4-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Munnar and Thekkady

  1. Day 1: Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point
    1 hour 35 minutes (34.4 miles) from Cochin International Airport

    Start your day early and head to the Mattupetty Dam, a popular picnic spot which offers boating and scenic views of the mountains. Afterward, make your way to the Echo Point (10 minutes from the dam), where you can scream at the top of your lungs to hear your voice echo around the hills.

  2. Day 2: Eravikulam National Park and Tea Museum
    1 hour 30 minutes (19.8 miles) from Munnar Bus Stand

    In the morning, head to the Eravikulam National Park to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and take a guided trek through the rolling hills and tea plantations. After lunch, visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea cultivation in Munnar and also enjoy a refreshing cup of tea.

  3. Day 3: Periyar National Park and Spice Plantation Tour
    2 hours 10 minutes (54.9 miles) from Munnar Bus Stand

    Take a scenic drive to Periyar National Park, where you can take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake and spot wildlife such as elephants, tigers, and leopards. Afterward, take a spice plantation tour to learn about the various spices grown here and even purchase some to take back home.

  4. Day 4: Kalaripayattu Show and Shopping at Kumily Bazaar
    16 minutes (2 miles) from Thekkady Bus Stand

    Spend your last day in Thekkady by witnessing the ancient martial art form of Kalaripayattu at a local theatre. The kids will love the acrobatics and sword fights. After the show, head to the Kumily Bazaar for some souvenir and spice shopping.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Mattupetty Dam (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • Echo Point (30 mins - 1 hour, free entry)
  • Eravikulam National Park (3-4 hours, INR 125 per person)
  • Tata Tea Museum (1-2 hours, INR 100 per person)
  • Periyar National Park (3-4 hours, INR 50 per person + boat ride fee)
  • Spice Plantation Tour (1-2 hours, INR 100 per person)
  • Kalaripayattu Show (1 hour, INR 200 per person)
  • Kumily Bazaar (1-2 hours, varies based on shopping)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 805 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time in Munnar, consider taking a hot air balloon ride to see the breathtaking views from above. If you have less time in Thekkady, skip the shopping and spend more time exploring the national park. Also, make sure to wear comfortable shoes as most of the places require walking/trekking.

0