Begin your first day with a visit to the Kanthaloor Tea Estate. The estate is located amidst the breathtakingly beautiful Western Ghats and offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. You'll get to witness the tea-picking process and take a guided tour of the factory to see how the tea is processed and packaged. Afterward, you'll head to Valara Waterfalls, a stunning 100-foot waterfall that's surrounded by lush forests. You can take a refreshing dip in the natural pool underneath the waterfall. The journey is 45 minutes away from the tea estate (20km) via car.
Start your day early with a trip to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, a government-protected wildlife reserve that is home to a variety of animals like sambar, spotted deer, elephants, and leopards. The sanctuary is also a perfect spot for bird-watching and trekking. Afterward proceed to discover the unique Marayoor sandalwood forest, one of the rarest places in India, this forest is home to thousands of aromatic sandalwood trees. In the evening, you can relax with a beautiful view of the sunset on top of Vattavada hills. Another 40 minutes of a car ride (15 km) required from Marayoor to reach the hills.
For those who want to spend more time exploring nature, Kanthaloor has a lot to offer. You can add another day to visit the nearby villages like Pampadumpara and Mattupetty or a visit to Idukki Arch Dam which will take an extra day to explore. Alternatively, for those with less time, skipping the sandalwood forest and heading straight to Vattavada hills on day two can be an option. Remember that trekking in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary may not be ideal during the monsoon season, so check weather forecasts before booking your trip.