Unique Stays in Munnar: 7 One-of-a-Kind Places to Stay in Kerala’s Mountain Paradise

Munnar is no ordinary hill station.

Perched 5,200 feet above sea level, this misty escape in Kerala’s Western Ghats is where clouds kiss tea plantations, and every sunrise feels like a painting in motion. But what truly makes a trip to Munnar unforgettable isn’t just what you see — it’s where you stay.

If you’re dreaming of a stay that’s far from cookie-cutter resorts and standard hotel rooms, this list is for you. We’ve curated 7 of the most unique and soulful stays in Munnar — places that tell a story, immerse you in nature, and let you connect with something deeper.

Whether you’re a couple seeking romance, a family chasing fresh mountain air, or a solo traveler looking for soulful silence, Munnar has a place that’s just right — and wildly different.

Below are our picks for the unique stays in Munnar.

1. Blackberry Hills Munnar Nature Resort & Spa

Nature meets boutique luxury on a private mountainside estate

Hornbill Restaurant in Munnar

Let’s start with what many call Munnar’s best-kept secret — Blackberry Hills. Tucked into the side of a mountain and spread across a 10-acre estate, this boutique nature resort isn’t just a stay — it’s a curated experience of slow living, sustainability, and soulful connection.

Each cottage here faces a different angle of the valley — meaning you’ll wake up to a different painting every morning, made of clouds, light, and ancient hills. The Premium Valley View Jacuzzi Suites offer an especially immersive escape, with private jacuzzis, warm wooden interiors, and large balconies that open to infinity.

But it’s not just the views. Blackberry Hills is home to Sisal Spa, offering Ayurvedic and international therapies, including a romantic copper tub milk bath for couples.  They have one of the best pools in Munnar overlooking the valley. There are guided forest treks, tea tasting sessions, and even an in-house dog (Banjo!) who joins guests on nature walks.

What truly sets this resort apart is its heart. This isn’t just hospitality — it’s carefully nurtured harmony with the land, the birds, the forest, and the community.

Unique Features:

  • 10-acre slope-stabilized estate with vetiver grass planting

  • Award-winning commitment to sustainability

  • Spa with infrared sauna, couple’s rituals, and Ayurvedic therapies

  • A beautiful restaurant with panoramic valley views. 
  • Guided nature walks, tea trails, cooking demos

  • Heated infinity pool. 

🛏️ Perfect for: Couples, honeymooners, mindful travelers, nature lovers
🌧️ Best time to visit: All seasons — monsoons especially magical here

2. The Mudhouse, Marayoor

For the off-grid, barefoot luxury seeker

unique stays in munnar

If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a hut made of earth, surrounded by sandalwood forests and ancient tribal lands, The Mudhouse in Marayoor offers that dream — real and unfiltered. About an hour from Munnar town, this property is not a resort — it’s an experience in slowness.

Everything here is handmade: mud cottages, stone pathways, thatch roofs. There’s no Wi-Fi or TV — just campfires, books, stars, and long conversations. The place runs on solar power, rainwater harvesting, and a deep commitment to low-impact living.

While it’s rustic and intentionally simple, it appeals to a very different guest segment than Blackberry Hills — slow travelers, artists, eco-nomads, and those looking for complete digital disconnection.

 

🛏️ Perfect for: Rustic adventurers, writers, eco-conscious nomads
🌳 Not ideal for: Those seeking spa treatments, luxury, or structured service

3. Kaivalyam Retreat

Wellness, yoga, and vegetarian calm in the hills

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Kaivalyam Retreat is one of Munnar’s few dedicated wellness stays — it runs like a yoga ashram but feels like a warm mountain lodge. Located within a cardamom plantation, it offers treehouse rooms, morning yoga, Ayurvedic consultations, and farm-to-table vegetarian meals.

No alcohol, no meat, and minimal digital distractions — but lots of healing quiet and time for introspection. It draws a niche crowd, especially international wellness travelers and solo visitors on self-discovery journeys.

While it shares Munnar’s love for nature, Kaivalyam appeals to a wellness-first demographic — not overlapping with Blackberry Hills’ luxury/nature/boutique positioning.

🛏️ Perfect for: Yogis, meditators, solo travelers
🍵 Unique feature: Ayurvedic tea-making sessions with cardamom and tulsi

4. Windermere Estate

Colonial charm on a working plantation

windermere estate

Perched above the town with panoramic views, Windermere is a cozy retreat that oozes old-world elegance. Think British-style bungalows, wooden floors, antique lamps, and sprawling verandahs.

