Munnar, tucked away in Kerala’s Western Ghats, is a paradise for anyone wishing to get away from the bustle of the big city and for those who enjoy the outdoors. Munnar, renowned for its vast tea plantations, foggy hills, and tranquil scenery, provides the ideal combination of leisure and discovery. However, you don’t need to spend a fortune to appreciate this charming hill station. This tourist guide in Munnar will show you how to take in the beauty of the area without breaking the bank by providing advice on low-cost travel, lodging, dining, and free activities.
Affordable Things to Do in Munnar
Munnar ensures you enjoy a delightful trip without going over budget with its abundance of free or extremely inexpensive activities.
1. Exploring Tea Plantations
Enjoy a stroll through Munnar’s renowned, beautiful tea estates. There are plantations that offer guided tours for a little cost, but many just let you stroll around the fields. Another fascinating look into the history of tea manufacturing in the area can be found at the Kannan Devan Tea Museum.
2. Hiking & Trekking
Munnar is a hiker’s dream, with many of its paths providing breathtaking vistas. Meesapulimala, the Top Station walk, and Anamudi Peak are a few of the well-liked hikes. These walks can be done for free, or in some protected locations, there may be a small admission charge.
3. Enjoying Waterfalls
Numerous lovely waterfalls in Munnar are open for free to explore. The waterfalls in Nyayamakad, Lakkam, and Attukal are all worthwhile visits. Bring a picnic and take in the calm surroundings.
4. Lake and Mattupetty Dam
For those on a tight budget, a trip to Mattupetty Dam and Lake is a necessity. The tranquil lake and the hillsides around it offer the ideal backdrop for a leisurely day trip. While taking a boat trip has a minor cost, it is free to just relax and take in the scenery while having a picnic by the lake.
Affordable Places to Stay in Munnar
The first step in organizing a cheap trip to Munnar is to find a cozy yet affordable place to stay. Here are a few choices:
1. Homestays and Guesthouses
- Greenview Homestay: This welcoming homestay, which is near the town center, has tidy, comfortable rooms with welcoming hosts who share insights into the local way of life. The starting price each night is INR 800.
- Misty Green View: This guesthouse, which starts at INR 1,000 per night, offers breathtaking views of the tea fields at a reasonable price.
2. Low-cost Hotels
- The Shade: With prices starting at INR 1,200 per night, this hotel is ideal for those on a tight budget because it offers cozy rooms with standard amenities.
- Bellmount Resorts: This hotel is well-located, has nice amenities, and offers accommodations for as little as INR 1,500 per night.
3. Hostels
Zostel Munnar: This hostel, which offers dormitory-style lodging starting at INR 500 a night, is perfect for single travelers and backpackers. It’s a fantastic location to network with other tourists and exchange stories.
Cost-effective Dining Selections
In Munnar, dining out may be affordable and pleasurable. The following restaurants won’t break the bank:
1. Saravana Bhavan
Popular with both locals and visitors, Saravana Bhavan is well-known for its delectable vegetarian South Indian food. Here, a filling lunch may be had for as low as INR 100.
2. Guru Bhavan
At affordable costs, this restaurant serves a wide selection of North and South Indian delicacies. The thali lunches, which run about INR 150, are especially well-liked and reasonably priced.
3. Raspy Eatery
Situated in the center of Munnar, Rapsy Restaurant is well-known for its aromatic parottas and biryanis. Generally speaking, a lunch here costs between INR 100 and INR 200.
4. Bakeries and Tea Shops
Munnar is dotted with bakeries and tea businesses that you shouldn’t miss. At reasonable pricing, they provide a variety of snacks, freshly baked products, and scented tea.
Advice for Low-Cost Travel
1. Take Off-Season Trips
Travel expenses can be considerably lowered by visiting Munnar between June and September, which is considered the off-season. There are more affordable flights and lodging options, as well as fewer tourists in the area, making for a more tranquil stay.
2. Make Use of Public Transit
Use shared jeeps and buses as well as public transportation to move around rather than call a cab. It’s far less expensive and allows you to engage with the community and get a more genuine taste of the culture.
3. Plan
Securing better discounts on lodging and transportation can be achieved by making reservations far in advance. Keep an eye out for deals and discounts on travel-related websites and applications.
4. Carry Little
Pack only what you need to avoid paying extra for excess luggage. Bring necessities such as light clothing, basic toiletries, and a raincoat if you are visiting during the rain.
5. Tours for groups
If you are a guided tour enthusiast, then group tours are preferable to private ones. They are more affordable and provide an opportunity to interact and travel with other visitors.
A Sample Itinerary for Affordable Tourists
For those on a tight budget, here is an example three-day itinerary to Munnar:
Day 1: Getting Here and Seeing the Area
- Morning: Get to Munnar and settle into your inexpensive lodging.
- Afternoon: In the afternoon, stroll through neighboring tea farms for free and visit the Tea Museum (admission fee: INR 125).
- Evening: Savor a supper at Saravana Bhavan that is affordable.
Day 2: Adventure and Nature
- Morning: Explore Eravikulam National Park (INR 125 for entrance) or trek to Anamudi Peak.
- Afternoon: Visit the Attukal Waterfalls in the afternoon and prepare a picnic dinner.
- Evening: Wander through Munnar town and have dinner at Rapsy Restaurant.
Day 3: Relaxation and Beautiful Views
- Morning: Visit the Mattupetty Dam and Lake in the morning; a boat trip is optional and costs INR 150.
- Afternoon: For sweeping views, proceed to Top Station.
- Evening: Go back to the town, eat a farewell supper at Gurubhavan, and sip tea in a neighborhood tea shop.
Every tourist may find something to like at Munnar, and with proper planning, you can enjoy its beauty and charm on a budget. The goal of our tourist guide in Munnar is to maximize your vacation experience while keeping costs down. For those wishing to experience Munnar’s natural beauty on a budget, there is no shortage of things to do, from free or inexpensive activities to reasonably priced lodging and food options. Pack your baggage, pay attention to these pointers, and get ready for an outstanding, reasonably-priced trip to Munnar!
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by Santu Chakraborty 