Munnar Trekking Holiday

All our tours are customizable.

Overview

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Munnar and its surrounding areas, one of Kerala’s most cherished destinations. Ideal for families, friends, nature enthusiasts, and leisure travelers, this 4-day trekking tour offers an immersive experience in the untouched ecosystems of the Western Ghats. Traverse the mist-soaked shola forests, trek through the grasslands of Meesapulimala (2640 m), explore the high tea and cardamom plantations of Suryanelli, and witness the enchanting sunrise from the mountains of Suryanelli. Each trail is carefully selected to showcase the pristine beauty and biodiversity of the region, offering trekkers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and observe the local spice cultivation and simple village life.

The Route

This short trekking holiday is based in Munnar and explores surrounding high-altitude regions of the Western Ghats. Trails move through shola forests, alpine grasslands, tea estates, and plantation villages, with multiple overnight stays within the trekking zone rather than point-to-point transfers.

Landscapes & Trekking Experience

The terrain includes forest paths, grassland ridges, plantation tracks, and gradual high-altitude ascents. The highlight is the ascent of Meesapulimala (2640 m), combined with shorter walks around Suryanelli and Kolukkumalai. Trek lengths are balanced across the four days to allow acclimatisation and recovery.

Natural & Ecological Context

The region is part of a protected biodiversity corridor known for its shola–grassland ecosystem. Treks pass through rhododendron zones, high-altitude wetlands, and forest patches that support endemic birds, butterflies, and wildlife such as Nilgiri tahr. Several areas require forest permits and controlled access.

Cultural & Plantation Landscapes

Walking routes include tea and cardamom plantations, estate roads, and small mountain settlements. Interactions focus on plantation practices, spice cultivation, and everyday village life in highland Kerala, rather than urban sightseeing.

Support, Comfort & Pace

The tour is fully guided with local trekking support and vehicle assistance where terrain requires transfers. Accommodation includes forest camps, tea estate bungalows, and simple nature-based stays selected for proximity to trails. The pace prioritises safety, terrain conditions, and weather rather than speed.

Meesapulimala Summit Trek
Guided ascent to one of South India’s highest peaks through shola forest and grassland terrain.
Shola Forest & Grassland Ecosystem
Walking through protected high-altitude habitats unique to the Western Ghats.
Sunrise Trek at Kolukkumalai
Early-morning walk through misty tea landscapes to a high-elevation viewpoint.
Tea Plantation Walk & Factory Visit
Insight into tea cultivation, processing, and estate life in the Munnar region.
Cardamom Plantations & Village Trails
Walks through spice-growing areas and small mountain hamlets.
Forest & Estate Stays
Overnights in camps and heritage tea bungalows close to trekking routes.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Munnar

Activity: Arrive Munnar, Jeep ride to Trek Start Point, Hike to Rhodo Valley

Hotel: Forest Mansion / Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Details

We will meet up at Munnar town after your lunch. Here, you will hop on to the Jeeps and ride towards the trek start point. Enroute, we will be clearing the documentation at a forest check point After, alighting the vehicle, we will start hiking to the Meesapulimala Forest Camp. We will walk through villages, tea plantations and patches of Shola forest. for approx. 06 Kms to reach the Rhodo Valley – a scenic valley with grassland, pine trees, flowers and small rivulets. Will spend the night at the forest Mansion / Camp here and our guide will do arrangements for your dinner. You can also stargaze from the valley on a clear night sky or enjoy the peaceful night away from the monotonous urban dwelling.

