 sq kms of rolling grasslands and high level sholas (evergreen forests). The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world.