2 Days in Munnar: Tea Estates, Mountains & Culture
Munnar is one of those places that makes you stop mid-breath to look around. The moment you start winding up into the mountains, you leave behind the chaos of city traffic and enter a world of lush greenery, misty hills, and neatly lined tea plantations that seem to stretch forever.
Nestled in the heart of Kerala. For first-time travellers to India, it’s a gentle way to ease into the country’s overwhelming beauty, calmer, cleaner, and somehow friendlier than the crowded northern cities.
Even if you’re returning to Kerala, spending at least 2 days in Munnar is still a must. Its mix of cultural experiences, mountain views, and laid-back atmosphere makes it a perfect first stop before heading to the backwaters or historic cities.
In this 2-Day Munnar itinerary, we’ll guide you on the best things to do, where to stay with the best views, and lots of other tips so you can make the most of your Munnar trip.
How to get to Munnar
Munnar isn’t directly accessible by train. Which means there are two main ways to get to Munnar: bus or car.
Bus journeys from Kochi and elsewhere can be long (over 4 hours), uncomfortable, and a little scary. Bus drivers go far too quickly on the narrow roads with blind corners, and it can cause travel sickness, too.
The easiest and most enjoyable way to get there is by car. Hiring a driver is the way to go unless you’re very confident with Indian roads; the roads wind steeply through forested hills, and having someone local behind the wheel lets you simply relax and enjoy the scenery. We were constantly wanting to stop to take photos.
From Cochin Airport, the drive takes roughly 4–5 hours. But don’t think of it as wasted time. The journey itself is part of the experience: first, you pass through bustling villages, then tropical forests, and finally, as you climb higher, endless tea fields that rise up into the clouds. You’ll find yourself stopping again and again for photos, because everywhere you look is postcard-perfect.
Best time to visit Munnar
Munnar is best visited between December and March, when the weather is dry and sunny. February is ideal, especially if you are quite an outdoorsy person; the crowds are smaller, hotels are slightly cheaper, and the mornings are crisp and clear, perfect for photography.
The monsoon months, from June to September, are spectacularly green, and the waterfalls are at their roaring best, but it is very wet, so sightseeing and walking around tea estates can be tricky.
How long to stay in Munnar
Two days is the perfect amount of time to explore Munnar. One day is enough to immerse yourself in tea estates, mountain roads, and local culture, and the second day allows a more relaxed pace with time to enjoy your hotel, take photos, and maybe fit in a few small excursions.
If you have more time, you could easily spend three or four days here relaxing. If, like us, you are visiting Munnar on a week-long Kerala trip, two days fit neatly before heading to Thekkady, Alleppey, or Fort Kochi.
Best things to do in Munnar – Day 1
Eat Traditional Kerala Feast – Sadhya
About midway along the scenic drive from Kochi, our first stop was Rasa Pure Veg, a small restaurant just before you start climbing up into the Munnar hills. Here you can try a traditional Keralan Sadhya, served on a banana leaf.
If you’ve never tried Sadhya before, it’s essentially a feast of small vegetarian dishes (sometimes up to 20!), from creamy curries to tangy pickles, served with rice. Each dish was a flavour explosion, and eating with our hands added an authentic touch. It’s a meal that feels ceremonial, yet comforting – a perfect welcome to Kerala.
Drive up to Munnar on scenic roads
The great thing about not driving up to Munnar is that you can always look at the incredible views out of the windows.
You see the landscape around you change from rural Keralan towns and village life, to rainforest-like tropical flora as you begin to climb, before reaching the tea-laced hills of Munnar at over 1600m above sea level.
There’s always something to see, even monkeys and elephants if you are lucky, and the 4-hour journey goes by so fast you won’t even realise.
Check into your hotel & relax with a view of tea fields
There are so many hotels around Munnar, many of which have the most ridiculous views.
Panoramic Getaway was our favourite. It sits on a hillside overlooking the tea plantations. From the moment we arrived, the view stole our breath. Rolling green hills, dotted with tiny white cottages, stretched out as far as the eye could see.
