Munnar, which is located in the pristine and most scenic hills of Kerala. With it’s lush green tea estates, misty hills & cascading waterfalls, Munnar is a treat to the eyes & it’s a mixture of culture, traditions and cuisine to explore. This quaint little town has so much to offer if you’re an adventure-goer or just taking the scenic route that I’m sure will stay in your memories even after you’ve left.
Let’s explore the cultural side of Munnar, what to eat, and the shopping destinations that reflect the essence of this beautiful place!
Munnar Culture And Local Experience
Munnar is characterized by rich traditions and vivid customs, Munnar is clearly an abode where every corner reflects the diversity of its culture. The local culture is mainly by the indigenous tribes and continues to be influenced by the tea estates that have defined the region for decades.
Local festivals are one of the best things to do in Munnar for an insight into the culture. The Onam festival is marked by vibrant floral carpets, traditional dance performances, and a grand feast called the Onam Sadhya. Visitors are regularly invited to join in the celebrations, which typically take place in August or September. You might be dancing the night away, dancing to the rhythm of traditional music dancing with delight at the excuse to feast on delicious local dishes.
If you’re wanting a more immersive cultural experience, you can visit a local home. You can stay at many of the homestays offered by local families where you can cook traditional meals with them, learn about their life-style, and even assist with plucking tea leaves! These experiences would be great opportunities to interact with locals and learn about how they live.
You can also visit the local art scene showcasing traditional crafts, including beautifully hand woven textiles and intricate wood carvings. For those interested in the history of tea production, Munnar Tea Museum is a great place to learn more about the process through the collection of artifacts and tea tastings that’ll have you begging for more.
Read more about Munnar’s colorful festivals and culture on this TripAdvisor report.
Must-Try Cuisine of Munnar
You cannot explore Munnar without tasting its delicacies. The local food is a beautiful melange of traditional Kerala flavors with a whole lot of fresh spices and ingredients.
Start your culinary trail with the famous Kerala Sadya, a banquet-style meal served on a banana leaf, that consists of rice served with a plethora of vegetable curries, pickles, and the essential dessert Payasam. If you prefer something quieter and more local, check out Saravana Bhavan or Hotel Hillview, where you can enjoy local South Indian meals that would tickle your taste buds.
The Fish Curry, made with whatever fish is in season, cooked with a mix of coconut milk and spices. Serve this with Appam (fermented rice pancake) for a memorable meal.
Street food are also a must-try here, especially the crispy Banana Chips and delicious Pazham Pori (banana fritters), which you can also find at food stalls around the town. At least once, try the local dish, Karimeen (Pearl Spot Fish), usually grilled and served with a spicy sauce.
To get a better understanding of Munnar’s gastronomic culture, watch this YouTube video posted by travel influencer “Foodie Travels,” who takes you on a tour of must-try local dishes and restaurants.
Shopping Spots
While Munnar does offer some of the most breathtaking views, it has more to offer in terms of shopping as well. Local markets have an attractive flavor of the lively culture of the area.
Munnar Go Shopping at the Munnar Market, where you can Buy anything from fresh spices to Hand-made Souvenirs. At this fair, the market atmosphere with vendor selling spices, tea and coffee fill the air with aroma. You have the chance to stock up on the best varieties of tea, especially the famous Nilgiri tea that can be an ideal gift or indulgent treat for yourself.
If you want handicrafts, go to the local shops in and around the market area, where you’ll find intricately designed wooden artifacts, hand-woven textiles, and traditional Kathakali masks. These are lovely keepsakes and help give business to local artisans.
For collectibles and unique gifts, the Kannan Devan Tea Museum Shop is a great place to buy tea blends and memorabilia. From regional tea culture, the shop has a specific tea-related product lineup.
A complete article on Thrillophilia about why and where to find the best shopping spots in Munnar, is here.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Trip
- Things to Know Before You Go: The ideal time to visit Munnar would be anytime between September to March when the weather is lovely. Make your stay and accommodation book through MakeMyTrip, ClearTrip and EaseMyTrip in advance to get the best offer.
- Walkaround: One of the best ways to explore Munnar is on foot. Go for tea estate walks, visit local farms and enjoy the scenery.
- Talk to the Locals: Feel free to start talking to the locals. They are generous and welcoming, and you can find gems and insider tips that guidebooks rarely touch on.
- Try Everything: Be wild about food! Try street food, eat at local restaurants and don’t be afraid to try new dishes.
- Record Your Art Journey: Something that I really recommend is documenting your journey and share it! For your photography or journal you’ll want to remember this captivated journey.
So, as you prepare for your trip to Munnar, let go of the culture you don’t want, taste the flavors, and hold on to the unique experiences. Munnar is not only a spot for visit, however a glimpse of Kerala’s heart — its mountains and paddy fields, its tranquil streams.
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