Discover the beauty of Munnar in 2 days, exploring lush tea plantations, misty hills, and hidden gems. Stay at The Grand Cliff Resort, visit top attractions, and continue your journey to Thekkady and Kumarakom. A must-read Munnar travel blog for first-time visitors!
Day 2 & 3: Munnar
Some journeys are planned, while others are long overdue, waiting for the perfect moment to unfold. Munnar was one such dream—an entry in my travel bucket list that had been lingering for years, patiently waiting to be ticked off. And when the opportunity finally arrived, it was nothing short of magical.
In the first part of this series, I shared our journey from Mumbai to Kochi, with a brief halt at Ernakulam before setting off for the real highlight—Munnar. (If you missed it, you can find it here.)
Now, in this second edition, we step into the misty hills of Munnar, where we spent two unforgettable days at The Grand Cliff Resort, before moving on to Thekkady and ending our journey on a serene note in Kumarakom—on our anniversary day.
Let’s begin where the tea gardens meet the clouds.
DAY 2: The Road Trip to Munnar
After a lavish breakfast at Taj Vivanta at Ernakulam, we set off for Munnar the next day, imagining its lush green tea estates on beautiful hills. The 4-hour drive was smooth until the final 40 minutes, when my son, Ivaan, felt unwell and puked due to winding mountain roads. We anxiously counted down every minute until we finally arrived at The Grand Cliff, Munnar, situated atop a hill.
An Unexpected Warm Welcome
The reception team welcomed us with a warm “Namaskaram,” flower petals, and traditional Kerala attire, followed by a refreshing lemon tea that instantly won our hearts. A perfect 10/10 for the welcome!
The Food
Arriving late, we missed lunch but made up for it with the resort’s complimentary high tea and a chicken sandwich. A few hours later, we opted for an early dinner, which, despite a limited spread, was quite satisfying. The highlight of the meal was Egg Appam with Coconut Milk—a dish we had never tried before and absolutely loved! Both breakfast and dinner the next day were pretty good, though we wouldn’t have minded a bit more flair in the variety and spread—just a little extra oomph to take it from great to absolutely fabulous! What impressed me the most was the chef’s personal approach—visiting our table to gather real-time feedback, ensuring that every dish met our expectations or could be tailored to our preferences.
Our Room
Our room was plush, featuring a balcony overlooking the stunning views of the tea gardens across the hills. We loved it from every angle, literally and figuratively. However, I couldn’t help but feel that a room on the upper floors of the resort’s building might have offered slightly better views.
The Amenities
The Grand Cliff is a resort in every sense, offering not just scenic view rooms but also complimentary perks like yoga sessions, tea plantation visits, bird watching, forest treks, cooking demos, and campfires. For an extra charge, you can indulge in a candlelit dinner, guided horse ride, or safari tour. Of course, it also checks all the must-have boxes—a gym, Kerala Ayurveda spa, sauna, infinity pool, recreation center (with table tennis, billiards, and foosball), a kids’ play area, and even a souvenir shop.
Service and Hospitality
But above all, what truly stole the show was their exceptional service—warm smiles, effortless hospitality, and a team that seemed to have a sixth sense for making our stay nothing short of unforgettable! What made it even more special were their heartfelt gestures of love and care toward our tiny toddlers—thoughtful, genuine, and completely unexpected from a resort’s staff!
Our Rating
We were thoroughly impressed by the Grand Cliff Resort’s exceptional hospitality and unwavering commitment to creating a truly memorable and rewarding stay. More than just accommodation, it offers an experience that stays with you.
DAY 3: Tea Plantation Visit
Courtesy: The Grand Cliff Munnar
Excited for the day ahead, I woke up early to catch the sunrise behind the hills. A few clicks later, I was already in a car, heading for the tea plantation visit. The car took us to the very hill our hotel room overlooked, painted in lush green tea estates, just as the first sunrays touched them, adding a golden glow to the already spectacular view. And that’s when it hit me—I missed my professional camera the most. Nonetheless, I made the most of what my iPhone could capture, shifting my focus entirely to composition and aesthetics.
