Discover the quieter side of Kerala’s hill station paradise, where misty trails, secret waterfalls, and untouched villages await Munnar’s Hidden Gems.
When most travelers think of Munnar, they picture sweeping tea estates, Eravikulam National Park, and the echoing beauty of Mattupetty Dam. But tucked away behind the well-worn routes are Munnar’s Hidden Gems — lesser-known spots that offer breathtaking scenery, tranquility, and authentic local experiences without the crowds.
If you’re a traveler who seeks the road less taken, Munnar has so much more to offer than just its famous highlights. This guide explores Munnar’s Hidden Gems that often escape the tourist radar.
1. Meesapulimala – Highest Peak in the Western Ghats
Location: 20 km from Munnar, near Kolukkumalai
Elevation: 2,640 meters
Best For: Trekking, photography, sunrise views
Why It’s a Hidden Gem:
While Anamudi is the highest peak in South India, Meesapulimala is arguably more rewarding for trekkers and photographers. Named for its resemblance to a tiger’s whiskers, this mountain offers a scenic and moderately challenging trek through cloud forests, grasslands, and shola trees. The summit views are jaw-dropping — on a clear day, you can see across Tamil Nadu and deep into the valley below.
Experience Highlights:
- A cloud-kissed sunrise from the summit
- Treks through biodiverse and untouched landscapes
- Stay at forest department eco-camps for a true wilderness vibe
2. Pothamedu View Point
Location: 4 km from Munnar town
Best For: Sunset photography, peaceful tea estate views
Why It’s a Hidden Gem:
Often overshadowed by more promoted spots, Pothamedu View Point offers panoramic views of rolling hills, coffee plantations, and misty valleys. It’s the perfect place for a quiet evening walk or to capture the golden hues of sunset. Unlike Echo Point or Top Station, this area sees far fewer tourists, making it a peaceful retreat close to town.
Photography Tip:
Arrive before golden hour and explore nearby walking trails for unique compositions of the undulating landscape.Planning to explore more in the state? Visit the full: Offbeat Places in Gujarat: Hidden Gems
3. Lockhart Gap
Location: 12 km from Munnar, along the Munnar-Madurai highway
Best For: Scenic drives, offbeat photography, short treks
Why It’s a Hidden Gem:
Named after the heart-shaped gap between two mountains, Lockhart Gap is a lesser-explored spot that offers dramatic views of the valley below, especially on misty mornings. The hills are often covered with low-lying clouds, creating a surreal, almost cinematic atmosphere.
Experience Highlights:
- Ideal for picnics or meditation in solitude
- Beautiful road bends and viewpoints ideal for landscape shots
- Untouched trails perfect for spontaneous hiking
If you’re exploring more of the region, check out this What Are Hyderabad’s Hidden Gems
4. Chinnakanal Waterfalls
Location: 16 km from Munnar, en route to Thekkady
Best For: Nature lovers, monsoon travelers
Why It’s a Munnar’s Hidden Gems:
Unlike the often-crowded Attukad Falls, Chinnakanal Waterfalls (also called Power House Falls) is a raw, wild cascade that surges through lush greenery. Best visited during or just after the monsoon, this is a fantastic place to experience the untamed force of Kerala’s mountain rivers.
Local Tip:
There’s a small clearing perfect for a break during a long drive. Avoid during heavy rains due to slippery paths. Explore more scenic ideas in this The Amazing Hidden Side of South India
5. Vattavada
Location: 45 km from Munnar, near Pampadum Shola
Best For: Slow travel, agro-tourism, cultural immersion
Why It’s a Hidden Gem:
Vattavada is where the tourist map ends and authentic village life begins. This serene hamlet is known for its terraced vegetable farms, cool climate, and proximity to Pampadum Shola National Park, the smallest but one of the richest forest ecosystems in Kerala.
What Makes It Special:
- Stay in local homestays and try fresh farm produce
- Visit during the strawberry harvest for farm visits and tastings
- Excellent base for treks to Meesapulimala and Koviloor
For a full experience, browse Exploring India’s Hidden Waterfalls
6. Kulukkumalai – World’s Highest Tea Estate
Location: Border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu (accessible from Munnar)
Best For: Adventure rides, heritage tea tour
Why It’s a Hidden Gem:
Accessible only by rugged jeep trails, Kolukkumalai is home to the highest tea plantations in the world. It offers unreal sunrise views, with layers of mist covering the hills like waves. What makes it truly special is the 1930s British-era tea factory, which still uses traditional methods to process tea.
Experience Highlights:
- Jaw-dropping sunrise from the viewing point
- Guided tour of the heritage tea factory
- Jeep rides through forest and terraced slopes
Check Out: Munnar & Alleppey Delight – 4-Day Scenic Tour
7. Anayirankal Dam
Location: 22 km from Munnar
Best For: Tranquil boating, family picnic, wildlife spotting
Why It’s a Hidden Gem:
Overshadowed by Mattupetty Dam, Anayirankal Reservoir offers a peaceful escape from crowds. The name means “where elephants come down to drink,” and during the dry season, you may see wild elephants near the water’s edge. It’s a serene spot for boating, surrounded by dense tea gardens and forests.
Travel Tip:
Visit early in the morning for misty reflections and potential wildlife sightings.
Check Out: Explore Munnar in 3 Days – Short Getaway Package
8. Kallippara – The Hidden Sunrise Point
Location: Near Vattavada, accessed via jeep trails
Best For: Off-road lovers, photographers, sunrise seekers
Why It’s a Hidden Gem:
Few people know about Kallippara, but those who reach its summit before dawn are rewarded with one of Munnar’s most magical sunrise views. It’s often compared to Kolukkumalai but is far less commercial and equally scenic.
Getting There:
Accessible only via guided jeep treks or by foot. Requires an early start (around 4:30 AM) to catch sunrise.
Final Thoughts: Munnar Beyond the Obvious
While the mainstream attractions of Munnar’s Hidden Gems are undoubtedly beautiful, it’s in the quiet corners and lesser-known lanes where the real magic lies. Munnar’s Hidden Gems offer not only solitude and serenity, but also the chance to connect with nature and local culture in a way that’s increasingly rare.
Whether you’re an offbeat traveler, a photographer, or someone simply seeking peace, these places will reward you with unique memories, stunning visuals, and a deeper appreciation of Munnar’s richness.
Further Reading:
- Easy Ways to Reach Munnar, Kerala – Travel Guide
- Best Route from Munnar to Alleppey – Distance & Travel Tips
- Visit Munnar in April 2025 – Weather, Sights & Travel Tips
- Munnar in March – Attractions, Weather & Things to Do
- Explore Munnar in January 2025 – Full Travel Guide
- How to Visit Alleppey Backwaters – Kerala Travel Guide
- 12 Best Places to Visit in South India During Summer
- Best Cities to Visit in India Month-by-Month
- Top 10 Best Places to Visit in June in India
