Munnar, Marayoor & Kanthaloor — Complete Travel Guide

Top 15 Tourist Places to Visit in Munnar, Kerala (2025 Guide)

Updated 2025  |  8 min read  |  By Dolmens Castle Homestay

Munnar, nestled at 1,600 metres in the Western Ghats of Idukki district, Kerala, is one of India's most beloved hill stations. Famous for its endless rolling tea estates, misty mountains, cool climate, and rich biodiversity, Munnar draws millions of tourists every year. Whether you're a nature lover, adventure seeker, or someone just looking for peace away from city life — Munnar has something magical for everyone.

1. Eravikulam National Park

Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, Eravikulam National Park is one of Munnar's top attractions. Spread across 97 sq. km of rolling grasslands and shola forests, it's also the prime location to spot the rare Neelakurinji flowers that bloom every 12 years. The park's Rajamala peak, at 2,695 metres, offers stunning panoramic views.

2. Munnar Tea Gardens & Tea Museum

The sweeping tea estates of Munnar are a photographer's paradise. The KDHP Tea Museum in Nallathanni offers an immersive journey through the history of tea cultivation in Kerala's highlands. Walk through the emerald green tea gardens, learn how tea is processed, and sample freshly brewed varieties.

3. Mattupetty Dam & Lake

About 13 km from Munnar town, Mattupetty Dam is a scenic reservoir surrounded by tea and eucalyptus plantations. Boating on the calm waters with the shola forest as a backdrop is a favourite activity. The nearby Indo-Swiss Livestock Project dairy farm is also worth visiting.

4. Top Station

Top Station, at 1,880 metres, is the highest point in Munnar and offers spectacular views of the Western Ghats and the Kumily Valley. It's one of the few places to see the Neelakurinji blooms during the flowering season. The drive up is equally breathtaking.

5. Anamudi Peak

At 2,695 metres, Anamudi is the highest peak in South India. Located inside Eravikulam National Park, trekking to Anamudi requires prior permission. The trail offers a wildlife-rich trek through the shola forests, with chances to spot elephants, leopards, and the Nilgiri Tahr.

Marayoor — Kerala's Hidden Gem: Sandalwood Forests, Dolmens & Waterfalls

Updated 2025  |  6 min read

Marayoor (also spelled Marayur) is a small, enchanting village in Idukki district, Kerala, situated at about 1,400 metres above sea level. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour Munnar, Marayoor is a treasure chest of natural wonders, ancient history, and unique biodiversity. It is most famous as the home of Kerala's only natural sandalwood forest — a rare and protected ecosystem found nowhere else in the state.

Marayoor Sandalwood Forest

The Marayoor Sandalwood Forest is one of India's most prized natural assets. Spread across approximately 23 sq. km, this government-protected forest is home to hundreds of natural sandalwood trees (Santalum album). The forest is patrolled and visitors are taken on guided walks by the Forest Department. The fragrance of sandalwood lingering in the cool mountain air is an experience you will never forget.

Marayoor Dolmens — Prehistoric Monuments

Marayoor is one of the few places in South India with a significant concentration of megalithic dolmens — ancient prehistoric burial structures estimated to be over 3,000 years old. These stone monuments, consisting of large flat stones placed on top of smaller upright stones, are found scattered across hilltops and fields around the village. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the Iron Age civilisations that once inhabited these hills.

Thoovanam Waterfalls

Thoovanam Waterfalls is one of the most spectacular and least crowded waterfalls in the Munnar region. Located inside the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, it requires a 3 km trek through shola forest to reach the falls. The sight of the water cascading through dense forest is utterly breathtaking. Swimming is permitted in the natural pool at the base.

Marayoor Jaggery — Famous Cane Sugar Products

Marayoor is famous throughout Kerala for its traditional sugarcane cultivation and hand-crafted jaggery (sharkkara). The fields of swaying sugarcane are a charming sight during harvest season (October to February), and the local jaggery market is a delight for food lovers. Don't leave Marayoor without buying some freshly made local jaggery as a souvenir.

