Munnar

High in the Western Ghats, Munnar is Kerala at its most postcard-perfect — a landscape of endlessly rolling, manicured tea plantations, mist-wrapped peaks and cool, fragrant air. Once a British summer retreat, it remains one of South India's most beloved hill stations.

The green carpet of tea gardens is mesmerising, and there's plenty to do: visit a tea estate and museum, spot the rare Nilgiri tahr at Eravikulam National Park, chase waterfalls, and take in the views from Top Station. It's a refreshing, scenic escape from the coastal heat.

• ›The rolling tea plantations and a tea-estate visit.
• ›Eravikulam National Park and the Nilgiri tahr.
• ›The viewpoints at Top Station and Kolukkumalai.

Roads up are winding — allow time. The monsoon (June–Aug) is lush but wet and prone to landslides. Mornings are often misty and magical.