Places to Visit Near Munnar for a Perfect Weekend Getaway

Known For : Periyar National Park Periyar Tiger Trail Bamboo Rafting in Thekkady

Home to the country's largest Tiger Reserve- Periyar, Thekkady is an important tourist destination in Kerala. There are many resorts near the national park and an early boat safari within the sanctuary is amust to be able to spot wild elephants, bisons, wild boars, various kinds of birds, etc. Periyar National Park, being a major attraction, is one place where you can enjoy bamboo rafting in the catchment area of Mullaiperiyar Dam.

Distance from Munnar: 90 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

24 Thekkady Attractions

Known For : Green Valley View (Suicide Point) Kodaikanal Lake Bear Shola Falls

Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India. When you think of Kodaikanal, you think of a wonderful climate, cliffs covered in mist, cloud-capped mountains and beautiful lakes and valleys. Nestled amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal stands at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level and has a cool, pleasant climate all year round. Kodaikanal means the gift of the forests.

Distance from Munnar: 166 km

Best Time: September to May

35 Kodaikanal Attractions

Known For : Devi Lake Pallivasal Falls Thoovanam Falls

A lake with a legend of its own, greenest sceneries, waterfalls and tea plantations are what offer its charm to Devikulam, a hill station in Kerala. This quaint little hill-station located at an altitude 1800 m above sea level is best known for its mythical Sita Devi Lake, rolling hills, waterfalls and its innumerable tea and spice plantations. Other than the lush green surroundings and breath taking views, the Palivasal Waterfalls, Thoovanam falls and the tea plantations are places to visit.

Distance from Munnar: 24 km

Best Time: November to May

4 Devikulam Attractions

Known For : Hill View Park Idukki Arch Dam Kulamavu Dam

Idukki, a landlocked district of Kerala, is one of the most nature-rich areas in Kerala with more than half of the area covered with forest. This rugged hill resort is known for its wildlife sanctuaries, beautiful bungalows, tea factories, rubber plantations and forests. Idukki's speciality lies in 650 feet long and 550 feet high arch dam across the Kuravan Kurathi mountain, which is the largest in the country.

Distance from Munnar: 66 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

38 Idukki Attractions

Known For : Vagamon Falls Kurisumala Vagamon Lake

Located near Kottayam-Idukki Border, Wagamon, popularly known as Vagamon, is a quiet offbeat hill station in Kerala. With a pleasant climate throughout the year, this breathtaking tourist spot has meandering rivulets and lush green hills surrounding it. The tea garden, pine forests, waterfalls, mesmerising meadows are all that makes Vagamon the perfect getaway.

Distance from Munnar: 94 km

Best Time: October - March

20 Vagamon Attractions

Known For : Nelliyampathy Hills Nenmara Vallanghy Vela Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

With plenty of unexplored treasures, Nelliyampathy is a hill station located near the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border offering bounty of nature and lush green surroundings of tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. The town is also ornamented with a variety of flora, fauna and picturesque tourist attractions.

Distance from Munnar: 182 km

Best Time: October to March

15 Nelliyampathy Attractions

Known For : Houseboats in Alleppey Alappuzha Beach Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple

Officially called Alappuzha, Alleppey is the picture-perfect place known for its beautiful backwaters and the houseboats offering overnight stays. The coastline of Alleppey offers some of the best beaches in Kerala with water sports during the dry season. 
Alleppey is located close to Kochi in the South Indian state of Kerala. Its palm-fringed inter-connect network of canal backwaters attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world.

Distance from Munnar: 167 km

Best Time: June to March

40 Alleppey Attractions

Known For : Grampi Thrissanku Hills Peeru Hills

Blessed with lots of green cover, beautiful rolling hills, wandering streams and gurgling waterfalls; Peermede is a small bewitching hill station of Kerala, pure and pristine. Perched at an altitude of 915 m above the sea level, the town has many hidden treasure troves waiting to be uncovered. Peermede, lying in Idukki District also comprises sprawling spreads of tea, coffee, rubber and cardamom.

