Munnar, India 🇮🇳
#114
10.086995, 77.060091
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Munnar is a hill station located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India, known for its tea plantations and scenic beauty. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 30,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 10 Mbps, with some areas offering up to 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 INR ≈ 0.012 USD, 1 USD ≈ 83 INR. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Airtel, Jio, and Vi are popular providers with good coverage in Munnar. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major cards accepted; cash is preferred in many local businesses. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from luxury resorts like Parakkat Nature Resort to budget hostels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially, major towns accept cards, but cash is more widely used, especially in local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available via Airbnb and local guesthouses. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Munnar Tea Garden Resort for about ₹500 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Munnar Hills Coworking - a small but cozy space for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Tea Garden Cafe - offers Wi-Fi and great views of tea plantations. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups and workshops can be found on local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetups are organized through local expat groups, usually at popular cafes. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Ola and Uber operate in Munnar, though availability may vary. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available at local shops for ₹300-₹500 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; the nearest is Cherai Beach, about 4 hours by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air India operates flights to Kochi Airport, the nearest major airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways have flights to Kochi from various international locations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | NH 85 and NH 49 serve as major routes to reach Munnar. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The nearest railway station is in Ernakulam, about 130 km away. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited; local buses operate frequently, costing around ₹20-₹50 for local trips. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby towns like Thekkady and Kochi are available regularly. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Munnar Ayurvedic Center - Provides both modern and traditional Ayurvedic treatments. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Kerala Ayurveda & Yoga Centre, offering classes and treatments. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited; some resorts offer basic gym facilities to guests. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, or laundry service at most hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Swiggy and Zomato offer food delivery from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Appam and Stew - A traditional Kerala dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Most local eateries are vegetarian-friendly, try Saravana Bhavan. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chai and Coffee Shop - Known for their delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Munnar Market offer fresh produce and spices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and Flipkart deliver to Munnar, though may take longer. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local stores may offer delivery options, with varied availability. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; most hotels have lounges for evening drinks. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries; the nearest is in Kochi. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; check out some upscale restaurants for a good selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local food stalls near the market offer affordable and tasty street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various cuisines available, including North Indian and Chinese. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Eravikulam National Park, known for the Nilgiri Tahr. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Tea Museum - showcases the history of tea production in Munnar. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Lockhart Gap offers scenic views and historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Mount Carmel Church, a beautiful colonial-era church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Munnar Tea Festival held in January. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Tea estates - immerse in local tea culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited; local cultural performances can be seen at some resorts. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Munnar Market - vibrant with local produce and artisan goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music festivals celebrating traditional Kerala music during festivities. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Not prominent; focus is more on natural landscapes. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Kerala Cooking Class offers authentic cooking experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited; mainly local crafts can be found in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old tea estates with colonial architecture are notable. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Munnar’s tea heritage and the local tribal culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kundala Lake and Mattupetty Dam for boating and views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Eravikulam National Park and Pampadum Shola National Park. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Numerous trekking trails and walking paths through tea gardens. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Top Station offers panoramic views of the hills and valleys. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Eravikulam National Park is ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Limited; check with local accommodations for allowed spots. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and India Post services available, but delivery times might be longer. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer basic tech repairs; highly specialized services may be limited. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some hotels have table tennis facilities for guests. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited; check local community centers for options. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited library options; cafes can be good study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Munnar has local community gatherings mainly centered around festivals. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not prominent; most entertainment is outdoor-focused. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos; entertainment mainly from local activities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹4,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ₹135,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹3,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ₹105,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹4,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₹240,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₹192,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹3,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹304,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹240,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% in India. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% for domestic dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive system; income tax based on slabs. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% for income above ₹15 lakh. |
| 🧾 VAT | GST in India is 18% on services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Applicable, foreign subsidiaries are taxed based on residency. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Applicable based on local jurisdiction. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 7% on the value of the property. |