Day 2: The Meesapulimala Trek

Activity: Meesapulimala Trek, Drive to Suryanelli

Hotel: Tea Bungalow

Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Details

We'll start early this morning to reach the Meesapulimala peak before sunrise. Meesapulimala, the second highest peak in South India, is well known for the shola forest and grassland ecosystem. You will be amazed by the pine and rhododendron trees, the blooming flowers, and the thick forest patches that we will pass on the way up. Be on the lookout for Nilgiri Thar, endemic birds, butterflies, and small rivulets with fresh water. As you approach the summit, the giant waves of mist will blow over you, and you can admire the vibrant morning colors of the sun from above the clouds. After spending some time at the peak, we will walk back to the Rhodo valley. After a light breakfast, we will check out of our accommodation. A jeep will take us from one of nature's hidden treasures to another. We will ride for more than an hour along the Lockhart Gap road to reach Anaerangal Lake, a beautiful lake tucked away in a lovely spot. The massive lake, with its arms stretched wide and a small earthen dam, is centrally located in the hillocks of Suryanelli. This is the key source of water for wildlife, especially the elephant herds, and the villages in this remote hilly area. We'll spend time boating and taking in the scenery around the lake, relishing the cool breeze and the beautiful landscapes. Then, we'll arrive at the tranquil location of Suryanelli and check into a 100-year-old tea estate bungalow.

Day 3: Tiny hamlet of Suryanelli

Activity: Tea experiential walk, Village & Cardamom Plantation Walk

Hotel: Camping / Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Details

Morning, it’s time for the Tea estate walk and tea plucking experience with the staff. We will also visit the Tea factory and taste different varieties of tea. The experience will accustom you with history of tea cultivation in the region, its management and processing. We will do a small round of Kayaking with the backdrop of misty tea hills and mighty blue mountains stretched across till horizon. Next activity is a stroll through the thick high cardamom plantations and the nearby Papathy Shola village to meet the mountain-dwelling aboriginals here, visit their traditional temple and humble living in sync with nature. Now, it’s time to enjoy a bumpy Jeep ride through thecraggy and winding roads through the tea plantations to the scenic Kolukkumalai valley. Here you will be camping with accommodation in dome tents, best to enjoy the refreshing climate with a bonfire and again a clear starry sky

Day 4: Enchanting Sunrise

Activity: Sunrise Trek, Tour Ends, Departure

Details

We will set off early morning for the 45 minutes walk through misty valleys with lush tea plantations and hilly trail with patches of shola vegetation. The region is also known for its highest organic tea plantation. From here you can see the bundling clouds caressing the blue mountain ranges and the sun showering array of lights from pink to orange and to yellow on a clear sky day. It will be one of the finest mornings you ever had with a view of another enchanting sunrise from the towering Kolukkumalai. Will walk back to the camp for an energising breakfast, relax for a while before packing our bags. With fond memories the mountains and the rejuvenating nature, it’s time to say adieu till the next adventure.

Route map

Reviews

Liz Richardson

January 6, 2026

Amazing trip. Sujith was really good at tailoring the adventure to exactly what we asked for. We felt in very good hands. Great views, lovely people, loads of interesting context on the culture, the area, how people live. The hiking is varied in a spectacular place. And the food was gorgeous. would definitely recommend.

Faye Thomas

January 6, 2026

The whole experience from start to finish was 10/10. We liked the look of the 4 day trek in the South Ghat’s but also wanted to add in a safari. This was no problem and Sujith and Francis helped to tailer our trip to locations and activities that suited our time frame. Amazing mountain views and treks in places that would be very hard to organise without local knowledge from Francis showing us all the best spots in each location. Highly recommend offbeat and will be back for another trip!

Gallery

Inclusions

Tent / Guest House Accommodation on Twin Share
Meals as per itinerary
Refreshments and Drinking Water
All activities including Walks and Visits as per Itinerary
English Speaking Guide
Entry Fee at Forest, Temple, Plantation etc
Support Vehicle
Government Taxes

Munnar Trekking Holiday

Overview

The Route

Landscapes & Trekking Experience

Natural & Ecological Context

Cultural & Plantation Landscapes

Support, Comfort & Pace

Tour Highlights

Detailed Itinerary

Route map

Reviews

Liz Richardson

Faye Thomas

Gallery

Inclusions

You May also Like

Kerala Western Ghats Trekking Holiday

Kerala Multi Adventure Tour

South India Hike, Bike & Kayak Tour