Attukal Pongala: This all-female affair sees the town’s womenfolk congregate to bake a pudding to be offered to the goddess of the temple, Attukal. The chief priest later comes to bless the temple by sprinkling holy water.

Thrissur Pooram Festival: This is one of the most momentous festivals to be experienced in Munnar. Towards the end of May, the local mahouts and their majestic mammals, the elephants, take to the streets carrying object symbolic of revered royalty. The caparisoned animals line up in disciplined dignity and stand in all their glory while the strong beats of the ancient Panchavadyam are played on conch, cymbals, trumpet and drums.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race: This extravagant affair takes place on the second Saturday of August each year in Kerala on the Punnamada lake, with spectator pavilions set up along the banks. The opening ceremony is a colourful spectacle of decorated floats, boats and traditional performances. Separate races are held for women and the festivities last throughout the day and late into the evening.

Onam: This harvest festival is celebrated in honour of King Mahabali. The 10-day celebration beginning at the end of August and lasting into early September is one of the most lively events of the year. Religious ceremonies, feasting, dancing, music performances and singing are all essential parts of the celebration. The snake-boat races that take place along the river are among the most exciting of the festival’s events.

Navarathri Festival: This 9-day celebration is held in honour of the beloved goddess of music and knowledge, mother Saraswati. Each evening a musical recital of the best local classical performers takes place at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.

Deepavali: This nationwide festival is celebrated with as much fervour in Munnar as the rest of India. It is one of the most spectacular events on the Indian festivals calendar and sees the windows of local homes lit by candle. Fireworks displays and booming firecrackers bring the area to life in a blaze of colourful light.

Christmas: Although not a religious festival in India, Christmas is celebrated in the area. Firework displays and enchanting music bring the area to life, setting the perfect atmosphere for Christmas away from home.