Everyone Should Visit Munnar's 5 Lesser-Known Historical Monuments

Munnar is not just a gorgeous hill station, but it also has a rich and varied history. Originally inhabited by the Muthuvan people, this location became a popular tourist attraction with the establishment of different plantations in the nineteenth century. When John Daniel Munro discovered this beautiful country in the 1870s, he determined to introduce it to the rest of the world. Make time on your next family holiday to Munnar to discover the legacy and history with your children.

1. Marayoor

Marayoor is a small town located in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. It is situated in the Western Ghats and is known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Marayoor is famous for its sandalwood forests, which are the only natural sandalwood forests in Kerala. The town is also home to a number of ancient dolmens and rock paintings, which are considered to be some of the oldest in South India.

The town is also known for its caves, which have evidence of human habitation from the Neolithic age. The Marayoor sandalwood forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. Marayoor is also famous for its honey, jaggery and traditional handicrafts made of sandalwood and granite.

Marayoor is a popular tourist destination and is known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the sandalwood forests, visit the ancient dolmens and rock paintings, and take a trek through the surrounding hills. The town is also home to a number of temples, including the Muniyara Dolmens, which are a group of megalithic burial tombs. Visitors can also witness the traditional art and culture of the local people.

2. Muniyara Dolmens

Muniyara Dolmens are a group of megalithic burial tombs located in Marayoor, a small town in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. The dolmens are situated near the town of Marayoor and are considered to be some of the oldest in South India. Dolmens are a type of ancient burial tomb that are made of large stones arranged in a particular way to form a chamber, and are covered by a large capstone.

The Muniyara Dolmens are believed to date back to the Neolithic age, around 3,500 to 2,500 BCE, and are thought to have been used for collective burials. The dolmens are made of large granite slabs and are arranged in groups of two or three, with a capstone covering the chamber. The dolmens are believed to be the resting place of the ancient people of the Marayoor region.

The Muniyara Dolmens are a popular tourist destination and are considered to be an important archaeological site. Visitors can explore the dolmens and learn about the ancient culture and history of the region. The dolmens are also a popular spot for trekking and rock climbing. Visitors can also visit the nearby ancient rock paintings and the Marayoor sandalwood forest, which is home to a variety of wildlife and is the only natural sandalwood forest in Kerala.

3. Kannan Devan Tea Museum

The Kannan Devan Tea Museum is a museum located in Munnar, Kerala, India. It is situated in the heart of Munnar’s tea-growing region and is dedicated to the history and culture of tea production in the area. The museum is operated by the Kannan Devan Hills Plantations Company, one of the largest tea producers in South India.

The museum showcases the history of tea cultivation in the region and the process of tea production from plucking to packaging. Visitors can learn about the different types of tea and their characteristics, and also the different methods of tea production. The museum also has a tea tasting area, where visitors can sample different varieties of tea.

The museum also has a section dedicated to the history of the Kannan Devan Hills Plantations Company, which was established in the 19th century. It also displays old photographs, artifacts, and equipment used in the past for tea cultivation and processing. The museum also has a terrace from which visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding tea plantations.

The Kannan Devan Tea Museum is a popular tourist attraction in Munnar and is considered to be an important educational resource for anyone interested in the history and culture of tea production in South India.

4. Tea plantations

When visiting Munnar, this should be your first destination. The tea plantations have been immortalised in innumerable photos and films, as they paint a beautiful picture and dominate the landscape of this hill region. These old British plantations are what put Munnar on the tourism map and continue to draw visitors even now. Take a drive or a walking trip around these lovely plantations, teach your children about tea cultivation, or simply take millions of photos: there’s lots to do here!

5. Subramanya Temple

This historic temple was established by the Hindu royal family of Travancore and is located in Munnar’s Idukki district. It is an excellent location for teaching your children about mythology.