20 attractions you should visit in Kochi to Munnar trip

Planning to travel from Kochi to Munnar? Don’t know which attractions are the best or which ones should you even take a look at. Don’t worry in this travel blog, we will cover the 20 attractions that come along the way when travelling from Kochi towards Munnar. Kerala is known as God’s own country, a mythological belief that one of Lord Vishnu’s avatar Lord Parshuram threw an axe into the vast sea to create land for his people where they can reside peacefully.

Today we will show show of the finest and most sought after locations by travelers that can found in your trip within God’s own country.

1. Eravikulam National Park

If you are on the trip to Munnar, Eravikulam National Park is a must-visit spot to be added to your travelling list. It is the first national park of Kerala which was established in the year 1978. The National park is spread over an area of 97 kilometers making it one of the most remarkable parks, located in Anamudi, also referred to Anamudi Peak that stands at an astonishing 2695 meters and YES! It is is the highest peak in South India. The Eravikulam National Park is known to attract visitors who are keen wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts as it is home to variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Nilgiri tahr (a mountain goat).

Other mammals can also be found in the park such as chital (spotted deer), lion-tailed macaques, red muntjac and sambar. You can even find plenty of streams cross the national park that form the Cauvery River in the East and Periyar River in the West.

2. Cheeyappara Waterfalls

This majestic waterfall is located on the National Highway 49 between Neriamangalam and Adimali. This waterfall is well-known for its unique seven steps as water cascades down slowly on to each natural formed rocks creating a spectacular flow of water which often leaves many of the travelers mesmerized. It is is known to be one of the best roadside attractions for travelers who are planning to explore the Kochi to Munnar route.

The Water is formed by the Deviyar River, the beautiful sound of the water gushing down is a natural symphonic treat to the ears that is usually used to the car horns of the busy roads in urban cities of India.

3. Anamudi Peak

As we mentioned earlier in this article about the highest peak in south India, located in Eravikulam National Park. This Peak is also known as the “Elephant Head” due to the two small curvy bumps on the top making it look very similar to an Elephant’s head. This peak is often the talk and interest between trekkers and adventurers who take this peak as a challenge, as some also call it the “Everest of South India’ which such an astonishing height.

The peak is located right about 13 kilometers from Munnar, making it another addon to one of your upcoming travel list or maybe even your current one if you are already on your route from Kochi to Munnar.

4. Echo Point

With this name, we guess you already know why this point is given its name. If you still don’t get it well it is because when you shout you voice bounces back many times creating a magical reflection of your own voice thus the name Echo Point. Echo Point is located at the meeting point of Nallathanni, Mudrapuzha and Kundala. This beautiful point offer visitors with not just rolling hills and evergreen forest but surprises you with a beautiful view of the lake and variety of unique avian species in the region of Munnar.

The Point is also known for other activities such as riding a boat in the clear waters of the lake, nature walks in the tea gardens and coffee plantations, and how can you forget to shop the fresh fruits and flavorful masala tea from Munnar.

5. Photo Point

After Echo Point, we have another favorite Photo Point located on the Mattupetty Road which is approximately 5 kilometers from Munnar. The area is covered with tons of lush green tea gardens that create a wonderful background of mountains and rolling hill, perfect for your travel Instagram. Afterall the name Photo point comes from the location being a famous photography point.

Visitors who head there often love to dress up us a local tea-leaf picker and pose for unique shots Don’t wprry you do not need to carry any costumes with you as it is provided by the professional photographers in the area who will help you take pictures.

6. Alleppey

Alleppey also known as Alappuzha and the Venetian Capital of Kerala is has been quite the famous one in Kerala since the very beginning. Alleppey eventually got its popularity due to its backwaters and houseboats that played a vital role in its tourism. Alleppey is the hub of backwater tourism. Its extensive network of canals, lagoons, and lakes provides the lifeline of the city. A houseboat cruise through these serene backwaters offers an amazing opportunity to closely observe the greenery, scenic beauty, and marine life of Alleppey.

There are other places in Alleppey that you can visit that include the famous Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, Vembanad Lake, and the trademark of Alleppey, snake boat race which is conducted during every harvest season in Kerala.

