The Best Places to Stay in Munnar

Munnar is home to some of south Indias most ambient resorts, many of which are set into lush hillsides
Munnar is home to some of south India's most ambient resorts, many of which are set into lush hillsides | Courtesy of Nature Zone Jungle Resort / Expedia
Isabella Noble

Hugging the lower reaches of Kerala’s Unesco-protected Western Ghats, mist-veiled Munnar is home to some of the world’s most elevated tea plantations. It’s also a biodiverse region crammed with wildlife sanctuaries, thrilling trails and India’s tallest peak outside the Himalayas, Anamudi, which stands at 2,695m (8,842 ft). If you like a touch of luxury with your South Indian mountain adventures, here’s our pick of Munnar resorts, from treehouse escapes to fun-packed family wonderlands.

Dream Catcher Plantation Resort

Resort

Dream Catcher Plantation Resort swimming pool with loungers and trees
Courtesy of Dream Catcher Plantation Resort / Expedia

Fancy slumbering away up in the whispering shola (high-altitude) forest canopy? Dream Catcher has four secluded, modern, wood-walled treehouses reached by twisting staircase or hanging bridge and set among 20 acres (8ha) of cardamom, orange and tea plantations, 20km (12mi) south of Munnar. There are also private cottages, with terracotta floors and plantation panoramas, and smart, unfussy rooms with balconies overlooking gardens. You can book an off-road excursion and there is an evening bonfire, a mountain-view infinity pool, an ayurvedic spa and more.

Broad Bean Resort & Spa

Resort

Broad Bean Resort & Spa with mountains behind
Courtesy of Broad Bean Resort & Spa / Expedia

You’ll be blown away by the tea-covered hillsides that ripple all around Chithirapuram town, which you’ll spot from this greenery-fringed retreat bordering the Muthirapuzha River, 16km (10m) south of Munnar. Most of the elegant, contemporary and minimalist rooms have four-poster beds, fresh flowers and lots of natural light – and some even include their own hot tub. A teal-tinted pool, yoga classes, hiking excursions and an ayurvedic spa add to the appeal and the whole place is strung around four forested acres that feature a natural pond.

Tea Valley Resort

Resort

Tea Valley Resort cafe with balcony
Courtesy of Tea Valley Resort / Expedia

Hidden in 6 acres (2.5ha) of forested grounds, just 4km (2.5m) south of town, this bright and bubbly orange-washed resort suits travellers keen for a mid-priced Munnar escape with a few perks, surrounded by tea-growing terraces. All the rustic rooms have private decks, potted plants and brightly coloured feature walls and there are four-poster beds for the “luxury cottages”. Outdoor adventures can be arranged, from hiking to abseiling or mountain biking, and you can even dine in a tree hut.

The Tall Trees Munnar

Resort

The Tall Trees Munnar exterior with with view of the forest
Courtesy of The Tall Trees Munnar / Expedia

Deep in the valley 7km (4mi) southwest of Munnar, 600 trees create a shady canopy high above these enticing stilted cottages. Cardamom and coffee plantations scent the air of the 66-acre (27ha) property, whose soothing design combines elements of traditional Keralan architecture (such as sloping roofs) with contemporary touches. Flavours from across India fuel the restaurant, while the spa specialises in ayurvedic treatments (including dhara – oil poured on the forehead). Don’t miss the glass-roofed pool or the guided hikes around Chokramudi peak.

Blackberry Hills

Boutique Hotel

Blackberry Hills restaurant with view of the hills and trees
Courtesy of Blackberry Hills / Expedia

Flow into your Munnar escape with an alfresco yoga session overlooking cascading tea estates and shola forest at this relaxed, eco-aware, ayurveda-focused address planted with wildflowers, 5km (3mi) south of town. Delectable home-cooked meals might include sadhya (a feast of Keralan vegetarian dishes), served on a traditional banana leaf, and a full menu of ayurvedic and international therapies awaits in the spa, including rejuvenating sea-salt baths in copper tubs. The Cirrus Cottages have fabulous views and whirlpool baths, but all rooms are warm and inviting, with balconies.

Nature Zone Jungle Resort

Resort

Nature Zone Jungle Resort bedroom with mosquito net and tree inside
Courtesy of Nature Zone Jungle Resort / Expedia

Adventurous souls will be tempted by this collection of African-style safari tents and rustic-charm tree houses, 8km (5mi) southeast of Munnar along a bumpy track. The only way to get here is on the resort’s own off-road vehicles, but when you arrive, you’re greeted by a sprawling view of the Western Ghats. Each tent looks out on the valley below and has a desk, double bed and a shower room. The bamboo houses (with balconies) have been sensitively integrated into the forest and the kitchen grows its own produce.

The Fog Munnar Resorts & Spa

Resort, Eco Hotel, Spa Hotel

The Fog Munnar Resorts & Spa pool with loungers and with view of the hills
Courtesy of The Fog Munnar Resorts & Spa / Expedia

Set against Chithirapuram’s famed tea-growing plantations, this activity-packed resort is designed with the whole family in mind – whether you fancy a naturalist-led hike, a traditional kathakali (classical dance) performance, splashing about in the pool or jumping in an off-roader to drive to a sunset viewpoint. Bordered by forest, the whitewashed, red-roofed buildings host several multi-room villas, as well as balcony-equipped doubles, all smartly updated. In the spa, ayurvedic tradition meets western treatments (how about a sandalwood body polish?). It’s 15km (9mi) south of Munnar.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article