Things to Know Before Visiting Munnar in Winter

Winter in Munnar starts in November and lasts till February. During this time, the hill station experiences temperatures ranging from 10°C to 28°C, while higher altitudes can sometimes dip below zero. The fresh and misty air and gentle sunshine make this season ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and photography.

Early mornings are often covered in fog, and evenings bring a pleasant chill, which is perfect for cosy bonfires. Despite the cold, the weather feels calming and rejuvenating and draws honeymooners and nature lovers alike. Some of the places to visit in Munnar, such as the Lockhart Tea Factory and Mount Carmel Church, look especially magical under the winter mist. 

Why Visit Munnar in Winter: Experience Munnar’s most scenic season, with misty hills, crisp mornings, and golden sunlight perfect for photography.

Temperature Range: 10°C to 28°C; higher altitudes can drop below 0°C.

Season Highlights:

• Best time for tea garden walks, sightseeing, and bonfires.

• Ideal climate for honeymoons and outdoor adventures.

• Lockhart Tea Factory and Mount Carmel Church glow beautifully in the mist.

Travel Tip: Pack layered clothing to enjoy foggy mornings and cool evenings.

Although Munnar can be visited throughout the year, the best time to visit Munnar depends on what kind of experiences you are looking for. The peak season to visit Munnar is during the winter season, from November to February. During these months, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 28°C, which creates a cool and refreshing atmosphere. The mist-covered hills and clear skies made it ideal for trekking and honeymoon getaways.

If you prefer warmer weather, you can visit Munnar between March and June when the days are pleasant for outdoor activities. The monsoon months, from July to September, transform Munnar into a lush green paradise with fewer crowds and affordable stays. Thus, each season offers something special, but winter brings out the attractive side of Munnar, which is perfect for every kind of traveller.

Peak Season: November to February (Winter): Cool, misty, and perfect for trekking or honeymoon trips.

Alternate Seasons: 

• March to June (Summer): Pleasant, great for outdoor sightseeing.

• July to September (Monsoon): Fewer crowds, lush greenery, and budget stays. 

Highlights:

• Winter is perfect for honeymooners and trekkers.

• Clear skies and tea-scented air make every view photogenic.

Travel Tip: Winter bookings fill fast, reserve stays early for the best deals.

Since Munnar in winter is cool and misty, with temperatures often dipping below 10°C in higher areas, warm clothing is essential. You can pack thermal wear as a base layer, with sweaters, cardigans, and a heavy jacket for chilly mornings and evenings. Woollen socks, gloves, and a shawl will help you stay cosy, while a windcheater is useful for breezy tea plantation walks. 

For daytime, you can carry a few light cotton or linen outfits, as it can get pleasantly sunny. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring trails, and waterproof footwear helps during unexpected drizzles. Also, pack a small umbrella or raincoat, moisturiser, sunscreen, and lip balm to protect your skin from dryness and UV rays.

Essentials for Winter (10°C or below at higher points):

• Thermal wear, sweaters, gloves, and heavy jackets.

• Woollen socks and scarves for evening chill.

Practical Add-ons:

• Light cottons for daytime sunshine.

• Comfortable trekking shoes and a raincoat for misty hikes.

• Pack a small umbrella or raincoat.

Skin & Care Tips: Carry moisturizer, lip balm, and sunscreen to prevent dryness.

• By Air- Munnar is a beautiful hill station in Kerala and is well connected by air. Although it does not have its own airport, the nearest one is Cochin International Airport, about 110 km away. This airport is connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore. You can take a direct or connecting flight from any of these airports to Cochin. After landing, you can hire a cab or take a Kerala State Road Transport (KSRTC) bus to reach Munnar in about 3 to 4 hours.

• By Train- If you prefer travelling by train, the closest railway station to Munnar is Aluva, situated roughly 100 km away. You can also take a train to Ernakulam or Madurai, which are located around 126 km and 160 km away, respectively. It will take you around 4 to 5 hours to travel from these stations to Munnar.

