5‑Day Kerala Highlands & Backwaters Adventure

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration in Munnar

Morning: Arrive in Munnar and settle into your hotel. Take a leisurely walk through the charming Munnar town, sampling fresh strawberries and local tea.

Afternoon: Visit the rolling Tea Plantations of Kolukkumalai Valley for panoramic views and a guided plantation tour. Continue to Mattupetty Dam for a short boat ride and photo opportunities.

Evening: Relax at Echo Point where you can test the natural acoustics, then enjoy a traditional Kerala dinner at a hillside restaurant.

Day 2: Athirapally Waterfalls & Kanthaloor Backwaters

Morning: Drive to Athirapally Waterfalls, often called the “Niagara of India,” and walk along the viewing platforms for spectacular misty vistas.

Afternoon: After lunch, head to Kanthaloor Lake for a tranquil canoe ride amidst lush mangroves, followed by a short village walk to observe local life.

Evening: Return to Munnar, stopping at a tea shop for a soothing cup of freshly brewed tea before a restful night.

Day 3: Marayoor’s Sand Dunes & Ancient Rock Art

Morning: Journey to Marayoor Sand Dunes, a rare desert landscape within the Western Ghats, and explore the shifting sands on a guided trek.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Marayoor Rock Carvings (Dolmens) and learn about the prehistoric culture of the region. A quick stop at a local tea estate offers tasting of the distinctive Marayoor tea.

Evening: Return to Munnar and enjoy a cultural performance showcasing Kathakali and folk dances at your resort.

Day 4: Kolukkumalai – The World’s Highest Tea Plantation

Morning: Embark early on a rugged trek to Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, perched at 7,900 ft, with breathtaking mountain vistas along the way.

Afternoon: Experience a live tea‑making demonstration, sip the world‑renowned Kolukkumalai tea, and explore the surrounding pine forests.

Evening: Descend back to Munnar, unwind with a spa treatment, and savor a dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients.

Day 5: Departure & Optional Highlights

Morning: Take a final stroll through Eravikulam National Park to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy the cool grassland scenery.

Afternoon: If time permits, visit Kundala Lake for a paddle‑boat ride or simply relax at a café overlooking the hills.

Evening: Transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey, carrying memories of Kerala’s highland charm.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Munnar town – 2 hrs – $5
• Tea Plantations (Munnar) – 2 hrs – $8
• Mattupetty Dam – 1.5 hrs – $6
• Echo Point – 1 hr – $3
• Athirapally Waterfalls – 3 hrs – $12
• Kanthaloor Lake – 2 hrs – $7
• Marayoor Sand Dunes – 2 hrs – $9
• Marayoor Rock Carvings – 1.5 hrs – $5
• Kolukkumalai Tea Estate – 5 hrs – $20
• Eravikulam National Park – 2 hrs – $10
• Kundala Lake – 1.5 hrs – $4
• Transportation & Guides (overall) – 5 hrs – $30
• Meals & Miscellaneous – 5 days – $75
• Total Estimated Cost – $134

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, consider adding a full day at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary for jungle trekking and wildlife spotting, or a leisurely day cruising the backwaters of Alappuzha. To shorten the itinerary, you can combine Day 2 and Day 3 by visiting Athirapally and Marayoor on the same day, or skip the optional evening activity at Kundala Lake on Day 5.