Munnar - A Travel Photographer's Guide !

1. Lakkam Falls, Marayoor

Reason to visit :

Ease of access right at the start of ghat roads to Munnar.

Best Time :

Early mornings or late evenings (before 5 pm) to beat the crowd rush.

Photo Tips :

‑ Keep a polarizer handy to cut the haze and bring out under water features

‑ ND (at least a 3 stop) filters to slow the shutter speed.

Reason to visit :

Beautiful vista view of the scenic Talayar village and the tea factory.

Best Time :

Early mornings or late evenings to capture the scene in golden light or twilight.

Photo Tips :

‑ Keep a long lens (200mm) handy to close in on the far scenes.

‑ Multiple abstract frames possible too.

‑ The village can be seen from different bends of the ghat roads for a good 30 minutes stretch. Different compositions available from these vantage points.

Reason to visit :

The literal entry point of the magical tea valley. Especially the first view after the bend, on the way from Marayoor.

A transfixing 180 degrees scene of the sprawling tea estates and the highest peak in the western ghats.

Best Time :

Early mornings or late evenings to capture the scene in golden light or twilight.

Photo Tips :

‑ Keep a both a long lens (200mm) and a wide angle handy.

‑ Multiple compositions possible too.

‑ Try out the panorama shots as well.

Reason to visit :

One of the most majestic views. On the road that connects to Kokukkamalai peak.

Best Time :

Early mornings or late evenings to capture the scene in golden light or twilight.

Photo Tips :

‑ Wide angle lenses to capture vistas

‑ Try and leverage shadows, light beams and fog to capture moody stories

‑ Don't miss panoramic frames too

Reason to visit :

Endless vistas and layers. Dotted with village settlements and bending roads.

Best Time :

Early mornings or late evenings to capture the scene in golden light or twilight.

Photo Tips :

‑ Long lens to capture minimal abstract frames

‑ Try and leverage shadows, light beams and fog to capture moody stories

‑ Monochrome conversions of images would work fine too

‑ Don't miss panoramic frames too

A serene getaway from the hustle bustle of the town. Ensure to be there by sunset and shoot into late twilight.

Reason to visit :

Endless panoramic vistas of hill ranges and layers galore.

Best Time :

Early mornings or late evenings to capture the scene in golden light or twilight.

Photo Tips :

‑ Long lens to capture minimal abstract frames

‑ Try and leverage shadows, light beams and fog to capture moody stories

‑ Monochrome conversions of images would work fine too

‑ Don't miss panoramic frames too

One of the best things to do while in Munnar.

Take the jeep ride up the estates to camp site. Sleep and shoot under the stars.

(prior bookings and thermal wear recommended)

10. Kolukkamalai Sunrise

Hike up the peak next morning for sunrise and find magical twilight full of fog, color and clouds.

Photo Tips :

‑ Start early and recce for vantage points.

‑ Minimal frames with long lens.

‑ Tripod for stable shots in low light.