Muneeswaran Hills, Wayanad, suits trekkers and landscape photographers alike. The slopes are steep in places but manageable, and the meadows around the summit bring seasonal wildflowers. Whether you are a keen trekker or a traveller looking for a quiet morning away from the city, the climb gives you a close look at the rugged beauty of the Western Ghats.
First light is the best time to be on the summit of Muneeswaran Hills. Sunrise here falls between roughly 6 AM and 6:40 AM through the year, so begin the climb before dawn to reach the top in time for first light.
From the summit, you get a wide panorama over north-eastern Wayanad. Early light from this sunrise point in Wayanad spills across the green meadows, mist settles in the valleys, and the tea gardens and peaks of the Western Ghats appear one ridge after another. Evenings are just as rewarding, when sunset turns the landscape golden.
Best Months for Sunrise
The hill is open to visitors through the year, but the mood changes with the season.
Winter (October to February): Peak season for trekking. The weather is cool, and the skies are clear, so visibility across the distant ranges is at its best.
Monsoon (June to September): Mist wraps the hills and turns them a deep, lush green. Trails can be slippery, and thick cloud often hides the view, so pick a clear morning.
Summer (March to May): Mornings and evenings stay cool, though afternoons can be warm. A good time for clear, unobstructed sunset views.
How to Reach Muneeswaran Kunnu
The viewpoint is at Thalappuzha, near Mananthavady. The trail starts at Makkimala, a tribal settlement about 5 km beyond Thalappuzha town.
From Mananthavady
Take the road towards Kannur and pass Thalappuzha town. Then turn right onto the forest track that leads to Makkimala and the foot of the hill. Makkimala is roughly 15 km from Mananthavady, and a limited KSRTC bus service runs there via Thalappuzha, so check times at the Mananthavady bus stand. Coming from Kalpetta, Mananthavady is about 37 km away; hire a cab, auto or bike for the onward ride.
From Thalappuzha
You can walk to the viewpoint from Thalappuzha village, which takes about 2 hours, or drive closer to the base of the hill. Signboards and local guidance make the route easy to follow.
Parking and the Final Climb
The forest track is steep and rough, so ask locals how far your vehicle can go and where to park. From the parking area, the final climb takes about 20 minutes for an experienced trekker and up to 40 minutes at a relaxed pace. Some sections are steep, but the climb suits beginners with reasonable fitness.
Reaching Wayanad
The nearest airport and railway station are in Kozhikode (Calicut), around 80 km from Wayanad. Taxis and buses take around 3 hours to reach the district. Frequent state and private buses run from Kozhikode, Bengaluru, and Mysuru to Kalpetta or Mananthavady; Mysuru to Mananthavady is about 112 km via HD Kote and Bavali. For a scenic entry, take the Kozhikode → Adivaram → Lakkidi Pass route, with misty forests, hairpin bends and sweeping valley views.
Muneeswaran Kunnu viewpoint is open to visitors from 7 AM to 6 PM. Entry costs INR 60 for adults and INR 30 for children. Visitor numbers are capped at 250 a day under eco-tourism rules, so arrive early to be sure of entry. Sunrise comes before the usual opening hour, so if you plan a pre-dawn climb, confirm early entry with local staff the evening before.
Practical Tips: What to Carry
Sturdy Shoes with Good Grip: The slopes are steep, and trails turn slippery in the monsoon.
Drinking Water: Carry plenty for the whole climb.
A Torch or Headlamp: Essential for pre-dawn starts
A Light Jacket: The summit breeze is cool, even in summer.
A Rain Jacket (June to September): Showers and mist are frequent.
A Camera: The panoramas are worth capturing.
Small Change: For the entry fee
Beyond the Summit: Nearby Attractions
These stops are spread across Wayanad, so plan them as separate outings rather than one loop.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Forest habitat with elephants, deer, and rare birds, ideal for jeep safaris and birdwatching
Pookode Lake: A tranquil lake set amid forested slopes
Wayanad Heritage Museum: Artefacts from the ancient civilisations of the local area
Tea Plantations around Vythiri and Lakkidi: Scenic valleys and rolling greenery
Planning a longer escape? Our 2-day Wayanad itinerary brings together the region's highlights to help you make the most of your time in the hills.
Choose from 3 distinct stays: our Talapoya Heritage Bungalow, where rooms look out over the pool and tea estates; our Cherakara Boutique Bungalow, with its inviting shared verandah; or our Luxury Pool Villa at Talapoya Bungalow, where a private pool adds to the experience. Each comes with a cosy fireplace, elegant interiors, and modern amenities.
After a morning on the hills, return to the warmth of our multi-cuisine restaurant. Our menu brings together traditional Kerala cooking and international favourites, prepared with ingredients sourced from nearby local markets. Beyond dining, our swimming pool, fitness centre, and library offer quieter ways to spend the day, while badminton and tennis courts invite a little friendly competition.
There is more to discover across the tea estates, too. Join a guided plantation walk, learn about tea during a tasting session at our tea factory, or spend time birdwatching and fishing. Cycling tours offer another way to take in the surrounding countryside.