A guide to the hills around us: where the rivers meet and what to pack, the four roads out of Munnar, and five days to spend on them.
Munnar is a hill station in the Western Ghats, in the Idukki district of Kerala. The name comes from the meeting of three rivers here: the Madhurappuzha, the Nallathanni and the Kundala.
The land climbs from 1,450 metres to 2,695 metres at the summit of Anamudi, the highest peak in South India. That height keeps the air cool all year, and on the coldest winter nights it can bring frost: Sevenmallay has recorded four degrees below zero.
Much of the High Range is protected. These are the parks and sanctuaries closest to Munnar.
The places we send our guests, grouped by the road you take to reach them.
The road to the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border, past lakes, dams and a string of viewpoints.
The Coimbatore road: waterfalls, the tahr of Eravikulam, sandalwood, apple gardens and the sanctuary at Chinnar.
Lakes, the Lockhart Gap and the highest tea factory in the world.
Worth keeping in mind on the way up from Kochi, or on the way back down.
Three climbs we recommend, and gentler guided walks that start at our own gate.
A slow climb through the hamlet of Nagarmudi, past tea, cardamom and coffee, to the ridge.
About 7,200 ft, with views out over the Idukki district.
One of the High Range climbs not to miss.
Guided walks through the passes around Chithirapuram: easy trails and long views.
Off-road drives towards Mankulam, Anakkulam, Viripara, Lakshmi estate and Top Station, looking for wild gaur, the lion-tailed macaque and the grizzled giant squirrel.
Our suggested plan for a first visit. The travel desk can arrange a cab and a guide for each day, and change any of it to suit you.
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Distances below are to Munnar town. From there, the resort is a short drive on to Chithirapuram.
105 km to Munnar
From Cochin International Airport, about 105 km.
101 km to Munnar
From Aluva, the nearest railway station, about 101 km. Madurai and Coimbatore stations are about 158 to 165 km away.
117 km to Munnar
From Kochi along NH49, about 117 km. The road is narrow and winding, with waterfalls on the way; Adimali is 20 km before Munnar.
7 km from Munnar town to the resort
The Munnar Queen is in Chithirapuram, about seven kilometres from town. Our travel desk can arrange a cab from the airport or the station.
Get directionsStay on the hill and let our travel desk plan the days. Tell us your dates and who is coming; we reply by phone or WhatsApp with availability and a tariff.