It’s set on a 55-acre coffee and cardamom estate, and guests can take estate walks, sip tea on the lawn, or just laze by the fire with a book. Windermere isn’t about fancy amenities — it’s about understated charm and calm.

This is an ideal choice for families or older travelers who enjoy vintage vibes and plantation experiences — distinct from the experience-focused and spa-integrated style of Blackberry Hills.

 

🛏️ Perfect for: Older couples, families, lovers of colonial design
Highlight: Handcrafted estate teas and guided plantation walks

5. River Tree Munnar

A budget-friendly boutique hidden among cardamom groves

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River Tree is a well-reviewed but modestly priced stay ideal for younger backpackers, small families, and budget-conscious travelers who still want to wake up amidst nature. Located just outside Munnar town, this homestay-style lodge offers clean, contemporary rooms with balconies, great hospitality, and warm meals.

It’s not a direct competitor to Blackberry Hills — but it’s a great inclusion for travelers researching multiple tiers of accommodation.

🛏️ Perfect for: Budget travelers, small groups, off-season getaways
💡 Highlight: Hosts often organize campfires and local hikes for guests

6. The Tall Trees Munnar

Cottages under 100-foot trees and starlit skies

cottages among the tall

True to its name, The Tall Trees offers private cottages nestled under massive shola trees on a forest-clad estate. It’s a great mix of seclusion, comfort, and nature, with trails crisscrossing the property, a spa, and hammocks hanging in dappled light.

While larger than Blackberry Hills, it caters more to mid-size groups, large families, and corporate groups, often in multi-room cottages. It’s a peaceful and green stay, but lacks the handcrafted intimacy of smaller boutique resorts.

🛏️ Perfect for: Larger families, friend groups, forest lovers
🌲 Highlight: Night walks through a lit-up forest trail

7. SpiceTree Munnar (Chinnar side)

Mountain-facing suites with plunge pools in the high ranges

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Located between Munnar and Chinnar, SpiceTree is a secluded, luxury property with spacious rooms, personal plunge pools, and expansive views. The terrain is higher and more rugged, and the property is ideal for guests who want solitude and spa indulgence in a mountain setting.

Though premium, it’s geographically distant and serves a niche market looking for isolation and indulgence. The experience is more conventional luxury than nature-integrated boutique hospitality.

🛏️ Perfect for: Honeymooners, privacy seekers, luxury-first travelers
🍷 Highlight: Wine cellar experiences and hydrotherapy spa

How to Choose the Right Unique Stay in Munnar

Experience TypeRecommended Stay
Nature + Boutique LuxuryBlackberry Hills Munnar
Wellness + Yoga     Kaivalyam Retreat
Rustic + Offbeat                  The Mudhouse Marayoor
Vintage + PlantationWindermere Estate
Budget Boutique     River Tree Munnar
Family HolidayThe Tall Trees
Private Luxury         SpiceTree Munnar

Final Thoughts: Make Your Stay Part of the Journey

When you visit Munnar, you’re not just ticking off a destination — you’re entering a world of misty trails, ancient forests, and deep quiet. Choose a stay that reflects your travel philosophy: Are you here to retreat into nature? To rediscover balance? To indulge, explore, or reconnect with your partner?

Whatever your reason, let your stay be more than a bed for the night. Let it be part of the magic.

If you’re looking for a place that blends romance, sustainability, and the spirit of Munnar itself — Blackberry Hills might just be your perfect match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Munnar offers a blend of misty mountains, tea gardens, eco-conscious retreats, and local culture, making your stay both scenic and soulful.

Yes, many boutique resorts and nature retreats in Munnar offer romantic suites, candlelight dinners, and couple experiences perfect for honeymooners.

Most unique accommodations in Munnar are set amidst tea estates or forested slopes, offering stunning views of valleys, mist, and natural surroundings.

Yes, established stays with good terrain management (like those using Vetiver for slope stabilization) remain safe and accessible even during monsoons.

Consider your preferences—whether it’s wellness, birdwatching, privacy, or adventure. Look for stays that align with your interests and offer personalized experiences.

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We’re here to help you plan your perfect escape to Munnar! Whether you want to learn more about Blackberry Hills, check room availability, or customize your stay, feel free to reach out.

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