Best Time to Visit Marayoor

• October to February (Peak Season): Cool weather (10–20°C), sugarcane harvest, ideal trekking conditions
• March to May (Summer): Warmer but pleasant, fewer crowds, great for waterfalls and forest walks
• June to September (Monsoon): Lush greenery, dramatic waterfalls, mist-covered forests — magical for photography

How to Reach Marayoor

• From Munnar: 37 km via Rajamala Road — about 1 hour drive
• From Coimbatore: 120 km via Udumalpet — approximately 3 hours
• From Cochin (Kochi): 145 km via NH 85 — approximately 4.5 hours
• From Madurai: 115 km — approximately 3.5 hours

Kanthaloor — Kerala's Apple Village: A Complete Tourist Guide

Updated 2025  |  5 min read

Kanthaloor is a beautiful hill village located about 10 km from Marayoor and 45 km from Munnar in Idukki district, Kerala. Perched at an altitude of 1,500 metres, Kanthaloor is famous as "Kerala's Apple Village" — the only place in South India where apples, pears, plums, and other temperate fruits are cultivated commercially. A visit to Kanthaloor is unlike anything else in Kerala.

Kanthaloor Apple Orchards

The cool, misty climate of Kanthaloor supports the growth of apple, pear, plum, peach, and walnut trees — a rare sight in tropical Kerala. The main apple-picking season is from October to December, when the orchards are heavy with bright red fruit. Many farm owners welcome visitors to walk through their orchards and pick fruits directly from the trees. It's an experience that feels worlds away from the Kerala coast.

Vegetable Farms of Kanthaloor

Alongside fruit orchards, Kanthaloor is a major producer of exotic vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, carrots, beans, and beetroot that supply markets across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The patchwork of terraced vegetable farms climbing up the hillsides is a stunning visual during any season, but especially beautiful in the early morning mist.

Kanthaloor Viewpoints

The village itself is a viewpoint — with panoramic vistas stretching from the Palani Hills in Tamil Nadu to the Annamalai ranges. The Kanthaloor–Marayoor Road offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Kerala, with hairpin bends, misty valleys, and tea gardens lining the route.

Things to Do in Kanthaloor

• Apple and fruit picking at local orchards (October–December)
• Farm tours and organic vegetable harvest experiences
• Trekking to nearby Pampadum Shola National Park
• Wildlife spotting — leopards, wild boar, and jungle fowl are common
• Photography of the stunning mountain landscapes
• Visiting the ancient Christian churches and temples in the village
• Tasting freshly made apple jam, fruit wine, and local produce at roadside stalls

Kanthaloor to Marayoor Distance & Transport

Kanthaloor is just 10 km from Marayoor and accessible by road. Dolmens Castle Homestay in Marayoor is an ideal base for exploring both Kanthaloor and the wider Munnar region. Local auto-rickshaws and taxis are available from Marayoor to Kanthaloor.

Best Trekking Trails Near Munnar, Marayoor & Kanthaloor (2025)

Updated 2025  |  7 min read

The hills around Munnar, Marayoor, and Kanthaloor are a paradise for trekkers. With altitudes ranging from 900 to 2,695 metres, dense shola forests, grasslands, wildlife corridors, and ancient forests, this region offers some of the most diverse and rewarding trekking experiences in South India.

1. Thoovanam Waterfalls Trek (Easy – Moderate)

Distance: 3 km one-way | Duration: 2–3 hours | Location: Inside Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, near Marayoor

One of the most popular treks in the Munnar region, the Thoovanam trail winds through dry deciduous shola forest and rocky terrain to reach a stunning 50-metre waterfall. En route, you may spot wild elephants, leopards, sambhar deer, and rare birds. A Forest Department guide is mandatory — bookings are made at the Chinnar entry gate.

2. Anamudi Summit Trek (Difficult)

Distance: 12 km round trip | Duration: Full day | Location: Eravikulam National Park, Munnar

Scaling Anamudi (2,695m), the highest peak in South India, is a bucket-list trek for serious hikers. The trail passes through montane grasslands where Nilgiri Tahr graze fearlessly. Prior permission from the Forest Department is required. Best done October through May.

3. Meesapulimala Trek (Moderate – Difficult)

Distance: 16 km | Duration: 2 days | Location: Rajamala, Munnar

Meesapulimala (2,640m), the second highest peak in Kerala, offers a stunning multi-day trekking experience through sprawling shola grasslands. The views from the summit are absolutely spectacular, encompassing the entire Munnar range and on clear days, as far as the Tamil Nadu plains.