Just spend some time standing by the balcony (or the pool) and watch the mist slowly roll in and the sunset paint the hills gold.
Kalaripayattu: Kerala’s Martial Art
In the evening, experience something unexpected but utterly memorable, a Kalaripayattu performance, the ancient martial art of Kerala. It’s a mix of combat, acrobatics, and rhythm, with sword fights, hand-to-hand combat, and even fire stunts.
Watching the performers move with such precision and energy felt almost cinematic, and it’s super engaging with upbeat music and lights. Beyond the entertainment, it gave us insight into Kerala’s history and culture, showing a tradition that has survived for centuries.
The best place to go to watch is Kalari Kshethra. Make sure to get there 30 minutes early to get a good seat; it starts at 7pm.
Best things to do in Munnar – Day 2
Walking Among Munnar’s Tea Fields
In the morning, set off to Lakshmi Tea Estate for a walking tour. Walking through the tea fields, with the sun spilling over dew-tipped leaves, was one of the most peaceful experiences of our Munnar trip.
The guide shared fascinating insights into the area where he grew up, from the local wildlife and flora, the history of tea in the region and how tourism has affected it in good and bad ways.
The walk wasn’t just informative; it was immersive. We passed small temples tucked between tea bushes and caught glimpses of workers carefully tending to the plants. There’s a rhythm to life here, slow and deliberate, that contrasts sharply with India’s usual hustle. And of course, we took plenty of photos as there’s no shortage of stunning spots.
You can book the same tour we did, with this link: Munnar Tea Plantation Walk, as you can see it has great reviews (including ours!).
Lockhart Gap Road: Panoramic Views
After the tea estate, drive along Lockhart Gap Road, one of the most scenic drives in Munnar.
The road winds along hilltops, with tea plantations cascading down valleys and clouds drifting lazily past. We stopped several times for photos and even grabbed small snacks from roadside vendors, nothing fancy, but it felt authentic and perfect for the occasion.
The views from here are jaw-dropping and worth every minute of the drive.
Lockhart Tea Factory & Museum
No visit to Munnar is complete without seeing an actual Tea Factory and Museum, and Lockhart Tea Factory is by far the best option.
Walking through the old machinery and learning about the tea production process felt like stepping back in time. This factory and its surrounding estates date back to the era of British rule, and it still retains much of the equipment in use to this day.
We watched the tea leaves being sorted, rolled, and dried, and sampled some freshly brewed tea right from the source. It’s educational, surprisingly hands-on, and don’t be surprised if you end up wanting to buy some tea to bring home.
Macofa Chocolate Factory
Before heading back to your hotel, make a quick stop at Macofa Chocolate Factory, a small but delightful local factory producing unique chocolates.
Flavours ranged from coffee to mango and strawberry. Unlike many Western chocolates, these were subtly sweet, with the flavours really standing out. Sampling a few pieces while overlooking the hills is a deliciously indulgent way to end your 2 days in Munnar.
Where to go after Munnar
Once you’ve wandered through the lush tea plantations and taken in those endless green hills, it’s time to think about what comes next. Depending on what kind of experiences you’re after, Kerala offers some very different but equally unforgettable options.
Alleppey – Cruise the Backwaters
A 4-hour drive from Munnar will bring you to Alleppey, the heart of Kerala’s iconic backwaters.
This is the place to slow down completely. Here, life moves at the pace of the canals, lined with swaying palms and rice paddies. The highlight is a private houseboat cruise, where you can sip chai while floating past villages, watch the sunset over still waters, and enjoy freshly cooked Keralan meals on board.
Fort Kochi – History, Art & Cafés
Around 5 hours from Munnar lies Fort Kochi, a charming colonial town with a completely different vibe from the mountains.
The streets are dotted with cafés, boutique shops, and vibrant street art. You can wander past the iconic Chinese fishing nets, explore historic churches, and, unlike most indian cities, it’s very walkable. If you enjoy a mix of culture, history, and people-watching, Fort Kochi offers a perfect balance between sightseeing and relaxation.
