3 Days in Munnar for a Food Trip

Munnar isn't just about tea plantations and misty hills—it's a hidden gem for food lovers. Over three days, you'll taste everything from spicy Kerala curries to delicate local sweets, all while soaking in the cool mountain air. I've put together this itinerary based on my favorite spots, where the flavors are as fresh as the surroundings.

Kerala, kerala
3 Days
Food
Custom Trip

Trip Highlights

Breakfast with a view at Saravana Bhavan, where crispy dosas meet rolling tea gardens
A hands-on cooking class with a local family, learning to make authentic Kerala fish curry
Evening snacks at a roadside stall, biting into hot banana fritters with a cup of chai
A hidden tea estate visit where you'll taste rare single-origin teas paired with homemade banana chips

Best Time to Visit

SeptemberOctober

Share Your Adventure

Spread the word about this amazing trip!

Day 1

Day 1 in Munnar

Kick off your Munnar adventure with its most iconic sights and flavors, from sprawling tea gardens to local Kerala bites.

Activities

Tea Garden Walk at Kolukkumalai

Start your day with a sunrise walk through the world's highest organic tea estate. The rolling green hills and crisp morning air make it magical. Don’t miss the small tea factory tour to see how leaves become your morning brew.

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, about 35 km from Munnar town5:30 AM - 9:30 AM (best light and coolest temps)₹200-500 per person (includes guide fee)
Tips:
  • Wear sturdy shoes—paths can be slippery
  • Carry water; limited shops en route
Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Refuel with a classic South Indian breakfast at this no-frills local favorite. Their crispy dosas with coconut chutney and steaming filter coffee are legendary among both locals and travelers.

Near the Munnar bus stand9:30 AM - 10:30 AM₹150-300 per person
Tips:
  • Try the 'ghee roast' dosa for extra flavor
  • Arrive early—it gets crowded by 10 AM
Eravikulam National Park & Lunch
Eravikulam National Park & Lunch

Spot endangered Nilgiri tahrs (mountain goats) and take in panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Post-safari, stop at a nearby toddy shop for a Kerala thali served on banana leaves—think fiery fish curry, tangy pickles, and fluffy red rice.

Eravikulam National Park, 15 km from Munnar11 AM - 3 PM₹250-600 (park entry + meal)
Tips:
  • Park closes Feb-Mar for lambing season
  • Ask for 'karimeen pollichathu' (pearl spot fish) if available

Must Try Foods

Appam with stew
Kerala beef fry
Puttu and kadala curry

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Aluva Railway Station (110 km, ~4 hours by road)
Nearest Bus Stop
Munnar KSRTC Bus Stand (frequent buses to Kochi/Madurai)
Metro Station
Not available
Cab Availability
Easy to hire cabs or auto-rickshaws in town; negotiate rates before boarding

No destinations found for this itinerary

Day 2

Day 2 in Munnar

A mix of scenic spots and local flavors, from waterfalls to spice gardens and authentic Kerala meals.

Activities

Visit Attukad Waterfalls

Start your day with the stunning Attukad Waterfalls, a hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery. The short hike to the falls is worth it for the refreshing mist and photo ops. Best visited in the morning when the light hits the water just right.

Attukad, about 9 km from Munnar town8:00 AM - 10:00 AMFree (small parking fee if driving)
Tips:
  • Wear sturdy shoes for the rocky path
  • Carry a raincoat or quick-dry clothes—you might get splashed
Spice Garden Tour

Head to one of Munnar’s aromatic spice gardens to see how cardamom, pepper, and vanilla grow. The guided tours are eye-opening—you’ll smell and taste fresh spices straight from the plants. Some farms even let you grind your own masala blend to take home.

Options: Aroma Spice Garden or Green Valley Spices, both within 15 km of Munnar11:00 AM - 12:30 PM₹100-200 per person
Tips:
  • Ask about the medicinal uses of spices—locals swear by them
  • Buy spices here—they’re fresher and cheaper than tourist shops
Lunch at Gurubhavan

Dig into a proper Kerala thali at this no-frills local favorite. Their banana-leaf meals come with fiery fish curry, earthy sambar, and endless refills of rice. Don’t miss the payasam (sweet pudding) for dessert.

Gurubhavan Restaurant, Munnar town1:00 PM - 2:00 PM₹150-250 per person
Tips:
  • Try the toddy (palm wine) if you’re feeling adventurous
  • Go early—it gets packed with office crowds by 1:30 PM

Must Try Foods

Kerala thali (banana-leaf meal)
Karimeen pollichathu (spiced grilled fish)
Puttu with kadala curry (steamed rice cakes with chickpea stew)

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Aluva Railway Station (110 km, ~4 hours by road)
Nearest Bus Stop
Munnar Bus Stand (frequent buses to nearby attractions)
Metro Station
Not available
Cab Availability
Easy to hire cabs or auto-rickshaws in town; negotiate rates before boarding

Day 3

Day 3 in Munnar

A relaxed day exploring hidden gems and local flavors, from a quiet morning at a lesser-known viewpoint to a hands-on cooking experience and a memorable farewell dinner.

Activities

Sunrise at Pothamedu Viewpoint
Sunrise at Pothamedu Viewpoint

Skip the crowded Top Station and head to Pothamedu Viewpoint for a peaceful sunrise over the tea plantations. The mist rolling over the hills as the sun comes up is magical, and you’ll often have the place to yourself. Bring a thermos of chai and enjoy the quiet.

Pothamedu Viewpoint, about 3 km from Munnar town5:30 AM - 7:00 AM (sunrise varies by season)Free
Tips:
  • Wear a light jacket—mornings can be chilly
  • Stop by a local bakery on the way back for fresh banana bread
Kerala Cooking Class with a Local Family

Spend the late morning learning to cook Kerala staples like appam, fish moilee, or avial in a local home. The host, usually a home cook with generations of recipes, will walk you through spice blending and coconut-based techniques. You’ll eat what you make—a rewarding lunch.

A homestay in Old Munnar (arranged through local tour operators)10:00 AM - 1:00 PM₹800-1,200 per person
Tips:
  • Ask to grind fresh coconut in the traditional stone mortar
  • They’ll likely share the recipes—bring a notebook
Evening at Lockhart Tea Museum & Factory
Evening at Lockhart Tea Museum & Factory

Most visitors rush through tea factories, but Lockhart’s small museum and guided tasting session let you appreciate Munnar’s tea heritage. You’ll compare flushes, learn why ‘orthodox’ tea matters here, and sip rare varieties not sold commercially.

Lockhart Tea Museum, 15 km from Munnar town3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)₹100 entry, extra for premium tastings
Tips:
  • Buy tea directly from the factory store—prices are lower than in town
  • Try the ‘moonlight tea’ if available

Must Try Foods

Karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish grilled in banana leaf)
Puttu with kadala curry (steamed rice cakes with black chickpea stew)
Pazham pori (crispy fried banana fritters)

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Aluva Railway Station, 110 km away (3.5-4 hours by road)
Nearest Bus Stop
Munnar KSRTC Bus Stand, frequent buses to Kochi and nearby towns
Metro Station
Not available
Cab Availability
Autos and cabs easily available in town; negotiate rates before boarding

Travel Tips

Carry cash—many small eateries and street vendors don't accept cards
Ask for 'meen curry' (fish curry) at lunch—it's what locals eat daily
Don't miss the small bakeries for fresh plum cake, a Munnar specialty
If you're not used to spice, say 'mild'—Kerala food can be fiery

Related Trips

Explore related trips for this destination

Other Popular Destinations

Explore itineraries for other amazing destinations

Itineraries by Destination