Heaven descends in Munnar during the winter season, with travellers packing their bags before thinking twice. Among the nature-engulfed cities in Kerala, this place stands out for several reasons, like plantations, moving slopes, and serene surroundings. The town in the Western Ghats is lovingly called “Kashmir of South India” for its pleasant atmosphere and heartwarming scenes.
If you are planning to travel to Munnar, it’s best to escape when the weather is a little chilly, i.e., in December.
This blog is your travel guide, unravelling what you can do in Munnar during this month. It also discusses a few tips to improve your experience in the winter wonderland.
December is the best time to explore Munnar as the weather is soothing with a bit of coldness in the air. With the temperature dropping every day, travellers can indulge in outdoor and sightseeing activities with their buddies. This hill station in Kerala is situated 5,200 ft above sea level, promising a serene atmosphere for anyone who visits.
The table gives you an overview of Munnar’s climate during the onset of winter.
| Temperature | 10 to 15 °C |
| Rainfall | 35% chances |
| Humidity Level | 85% humidity |
| Weather | Pleasant with humidity |
| Sunlight Duration | 12 hours |
Top 11 Things to Do in Munnar in December
A thing we promise is that you will never be bored in Munnar. With a myriad of places to explore and things to do, all kinds of travellers find a temporary home in this hill station. Here are a few of the unique adventures you can enjoy during your trip:
1. Live in a Treehouse
Enjoy a stay at one of Munnar’s popular treehouses and be close to nature. As you live in a hut made from straws, bamboo sticks, coir, and hay, you get to experience authenticity, rather than the commonality of resorts and hotels.
Popular treehouses: Silver Trees Tree House, Dream Catcher Plantation Resort, Vanya Tree House
ALSO SEE- Top 12 Best Tree Houses in Munnar
2. Go for a Tea Plantation Tour
Travelling to Munnar and not checking out the tea gardens? You will miss out on the best thing ever. A guided tour of the plantation helps you gain knowledge about the cultivation and production process of tea leaves. Bonus is that you get an enticing fragrance of fresh tea everywhere.
Popular tea plantations: Kannan Devan Hills Plantation, Sevenmallay Tea Estate, Nallatanni Estate
ALSO SEE – Top 5 Munnar Tea Estates That Are A Must-Visit For All
3. Enjoy Mountain Biking
If you are a bike enthusiast, then don’t miss out on a mountain biking experience. You can cover places like Marayoor, Kundala, and Anamudi during the expedition. Such an adventure would not only make you feel alive but also acquaint you with nature’s freshness.
Popular mountain biking Services: Dreamland Munnar, Kalypso Adventures, Mountain Bike Kerala
ALSO SEE-Best Time To Visit Munnar- Summer, Winter or Monsoon?
4. Befriend Elephants
While spending time in nature, why not meet its species and have fun with them? Visit the Carmelagiri Elephant Park, the popular habitat of Asian Elephants. The wildlife park is in Mattuppetty and is an ideal choice for travelling with your kids.
Activities in the park: Feeding, bathing, and photography with elephants
5. Indulge in a Shopping Spree
Your vacation is incomplete without checking out the local markets of the city. Just like any other Indian tourist place, Munnar has shops laid out in narrow streets, selling essential oils, tea packets, fresh coffee beans, and famous spices. They are a perfect spot for anyone who wants to buy souvenirs or simply explore the city’s specialities.
Famous local markets: Munnar Market, Mattupetty Dam Market
ALSO SEE-Shopping In Munnar- What To Buy
6. Go for a Theatre Performance
If you are a fan of cultural and historical art, then don’t end your trip without a visit to the theatre. The traditional site holds Kathakali performances every night, promising a pleasurable experience to anyone who visits. You can also buy tickets for Kalaripayattu, a traditional martial arts performance that brings you to the edge of your seat.
Theatre sites to visit: Punarjani Traditional Village, Thirumeny Cultural Centre
ALSO SEE – Best Places to watch Kathakali in Kerala
7. Engulf Yourself with Rose Fragrance at the Garden
Munnar’s famous rose garden brings all kinds of roses in one place, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in their fresh fragrance and forget all worries. You can also find spices, fruits, and special strawberries here, making this tourist attraction in Munnar worth your time.
Timings of the Rose Garden: 8 am to 6 pm
8. Trek to the Hills
Are you an adventure enthusiast and looking for rough trekking terrains? Munnar is home to several popular spots with a moderate difficulty level. It takes you to the sunrise point where you can immerse yourself in the glory of nature.
Popular trekking places: Lakshmi Hills, Chokramudi Peak, Meesapulimala Trek
ALSO SEE-8 tips to choose the best hotel in Munnar for a perfect trip?
9. Sit Amid Nature
Sit back, relax, and soak in the nature of Munnar; it is going to be a wonderful experience for you. This hill station is home to plenty of attractions that evoke the naturalist within you. From exploring plant species and dark forests to waterfalls and rare wildlife species, there is always something to keep you hooked.
Popular natural sites: Eravikulam National Park, Cheeyaparra Waterfalls, Blossom International Park & Dark Forest
10. Sign Up for Water Sports
Munnar is quite popular for its adventurous activities. You can sign up for water sports, trekking, cycling, or camping, depending on what gets your adrenaline pumping. Several sights in the hill station are challenging and are perfect for risk seekers.
Popular adventure activities: River crossing, kayaking, bamboo rafting, boating
11. Immerse in Culinary Delights
When in South India, it is mandatory to try out the delicious food. From idlis and sambar to rasam and dosas, you will find endless options at every café and restaurant. Explore food joints along the way and treat yourself with the yummiest dishes of Munnar.
Popular dishes to try: Puttu and kadala curry, Kerala sadya, kappa with meen curry
ALSO SEE – Top 9 Food In Kerala To Try When You Visit
Smart Travel Tips for Munnar in December
Follow these tips for a comfortable experience while packing your bags for Munnar this winter:
- Book your tickets in advance because December is a peak season for South Indian cities.
- Carry cash, as not every local might have digital payment options. It is also a good idea to keep money in small denominations.
- Most of the places are home to flora and fauna. Respect their presence, maintain cleanliness, and avoid hurting the animals or plants.
- Do not go trekking or hiking if there’s a possibility of rain.
- Pack warm clothes as the weather might get chilly at night. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
- Carry comfortable footwear, preferably walking shoes, to make explorations and treks easy on your feet.
- The most magical time in Munnar is morning. So, plan your day accordingly to ensure that you don’t miss out on the beauty of the hills.