7. Kerala Kathakali Centre

The Kerala Kathakali Centre is a cultural institution located in Fort Kochi, Kerala, India at the beginning of the journey from Kochi to Munnar. The Kerala Kathakali Centre was founded in 1994 that aimed at preserving and promoting the ancient dance form known as Kathakali. The center is known as haven that celebrates its’s culture and tradition that keep the rich heritage of Kathakali alive. Kathakali combines intricate dance, music, drama, and elaborate costumes to depict mythological stories and epics

The center is known to offer variety or programs and activities that include workshops on Kathakali makeup and artistry, demonstrations of the classical dance-art form along with Yoga, and the famous fight form of Kerala known as Kalaripayattu (an ancient self-defense secret). It is good spot for dance enthusiasts and those who love knowing more about culture and traditions of various regions of India.

8. Devikulam

Devikulam is a beautiful location located in the rolling hills of Munnar, Kerala. It is also home to one of the most renowned lakes known as Devi Lake or Sita Lake. holds sacred and religious significance. Legend has it that Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, bathed in this pristine lake. Further more adding to the experience Devikulam is home to variety of tea and spice plantations which can be evidently smelled when your at the place.

It holds one of the most mesmerizing waterfalls as well known as Thoovanam Falls that offers a magnificent sight, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and of course do not forget that Eravikulam National Park comes here too.

9. Mattupetty Dams

Mattupetty Dam, also known as Madupetty Dam, is a concrete gravity dam located near Munnar in the Idukki District of Kerala, India. It was constructed during the period of 1949 to 1953 for two main purposes one being water conservation and the second hydroelectric power. Although created for these two main purposes it is home to variety of flora and fauna surrounding it.

The Mattupetty Dams stands at a great height of 83.35 meters (approx 273.5 feet), while stretching at a length of 237.74 meters. One of the best part of this dam is that this reservoir is often sees herd of elephants around the area which add more to the natural charm of this place.

10. Top Station

Top Station is a captivating location situated near Munnar, a renowned hill station in Kerala, India. The Top Station is at an elevation of 1700 meters and about 32 kilometers from Munnar, situated right on Kodaikanal- Munnar highway. Why the name Top Station? Because this place was once the highest railway station in the Kundala Valley, making it one of the best places for breathtaking views on clear days that clearly show the mesmerizing Western Ghats.

Another reason why Top Station is famous is because it is home to the rare and famous Neelakuriniji flowers that bloom once every twelve years. It often gets crowded in Top Station during the Neelakuriniji flowering season.

11. Rose Garden

The Rose Garden is located on  National Highway 49, approximately two kilometers away from the Munnar city center standing at an elevation of 3500 feet above sea level. Although the name rose garden, it is not limited to only roses and it boasts of variety of flowers and plants. Some of them are cardamom plantations, Litchi, Rambutan, Amla and also Vanilla.

Best part about the rose garden is that it offers visitors eco-friendly homestay, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of Munnar, while also enjoying the scenic hiking trails nearby.

12. Lakhom Waterfalls

Lakkam Waterfalls, also known as Lakkom Falls, is a captivating natural wonder located near Marayoor in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. Another waterfall in this list that is located on the way from Kochi to Munnar is Lakkam Waterfalls, nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Eravikulam stream, which is part of the Eravikulam National Park. What sets Lakkam Waterfalls apart is its origin. Unlike most waterfalls that start from hills, Lakkam begins from a plateau—specifically, the Eravikulam Plateau.

One of the best things of this waterfall is that there are plenty of small fishes at the base of the water, where you can treat yourself to a natural foot spa where the tiny fishes help you clean your feet by eating off the dead skins on your feet. Don’t worry the only thing you will feel is ticklish.

13. Cherai Beach

Cherai Beach is located on the northern side of Vypin Island near Kochi, Kerala, is a picturesque coastal destination that draws visitors with its natural beauty and cultural charm. It is about 25 kilometers from downtown Kochi and easily accessible by road. It is the longest beach of Kerala spanning at a length of 10 kilometers. Phewww! Will definitely take some time to cover the beach, NGL!

This beach is also where the backwaters merge with the beautiful Arabian Sea which is also well-known for Dolphin watching. You can embark on a small boat ride that will allow to witness the rare sightings of these exotic marine creatures in their playful environment. There are more activities such as indulging in water sports and relishing on some tasty seafood fresh from the sea.

14. Pothamedu View Point

Pothamedu Viewpoint is a captivating attraction nestled in the picturesque hills of Munnar, a renowned hill station in Kerala, India. It is known for offering incredible views of the rolling hills covered with tea and coffee plantations along with few patches of cardamom spice plantations. The view point is located on Bisonvally Road of Idukki district that allows you to witness the panoramic view of Munnar and the beautiful hills stretching right before you.

