4-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Munnar and Thekkady

1. Day 1: Visit the Tata Tea Museum
   2 hours (9.5 miles) from Cochin International Airport

   Learn about South India's tea production and witness first-hand the process of tea-making with a guided tour at one of the oldest tea factories in Munnar. The museum showcases some of the finest tea collections in the world and provides insights into the art of tea-making. The highlight of the museum visit is exploring the tea garden where thousands of tea plants grow, creating a panoramic view of the Munnar landscape.

2. Day 2: Experience nature at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
   2.5 hours (53.6 miles) from Tata Tea Museum

   The Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most significant wildlife reserves in India. Enjoy a visit to the park with an exciting jeep safari and a boat ride on the Periyar Lake. Wildlife enthusiasts will get an opportunity to view an array of exotic animals, including elephants, tigers, leopards, deer and the endangered species of the Nilgiri Tahr.

3. Day 3: Take a stroll at the Eravikulam National Park
   50 minutes (10.3 miles) from Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

   Located in Munnar, Eravikulam National Park is famous for its abundant wildlife and spectacular landscapes, which includes Anamudi, the highest peak south of the Himalayas. Enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys as you take a stroll around the park. Don't forget to visit the park's most popular inhabitant, the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and watch it in its natural habitat.

4. Day 4: Explore spice gardens at Abraham’s Spice Garden
   4 hours (85.7 miles) from Eravikulam National Park

   Abraham's Spice Garden is a must-visit attraction located in Thekkady. It’s an ideal place to learn about the spices cultivated in Kerala and their usage in traditional culinary and medicinal purposes. Explore the various lush green spice gardens featuring a variety of different spices, and take a guided tour to learn more about their harvesting methods and uses. You could treat yourself to some unique local flavours by having an authentic Keralan meal.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Tata Tea Museum (2 hours, INR 200 per person)
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (3 hours, INR 500 per person)
• Eravikulam National Park (2 hours, INR 200 per person)
• Abraham’s Spice Garden (2 hours, INR 500 per person)
Total Estimated Costs (per person): INR 1400

Useful tips

If you have more time to spare, you can visit the Mattupetty dam or Kolukkumalai, a beautiful tea plantation that offers beautiful views of the Tea Valley. If you have less time, you could skip Abraham's Spice Garden and explore Mattupetty instead for its beautiful scenery. Do carry an umbrella and comfortable walking shoes, as Munnar and Thekkady are known for their unpredictable weather and rugged terrain. Also, carry insect repellant for your safaris to avoid mosquito bites.