1. Munnar or Kanthalloor? Here’s Why You Need to Decide Now
If you're trying to figure out which is best, Munnar or Kanthalloor, I get you. I was in the same boat.
I had only 3 days off and wanted peace, nature, good food, and a break from the noisy city life. I googled “Munnar vs Kanthalloor” about 50 times and still couldn’t decide. So guess what? I visited both 😅.
This article is not from a travel agent or some generic AI post. I’m just a regular person who went there, got lost, ate too much food, and took too many photos.
If you want a real answer to Munnar or Kanthalloor, stay with me till the end.
2. My First Impressions 🧳
Munnar was beautiful. Green hills. Tea estates. Lots of tourists. It felt like a “must-see” place.
But Kanthalloor? It surprised me. Fewer people, more peaceful, and more raw nature. It’s not commercial yet – and I loved that.
If you're asking Munnar vs Kanthalloor, here’s a quick way to see the difference:
| Feature | Munnar | Kanthalloor |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Crowd | High | Very Low |
| Popular Spots | Many | Few but unique |
| Commercial? | Yes | Not yet |
| Nature | Tea plantations, hills | Forests, farms, hidden waterfalls |
| Peaceful? | Not always | Totally quiet |
| Road Condition | Good | Bumpy in parts |
3. Munnar vs Kanthalloor – What’s the Real Difference?
Munnar or Kanthalloor? Let’s break it down.
Munnar:
- Full of tourists (especially on weekends)
- Great for photography 📸
- Tea gardens everywhere
- Spots like Mattupetty Dam, Top Station, and Eravikulam National Park are stunning
- Good hotels, good food, but also a bit crowded
Kanthalloor:
- Hidden gem 🌳
- Apple orchards, vegetable farms, and small waterfalls
- Fewer people, almost no traffic
- Homestays are simple but cozy
- No big resorts, no shopping malls (which is a good thing, if you ask me)
4. Which One Is Better for Sightseeing? 👀
If you like touristy places, cafes, and popular viewpoints, go with Munnar.
But if you love:
- Forest walks 🌲
- Talking to locals
- Quiet sunrises
- Just sitting and doing nothing…
...then Kanthalloor wins the Munnar vs Kanthalloor battle hands down.
Let me tell you this: I saw a hidden waterfall in Kanthalloor that wasn’t even on Google Maps. A local farmer showed us the path. We were the only two people there. That moment? I’ll never forget.
5. Food, People & Local Vibes 🍛
Munnar:
- More restaurants (veg, non-veg, bakeries)
- Friendly but busy locals
- Street shopping available
Kanthalloor:
- Home-cooked food in most stays 🍲
- People treat you like family
- No fancy restaurants, but the food feels like grandma’s kitchen
In terms of Munnar or Kanthalloor, Kanthalloor felt more authentic.
6. Budget and Stay – What’s Worth Your Money? 💰
Let’s be honest. We all look at our wallets before booking a trip.
Here’s what I spent:
- Munnar: ₹2,500 per night for a 3-star hotel
- Kanthalloor: ₹1,000 per night for a local homestay (with free dinner and chai ☕)
In the battle of Munnar vs Kanthalloor, Kanthalloor is cheaper, simpler, and totally worth it.
Also, parking is free everywhere in Kanthalloor. No entry tickets for nature spots. No “camera fees.” I liked that.
7. My Final Take – Which Is Best, Munnar or Kanthalloor?
Alright, here’s my honest answer.
- If it’s your first time in Kerala, go to Munnar. It’s iconic, and you should see it at least once.
- If you’re a repeat traveler or just want to chill and be away from people, choose Kanthalloor.
If I had to pick one today? Kanthalloor. No second thought.
8. FAQs – Munnar or Kanthalloor?
Q: Can I visit both Munnar and Kanthalloor in one trip?
Yes! They are just about 50 km apart. I stayed 1 night in Munnar, 2 in Kanthalloor. Perfect combo.
Q: Is Kanthalloor safe for solo or female travelers?
I went with my cousin sister. We never felt unsafe. Locals are warm and helpful.
Q: Best time to visit?
Avoid peak monsoon. October to March is perfect for both Munnar or Kanthalloor trips.
9. Helpful Links & Resources 🔗
- Book budget villas in Kanthalloor
- Munnar Travel Guide - Kerala Tourism
- Want more offbeat travel guides? Check out my post on jeep safari in Kanthaloor
Final Words 💬
Still wondering which is best, Munnar or Kanthalloor? Think about what you really want from this trip.
Do you want comfort, crowd, and famous places? Munnar.
Do you want peace, silence, and nature? Kanthalloor.
Me? I’ll be sipping chai near a quiet stream in Kanthalloor 🌿
Let me know where you’re planning to go in the comments!