It can be often misty in the area but on clear days you can even witness the majestic Muthirapuzha River and Idukki Arch Dam. Just like Photo Point, this place is also an irresistible place for photography enthusiasts.

15. Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry palace which also famously known as the Dutch Palace is located in Mattancherry,Kochi. It is was built around 1545 by the Portuguese Empire as a gift to the Kingdom of Cochin. Despite its name, it was not actually built by the Dutch. It’s architecture is unique as it follows Nālukettu style, a traditional Kerala architecture which involves a quadrangular structure with a central courtyard.

he walls of the palace are adorned with several Hindu religious murals. These murals are executed in the style of Hindu temple art, featuring religious, decorative, and stylized themes. The Coronation Hall displays portraits of the Rajas of Cochin from 1864 onwards. Local artists painted these portraits in a Western style. The Mattancherry palace is a unique palace that displays the bits of history that portray’s the rich heritage of Kerala which many might not know of.

16. Kalady

Kalady is a town with immense history located in between Angamaly and Perumbavoor, about 102 kilometers from Munnar and east to the Periyar River. The town was previously known as Sasalam which later changed to Kalady meaning “footprint” in Malayalam language. As per traditional sources, it is claimed that it is also the birth place of the 9th century Indian Philosopher Adi Shankara.

Kalady is famous for two prominent temples one being the Saradamba temple dedicated to the local deity known as Sardamba from whom the previous name of the name was derived Sasalam. The second being Shankara temple a tribute in the honor of Adi Shankara. While being ome to ancient ghats in the area such as the Kalady Kadavu and Crocodile Ghat.

17. Chottanikkara Temple

Chottanikkara Temple also known as Chottanikara Devi Temple is a shrine located in Chottanikara in the southern side of Kochi, Ernakulam district. It is one of the most important shrines among the 393 shrines spread across the Kerala State. So if you are a huge devotee of Adiparasakthi or are keen lover of cuture and tradition, this a must-place visit.

The temple worships the diety in three forms that are Mahasaraswati, Mahalakshmi and Mahaparvati each in the different time zone of the day. There are other temple houses located within the compounds of the shrine such as Kizhukkavu Bhagavathy Temple and other temples dedicated to Sastha, Siva, Ganapathi, Nagas. The most important festival celebrated here is MAKOM Thozhal which is hosted during the month of February and March making it very important month for the local residents.

18. Neriamangalam Bridge

Neriamangalam Bridge is not just any regular beach but is also historically significant while being a pathway that connects Ernakulam and Idukki district which is why it is often referred as the “Gateway to the Highranges” The bridge is part of NH 85 which leads to Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu. It was constructed in the year of 1935 and holds the distinction of being Asia’s first Class A arch bridge as they say old is gold.

The bridge spans the Periyar river and was designed to withstand the strong currents that occur during the rainy season. Despite facing the great floods of 1961 and 2018, the Neriamangalam Bridge has stood the test of time. It is truly a historical landmark that has stood against time.

19. KDHP Tea Museum

KDHP Tea Museum also known as Tata Tea Museum is located in Nallathanni Estate, Munnar, Kerala. Fascinatingly it is the first  first-ever tea museum in India and showcases the rich history of tea cultivation in Munnar since 1876 when tea was first planted in this picturesque tea plantation district. Oh and sorry the full form of KDHP means Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company Private Limited.

The Museum might be small but holds some of the most rare artifacts such as the Granite Sundial, Iron-Age Burial Urn from the 2nd century BC, Original Tea Roller, Rotor Vane and Rail Engine Wheel a remnant from the Kundaly Valley Light Railway.

20. Athirapally Falls

Athirapally Falls is a magnificent natural wonder located in Athirapally Panchayat Kerala, India. It stand on the river Chalakudy River making it the largest waterfall in Kerala. Due to its distinctive similarity to the Niagara Falls, it is also referred to as “The Niagara of South India“. It stands tall at a height of 81.5 feet. The waterfall is surrorunded by dense jungle with immense greenery.

The Athirapally falls is also home to variety of fauna such as sambar deer, lion-tailed macaques, Indian leopards, Indian elephants and the magnificent Bengal tigers. This riparian forest is also a terrific place for keen bird watchers as it is home to all four South Indian species of hornbills.