4. Marayoor Sandalwood Forest Walk (Easy)

Distance: 2 km guided loop | Duration: 1–1.5 hours | Location: Marayoor village

A gentle guided walk through Kerala's only natural sandalwood forest. The Forest Department conducts regular tours. Perfect for families and those who prefer a relaxed nature walk over strenuous trekking. The scent of sandalwood through the forest is unforgettable.

5. Pampadum Shola Trek (Moderate)

Distance: 5–8 km | Duration: 4–5 hours | Location: Near Kanthaloor

Pampadum Shola National Park near Kanthaloor is a miniature but pristine wilderness area. The trekking here takes you through ancient shola forests, montane grasslands, and rocky outcrops with dramatic views. Rich in endemic bird species and rare ferns.

Essential Trekking Tips for Munnar & Marayoor

• Always carry a waterproof jacket — weather changes rapidly in the Western Ghats
• Hire certified Forest Department guides for treks inside sanctuaries
• Carry at least 2 litres of water per person per trek
• Wear sturdy trekking shoes — trails can be slippery, especially after rain
• Start early — most trails are best covered by 7–8 AM
• Respect wildlife — maintain distance and never feed animals
• Best trekking months: October to April

Best Time to Visit Munnar, Marayoor & Kanthaloor — Season Guide

Updated 2025  |  4 min read

Munnar and the surrounding region of Marayoor and Kanthaloor can be visited throughout the year, but each season offers a completely different experience. Here's the complete season-by-season guide to help you plan the perfect trip.

🌿 Monsoon Season — June to September

The monsoon transforms the Western Ghats into a lush, emerald paradise. Tea gardens turn a vivid green, waterfalls like Thoovanam are at their most spectacular, and the forests are alive with the sound of rain and birdsong. Fewer tourists mean lower accommodation prices and a more peaceful experience. Trekking is restricted in many areas during heavy rain. Best suited to photographers and nature lovers comfortable with wet weather.

Temperature: 13°C–20°C | Rainfall: Heavy

🍎 Post-Monsoon & Winter — October to February (Peak Season)

This is the best time to visit Munnar, Marayoor, and Kanthaloor. The post-monsoon landscape is lush and fresh, skies are clear, and temperatures are cool and comfortable. October–December is also the apple and fruit harvest season in Kanthaloor, making it especially exciting. Trekking conditions are ideal. Book early as this is the busiest tourist period.

Temperature: 5°C–22°C | Highlight: Kanthaloor apple harvest, clear views, best trekking

☀️ Summer — March to May

Warmer than winter but still pleasantly cool compared to the plains below. Fewer tourists, good road conditions, and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. Waterfalls may be reduced in flow but are still accessible. Ideal for budget travellers who want to avoid the crowds of peak season.

Temperature: 15°C–28°C | Highlight: Fewer crowds, wildlife spotting, budget-friendly

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary — Wildlife & Trekking Guide Near Marayoor

Updated 2025  |  5 min read

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the eastern border of Marayoor, is one of Kerala's most ecologically unique protected areas. Covering 90.44 sq. km, Chinnar spans the dry deciduous forests and thorny scrublands on the rain-shadow side of the Western Ghats — a stark contrast to the wet green forests of Munnar just 30 km away.

Wildlife of Chinnar

Chinnar is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife. It holds one of the largest populations of the endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrel in the world. The sanctuary also shelters elephants, leopards, spotted deer, sambhar, wild boar, sloth bears, and over 245 species of birds. The Thoovanam Waterfalls trek inside Chinnar is one of the most rewarding wildlife-watching walks in South India.

Trekking Inside Chinnar

The Forest Department offers several guided treks ranging from easy 2-hour walks to multi-day overnight camping treks. The Thoovanam Waterfalls trek (3 km) and the Giant Squirrel trek are the most popular. Overnight nature camps with campfires inside the sanctuary are available with advance booking.

How to Reach Chinnar from Dolmens Castle

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 10–15 km from Dolmens Castle Homestay in Marayoor. Our homestay team can arrange transport and guide coordination for all Chinnar treks. Entry fees and guide fees are collected at the sanctuary gate.

• Entry Fee: ₹150–₹300 per person (Indian visitors)
• Best Wildlife Spotting Months: October–May
• Open Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Mandatory: Forest Department guide for all treks