A 6-Day Nature Itinerary through Western Ghats

• Day 1: Munnar - 4 h 30 min (120 km) from Cochin

  Munnar is a charming hill station in the state of Kerala. This tiny town is known for picturesque landscapes, tea plantations, and wildlife. Take a stroll through the tea gardens or Nilgiri Tahr Wildlife Sanctuary for a great view. The night sky from Echo Point is a must-see.

• Day 2: Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary - 2 h (65 km) from Munnar

  Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its misty hills, grasslands, and wildlife species. The sanctuary is home to many different species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, including grizzled giant squirrels, star tortoises, and the endangered Asiatic wild dogs.

• Day 3: Silent Valley National Park - 4 h 40 min (149 km) from Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

  Silent Valley National Park is a treat for every nature lover. The park is known for its dense forests, majestic waterfalls, and exotic wildlife. Trekking to Sairandhri, an area in the park, offers spectacular views of the valley.

• Day 4: Ooty - 2 h 30 min (87 km) from Silent Valley National Park

  Ooty is a charming hill station located in Tamil Nadu. The town is known for its tea plantations, flower gardens, and colonial architecture. Take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway or spend an evening by Ooty Lake.

• Day 5: Bandipur National Park - 2 h (52 km) from Ooty

  Bandipur National Park is a wonderful place for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to many endangered species such as tigers, elephants, and various species of deer. Take a guided safari tour for the best experience.

• Day 6: Nagarhole National Park - 2 h 30 min (82 km) from Bandipur National Park

  Nagarhole National Park is known for its lush forests, meandering streams, and diverse wildlife. Take a safari tour to soak in the beauty of the park. Trek to Brahmagiri Peak for stunning views.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Munnar Tea Gardens (1-2 hours, free)
• Nilgiri Tahr Wildlife Sanctuary (2-3 hours, INR 350)
• Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (3-4 hours, INR 200)
• Silent Valley National Park (6-7 hours, INR 400)
• Nilgiri Mountain Railway (2-3 hours, INR 500)
• Bandipur National Park (4-5 hours, INR 300)
• Nagarhole National Park (5-6 hours, INR 600)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 2,350

Transportation

Public or private transportation is available to travel to each location on this itinerary. A taxi costs around INR 2,500-3,000 per day. The total estimated travel distance for this itinerary is around 550 km, and the total travel time amounts to around 19-20 hours

Useful Tips

If you have additional time, consider exploring Coorg, another popular hill station near Nagarhole National Park. If you have less time, skipping a destination would be reasonable. You may also want to keep rain in mind as monsoon is affecting this region from June till August.

Airports

The nearest airport to this itinerary is the Cochin International Airport (COK). The COK is around 139 km away from the starting point.