Munnar sits high in Kerala’s Western Ghats, surrounded by tea estates that cover the hills in neat green rows. Most visitors see it from a taxi window on a whirlwind tour of viewpoints. It’s far better on foot.

Walk the estates

Guided walks through the plantations leave early in the morning, when mist sits in the valleys. A local guide can take you along estate paths to small villages and viewpoints you won’t find on your own. Ask your homestay to arrange one.

Learn how tea is made

The Kanan Devan Hills Tea Museum explains how leaves become tea, from plucking to tasting. It’s a good rainy-afternoon stop.

See the Nilgiri tahr

Eravikulam National Park, just outside town, is home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr, a mountain goat. The park usually closes for a few weeks during the calving season around February and March, so check before you go.