Munnar, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India, sits at around 1,600 meters above sea level and was once the summer resort of British colonial officers. Today, it’s known for its vast tea plantations, many of which date back to the 19th century. Visitors can walk through estates like Kolukkumalai, the highest tea plantation in the world, where traditional methods are still used to process leaves by hand. The Tea Museum, operated by the Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company, gives a deeper look into the history of the region’s tea industry, with antique machinery and archival photographs on display.

The surrounding hills are covered with layers of mist and terraced green slopes, and several viewpoints offer clear sights of the valleys and plantations below. One of the most visited locations is Top Station, which overlooks the Tamil Nadu border and offers panoramic views of the Theni Valley. During January and February, this region occasionally sees the rare bloom of Neelakurinji, a flower that blossoms just once every 12 years, turning the hillsides blue for a few short weeks.

Munnar is also a gateway to Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat found only in this part of India. The park features rolling grasslands and shola forests, and the Anamudi Peak rises within its boundaries. Entry to the park is limited each day to reduce environmental impact, and visitors can take guided bus rides partway into the area to access trekking trails and scenic outlooks.