Four-Day Munnar and Thekkady Road Trip Itinerary
If you’re planning a trip to Kerala, India, make sure to include Munnar and Thekkady in your plans. Nestled in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its biodiversity, Munnar is a picturesque hill station famous for its breathtaking views. Its tea plantations are among the top attractions in Kerala. Meanwhile, Thekkady, known as the spice capital of Kerala, envelops you in a whirlwind of delightful aromas.
Munnar and Thekkady are conveniently located about a three-hour drive apart, making it easy to include both in a two-week Kerala itinerary.
As a local of Kerala, I have embarked on numerous road trips to these destinations. This detailed guide provides insider tips for crafting the perfect four-day itinerary, including must-see attractions, accommodations, dining options, and potential challenges you may encounter while visiting Munnar and Thekkady.
This guest post is contributed by Ashley Antony, a travel blogger from Kerala and a local expert on tourism in the region.
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Four-Day Munnar and Thekkady Itinerary Overview
Munnar and Thekkady offer stunning natural beauty, thrilling wildlife encounters, and aromatic spices. Therefore, it’s advisable to take at least four days to fully appreciate what these locations have to offer.
Spend the first two days exploring the highlights of Munnar. On the third day, enjoy a scenic drive from Munnar to Thekkady, where you can experience captivating cultural performances. Conclude your trip by visiting the major attractions in Thekkady on your fourth day.
You’ll find a variety of accommodations ranging from budget-friendly cottages and homestays to luxurious resorts. If you’re looking for a lavish experience, consider staying at a resort like Spice Village in Thekkady, which offers many outdoor activities to help you unwind and appreciate nature.
Thekkady has numerous cafes and restaurants to enjoy, while Munnar’s dining options are quite limited, featuring only a few unremarkable restaurants. Plan your meals around your stay in Munnar, focusing on breakfast and dinner at your accommodation.
How to Reach Munnar
Munnar is located about a three to four-hour drive from better-connected towns like Kochi or Alappuzha. You can take a private vehicle or opt for a state-run bus, the KSRTC, to get to Munnar from Fort Kochi.
Due to its hilly terrain and geological sensitivity, train and air travel are not available within 100 kilometers of Munnar or Thekkady.
How to Get Around in Munnar and Thekkady
For navigating Munnar and Thekkady, I recommend using a private vehicle or hiring a taxi. While public transport is an option, having your own transport allows you the flexibility to stop for scenic views or if you experience motion sickness, which is common in hilly regions.
The winding roads through Munnar and Thekkady require a skilled driver. You might also encounter wild elephants along the roads, so it’s beneficial to have a local driver who can handle such situations calmly.
Best Time to Visit Munnar and Thekkady
Munnar and Thekkady can be visited year-round with their pleasant weather. However, if I had to choose the best time, it would be November. Conversely, the least favorable time would be from late May to late August.
In November, Munnar experiences a floral phenomenon when the neelakurinji flower blooms, painting the meadows in purple — a sight not to be missed.
During the monsoon season, from late May to late August, heavy rains can lead to landslides and road closures, posing a risk for travelers. The state government may even close access to Munnar and Thekkady for several days at a time during severe weather.
Day 1: Munnar
Scenic Drive to Munnar
On the first day of your trip, drive to Munnar from one of the low-lying cities in Kerala via the Kochi-Madurai Highway. As you approach Munnar, make sure to stop at the beautiful Cheeyapara and Valara Waterfalls — they are among the highlights of the journey.
The drive will likely take around three to four hours. Upon arriving in Munnar, check into your hotel, unwind, and enjoy lunch at the property before heading out to explore in the afternoon.
Where to Stay in Munnar
Budget: K Mansion
Mid-Range: Teaberg Estate Haus
Luxury: Chandy’s Windy Woods
Tea Garden and Museum
Your first stop in Munnar should be the renowned tea plantations and the Tata Tea Museum, established in 2005 by the Tata company, India’s largest tea manufacturer. This museum provides an extensive overview of the history of tea cultivation and production in Munnar.
As you enter, you will watch a 30-minute video detailing the history of tea, followed by a guided tour of the tea factory, showcasing the large machinery used in tea processing. Finally, conclude your tour at the factory outlet, where you can purchase a variety of teas cultivated in Munnar.
The Tata Tea Museum is located on a hilltop, surrounded by expansive tea estates. Plan to spend around two to three hours here. Entry is relatively inexpensive, with additional charges for tea tasting.
Day 2: Munnar
Eravikulam National Park
After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, make your way to Eravikulam National Park, where you can hike in search of the Nilgiri Tahr, a native wild goat species found in the Western Ghats. This national park serves as a conservation project designed to provide a safe habitat for these endangered animals near Anamudi Peak, the tallest peak in South India.
Tickets can be purchased at the park’s entrance or online through their official website. Once you reach the valley, a bus will take you up the hill to the park entrance, one of the highest accessible points without trekking.
Take in the breathtaking views of the misty valley, and you’ll need to cover the last kilometer of the park on foot. The Tahrs are friendly creatures that graze on the grasslands undisturbed by visitors.