• By Road- Munnar is easily accessible from Kochi (126 km), Coimbatore (151 km), and Madurai (160 km) by road. You can drive, rent taxis, or hop on state-run or private buses for a scenic journey through winding hills, tea gardens, and misty valleys that lead up to Munnar.

How to Reach Munnar at a Glance:

By Air: Cochin International Airport (110 km) is the nearest, 3–4 hours by cab or KSRTC bus.
By Train: Aluva (100 km), Ernakulam (126 km), or Madurai (160 km).
By Road: Connected via Kochi, Coimbatore & Madurai through scenic hill drives.

Tips:

• Prefer daytime drives for the best valley views.

• Roads get misty after sunset; drive carefully.

• Hire local cabs for flexible sightseeing routes.

Check out Munnar tour packages from Bangalore

Munnar in winter is a dream come true experience for nature lovers, honeymooners, and adventure seekers alike. During your visit to the hill station, you can start your journey with a stroll through the mist-covered tea gardens, where dew-kissed leaves glisten under the morning sun. A visit to the Tata Tea Museum offers a glimpse into the rich tea heritage of Munnar. If you are an adventure enthusiast, a trek to Top Station rewards you with mesmerising sunrise views over the Western Ghats.

Glide across Kundala Lake on a shikara ride, or spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam National Park. Camping under the starry sky near Kolukkumalai or Lakkam Waterfalls is also a memorable experience. It is also advisable to enjoy the fun echoes at Echo Point, or take the scenic jeep safari to Kolukkumalai Tea Estate. You can round off your trip with local Kerala cuisine, ranging from spicy curries to steaming appams and cardamom tea. For couples travelling during the winter season, exploring a few Munnar honeymoon packages can also help you plan a romantic and well-organised getaway through the hill station’s most scenic spots.

Highlights:

• Walk through misty tea gardens and visit the Tata Tea Museum.

• Trek to Top Station for sunrise over the Western Ghats.

• Boating at Kundala Lake or Echo Point.

• Bonfire camping at Kolukkumalai or Lakkam Waterfalls.

• Spot Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam National Park.

• Jeep safari to Kolukkumalai Tea Estate.

Food Tip: Warm up with spiced cardamom tea or Kerala parottas.

Munnar in the winter season offers cosy and comfortable stay options to suit every traveller’s budget. If you are looking for a luxurious experience, resorts like Eden Woods and Fragrant Nature Munnar provide elegant rooms, spas, and breathtaking valley views. Mountain Club Resort is another great choice for a warm and personalised stay experience.

If you prefer mid-range comfort, Winter Garden Resorts and The Tall Trees Resort provide serene settings with modern amenities and beautiful tea garden views. Budget travellers can stay at The Hosteller or Zostel, which provide clean dorms and private rooms. For a closer connection with nature, you can try unique stays like the Mithra Munnar Treehouse or The Mudhouse Marayoor. These stay options let you wake up to the sounds of birds and misty mornings in Munnar in winter. And if you’re planning a longer trip across the state, browsing a few Kerala tour packages can help you combine Munnar with nearby destinations seamlessly.

Stay Categories:

• Luxury Resorts: Eden Woods, Fragrant Nature Munnar, and Mountain Club Resort.

• Mid-range: Winter Garden Resorts, The Tall Trees Resort.

• Budget: The Hosteller, Zostel Munnar.

• Unique Stays: Mithra Treehouse, The Mudhouse Marayoor; wake up to misty mornings and bird calls.

• Travel Tip: Book hillside cottages for foggy morning valley views.

There are innumerable heartwarming local experiences that you should not miss when visiting Munnar in the winter season. One of the best things to do in Munnar is to watch the sunrise at Kolukkumalai, the highest tea plantation in the world. Take walks through lush tea gardens to breathe in the aroma of fresh leaves, or visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn how Munnar’s famous tea is made.

For nature lovers, Eravikulam National Park offers sightings of the rare Nilgiri Tahr and stunning mountain trails. Enjoy boating at Mattupetty Dam or scenic drives along mist-covered valleys, especially on the Munnar Gap Road. As evening falls, you can gather around a bonfire under the stars, which is a perfect way to enjoy the cool weather in Munnar in winter.

