Package Overview: Coastal Plains to Misty High Ranges
The journey from Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) to Munnar is one of Kerala's most picturesque transitions. Starting from the palm-lined coastal capital, the drive ascends across the rubber, pepper, and cardamom plantations of the midlands before climbing the breathtaking Western Ghats ghat roads into the High Ranges of Idukki. Situated at an elevation of 1,600 meters (5,200 feet), Munnar was once the summer resort of the British Raj and remains South India's premier tea-growing destination.
With Rithish Tours & Travels, this 3-day private holiday package is planned specifically to maximize sightseeing comfort without the fatigue of public transport or confusing bus transfers. Our mountain-experienced chauffeurs handle the hair-pin curves with gentle care, make timely stops at roadside viewpoints and spice farms, and provide flexible pickup from Trivandrum Airport (TRV), Trivandrum Central Railway Station, or your resort in Kovalam or Varkala.
Jatayu Earth's Center
Ride the scenic cable car to the world's largest bird sculpture perched atop a 1,000-foot rocky hill at Chadayamangalam.
Cheeyappara & Valara Falls
Watch spectacular seven-tier mountain waterfalls cascading right beside the Kochi-Dhanushkodi national highway.
Eravikulam National Park
Spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr mountain goats grazing peacefully along the misty slopes beneath Anamudi Peak (2,695m).
KDHP Tea Museum
Discover century-old tea manufacturing machinery, tea-rolling demonstrations, and taste freshly brewed estate tea.
Mattupetty & Kundala Lake
Enjoy exhilarating speedboating surrounded by dense eucalyptus forests and emerald tea hills.
Kathakali & Kalaripayattu
Witness live evening classical dance-drama and ancient Kerala martial arts performed by master artists in Munnar town.
Detailed Day-by-Day Tour Itinerary
Trivandrum Pickup, Jatayu Earth's Center, Cheeyappara Falls & Arrival in Munnar
06:00 AM – Early Morning Pickup from Trivandrum: Our chauffeur greets you at your Trivandrum hotel, residence, railway station, or airport. Starting early ensures smooth driving past city limits before the morning commute begins. We take the scenic MC Road (Main Central Road) heading northward.
07:30 AM – Breakfast & Jatayu Nature Park: Stop at Chadayamangalam (50 km from Trivandrum) to visit Jatayu Earth's Center. Board the Swiss cable car ropeway gliding over jagged boulders to the summit. Here stands the colossal 200-foot-long, 150-foot-wide mythical bird sculpture celebrating women's safety and valor. (Allow 2 to 2.5 hours for cable car and summit sightseeing).
11:30 AM – Through Mid-Kerala to the Foothills: Resume your journey through Kottarakkara, Kottayam, and Muvattupuzha, passing endless rubber plantations, pineapples farms, and small Kerala market towns. Enjoy lunch at a traditional highway restaurant.
03:30 PM – Mountain Ascent & Waterfalls: As our cab passes Kothamangalam and crosses the Periyar river bridge at Neriamangalam ("the gateway to High Ranges"), the air turns noticeably cooler. Stop at Cheeyappara Waterfalls, where seven distinct rocky tiers tumble down amidst thick jungle foliage, followed by the roaring Valara Waterfalls.
05:30 PM – Arrival in Munnar: Arrive into the tea-carpeted valleys of Munnar. Check in to your resort, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and unwind with a steaming cup of fresh Nilgiri tea. Overnight stay in Munnar.
Full Day Munnar Exploration: Tea Estates, Eravikulam, Mattupetty & Echo Point
08:30 AM – Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai): Following a hearty breakfast, drive to Rajamalai, the core habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (wild mountain goat). Board the park safari bus winding through manicured tea gardens up to the national park plateau. Walk along the scenic paved trek route with panoramic views of South India's highest peak, Anamudi (2,695m).
11:30 AM – KDHP Tea Museum (Tata Tea): Visit India's first tea museum at Nallathanni Estate. Watch an informative documentary tracing the evolution of Munnar from uninhabited high-altitude wilderness in the 1870s to one of the world's finest tea regions. Observe live leaf-crushing, CTC fermentation, and drying processes, followed by expert tea-tasting sessions.
01:30 PM – Lunch & Mattupetty Dam: Enjoy lunch in Munnar town or near the reservoir. Drive towards Mattupetty Dam, constructed in the 1940s under the Pallivasal Hydroelectric Project. The calm lake waters reflect dense green hills, offering exciting speed boat rides and peaceful viewpoints.
03:30 PM – Echo Point & Kundala Arch Dam: Continue along the scenic lakeside road to Echo Point, a natural acoustic phenomenon where your voice resounds across the lake waters. Next, visit the charming Kundala Dam, Asia's first arch dam, where Kashmiri-style Shikara boat rides are available on the serene reservoir surrounded by Neela Kurinji blossoms and pine trees.
05:30 PM – Blossom Park & Evening Cultural Show: Stop at Photo Point for photographs amidst rolling tea bushes, and visit Blossom Hydel Park. In the evening, attend a 1-hour live performance of Kathakali (classical Kerala dance drama with elaborate face makeup) and Kalaripayattu (India's ancient martial arts weapon demonstration) at the Punarjani Traditional Village. Overnight stay in Munnar.
Spice Plantations, Shopping & Flexible Departure Drop (Cochin / Madurai / Trivandrum)
09:00 AM – Spice Garden Guided Walking Tour: Check out from your hotel and visit an organic Kerala spice garden. An expert naturalist guides you through live plantations of green cardamom, black pepper vines, cinnamon bark, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and medicinal herbs, explaining their cultivation and ayurvedic health benefits.