Entry fees for Eravikulam National Park are 200 INR for Indian adults and 500 INR for international tourists.
Echo Point
Next, visit Echo Point, which is about an hour’s drive from Eravikulam National Park. You can stop for lunch at Sri Annapoorni Restaurant, which specializes in South Indian cuisine, conveniently located en route. Munnar Echo Point is set in a secluded area with only small eateries serving snacks and instant noodles.
The drive to Echo Point is incredibly picturesque, as you pass through tea plantations that transition into dense forests. Keep an eye out for elephants; you may catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. This location earned its name because of the echo it creates when loud sounds are made.
The main attraction of Echo Point is paddle boating on the tranquil waters of the nearby Mattupetty Dam. It’s a popular picnic spot and a great place to shop for trinkets from roadside vendors.
Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady Road Trip
Munnar to Thekkady Drive
On the third morning, check out from your Munnar hotel and set off for Thekkady. The drive features hilly terrain with sharp curves and will take about three hours. The driving conditions here are similar to those between Munnar and Echo Point, but you will pass through dense forests instead of tea plantations.
This journey may induce motion sickness due to the frequent elevation changes, so once you arrive in Thekkady, rest and recuperate before your next adventure.
Where to Stay in Thekkady
Budget: Sopanam Heritage Thekkady
Mid-Range: Abad Green Forest
Luxury: Spice Village Thekkady – CGH Earth
Kadathinadan Kalari Centre
In the evening, visit the Kadathinadan Kalari Centre to enjoy mesmerizing performances of Kathakali and Kalarippayattu. Kathakali is an ancient dance-drama form unique to Kerala, where performers don elaborate costumes and paint their faces vividly to convey mythological tales through expressive movements.
Kalarippayattu is a traditional Indian martial art originating from Kerala, characterized by graceful movements and combat techniques. Both art forms are pillars of Kerala’s cultural heritage, and experiencing them is essential during your visit.
The center hosts 50-minute performances of each, with multiple shows running from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm in adjacent halls. Arrive in time to catch the Kathakali show at 5:00 pm, followed by the Kalarippayattu performance at 6:00 pm.
There is a nominal entrance fee for these performances.
After the shows, enjoy a delicious dinner at Sora Grills and Gossip.
Day 4: Thekkady
Periyar National Park
One of the most thrilling activities in Thekkady is a visit to Periyar National Park, and it’s how we’ll kick off your final day in Munnar and Thekkady. Periyar National Park, also known as Periyar Tiger Reserve, is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. The picturesque Periyar Lake lies at the heart of the park and is essential to sustaining its ecosystem.
The park offers various activities that allow you to observe wildlife in its natural habitat amidst stunning scenery, with the Periyar Lake cruise being the most popular. Tickets are limited for each time slot, so it’s wise to book your slot online in advance via their official website.
The optimal time to spot wildlife is during the early morning hours, from 7:00 am to 8:30 am. As you glide over the serene lake, you may see wild elephants, bison, lion-tailed macaques, and even a tiger along the shores. Wildlife sightings are chance occurrences, which makes the early morning time slot ideal for close encounters.
Entry fees for Periyar National Park are 330 INR.
Following your cruise, you can enjoy breakfast at the café within the park or return to your hotel for a meal.
Read: All about tiger safaris in India.
Abraham’s Spice Garden
Next, visit Abraham’s Spice Garden for an insightful look into Kerala’s spices and sustainable agriculture practices. Abraham, a passionate farmer and cardamom trader, hosts a farm rich in diverse local and exotic plants and fruit trees.
The highlight of this visit is a guided tour led by Abraham himself, where he shares his extensive knowledge about traditional farming. The tour also includes a look at his cardamom processing unit, where he employs sustainable methods for drying, sterilizing, and packaging cardamom. Fresh spices and herbs are available for purchase directly from his farm.
With the major attractions of Thekkady covered, you can now explore the town for handicrafts or souvenirs. Before leaving, be sure to dine at Tusker Café, the best restaurant in Thekkady, where you can enjoy a delicious Kerala lunch served on a banana leaf, featuring both vegetarian and seafood specialties.
Note: While Thekkady is known for its elephant tourism, including rides at the nearby Elephant Camp, we strongly advise against this practice, as it is often considered cruel. For more information, please read about Protecting Indian elephants.
Summary of the Four-Day Munnar and Thekkady Itinerary
Your visit to Munnar and Thekkady offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Kerala. Munnar’s undulating tea plantations, misty hills, and peaceful landscapes provide a soothing escape into nature, while Thekkady’s rich biodiversity, exciting wildlife, and lush spice plantations take you deeper into the essence of Kerala.
These destinations are meant to be felt, not just seen. While four days may not suffice to completely immerse yourself in these experiences, they will certainly leave a lasting impression.
Author Bio: Ashley Antony is a travel blogger from Kerala and a local expert on travel in the region. She documents her journeys to provide useful resources for budget-conscious family travelers.
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