Thekkady – Wildlife & Spice Plantations
For nature and wildlife lovers, Thekkady is about 3 hours from Munnar. Home to Periyar National Park, this area offers bamboo rafting, jungle treks, and elephant-spotting opportunities. If your idea of a trip includes wildlife, adventure, and immersive natural experiences, Thekkady is a must.
Each of these destinations has its own charm, and the best one really depends on whether you’re after relaxation, history and culture, or nature and wildlife. You can tailor your route to suit your interests, or even combine two if you have more than a week to explore Kerala.
Where to stay in Munnar – Best hotel with a view
There are 2 main areas you can stay in Munnar.
There is the town itself, which is great for budget travellers as you can find cheap accommodation, can get there via public transport, and it is close to any tour you may wish to go on. However, the accommodation options are nothing special as they are surrounded by other buildings and busy town life.
The best place to stay in Munnar is outside the town, especially around the Munnar Bypass area. Here, the hotels are mostly built onto the side of the hills, meaning uninterrupted views over the entire valley.
We stayed at Panoramic Getaway and loved it for so many reasons.
They have 2 restaurants, one for international cuisine and one for super-tasty Keralan and Indian curries. It is also both minutes from the cultural centre where the martial arts performance takes place, and literally a one-minute walk from the chocolate factory
But the number 1 reason to stay here is what you get to wake up to out your window. It is the best view we’ve ever seen from a hotel. They’ve designed the hotel so you can see the rolling, vibrant green hills from everywhere, your room, the pool, even the breakfast area and dining hall.
Top tip: To get the best view in the hotel, book rooms between 302 and 306.
Munnar Travel FAQs for First-Time Visitors
How long should I spend exploring Munnar?
Two days in Munnar is the perfect balance for first-time travellers. One day for walking the tea estates, visiting Lockhart Gap Road, and exploring the chocolate factory; the second day for relaxing, maybe spotting wildlife, or enjoying a hotel pool. If you have more time, Munnar’s surrounding areas are great for extended exploration.
Is Munnar safe for solo or female travellers?
Yes! Munnar feels safe, clean, and welcoming. Of course, it’s always wise to take normal travel precautions, but locals are friendly, and the area is very tourist-oriented.
Can I do Munnar on a budget?
Definitely. While there are luxury hotels with incredible views, there are plenty of mid-range guesthouses and hostels that are affordable and offer great experiences. Local restaurants serve tasty meals at very reasonable prices.
What should I wear in Munnar?
You’re high up in the mountains, so prepare for it to be different to the rest of India. Light, breathable clothing works best for daytime, but mornings and evenings can be cooler, so a light sweater or jacket is recommended. Comfortable shoes are a must for tea estate walks. And yes, modesty is appreciated when visiting temples or local villages.
For women, see our guide on what to wear in India as a female tourist for more help.
What are the must-see viewpoints in Munnar?
Lockhart Gap Road is the top spot for panoramic mountain views. Stop along the way to take photos and enjoy small roadside snacks. Your hotel may also offer some of the best sunrise and sunset views over the tea plantations – something not to miss!
What are the best tea estate tours in Munnar?
For an authentic experience, the Lakshmi Tea Estate walking tour is hard to beat. You’ll get up close to the tea bushes, see traditional processing methods, and even visit a local temple and church. Guides are usually friendly, speak good English, and are full of interesting stories about Kerala’s tea history.
What’s the easiest way to book Munnar activities and tours?
Most hotels can arrange tea estate tours, martial arts shows, and hikes directly. Alternatively, Munnar Info is a highly recommended tour organiser with plenty of options.
Final Thoughts on 2 Days in Munnar
Munnar is more than just a hill station; it’s an invitation to slow down, breathe, and immerse yourself in Kerala’s natural beauty and culture. From walking through tea estates to watching a Kalaripayattu performance, sipping tea at Lockhart, or indulging in chocolate with a view, these two days capture the essence of the culture up here in the mountains. Pair it with Thekkady, Alleppey, or Fort Kochi for a fuller Kerala journey, and you’ll have memories (and photos!) to last a lifetime.
We hope you have found this 2-day Munnar itinerary useful. If you’ve been to Munnar or are planning to go soon, let us know in the comments below.
