Where to stay in Munnar: the short guide
Munnar's name means 'three rivers', and the town sits among tea plantations, misty valleys and waterfalls in the Western Ghats. The town itself is busy and commercial, so many travellers choose to stay a little outside, in tea-estate resorts or hillside cottages with views.
There is no railway or airport in Munnar, so getting here is a road journey of three to four hours from Kochi. That makes it worth staying at least two nights, and picking a base close to the sights you care about, since they are spread widely.
Best areas to stay in Munnar
Munnar town and Old Munnar
The busiest centre, with the bus stand, markets, restaurants and the old Christ Church. Convenient and well connected, but noisy and congested at peak times.
Pothamedu
A quieter hillside above town with viewpoints, spice-garden and plantation-view stays. A short ride to the centre.
Chinnakanal and Suryanelli
On the road beyond town, with waterfalls, tea estates and resort stays. Peaceful, but you will need a vehicle.
Mattupetty and Top Station direction
Closer to the dam and viewpoints, with fewer hotels and more open scenery.
Devikulam and Anayirangal
Lake, dam and estate areas, including forest and elephant-spotting areas. Good for slower stays and for nature.
Getting to Munnar and hotels near the station or airport
Munnar has no railway station or airport. The usual route is flying into Cochin International Airport, about 110 to 125 km away, then taking a taxi or bus for roughly three to four hours. A one-way taxi is often quoted at around ₹3,000, but confirm before you travel.
The nearest railway stations are Aluva (about 100 to 110 km) and Ernakulam, with Angamaly also nearby. Buses run from Aluva and Kochi up to Munnar, and Madurai and Coimbatore airports can also work if you come from Tamil Nadu.
Roads in the hills are narrow and winding, so allow extra time, and avoid late-night arrivals in heavy rain.
Hotels for every budget in Munnar
Budget lodges and hostels
In and around the town, including hostels and simple homestays. Check for hot water and heating, since nights are cool.
Mid-range hotels and homestays
A wide choice around Pothamedu and Chinnakanal, many with plantation or valley views. Confirm whether breakfast or dinner is included.
Tea estate resorts
Luxury stays set within or beside tea plantations, with spas, bonfires and guided estate walks. Book early for winter.
Rates change with season, day of the week and local events, so search your exact dates to see live prices.
What to do near your hotel
- Tea gardens and the Tea Museum: walk the plantations and see how tea is processed.
- Eravikulam National Park: home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr; the park is usually closed for a few weeks in the early part of the year, so check before you go.
- Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point: boating and a classic viewpoint; Top Station is a longer outing for panoramic views.
- Attukal, Lakkam and Chinnakanal waterfalls: photogenic cascades, best after the monsoon.
- Anamudi and guided hikes: treks here must be done with a guide.
- Anakulam and Anayirangal: viewing wild elephants from a respectful distance.
The Neelakurinji bloom
Munnar is famous for the Neelakurinji, a plant that blankets the hills in blue and purple flowers once every 12 years. The last major bloom was in 2018, so the next is not expected until around 2030. Outside bloom years, the hills are green all year, and the tea gardens and mist are the main draw.
When to visit Munnar
| September to November | Dry, pleasant weather after the monsoon. Generally the best window for views and walks. |
|---|---|
| December to February | Cold mornings (down to around 10 °C at night) and the busiest period, including Christmas and New Year. |
| March to May | Warmer but comfortable, with lower rates. Good for tea-estate stays. |
| June to August | Heavy monsoon, with landslide risk on some roads and leeches in grassy areas. Lowest prices and lush scenery. |
Good to know before you book
- Pick your base by the sights: Pothamedu for views, Chinnakanal for waterfalls and quiet, the town for convenience.
- Check whether the Eravikulam park is open on your dates before planning around it.
- Hikes must be done with a guide, and the hotel can arrange one.
- Ask your hotel about heating, hot water and road access in monsoon.
See live prices for Munnar
Travelyne checks Booking.com, Agoda, Tripadvisor and direct hotels in one search. You book on the supplier's own page.
Compare hotels in MunnarFrequently asked questions
How do I reach Munnar?
Fly into Cochin International Airport, about 110 to 125 km away, then take a taxi or bus for three to four hours. Aluva is the nearest useful station.
Is there a railway station in Munnar?
No. The nearest are Aluva (about 100 to 110 km) and Ernakulam.
Where is the best area to stay in Munnar?
Pothamedu and Chinnakanal for views and quiet; Old Munnar if you want to be central.
When does the Neelakurinji bloom?
Once every 12 years. The last bloom was in 2018, so the next is expected around 2030.
Is Munnar good in the monsoon?
It is green and cheap, but landslides and leeches are possible. Check road conditions before you travel.