Three Hill Stations in Two Days: Backpacker's Sightseeing Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Valparai
    110 km from Coimbatore (3 hours)

    Valparai boasts of tranquil and refreshing scenery throughout the year. Start your day with a visit to the famous Aliyar Dam which is situated amidst lush green forests and hills. Next, visit the Nirar Dam & Sholayar Dam which offer an awe-inspiring view of the green forests and the captivating landscapes.

  2. Day 2: Munnar and Kodaikanal
    260 km from Valparai (6 hours)

    A famous hill station known for its tea plantations and misty hills. Visit Mattupetty Dam to enjoy a speed boat ride followed by a tour of the Tea Museum which showcases the tea processing and history of the plantations. Later, drive to Kodaikanal and visit Kodai Lake which is famous for boating and the beautiful scenery. A short walk away is Bryant Park which is a botanical garden with a wide array of flora, lawns, and colorful hybrids.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Aliyar Dam (1-2 hours, free)
  • Nirar Dam & Sholayar Dam (1-2 hours, free)
  • Mattupetty Dam (1.5-2 hours, INR 500/person for speed boat)
  • Tea Museum (1-2 hours, INR 200/person)
  • Kodai Lake & Bryant Park (2-3 hours, INR 50/person for park entry, INR 50-100/person for boating)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 800-950/person

Useful tips:

If you have more time, you can opt for a 2-day stay in Kodaikanal and explore attractions like Coakers Walk, Guna Caves, Dolphin's Nose, and Pillar Rocks. Alternatively, if you have less time, you can cut short your Munnar visit and head straight to Kodaikanal omitting the tea museum and speed boating. If you prefer adventure activities, the Topslip Wildlife Sanctuary in Valparai provides an opportunity to trek and the Kodaikanal cycle tours are worth considering too.

0