Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) was an eye-opener to the grandeur of God’s Own Country – Kerala.

During our week-long exploration of Kerala, courtesy of KTM, we embarked on a journey to Munnar, the picturesque hill station renowned for its sprawling tea plantations, delightful handmade chocolates, and a unique cinema-themed hotel. Despite the constraints of time, our day in Munnar unfolded like a dream, revealing the true essence of this beloved destination in God’s Own Country.

Chai: Exploring the Verdant Tea Plantations

We had started from Kochi and after stays at Alleppey and Kumarakom, our bus meandered through the winding roads of Munnar. The sight of endless tea plantations stretching as far as the eye could see was panacea to our travel fatigue. Our first stop was at a popular tea estate, where we immersed ourselves in the serene beauty of the surroundings. Perched atop a machan, we gushed at the lush greenery enveloping us, while the playful rain clouds added to the ethereal charm of the landscape.

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One cannot visit Munnar without experiencing its thriving tea culture. From traditional Indian-style chai to exotic blends like green tea and herbal infusions, tea aficionados are spoiled for choice. We were fascinated to learn that Kerala ranks as the fourth-largest tea-producing state in India, contributing significantly to the country’s rich tea heritage.

Venturing into a local tea factory, we witnessed first-hand the meticulous process of tea manufacturing. From plucking the leaves to packaging the final product, it was quite an aromatic journey to our cups.

Amidst the whirring of machinery, we were struck by a heart-warming display of religious harmony, as Hindu, Christian, and Muslim symbols adorned the factory’s altar—a testament to India’s cultural diversity. This was not something any Munnar travel guide mentioned. The harmony in the hills humbled us and made us proud at the same time.

Chocolate: Indulging in Handcrafted Delights

Many of our friends and family who visited Munnar before us gave us a sweet nugget – no trip to Munnar is complete without savouring its delectable handmade chocolates.

Strolling through the bustling market near our hotel, we were greeted by a plethora of chocolate shops, each offering an enticing array of treats. While some shop owners hesitated to offer samplers, we were delighted to stumble upon a quaint establishment that welcomed us with enthusiastic warmth.

In a few minutes, we were like Charlie in the legendary Chocolate Factory. From creamy milk chocolates to decadent dark varieties, Munnar’s handmade confections exude homely charm and unparalleled flavours. We savoured each bite, relishing the unique combinations of apparently random ingredients—from crunchy crisps to luscious fruit fillings.

Our visit to a chocolate roastery provided further insight into the art of chocolate making, as we sampled an assortment of exquisite creations and selected souvenirs to share with loved ones back home.

Not to mention, we stocked our own supplies too.

Cinema: Immersing Ourselves in Silver Screen Magic

There was an unexpected twist to our Munnar adventure.

We had experienced an eclectic variety of accommodation in Kerala but nothing had prepared us for this.

Stepping into the lobby of Silvertips Hotel, we were greeted by a whimsical display of posters and memorabilia from iconic Bollywood and Hollywood films. Each room was adorned with a different cinematic theme, transporting us into the realm of our favourite movies.

From the timeless romance of Guide to the grandeur of Mughal-e-Azam, every corner of the hotel resonated with the magic of the silver screen. As we lounged on our hotel balcony, sipping chai and gazing at the mist-covered Nilgiri mountains, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder at Munnar. Modern yet quaint, Munnar felt like a reeling combination.

Other Things to Do in Munnar: Beyond Chai and Chocolate

While chai, chocolate, and cinema stole the spotlight during our stay in Munnar, the hill station offers a myriad of other attractions to explore. From cascading waterfalls to vibrant Kathakali performances, there’s no shortage of experiences to delight travellers of all interests.

Our 7-year-old nephew back home had ordained that if we were in Kerala we should watch a live Kathakali program. We had the pleasure of fulfilling his diktat by witnessing an interesting Kathakali performance at the Purnajani Centre. It was a fusion choreography where the ancient traditions merged seamlessly with contemporary storytelling.

No visit to this hill town would be complete without sampling Munnar’s local cuisine, bursting with flavours that reflect Kerala’s rich culinary heritage. Therefore, no matter how short is your stay, you should not leave without trying the Appam and prawn curry or Puttu and Kadala (chickpea) Curry.

Looking back, Munnar’s allure lies not only in its tranquil natural beauty but also in the diverse array of experiences it offers. From the serenity of its tea plantations to the decadence of its handmade chocolates and the quirk of its cinema-themed accommodations, yes, Munnar was so worthwhile! As we bid farewell to this enchanting hill station, we carried with us memories that still linger long after our journey has ended. Munnar truly is a destination where every moment is a celebration of life’s simple pleasures.

P.S. This post is in collaboration with Kerala Tourism Mart or KTM, a tourism event organised by Kerala Tourism Department and Incredible India.