7-Day Nature Itinerary in Munnar, Vattavada, Suryanelli, Ramakkalmedu, Sathram, Vagamon, and Kottayam
Monday, October 23: Munnar
Start your trip in the picturesque town of Munnar. In the morning, visit the Eravikulam National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Enjoy a scenic trek in the park and witness the stunning landscapes. In the afternoon, explore the tea gardens of Munnar and learn about the tea-making process. As the evening approaches, head to the Top Station viewpoint for breathtaking sunset views.
Eravikulam National Park: Estimated cost - INR 120 per person, Estimated time spent - 3-4 hours
Top Station: Free entry, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, known for its South Indian specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Rapsy Restaurant and Café where you can savor a variety of Indian and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, visit Alibaba and 41 Dishes, a multi-cuisine restaurant offering a wide range of dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Tuesday, October 24: Vattavada
Embark on a scenic drive to Vattavada, a serene village known for its vegetable farms and stunning landscapes. In the morning, explore the vegetable farms and witness the lush greenery. Enjoy a picnic amidst the beautiful surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Vattavada viewpoint for panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Spend the evening relaxing and immersing yourself in the tranquility of nature.
Vattavada Viewpoint: Free entry, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For a hearty breakfast, head to The Village Kitchen. This charming restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including traditional South Indian breakfast items like dosas and idlis. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a delicious lunch, visit Green Valley Restaurant. This popular eatery specializes in authentic Kerala cuisine, with a menu featuring dishes like appam, fish curry, and biryani. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Spice Garden Restaurant. This cozy restaurant serves a wide range of Indian and international dishes, with options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Wednesday, October 25: Suryanelli and Ramakkalmedu
Explore the scenic regions of Suryanelli and Ramakkalmedu. In the morning, visit the Suryanelli Tea Estate and learn about the tea production process. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea amidst the beautiful tea gardens. In the afternoon, head to Ramakkalmedu and hike to the Kuravan Kurathi Statue, a popular viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Spend the evening exploring the quaint streets of Ramakkalmedu and experiencing the local culture.
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan in Munnar. This popular restaurant offers a wide range of dosas, idlis, and vadas. The average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Mayabazaar Restaurant in Vattavada. This cozy eatery serves authentic Kerala cuisine with a focus on fresh local ingredients. Don't miss their flavorful fish curry and traditional thali. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Royal Retreat Restaurant in Kottayam. This upscale restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring seafood, vegetarian dishes, and continental cuisine. Enjoy the ambiance and live music while savoring their delicious seafood platter. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Thursday, October 26: Sathram
Continue your nature-filled journey to Sathram. In the morning, visit the Pampadum Shola National Park, one of the smallest national parks in Kerala. Take a guided nature walk through the park and spot unique flora and fauna. In the afternoon, visit the Sathram Viewpoint and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and waterfalls. Spend the evening exploring the local markets and indulging in delicious street food.
Pampadum Shola National Park: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Estimated time spent - 3-4 hours
Sathram Viewpoint: Free entry, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day off with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Amigo, located near Sathram. This cozy cafe offers a variety of options including pancakes, omelettes, and traditional Kerala breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Hotel Sathyam, a popular restaurant in Sathram. Indulge in their delicious South Indian thali, which includes a variety of curries, rice, and bread. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Spice Bowl, a multi-cuisine restaurant known for its mouthwatering dishes. From Indian to Chinese, they have a wide range of options to satisfy your taste buds. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Friday, October 27: Vagamon
Head to the picturesque hill station of Vagamon. In the morning, visit the Vagamon Pine Forest and take a leisurely walk amidst the tall pine trees. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and capture some amazing photographs. In the afternoon, visit the Vagamon Meadows, known for its lush green meadows and rolling hills. Take a relaxing stroll and enjoy the panoramic views. As the evening sets in, witness a mesmerizing sunset at the Suicide Point viewpoint.
Vagamon Pine Forest: Free entry, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
Vagamon Meadows: Free entry, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
Suicide Point: Free entry, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cloud Street, a cozy cafe known for its delicious breakfast options like pancakes, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For lunch, visit The Orchard, a charming restaurant located amidst fruit orchards. Indulge in their traditional Kerala thali, which includes a variety of dishes like rice, sambar, avial, and payasam. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
In the evening, dine at Pappadam, a popular restaurant serving authentic Kerala cuisine. Try their mouth-watering seafood dishes or local favorites like appam with stew. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Saturday, October 28: Kottayam
Explore the scenic beauty of Kottayam. In the morning, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for bird lovers. Take a boat ride through the sanctuary and spot various species of birds. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful backwaters of Kottayam and enjoy a houseboat ride. Experience the tranquility of the backwaters and admire the lush green surroundings. In the evening, explore the local markets and try some traditional Kerala cuisine.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Estimated time spent - 3-4 hours
Kottayam Backwaters: Estimated cost - INR 2000 for a houseboat ride, Estimated time spent - 4-5 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Hotel Sarovar. This cozy restaurant offers a variety of South Indian delicacies like idli, dosa, and appam. The average cost for a meal is about ₹100 per person.
For lunch, visit Thali Restaurant. Known for its authentic Kerala thali meals, this restaurant serves a delicious spread of dishes including rice, sambar, avial, and various vegetable curries. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For dinner, try Malabar Junction. This restaurant offers a fusion of traditional Kerala and international cuisine with a contemporary twist. Enjoy dishes like Malabar fish curry and flavorful biryanis. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Sunday, October 29: Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring the region, don't miss the hidden gems and local favorites. Visit the beautiful Attukad Waterfalls near Munnar, known for its cascading water and lush greenery. Another hidden gem is the Vagamon Kurisumala, a peaceful hill station surrounded by tea plantations and mist-covered hills. Locals also love the serene Pathiramanal Island in Kottayam, known for its scenic beauty and migratory birds.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites:
1. Attukad Waterfalls: Located near Munnar, the waterfall offers a mesmerizing sight and is perfect for nature lovers. Enjoy the soothing sounds of cascading water and the surrounding greenery.
2. Vagamon Kurisumala: A tranquil hill station known for its religious significance and natural beauty. Explore the tea plantations, hike to the Kurisumala Church, and enjoy the serene ambiance.
3. Pathiramanal Island: Situated in the backwaters of Kottayam, this island is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Take a boat ride to the island and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.