5-Day Nature Itinerary in Munnar, December 2023

1. Day 1: Mattupetty Dam
   30 minutes (9.7km) from Munnar town

   Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Mattupetty Dam, nestled amidst rolling hills and greenery. Take a boat ride on the serene waters of the dam to enjoy scenic views of the valley.

   Afternoon: Head to the nearby Echo Point to hear your voice reverberate through the mountains. Take a short trek to the top of the hill for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

   Evening: End your day with a visit to the Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea in the region and sample some delicious local brews.

2. Day 2: Eravikulam National Park
   1 hour (16.9km) from Munnar town

   Morning: Spend the day at the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Take a guided tour of the park to learn about the local flora and fauna.

   Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the tranquil surroundings of the park.

   Evening: Drive to the nearby Lakkam Waterfalls to witness the stunning beauty of the cascading falls, surrounded by lush greenery.

3. Day 3: Top Station and Kundala Lake
   1 hour 30 minutes (38.9km) from Munnar town

   Morning: Start your day with a drive to Top Station, located at the highest point of the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the valley below.

   Afternoon: Head to Kundala Lake for a picnic lunch and a leisurely boat ride. The serene surroundings of the lake make for a perfect spot to relax and unwind.

   Evening: Drive back to Munnar town and explore the local markets for souvenirs and handicrafts.

4. Day 4: Anamudi Peak and Tea Plantations
   45 minutes (13.3km) from Munnar town

   Morning: Drive to Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South India, and take a guided trek to the top for an unparalleled view of the entire region.

   Afternoon: Head to the nearby Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, one of the highest tea plantations in the world. Take a guided tour of the estate and learn about the tea-making process.

   Evening: Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea as you take in the stunning views of the valley from the estate.

5. Day 5: Marayoor Sandalwood Forest and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
   2 hours (52.1km) from Munnar town

   Morning: Drive to the Marayoor Sandalwood Forest, known for its rare and valuable sandalwood trees. Take a guided tour of the forest and learn about the trees' history and cultivation.

   Afternoon: Proceed to the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a variety of endangered species. Take a guided safari through the sanctuary to spot elephants, leopards and other wildlife.

   Evening: Drive back to Munnar town and relax at your hotel before heading out for a farewell dinner.

Recommendations

If you have more time, consider visiting the Attukad Waterfalls, located just 9km from Munnar town. You can also take a day trip to the nearby hill station of Kodaikanal. To maximize your fun, try a jeep safari or a mountain biking tour to explore the rugged terrain of the region. Don't forget to sample the local cuisine, especially the traditional Kerala sadya.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mattupetty Dam boat ride (1 hour, INR 500)
• Echo Point trek (2 hours, free)
• Eravikulam National Park tour (4 hours, INR 400)
• Lakkam Waterfalls visit (1 hour, free)
• Top Station visit (2 hours, free)
• Kundala Lake picnic and boat ride (2 hours, INR 200)
• Anamudi Peak trek (5 hours, INR 1000)
• Kolukkumalai Tea Estate tour (3 hours, INR 500)
• Marayoor Sandalwood Forest tour (2 hours, INR 300)
• Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary safari (4 hours, INR 500)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 3900

Plan your trip now by checking hotel and flight prices at https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.