Munnar

Flanked by lofty mountains, green ridges and plunging valleys, Munnar is famed not only for its natural beauty, but also for having some of the planet's highest tea plantations. This scenic hilltop town—which during colonial times was a favored summer retreat for the British—is a glorious spot to simply fill your lungs with crisp mountain air while taking a leisurely stroll through the misty countryside.

How to Get There
Munnar can be reached by bus or private taxi. Munnar's main bus terminal (the KSRTC station on AM Road) is south of the town center, but most buses stop at the more centrally located Bazaar bus stand.

How to Get Around
The best way to get around is by autorickshaw. Alternatively, rent a bicycle—inquire about the closest rental place at your hotel, or simply ask around in the bazaar.

Attractions
Munnar has some lovely walks in the surrounding hills—if time permits, opt for a trek lasting a few days. For information about treks and day walks, visit the DTPC Tourist Information Office (Alwaye-Munnar Road; tel. +91 [0]4865 231516).

Although slightly contrived, the Tata Tea Museum offers visitors the chance to observe the tea-making process and sample this beloved beverage.

Places to Eat
Munnar has just a sprinkling of good restaurants—if you're staying at one of the town's mid-range or top-end hotels make the most of their in-house dining options.

Hotel Saravana Bhavan is nothing flashy in terms of its decor, but it whips up scrumptious (and cheap) South Indian vegetarian meals, from masala dosas to uttapams and traditional southern curries, many served on a banana leaf. MG Road.

Popular with locals, especially for lunch, the lively Rapsy has ridiculously cheap Indian food and has earned itself quite a reputation for its yummy Indian breads—flipped fresh from the tawa (hot plate) and fragrant biryani. Main Bazaar.

Places to Stay
Apart from 'regular' hotels, Munnar gives travelers the golden opportunity to stay with an Indian family thanks to its 'homestay' program—for details contact the DTPC Tourist Information Office (Alwaye-Munnar Road; tel. +91 [0]4865 231516).

Usually requiring an advance booking from one of its (or an affiliated club's) members, the century-old classic wicker-and-old-teak style High Range Club prides itself on upholding old-world traditions: there's a men's-only bar and strict dress code (on certain nights men are expected to wear a suit and tie). With its colonial-era furnishings and posh ambience, this is indeed an atmospheric place to stay. Tel. +91 (0)4865 230253.

Windermere Estate, set on a sprawling cardamom plantation south of the center, offers cozy, comfortable rooms—all with restful color schemes—in a variety of styles, from the charming farmhouse rooms, which have a relaxing communal balcony, to the more upmarket and spacious cottages (each with a king-size bed), which enjoy sweeping views. Pothamedu; tel. +91 (0)4865 230512.

Offering somewhat simple, but adequately comfortable, home-style accommodations in a cardamom estate south of the town's busy center, Olive Brook is one of Munnar's more character-filled mid-range options. Cookery classes can be arranged as well as walks through the plantation. Pothamedu; tel. +91 (0)4865 230588.

For More Information
DTPC Tourist Information Office Alwaye-Munnar Road; tel +91 (0)4865 231516.
Munnar.com