The walk through the endless stretches of tea gardens was made even better by a complimentary tea session arranged by the resort—yet another thoughtful gesture that made our stay feel all the more special.
A Quick Visit to Munnar Town
We hadn’t realized that Munnar town was still an hour’s drive from our resort. But with Ivaan feeling much better, we set off, soaking in the breathtaking landscapes along the way. Our journey had just two essential pit stops—the elephant park, an absolute delight for my twin toddlers, and a nearby dam, where we took a relaxing break to enjoy some evening snacks with a view.
The next day, we reluctantly checked out of the Grand Cliff Resort—tempted to extend our stay just a little longer—but adventure called, and Thekkady was waiting!
Things to Do in Munnar*
Morning: Start your day by heading to Nadurangi point to see Sunrise. Post breakfast, you can visit Munnar Spice Palace (Chithirapuram, Anachal) – an insightful tour through spice and medicinal plant plantations with a knowledgeable guide explaining their uses, harvest times, and medicinal benefits. A must-visit for nature lovers and those interested in Ayurveda.
Midday: Skip the Munnar Chocolate Factory – While it might sound exciting, the experience is underwhelming, with only a short video and a basic demonstration of chocolate dispensing. Not worth the time. Enjoy lunch at Prakrithy, a great spot for a satisfying meal before heading to adventure activities.
Late Afternoon: For adrenaline seekers, Anachal Zipline (Temple Road, Anachal) is a thrilling experience. It’s one of the longest ziplines in the region, offering scenic views while giving you that heart-pounding rush. If you want a memory to take home, they offer video recordings for an extra charge.
Evening: Immerse yourself in Kerala’s rich cultural heritage by attending a Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performance at The Raga. Kathakali, a traditional dance form, and Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art, offer a fascinating glimpse into Kerala’s artistic and combat traditions.
*Inputs from Ashutosh Kumar Verma
Alternative Itinerary*
If you’re flying into Kochi, consider heading straight to Athirapally for a refreshing start, like my brother did a few days later. En route, stop for breakfast at Salkara Restaurant (Airport Road, Athani, Kochi)—their Puttu with vegetable stew is an absolute must-try and easily the best breakfast they had on the entire trip. For accommodation, Niraamaya Retreats Samroha offers a pleasant stay with scenic surroundings, though the dining and service experience leaves much to be desired.
If you’re visiting Athirapally in February, don’t skip the Athirapally Waterfalls—unlike many other Kerala waterfalls that dry up during this time, this one remains impressive. It’s easy to see why scenes from Baahubali were filmed here, and it must be breathtaking in the monsoons. After soaking in the views, head toward Munnar, stopping for lunch at Clay Oven, Kothamangalam (Aluva-Munnar Road)—the Tender Coconut Drink here is a must-try.
*Inputs from Ashutosh Kumar Verma
Alternative Stays
While I’ve only observed this property from a vantage point en route to Thekkady, its location is nothing short of spectacular. Perched amidst rolling hills and overlooking a serene lake, the setting alone is a compelling draw. Having stayed at Club Mahindra properties earlier, we can confidently attest to their high standards of hospitality.
My brother stayed at this property just a few days after. The stay was fantastic! If nature feels dramatic, you might just catch a breathtaking sunset right from our balcony. The jacuzzi? Pure bliss. The food? Just above average, but the overall experience more than makes up for it! If you ask me personally, I would still prefer Club Mahindra Munnar Resort any day.
Next up, we’re hitting the road from Munnar to Thekkady—Munnar’s close cousin and the missing piece of any truly complete Munnar trip! Along the way, we’ll dive into our stay at the serene Amaana Plantation Resort before reaching the grand finale of our Kerala travel series in the breathtaking backwaters of Kumarakom. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this—stay tuned!
About Me
I’m a travel photographer and blogger based in Mumbai, capturing landscapes, architecture, and street life through my lens. But beyond photography, I love connecting with fellow creatives and people who love travelling. If you ever want to chat, ask questions, or exchange ideas, feel free to reach out! 📸✨
📩 vivekvermavisuals@gmail.com
📷 Instagram/Threads: @vivekverma0909 | @creativegenesstreets
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