Christmas and New Year in Munnar: What to Expect and How to Book

Every December, travellers from across India head to the Western Ghats for the year-end holidays, and Munnar is one of the first places they pick. Cool air, misty mornings, tea-covered hills and a festive mood make it a favourite for Christmas and New Year in Kerala.

It is also one of the busiest times of the year. This guide covers what to expect, what to do and how to book the right stay at a luxury resort in Munnar.

Why Munnar is popular for Christmas and New Year

Munnar sits high in the hills, so December brings the cool weather that much of South India misses. Days are pleasant for sightseeing, and evenings are made for blankets, bonfires and hot tea. The scenery, with tea estates, valleys and mountain views, feels like a postcard without trying.

It also works for almost every kind of traveller: couples looking for romance, families wanting a safe and scenic break, and friends planning a New Year trip away from city crowds. If you are still deciding between a short and a longer trip, our guide to weekend holidays in Munnar can help.

Munnar weather in December and January

Expect cool to cold conditions, especially in the early morning and at night.

• Daytime: comfortable and pleasant for sightseeing.
• Mornings and evenings: noticeably cold, with mist and fog common.
• Nights: can get very cold, and some higher spots in the region can drop to single-digit temperatures.
• What to pack: a warm jacket, sweaters, socks, a scarf, comfortable walking shoes and moisturiser. A light rain jacket is a good idea in case of drizzle.

Things to do in Munnar during the holidays

• Tea estate walks. Go early, when mist hangs over the hills and the light is softest.
• Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point. Scenic and easy to combine with a boat ride.
• Top Station. One of the best viewpoints in the area on a clear morning.
• Tea Museum. A quick, interesting stop to see how Munnar tea is made.
• Eravikulam National Park. Home to the Nilgiri tahr. Check opening status before you plan, as access can change.
• Waterfalls and viewpoints. Attukal and other spots make good half-day trips.
• Christmas atmosphere. Churches and hill-town decorations add to the festive mood, and many resorts organise their own celebrations.

Want the full list? See our guide to the best places to visit in Munnar, explore nearby attractions, or browse resort activities.

Christmas and New Year at a resort

The festive season is when a resort stay pays off most. Instead of fighting crowded restaurants and traffic after sightseeing, you return to a quiet place where dinner, a warm room and a mountain view are waiting.

At Sprise Munnar Resort & Spa, guests can enjoy:

• Mountain view and dam view rooms: choose the Marvellous Mountain View Double, the Marvellous Mountain View Twin or the Majestic Ponmudi Dam View room for waking up to the hills.
• The Timeless Jacuzzi Suite for couples celebrating a romantic New Year.
• The Fabulous Interconnecting Mountain View Suite for families or groups of up to four.
• A swimming pool, spa and restaurant on the property.
• Free Wi-Fi and parking, plus other resort amenities that make the practical details easy.

You can see all room types on our Rooms & Suites page, or preview the property in the photo gallery.

Packages for the festive season

Many guests prefer a bundled stay that takes care of sightseeing and meals. Explore our Munnar tour packages, including honeymoon packages in Munnar for couples and the family tour package for a relaxed holiday with children and grandparents. Before you pay for any package, read our checklist of 7 things to check before booking a Munnar tour package.

How to book Munnar for Christmas and New Year

Demand peaks between roughly December 24 and January 2, and good rooms sell out early. Follow these steps:

1. Book early. Aim for at least 4 to 8 weeks ahead if you can. Last-minute options are limited and costlier.
2. Choose your room type first. Couples may want the Jacuzzi Suite, while families should look at the interconnecting suite.
3. Ask what is included. Check meals, special dinners, taxes and any festive surcharges before you pay.
4. Read the cancellation policy. Peak-season terms are often stricter. Ours is on the Terms and Conditions page.
5. Confirm in writing. Get your booking confirmed by email, and keep the resort’s contact details handy.

Not sure what to look for in a resort? Read our guide on what to look for when booking a luxury resort in Munnar.

Travel tips for the festive rush

• Expect traffic. Roads into Munnar can slow down a lot around Christmas and New Year, so leave early and keep extra time.
• Fuel and cash. Fill up before the final climb, and carry some cash in case of network issues.
• Start sightseeing early. Popular spots fill up by late morning.
• Plan evenings simply. Stay in, enjoy the view and avoid night driving on hill roads where possible.