4-Day Adventure Itinerary for Munnar and Varkala in July 2023

1. Day 1: Trekking in Munnar
   2 hours 55 minutes (85 km) from Cochin International Airport

   In the morning, head to the hills of Munnar for an adventurous trek through the tea plantations and forests. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and catch a glimpse of wildlife like elephants and Nilgiri tahrs. Afternoon is the perfect time to visit the Mattupetty Dam, where you can enjoy a boat ride or go for a nature walk. In the evening, stroll around the local market to purchase some tea and spices.

2. Day 2: Waterfalls and Spice Plantations in Munnar
   1 hour 15 minutes (30 km) from Munnar town

   In the morning, visit the Attukad Waterfall and Lakkam Waterfall for a refreshing dip in the clear waters. In the afternoon, explore the spice plantations and learn about the cultivation of spices like cardamom, black pepper, and cinnamon. You can also enjoy an elephant ride through the plantations. End the day with a visit to the Top Station for the stunning views of the Western Ghats at sunset.

3. Day 3: Beach Hopping in Varkala
   4 hours 30 minutes (156 km) from Munnar

   Start your morning with a visit to the Papanasam Beach for a dip in its holy waters. Afterward, head to the Kappil Beach, which is known for its serene surroundings and beautiful backwaters. Spend the afternoon at the Varkala Beach, where you can go surfing, parasailing, or simply relax on the beach. In the evening, walk along the cliffside for a beautiful sunset view and enjoy some delicious sea-food at a local restaurant.

4. Day 4: Adventure Sports in Varkala
   10 minutes (3 km) from Varkala Beach

   In the morning, get your adrenaline pumping with some adventure sports like paragliding, jet-skiing, or kayaking. Afterward, visit the Janardana Swami Temple for some spiritual peace. In the afternoon, visit the Kappil Lake for a boat ride through the mangrove forests and see some exotic birds. End the trip with some shopping at the local flea market to purchase some souvenirs.

Recommendations

If you want to extend your trip, you can visit the Eravikulam National Park in Munnar, which is home to various endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr and the Neelakurinji flower. You can also take a day trip to the backwaters of Kumarakom, which is only 2 hours from Cochin.

To maximize your fun, it is advisable to book your adventure sports activities in advance to avoid last-minute hassle. Also, carry sunscreen and mosquito repellent with you at all times.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Trekking in Munnar (4 hours, INR 2000)
• Boat ride at Mattupetty Dam (1 hour, INR 400)
• Visit to Attukad and Lakkam Waterfalls (3 hours, INR 500)
• Spice Plantation Tour (2 hours, INR 1000)
• Elephant ride at Spice Plantation (1 hour, INR 1500)
• Visit to Top Station (2 hours, INR 200)
• Beach hopping in Varkala (6 hours, INR 0)
• Adventure Sports in Varkala (3 hours, INR 3000)
• Visit to Janardana Swami Temple (1 hour, INR 0)
• Boat ride at Kappil Lake (2 hours, INR 800)
• Shopping at flea market (2 hours, INR 1000)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 10,600