Distance from Munnar: 101 km

Best Time: April to June, September to November

8 Peermede Attractions

Known For : Ayyappa Temple Makaravilakku Malikkappuram Devi Temple

More than 30 million pilgrims visit the temple in Sabarimala annually, making it the largest in India and second largest in the world, after Hajj Pilgrimage of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Located inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve, in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, Sabarimala is a temple town on the bank of the River Pampa.

Best Time: September to Apr

6 Sabarimala Attractions

Known For : Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ooty Lake Emerald Lake, Ooty

The Blue Mountains have always been shrouded in mysticism, and Ooty is no exception to that. For every mountain lover, the very idea of travelling to the city known as the Queen of the Hills holds an allure like no other. Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company (and for a very good reason), Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which serves as a very popular tourist destination for anyone looking for a picturesque place to relax and unwind.

Distance from Munnar: 242 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

43 Ooty Attractions

Known For : Periyar National Park Trekking Abraham's Spice Garden

Separating Kerala and Tamil Nadu, this quaint little town is best known for its plantation walks, diverse wildlife, boating and trekking and its Ayurvedic massages.Expansive spice gardens enthral tourists. One must also visit the Kalari Centre where performers perform the unique martial arts form of Kalaripayatt. The primary tourist attraction here are the plantations and a walk through them is sure to give you an enjoyable experience.

Distance from Munnar: 74 km

Best Time: September to Apr

5 Kumily Attractions

Known For : Vydehi Falls Adiyogi Shiva Statue Kovai Kondattam

Often termed as 'Manchester of South India', Coimbatore, the second-largest city in Tamil Nadu, photographically situated on the banks of River Noyyal. Coimbatore, also known as Kovai, is a welcoming area with the backdrop of hustle-bustle and charm of activity and industry. From ancient temples to classy new buildings, from breathtaking mountains to jaw-dropping waterfalls, from mouth-watering cuisine to pleasant weather all year round, Coimbatore has everything you could possibly need to make for a perfect holiday experience.

Distance from Munnar: 159 km

Best Time: September to March

27 Coimbatore Attractions

Known For : Mattancherry Palace Santa Cruz Basilica Kerala Folklore Museum

Situated on the southwest coast of India, Kochi or Cochin is a commercial port city with a trading history that dates back to at least 600 years. Called the Queen of the Arabian Sea, the city is Kerala's financial, commercial, and industrial capital. A gaggle of islands interconnected by ferries, this cosmopolitan town has upmarket stores, art galleries and some of the finest heritage accommodations.

Distance from Munnar: 124 km

Best Time: July to April

57 Kochi Attractions

Known For : Sim's Park Dolphin's Nose Ketti Valley

One of the three beautiful Nilgiri hill stations, Coonoor is the second largest hill station of the Western Ghats. It is situated at an altitude of 1930 meters and just 19 km from Ooty. With slopes of tea plantations, dotted with many attractions and blessed with chilly weather throughout the year, this place is a perfect summer retreat.

Distance from Munnar: 225 km

Best Time: October to March

17 Coonoor Attractions

Known For : Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Kumarakom Backwaters Thanneermukkom Bund

Known for paddy fields, fishing, a network of backwaters, delicious local cuisine, traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) houseboats and luxury and budget resorts. The Kumarakom bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Take a two-hour canoeing trip during the sunrise or sunset to experience the beauty of this place. Kumarkom is the first destination to implement responsible tourism.

Distance from Munnar: 131 km

Best Time: October - February

18 Kumarakom Attractions

Known For : Abbey Falls Mandalpatti Raja's Seat

Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is the place to be for all nature lovers.  This popular coffee producing hill station is not only popular for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them. It also stands as a popular destination because of its culture and people. The Kodavas, a local clan specialising in martial arts, are especially notable for their keen hospitality.

Distance from Munnar: 448 km

Best Time: October to March

37 Coorg Attractions