10:30 AM – Munnar Town Shopping: Browse the government-certified KDHP tea factory outlets for premium White Tea, Green Tea, Orthodox and CTC black teas. Pick up fresh whole spices, pure eucalyptus oil, mountain honey, and artisan handmade chocolates from Munnar bazaar.
12:00 PM onwards – Flexible Drop to Your Destination: We offer three convenient drop options based on your return travel:
Recommended Vehicles & 3D/2N Tour Cab Tariff
Munnar's mountain roads require experienced hill-certified drivers and vehicles in top mechanical condition. All Rithish Tours vehicles feature functional air conditioning, clean pushback seats, and spacious luggage carriers.
| Vehicle Model | Seating Capacity | Ghat Road Comfort | Estimated 3D/2N Tariff | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Maruti Dzire / Etios) | Up to 4 Persons | Smooth & Fuel Efficient | ₹11,500 – ₹13,000 | OWNER TO CONFIRM |
| Maruti Ertiga AC | Up to 6 Persons | Spacious for Small Families | ₹13,500 – ₹15,500 | OWNER TO CONFIRM |
| Toyota Innova AC | 6 – 7 Persons | High Ground Clearance & Comfort | ₹16,500 – ₹19,000 | OWNER TO CONFIRM |
| Toyota Innova Crysta | 6 – 7 Persons | Premium Suspension & Luxury Seats | ₹19,000 – ₹22,500 | OWNER TO CONFIRM |
| Tempo Traveller (12/17 Seater) | 8 – 16 Persons | Group Touring with Roof Carrier | ₹24,000 – ₹29,000 | OWNER TO CONFIRM |
*Note: Cab tariff includes vehicle hiring for 3 full days, driver bata & night allowances, hill driving charges, and fuel. Toll fees, parking charges, monument/national park entry tickets, and boat rides are extra as actuals. Final quotes and hotel inclusions are OWNER TO CONFIRM.
Package Inclusions & Exclusions
What is Included
- Dedicated private tourist cab for all 3 days as per chosen itinerary.
- Doorstep pickup from Trivandrum (hotel/airport/railway station).
- Sightseeing at Jatayu Park, Cheeyappara, Eravikulam, Mattupetty, and Echo Point.
- Driver allowances, hill station charges, night halt fees, and fuel.
- Flexible drop at Cochin Airport, Madurai, or Trivandrum.
- Hotel booking assistance (Budget, Deluxe 3-Star, or Luxury 4/5-Star Resorts) OWNER TO CONFIRM.
What is Excluded
- Jatayu Earth's Center cable car entry tickets.
- Eravikulam National Park safari tickets and KDHP Tea Museum entry.
- Boating tickets at Mattupetty Dam and Kundala Lake.
- Kathakali / Kalaripayattu evening show entry tickets.
- Personal expenses, camera tokens, and meals not mentioned.
- 5% GST on transport invoice.
Essential Munnar Hill Station Travel Tips
Warm Clothing & Layering
Even in summer, evenings and early mornings in Munnar can be cool (15°C–18°C). During winter (November to February), temperatures drop between 5°C and 12°C. Carry light woolens, shawls, and comfortable walking shoes for tea garden treks.
Motion Sickness on Ghat Roads
The 80 km stretch from Neriamangalam up to Munnar features numerous hair-pin bends and winding mountain turns. Travelers prone to motion sickness should avoid heavy meals right before the ghat climb and carry anti-nausea medication or ginger candy.
Advance Booking for Eravikulam National Park
Daily visitor quotas are regulated by the forest department. During peak holiday seasons (October to January and April to May), tickets often sell out. We advise booking your entry slot in advance online at eravikulamnationalpark.in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the driving distance from Trivandrum to Munnar?
The road distance is approximately 275 km to 290 km depending on route. Non-stop driving takes approximately 7 to 8.5 hours. With sightseeing stops at Jatayu Earth's Center and Cheeyappara waterfalls, Day 1 is planned as a leisurely full-day mountain transit.
Can we visit Jatayu Earth's Center on the way?
Yes. Jatayu Earth's Center is located along MC Road at Chadayamangalam, approximately 50 km from Trivandrum. Our itinerary includes a 2-hour stop here to experience the cable car ropeway and the giant bird sculpture.
Is dropping at Cochin Airport better than returning to Trivandrum?
Yes, Cochin International Airport (COK) is just 110 km (3.5 to 4 hours) from Munnar, saving you over 170 km of road travel compared to returning to Trivandrum. We offer drop at Cochin or Madurai at transparent package rates.
When is Eravikulam National Park closed?
The park is closed for 60 to 75 days annually from February 1st to mid-April for the calving season of Nilgiri Tahr goats. During this period, our chauffeur will take you to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary or Marayoor sandalwood forests instead.
Which vehicle is best suited for the hill route?
A vehicle with good suspension and ground clearance like Toyota Innova, Innova Crysta, or Maruti Ertiga provides the most comfortable ride across the winding ghat roads, especially for seniors and children.
Are driver allowances and hill charges included?
Yes, all driver allowances, night stay allowances in Munnar, fuel, and hill station tariffs are included in our cab quote. There are no surprise hidden charges.
Can we include an Alleppey houseboat stay with this tour?
Yes! We can easily extend this package into a 4 Days / 3 Nights or 5 Days / 4 Nights Kerala holiday by adding an overnight traditional houseboat cruise in Alleppey (Alappuzha) backwaters before or after Munnar.
What is the best time of year to visit Munnar?
September through May offers the best weather. Winter months (November to February) have pleasant sunny days and chilly misty nights. Monsoon months (June to August) are breathtakingly green with overflowing waterfalls.
