Munnar Kolukkumalai Backpacking Trip

Munnar Kolukkumalai Backpacking Trip: A Journey Through Tea Gardens and Scenic Peaks

The Munnar Kolukkumalai Backpacking Trip offers an unforgettable adventure through the misty hills of the Western Ghats, leading you to one of the highest tea-growing regions in India. Situated at an elevation of around 2,100 meters above sea level, Kollukumalai provides breathtaking views of sprawling tea estates, rolling hills, and dense forests. This trek is the perfect blend of nature’s beauty, adventure, and a dash of cultural heritage from the iconic tea plantations of Munnar. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a photography lover, the Kollukumalai Trek offers something unique for everyone.

Munnar Kolukkumalai Backpacking Trip Highlights of the Trek:

Stunning Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, hills, and tea gardens. The trek offers unique vistas of both sunrise and sunset.
Kollukumalai Peak: The trek culminates at Kollukumalai Peak, the highest point in the Munnar region, offering 360-degree views of the lush landscape.
Tea Estates: Walk through verdant tea plantations, get an insight into the tea cultivation process, and interact with the local tea pickers.
Wildlife: Spot local wildlife, including a variety of bird species, butterflies, and occasionally elephants.
Offbeat Experience: Experience a tranquil, off-the-beaten-path trek far from the crowds, perfect for nature lovers and those looking for a peaceful retreat.

Best Time for the Munnar to Kolukkumalai Backpacking Trip

Best Time: The ideal time for the backpacking trip is between October and March, when the weather is cool and pleasant, perfect for trekking.
Avoid Monsoon: The monsoon season (June to September) can make the trails slippery and hazardous due to heavy rainfall.

Itinerary

Morning
- Check-in to Campsite
  - Arrive and settle in at your campsite. Get comfortable, unpack, and familiarize yourself with the surroundings.
  - Duration: 1 hour
- Breakfast
  - Enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the day’s adventures.
  - Duration: 1 hour
- Private Waterfalls Visit
  - Head out to explore a beautiful, secluded waterfall. Take time to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
  - Duration: ~2 hours
Afternoon
- Lunch
  - Enjoy a midday meal, either back at the campsite or a local spot. Relax and recharge.
  - Duration: 1 hour
- Zip Line Adventure
  - Head over to the zip line area. You have until 3:30 PM, so take your time to enjoy the thrill and the views.
  - Duration: ~1.5–2 hours
- Phantom Hill Base (Arrive by 4:00 PM)
  - Arrive at Phantom Hill Base by 4:00 PM. Take time to relax, explore the area, and prepare for the sunset trek.
  - Duration: ~30 minutes
- Trekking for Sunset
  - Begin your trek to a vantage point to catch a breathtaking sunset. This will be a perfect end to the day’s adventure.
  - Duration: ~2–2.5 hours (including trek and sunset time)
Early Morning
- Kolukkumalai Jeep Safari (4:00 AM)
  - Set off early in the morning to catch the sunrise at Kolukkumalai, the highest tea plantation in the world. The jeep ride will take you through stunning terrain.
  - Duration: ~2–3 hours
Morning
- Return to Stay
  - After the jeep ride, return to the campsite for some rest and relaxation.
  - Duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Gap Road Viewpoint
  - Head to Gap Road Viewpoint to enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding area.
  - Duration: ~30 minutes
- Signal Viewpoint
  - Proceed to Signal Viewpoint for another spectacular panoramic vista.
  - Duration: ~30 minutes
Lunch
- Stop for a relaxed slef-sponsered lunch, either at a local restaurant or back at the campsite.
  - Duration: ~1 hour
Afternoon
- Chocolate Factory Visit
  - Take a tour of the local chocolate factory, where you can sample delicious treats and learn about the chocolate-making process.
  - Duration: ~1–1.5 hours
- Carmelgiri Elephant Camp
  - Visit the Carmelgiri Elephant Camp, where you can interact with elephants and learn about their conservation.
  - Duration: ~1 hour
Late Afternoon
- Echo Point (Water Activities)
  - End the day with some fun water activities at Echo Point. Go for a speedboat ride or try your hand at kayaking. Enjoy the beauty of the lake and surrounding hills.
  - Duration: ~1–1.5 hours
- Night
  - Have self-sponsered dinner
  - Start journey to Bangalore

Includes/Excludes

2 Breakfast, 1 hi tea Snacks, and 1 Dinner.
Bangalore to Bangalore non Ac semi sleeper transportation.
Kerala and Tamil Nadu permit.
Off road jeep drive to Kolukkumalai and Sunrise point.
Campfire and Music (If weather permits.
Visit to Mirchi waterfalls

Lunch on Saturday.
Lunch and dinner on sunday.
Safari charges at Eravikulam national Park
Anything that is not mentioned.