The Western Ghats of Kerala are lined with scenic hills and picturesque valleys. At the centre of its beauty, Munnar is perfectly placed like a crown jewel atop the lush, green hills. Roughly 2695 metres, Munnar is a quiet town that serves as an escape from the hustle and heat of daily life.
Munnar is well-known for its biodiversity. The wilderness of this majestic landscape is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Anamudi Peak is famous for being the highest peak in South India, and it forms part of the hills and valleys of this mystic landscape.
Munnar is known for many popular tourist destinations in Kerala. Popular spots in Munnar that tourists love to visit include:
Apart from these spots, there are a lot of offbeat places in Munnar that are less known but worth the visit. There are amazing viewpoints and peaceful spots near Munnar that are less explored by tourists, so if you are looking for adventure, take a trip on the wilder side and look at some of the hidden gems in Munnar.
As one of the highest points in South India, Munnar is home to many waterfalls. Some of these water bodies are more accessible than others. However, when it comes to showcasing the region’s beauty, these are the most aesthetic waterfalls in Munnar.
Attukal waterfalls are composed of multiple cascades that feed into one another. During the monsoon season, this hidden gem in Munnar overflows with fast-moving currents that feed into the torrential downpour from the mouth of the waterfalls. It is a popular spot for trekkers and tired adventures to rest, replenish and rehydrate.
Located in the heart of the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, the Thoovanam waterfalls are home to the footfalls of many adventurers and trekkers who love nature. The Thoovanam waterfalls are the byproduct of the heavy flow of the Pambar River. It’s a great place to either dip your toes in a soothing river—or go swimming if you feel so inclined.
The secluded Vattavada village is located roughly 2000 metres above sea level. It is well known for its calm and even climate and also for the terraced farming slopes that add beauty to its aesthetic ambience.
Dotted with thick patches of forests and diverse vegetable fields, this quaint town is well known for being home to rare flora like Eucalyptus and Conifers.
You might be wondering why this spot is so well known—the answer is sandalwood. Marayoor is home to large pockets of sandalwood forests, and it is located just 40 Km from Munnar—making it a secluded adventure spot for those looking to take in the magnitude and natural beauty of these monolithic forests.
Marayoor is also known for its prehistoric burial sites (Dolmenoid Cists), Children’s Park, and the Sandalwood Factory, which is run by the Forest Department. It is one of the most peaceful villages in Munnar.
This is the perfect place for adventurers and campers alike. With clear blue skies, cool temperatures and forested trekking paths, the Top Station in Munnar is steeped in rich history and biodiversity. Those who enter the Top Station are in for a feast for the eyes and for the soul—offering a picturesque panorama of the rolling hills.
Meesapulimala ranks beside Annamudi Peak as the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats. The foot-trodden trails that lead up to the peak are perfect for long, leisurely treks through the rolling hills of Munnar.
Although this peak is littered with trodden paths, there are plenty of unexplored and hidden trails through the terrain of the awe-inspiring greenery of Meesapulimala in Munnar.
The green-carpeted meadows of the Lakshmi Hills are one of the sought-after destinations in Munnar. Global citizens looking for Munnar’s offbeat hikes can find a perfect fit for their footsteps on the trodden paths atop Lakshmi Hills.
Wildlife Sanctuaries Off the Beaten Path
This national park forms part of the sprawling green landscape of the Shola forests. Known for being rich in rare flora and fauna, these wilds are protected by the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife. Being the smallest national park in the Munnar region, it is not well known, making it an offbeat wildlife sanctuary.
Curious tourists can visit the national park guided by responsible forest safety officers.
The Kurinjimala Sanctuary is known as the home of the rare flower known as the Neelakurinji—which blooms once every 12 years. The surrounding hills are marked as a protected site for being the home of rare flora and fauna. Visiting this site affords tourists the rare opportunity to witness the leisurely stroll of threatened species of Gaur, Nilgiri Tahr, Deer, etc.
This is the perfect place for global citizens looking for hidden wildlife experiences in Munnar.
Lined with sleepy villages nestled in the hills, Chithirapuram is one of the many historical places in Munnar. It is positioned just 13 Km from the main town and is covered in lush greenery that stretches far beyond the surrounding horizons. For tourists looking for a quaint yet secluded town to rest and rejuvenate themselves—you can find your haven in Chithirapuram.
The Muniyara dolmens are a secret heritage site in Munnar. Not a lot of people are aware of the rich history, but rest assured that it’s a must-see for anyone looking to explore Munnar’s hidden gems.
Marayoor’s dolmens are home to megalithic monuments that are dated to be over 2000 years old. The Dolmenoid Cists (or Muniyara) are also burial chambers that date back to the megalithic age—these structures lay dormant as proof of ancient history in the rolling hills of Munnar.
The aromatic sandalwood forest of Marayoor is another hidden gem in Munnar. The rarity of the fragrant sandalwood makes for a serene backdrop for guided treks through the wilderness. Tourists who are looking to explore off the beaten path can make their way to the sandalwood forest to experience nature at its richest in the embrace of Marayoor’s timeless heritage.
Munnar is a mystic region of Kerala that is home to many hidden mysteries. If you are interested in exploring Munnar off the beaten path, this blog will serve as a guide to finding the right spots.
Whether you are a historian, a thrill seeker, or a passionate adventurer, these hidden spots in Munnar can serve as a guiding path for you to reach deeper into your soul and embrace nature in a more rooted manner.
