5-Day Kerala Highlands Adventure: Munnar, Athirapally, Kanthaloor, Marayoor & Kolukymalai

Day 1: Arrival & Munnar Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Cochin International Airport and enjoy a scenic drive through the Western Ghats to Munnar. Check‑in at your resort and freshen up while soaking in the cool mountain air.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Tea Museum to learn about the region’s tea heritage, then stroll through the lush Tea Gardens for panoramic views and photo opportunities.

Evening: Relax at the resort’s garden and savor a traditional Kerala dinner featuring locally sourced vegetables and spices.

Day 2: Munnar Nature Highlights

Morning: Head to Eravikulam National Park for a guided trek to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy sweeping vistas of the rolling hills.

Afternoon: Explore the mystical Mattupetty Dam with a short boat ride, followed by a visit to the nearby Echo Point for a fun acoustic experience.

Evening: Wander through the lively Munnar Market to pick up tea, spices, and handcrafted souvenirs before returning to the hotel.

Day 3: Athirapally & Kanthaloor

Morning: Depart early for Athirapally Waterfalls, often called the “Niagara of India,” and take a guided walk along the misty trails.

Afternoon: Continue to the historic Kanthaloor Temple, a centuries‑old shrine set amidst emerald paddy fields, where you can observe local rituals.

Evening: Return to Munnar, stopping at a local restaurant for a hearty Kerala feast featuring fish curry and appam.

Day 4: Marayoor Adventure

Morning: Journey to Marayoor Sandalwood Forest and learn about sustainable sandalwood cultivation while spotting ancient dolmens.

Afternoon: Explore the striking Marayoor Waterfalls and take a short trek to the nearby Shola National Park for birdwatching.

Evening: Experience a traditional tribal dinner in a local village, enjoying folk music and dance before heading back to Munnar.

Day 5: Kolukumalai & Departure

Morning: Visit the serene Kolukumalai Wildlife Sanctuary for a guided safari, spotting deer, macaques, and a variety of endemic birds.

Afternoon: Stop at the picturesque Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, the highest tea plantation in the world, and sip freshly brewed tea while taking in the breathtaking valley views.

Evening: Return to Cochin, drop off your luggage at the airport, and depart with unforgettable memories of Kerala’s highland treasures.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Munnar (Tea Museum & Tea Gardens) – Estimated time: 3 hrs, Estimated cost: ₹500
• Eravikulam National Park – Estimated time: 4 hrs, Estimated cost: ₹800
• Mattupetty Dam & Echo Point – Estimated time: 3 hrs, Estimated cost: ₹300
• Athirapally Waterfalls – Estimated time: 3 hrs, Estimated cost: ₹250
• Kanthaloor Temple – Estimated time: 2 hrs, Estimated cost: ₹150
• Marayoor Sandalwood Forest & Dolmens – Estimated time: 3 hrs, Estimated cost: ₹400
• Marayoor Waterfalls & Shola National Park – Estimated time: 3 hrs, Estimated cost: ₹350
• Kolukumalai Wildlife Sanctuary – Estimated time: 3 hrs, Estimated cost: ₹400
• Kolukkumalai Tea Estate – Estimated time: 2 hrs, Estimated cost: ₹350
• Total Estimated Cost: ₹3,700

Tips

If you have extra days, consider adding a full day in Munnar to explore Top Station and the Kundala Lake for boating. To shorten the trip, you can combine Athirapally and Kanthaloor into a single half‑day excursion and skip the evening tribal dinner in Marayoor, focusing only on the main attractions.