2-Day Kerala Escape from Chennai: Munnar and Thekkady Highlights

Day 1: Munnar Tea Gardens

Munnar, Kerala on May 13, 2025

6:00am

Travel from Chennai to Munnar

Depart early morning from Chennai to Munnar by flight or overnight bus to maximize sightseeing time. Flights arrive into Kochi Airport; then a 4-hour drive to Munnar.
INR 3000, 7h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan, Munnar

Enjoy authentic South Indian vegetarian dishes in this popular restaurant open till 10 pm, perfect for a satisfying lunch after travel.
INR 300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Tea Museum

Learn about tea processing and history at Munnar Tea Museum open from 9 am to 5 pm. Take a guided tour of the plantations and factory.
INR 30, 1h30m

4:30pm

Explore Eravikulam National Park

Ideal for wildlife and scenic beauty, this park is home to the Nilgiri Tahr and is open 8:30 am to 4 pm, so arriving by 4:30 pm means limited access; plan arrival a bit earlier if possible or enjoy a stroll nearby.
INR 150, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Kerala meal served on banana leaves with fresh local ingredients in this cozy restaurant open till 10 pm.
INR 400, 1h0m

Day 2: Thekkady Wildlife

Thekkady, Kerala on May 14, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Munnar to Thekkady

Start early for a scenic 3-4 hour drive to Thekkady, famous for its Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
INR 500, 4h0m

11:00am

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boat Ride

A boat cruise on Periyar Lake offers amazing views of wildlife; schedules start at 9 am and last trips are around 3 pm. Plan to arrive early for best animal sightings.
INR 250, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Green Wood Restaurant

Sample delicious Kerala specialties with vegetarian and seafood options in this well-reviewed eatery open until 9 pm.
INR 350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Spice Plantation Tour

Explore the spice gardens near Thekkady, available from 9 am to 5 pm, to learn about Kerala’s famous spices and enjoy guided demonstrations.
INR 150, 1h30m

4:30pm

Cultural Kathakali Dance Show

Attend an evening Kathakali performance starting at 6 pm to experience Kerala’s classical dance-drama tradition. Book tickets in advance.
INR 200, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Thekkady Cafe Coffee Day

Light dinner and coffee in a relaxed atmosphere with a view of the surrounding hills, ideal to unwind before return travel.
INR 250, 1h0m

8:00pm

Return to Chennai

Catch a late evening transport or overnight bus back to Chennai to arrive the next morning.
INR 3000, 8h0m