Must-Try Experiences in Munnar:

• Watch the sunrise at Kolukkumalai, the world’s highest tea plantation, especially if you’re planning the Kolukkumalai Sunrise Trek.

• Visit the Tata Tea Museum and Eravikulam National Park for wildlife and scenic trails.

• Try boating at Mattupetty Dam or drive along the Munnar Gap Road.

• Evenings: Enjoy bonfires, music, and stargazing under clear winter skies.

Evening Delights: Cosy bonfires under star-lit skies with local snacks.
Insider Tip: Visit the spice gardens for aromatic souvenirs.

The cool weather makes food in Munnar even more comforting and flavourful. Start your day with a traditional Kerala breakfast like Puttu and Kadala Curry, which is a delicious combination of steamed rice flour cakes and spicy black chickpea curry. You can also enjoy crispy dosas from local street vendors, served hot with chutney and sambar.

During lunch or dinner, savour local favourites such as Kerala paratha with chicken tikka masala. Or, you can try beef fry and slow-cooked mutton leg, made with rich and perfectly spiced ingredients. Seafood lovers can indulge in chilli prawns, a spicy treat found in many local shacks.

Vegetarians can enjoy healthy South Indian thalis at Saravana Bhavan, while Rapsy Restaurant and Hotel Gurubhavan are popular for authentic Kerala meals. You can even visit KTDC Tea County Restaurant to enjoy a relaxed vibe while having a meal.

Best Food Options to Try in Munnar:

Must-Try Breakfasts: Puttu & Kadala Curry, crispy dosas with chutney.
Popular Lunch/Dinner: Kerala parotta with chicken curry or beef fry.
Seafood Lovers: Chilli prawns and spicy fish curry.
Vegetarian Options: Authentic Kerala thalis at Saravana Bhavan.
Best Dining Spots: Rapsy Restaurant, Hotel Gurubhavan, KTDC Tea County.
Food Tip: Try cardamom tea in hillside cafés for true Munnar flavour.

Thoughtful planning and smart choices allow you to enjoy the beauty of Munnar in winter without overspending. You should book your transport and stay early, ideally 45-60 days before your trip, as winter is the peak tourist season in Munnar. Moreover, you can opt for budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels like The Hosteller or Zostel, homestays, or campsites to save money and enjoy a more local experience.

To travel around the hill station, you can use Kerala State Road Transport (KSRTC) buses instead of private cabs and explore nearby attractions on foot or by renting a scooter. When it comes to food, eat at local dhabas or community kitchens for affordable and authentic Kerala meals. Carry a reusable water bottle and snacks to avoid extra spending at tourist spots. Pack warm clothes, thermals, and a windbreaker, as nights can get chilly.

Budget Travel Tips:

Stay Smart: Book 45–60 days early; choose hostels or homestays.
Travel Cheap: Use KSRTC buses or rent scooters.
Eat Local: Dhabas and small eateries for authentic, low-cost meals.
Money Savers: Carry snacks, refill bottles, and avoid peak weekends.
Pro Tip: Visit post-monsoon for budget stays and lush greenery.

The region has implemented a ban on single-use plastics, so you should carry reusable bottles and containers to help keep the hills clean. Support the local economy by staying in family-run homestays, eating at local restaurants, and hiring local guides for your tours. These choices enhance your experience and benefit the people who call Munnar home.

When exploring tea plantations or national parks, avoid littering and dispose of your waste properly. Be respectful of wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and never feeding animals, and conserve water and electricity wherever you stay. Opt for low-impact activities like walking, hiking, or cycling to reduce your carbon footprint. 

Eco-Friendly Practices:

• Avoid plastic bottles and carry reusable ones.

• Choose eco-stays and local restaurants.

Respect Nature:

• Don’t litter tea estates or trails.

• Maintain distance from wildlife.

Support Locals: Hire native guides and buy handmade souvenirs.
Travel Tip: Walk or cycle short distances to reduce your carbon footprint.