If your idea of “rising and shining” means catching the sky in full technicolor mode, Munnar is your dream on a canvas. Tucked away in Kerala’s Idukki district, this picturesque hill station is already famous for its tea plantations and misty mornings—but oh, when that golden hour hits? It’s pure cinematic bliss. Whether you’re a trekker chasing dawn or a peace-seeker watching dusk steal the show, Munnar has a sunrise or sunset spot with your name on it.
Grab your camera, a thermos of chai, and this guide—we’re heading skyward!
Sunrise Hotspots in Munnar 🌅✨
1. Kolukkumalai Sunrise Point – The Highest Tea-riffic View! 🌱🫖
At 7,900 ft, Kolukkumalai isn’t just lofty—it’s legendary. The world’s highest tea estate gifts visitors with panoramic views drenched in orange and gold. But here’s the catch: this beauty loves early birds. The show starts at 5:30 AM, so begin your trek or jeep safari by 4:45 AM.
- Best Time: November to February
- Access: Jeep ride or guided trek
- Cost: Around $84.30 (book tour)
- Insider Tip: Arrive early to avoid the human traffic jam!
2. Top Station – A View So Good, It’s Cloud Nine Material ☁️⛰️
Located on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, Top Station offers a literal top-of-the-world experience. With a backdrop of the Western Ghats and a foreground of cloud waves, it’s every photographer’s fantasy.
- Sunrise Time: 6:00–6:30 AM
- Cost: Tours from $69
- Bonus: Neelakurinji blooms here once every 12 years 🌸
- More Info
3. Echo Point – Where Nature Says “Hello” Back! 🌳🎶
This lakeside spot at 600 ft is not just scenic—it’s interactive! Shout into the hills and hear nature whisper back.
- Entry: INR 30 (adults)
- Best For: Families, photographers, couples
- Travel Tip: Weekdays = fewer people, better photos
- Read More
4. Anamudi Peak – The Apex of Awe 😍🗻
Welcome to South India’s tallest peak, nestled in Eravikulam National Park. This one’s for the wild-at-heart and the altitude-loving trekkers.
- Height: 8,842 ft
- Entry: INR 125 (Indians), INR 420 (foreigners)
- How: Trek or take the national park’s minibus
- Time: Gates open at 8:30 AM, so catch pre-dawn light from nearby
5. Pothamedu Viewpoint – Quiet Mornings, Loud Colours 🎨🍃
Underrated? Yes. Unforgettable? Also yes. Pothamedu dishes out lush plantation views with zero entry fee and very few visitors.
- Access: Easy road
- Best For: Tea garden vibes, crowd-free clicks
- Cost: Free (the best things in life, right?)
6. Meesapulimala – Trek Like a Tiger, Rise Like a Phoenix 🐾🌄
The second-highest peak in Kerala is a trekker’s bucket-list item. Bonus: its name means “tiger’s whiskers”!
- Entry: Guided treks from $106.67
- Route: Through cloud forests and rolling grasslands
- Audience: Adventure lovers only
- Plan your trek
7. Mattupetty Dam – Reflections Worth Waking For 💧🛶
It’s not just a dam; it’s a mirror to heaven. Opt for a sunrise boat ride and watch the water reflect the sky’s first yawn.
- Boat Ride Fee: Varies
- Extra: Nearby dairy farm charges INR 5
- Explore
8. Chokramudi Peak – Your “Close Enough” Sunrise BFF 📍🌞
A convenient 2-hour hike from Blackberry Hills, this peak is perfect for those craving a golden hour minus the marathon.
- Trek Fee: INR 400 (Indians), INR 600 (foreigners)
- Bonus: Also a fab sunset spot!
- More Details
9. Kallippara – Sunrise for the Solitude Seekers 🚙🌤️
A hidden gem accessible only by jeep, Kallippara remains blissfully crowd-free and soul-stirring.
- Entry Fee: Not mentioned
- Travel Type: Off-road adventure
- Discover
Sunset Spectacles: When the Sky Wears Blush 🌇💫
1. Chithirapuram Sunset Viewpoint – Nature’s Watercolor Workshop 🖌️🍂
Located just 12 km from town, Chithirapuram is a favorite for both golden hours. Easy walk, great views, and part of budget-friendly tours.
- Tour Fee: ~$8.38
- Combo: Includes tea plantation walk
- Book Tour
2. Ilaveezhapoonchira – Name’s a Mouthful, Views are a Mindful 🌄🧘
Meaning “valley where leaves don’t fall,” this Kottayam district gem offers clear views of both sunrise and sunset.
- Crowd Level: Low
- Tip: Ideal for full-day explorers
- Visit Kerala Tourism
3. Kanthalloor – When Fruit Orchards Meet Fire Skies 🍎🌅
Located in Idukki, Kanthalloor isn’t just pretty—it’s juicy. The region’s fruit orchards add a unique twist to your sunset stories.
- Tip: Great for nature lovers and pastel pic lovers
- Cost: Free & fabulous
- Explore Hidden Munnar
4. Lockhart Gap – Munnar’s Dramatic Exit Scene 🎬🌌
Named after the heart-shaped gap between mountains, Lockhart Gap offers cinematic mist, dreamy twilight, and road trip feels.
- Crowd Level: Low
- Access: Roadside viewpoints
- Bonus: Great for spontaneous hikers!
5. Chokramudi Peak (Again!) – From AM to PM, It Delivers ☀️➡️🌙
You read that right. This peak isn’t done with you yet. Start your day here or wrap it up with sunset magic. Either way, win-win.
When to Go: Seasons, Skies & Surprises 🗓️🍁
- Winter (Oct–Feb): Crisp, clear skies, chilly mornings, higher crowds
- Summer (Mar–May): Pleasant weather, fewer tourists, rare Neelakurinji blooms
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Misty drama and moody vibes, but limited access to some spots
Pro Tips for the Perfect Golden Hour Itinerary 📸🌄
- Arrive Early – The sun waits for no one and neither do the best spots
- Weekdays = Winning – Smaller crowds, better photos
- Comfort Counts – Wear comfy shoes and dress in layers
- Safety First – Avoid isolated trails post-sunset or during heavy monsoon
Capture It Like a Pro 📷✨
- Use a tripod for those dramatic, low-light compositions
- Seek reflections (Mattupetty), layers (Top Station), and silhouettes (Kolukkumalai)
- Avoid harsh light—shoot within 1 hour of sunrise or before sunset
- Charge your gear and pack a power bank (bonus points if it’s solar-powered 🔋🌞)
Final Glow-Up: Why Munnar’s Sunrises & Sunsets Are Unmissable 🌞🧡🌇
From serene tea plantations glowing with the first light to misty hills waving the day goodbye, Munnar’s golden hours aren’t just scenic—they’re soulful. Whether you’re a sunrise chaser, a sunset romantic, or a photo enthusiast addicted to light leaks, Munnar hands you the perfect frame every time.
So go ahead, wake early, stay out late, and let your memories be bathed in the most magical light nature has to offer.
Want to plan the perfect sunrise-hunting itinerary or need a dreamy sunset reel for your Insta feed? 🌤️ Get in touch with Travel to Forget—we’ll help you capture the golden hour, boost your travel brand visibility, or just make your digital presence as breathtaking as a Munnar morning.
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