Hidden Places in Munnar
Hidden & Less-Crowded Places Around Munnar
- Vattavada – Peaceful mountain village known for vegetable farms, winding roads and valley scenery.
- Kanthalloor – Scenic farming region famous for fruit orchards, cool weather and countryside landscapes.
- Marayoor – Known for natural sandalwood forests, rocky landscapes and ancient dolmens.
- Chinnar – A quieter wildlife region with dry forests, hills and trekking opportunities.
- Thoovanam Waterfalls – Beautiful forest waterfall reached through the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary area.
- Pampadum Shola National Park – Small high-altitude national park with dense shola forest and rich wildlife.
- Chilanthiyar Waterfalls – A lesser-known waterfall around the Vattavada side, best experienced when water flow is good.
- Periyakanal Waterfalls – Scenic waterfall along the Chinnakanal–Gap Road side.
- Lockhart Gap – Dramatic valley views, mist and mountain scenery away from the central town.
- Lockhart Tea Estate – Beautiful plantation landscapes and quiet mountain roads.
- Anayirangal Dam – Large reservoir surrounded by tea estates and rolling hills.
- Ponmudi Dam – Peaceful reservoir with green hills and comparatively fewer visitors than Munnar’s main lakes.
- Kallippara Sunset Point – Hill viewpoint around the Vithikudy side known for wide mountain views and sunsets.
- Mathikettan Shola National Park – Protected shola forest region suitable for travellers interested in nature and biodiversity.
- Suryanelli – Quiet plantation village surrounded by tea estates and mountains; also a common base for the Kolukkumalai side.
- Meesapulimala – High-altitude trekking destination with grasslands and spectacular Western Ghats scenery; access is regulated.
- Silent Valley / Rhodo Valley Side – Remote high-altitude landscapes associated with trekking routes around the Munnar hills.
- Koviloor – Quiet farming village on the Vattavada side with mountain scenery and agricultural landscapes.
- Chinnakanal Plantation Roads – Less-busy roads through tea estates with several natural viewpoints.
- Bison Valley – Green countryside with plantations, valleys and peaceful village scenery.
Best Picks for a Different Munnar Experience
For scenery: Vattavada, Kanthalloor, Kallippara and Lockhart Gap
For waterfalls: Thoovanam and Chilanthiyar
For wildlife & forests: Chinnar, Pampadum Shola and Mathikettan Shola
For quiet drives: Suryanelli, Chinnakanal, Koviloor and Bison Valley
For trekking: Meesapulimala and the high-altitude forest areas
Note: “Hidden” doesn’t necessarily mean unknown or unrestricted. Some forest, waterfall and trekking locations require permission, official guides, or regulated entry, and accessibility can change seasonally.
Frequently Asked Questions – Hidden Places in Munnar
1. What are the best hidden places in Munnar?
Vattavada, Kanthalloor, Suryanelli, Koviloor, Bison Valley, Lockhart Gap, Chinnar and Thoovanam Waterfalls are some beautiful lesser-known places around Munnar.
2. Which Munnar hidden places are best for nature lovers?
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thoovanam Waterfalls, Pampadum Shola National Park, Vattavada and Mathikettan Shola are good choices for nature lovers.
3. Are there any hidden waterfalls in Munnar?
Yes. Thoovanam Waterfalls, Chilanthiyar Waterfalls and waterfalls around the Chinnakanal side are worth considering.
4. Which hidden places in Munnar are best for photography?
Vattavada, Kanthalloor, Lockhart Gap, Suryanelli and Koviloor offer beautiful landscapes for photography.
5. Which are the peaceful villages near Munnar?
Vattavada, Kanthalloor, Koviloor and Suryanelli are known for quiet surroundings, farms, plantations and mountain views.
6. Which hidden places are good for scenic drives?
Lockhart Gap, Suryanelli, Chinnakanal, Vattavada, Kanthalloor and Bison Valley offer scenic mountain and plantation roads.
7. Can I visit Vattavada and Kanthalloor from Munnar?
Yes. Both can be visited from Munnar, but they are on different routes. It is better to plan them separately for a comfortable trip.
8. Is Thoovanam Waterfalls easy to visit?
Thoovanam Waterfalls is in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary region. Access may involve regulated trekking, so check current forest entry conditions before visiting.
9. Are hidden places in Munnar suitable for families?
Yes. Vattavada, Kanthalloor, Suryanelli and Lockhart Gap are suitable for family trips. Trekking and forest locations may need additional planning.
10. How many days are needed to explore Munnar hidden places?
Around 2 to 3 additional days are useful for visiting several hidden places without rushing between different routes.