Top treks and trails in Munnar

One of the most popular treks in Munnar, a trek along Lakshmi hills promises breathtaking views from its vantage point. This 7 hill stretch takes about half a day to complete and is a relatively easier trek making it a preferred trail for beginners. On a pristine sky day, Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South India, and the Idukki Dam can be seen as a part of the trek, making it a popular trek even for seasoned adventurers. The walk takes you through lush tea plantations with cascading slopes and is about 8 kilometers long. You can also catch glimpses of rare birds and animals endemic to the region. 

This beginner-friendly trek is perfect for taking it easy but still having a great time in the serene hill station. The trek is an amalgamation of verdant tea plantations, slopy hills, idyllic landscapes, and a beautiful sunrise. It is a short trail through the hills of Munnar which leads you to witness a breathtaking view of the sunrise across the horizon. Strolling amidst the aromatic tea gardens is bound to lift your spirits for the day ahead. The mountains are engulfed in clouds which add to the scenic beauty of the view, making it an unforgettable experience. 

The beautiful Meesapulimala Peak can be reached via two routes in this trek: Rhodo Valley and Kurangini. It is a moderate trek, making it an optimum choice for trekkers of diverse experience levels. The trek takes you through eight hills with a view of stunning locales from start to end, making it an overall beautiful experience. The Rhodo Valley trail gives you a view of the beautiful and rare Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years, making it a memorable sight to witness. Another route that trekkers can opt for to reach the Meesapulimala Peak is through the village of Kurangini. This route is a little longer comparatively and is a good option if you are looking for a longer trail to enjoy the vibrant tea estates and valleys of Munnar. Both the trails have their own charm and will eventually take you to the Meesapulimala Peak to bask in its beauty. So choose the route that works best for you and aligns with your trekking goals. 

Mathikettan translates to ‘mind confuser’ and is named so due to the confusing nature of the trail, where one can get lost very easily. It is, however, a sublime rainforest that gives trekkers a great opportunity to explore the animals, birds, and plants indigenous to the region. It is a challenging trek due to the forest trails and confusing routes and is best suited for adventure junkies and thrill seekers. The trail passes through the Mathikettan Shola National Park, which was declared in 2008 to protect the elephants and other wildlife in the region. The trek begins with a walk through grasslands and steep terrains and eventually progresses to a hike through cardamom plantations, thereby giving it the name ‘Cardamom Hills’. 

Chokramudi Peak is one of the highest peaks in Kerala, making it an optimum choice to get the most mesmerizing views of the sunrise. The trek to the peak is of easy to moderate level and can be a good option for families and hikers looking for a relatively easy trek complete with breathtaking views. The trek can be ideally done during winter, as the valleys are covered in a thick blanket of fog, making the views an even more beautiful and pleasant experience. So, put on some cozy and comfortable clothes and head to the Chokramudi peak to create memories for a lifetime. 

Located on the hillside, the quaint village of Chithirapuram is one of the most popular destinations for tourists. A trek through the hills of Chithirapuram takes you through lush tea plantations and green valleys. Hikers can experience the colonial vibe and heritage of the village due to the British settlement and their gradual influence in the late 1700s. It is also a great place for other adventure activities such as paragliding, parasailing, etc., making it a must-visit for adventure junkies. Carry your camera to capture pictures of the scenic trails as well as moments from your trekking adventures.

If you are an aficionado of the two T’s - Trekking and Tea, look no further, as this trail through the Kannan Devan Hills is the best of both worlds. It is a challenging trail, however, making it perfect for backpacking and camping. Named after two Muthuvan tribesmen, a trek through the hills offers panoramic views of tea plantations for miles. It is the perfect getaway for nature lovers looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and spending time amidst scenic landscapes. Hikers can also enjoy a comforting cup of tea while overlooking vibrant tea plantations. 

Covered in vast tea plantations, a trek along the hills of Chummar takes you on an aromatic journey. It is a beginner-friendly trek and is a great option for tourists who want to stroll through tea gardens while enjoying the scenic views of Munnar. The hills provide a view of the Shola forest and verdant grasslands. You can also interact with the workers at the tea plantation to learn about their experiences and get an insider perspective. 

One of the most popular treks in Munnar, Pothamedu Trek takes you through the tea and cardamom plantations. It is an easy trek and is preferable for beginners who are still getting acclimated to the trekking scene. The trek takes about 4-5 hours but despite the long duration, the hike does not exhaust you. It is the perfect trek for when you want to do a relaxed outdoor activity. The Idukki Arch Dam and Muthirapuzha River which are visible from the hilltop on a clear sky day, make for a mesmerizing view. 

A trek to the Muniyara Dolmens is a unique experience and is a must-visit destination for history buffs traveling to Munnar. The prehistoric Dolmens are said to be a part of the Neolithic Age, which is between 3000 BC and 14000 BC. Archeologists and anthropologists from all over the world visit this iconic piece of history to explore the remains of the Dolmenoid cists. The Dolmens are believed to be ancient burial sites perched on top of the mountains. It is also said that the Dolmens got their name “Muniyara” as many Munis or sages sought refuge in them. They are made of four stones placed on the edges and one stone placed on top of them. The Dolmens offer beautiful views of the Western Ghats from their vantage point. You can sit and relax while you take in the scenic views. It is also a great place to catch the sunset and take some amazing pictures. If you watch carefully, you may be treated to the visuals of vibrant butterflies sitting on top of lemongrass which covers the hills. 

This was a list of some of the most exciting treks in Munnar. Hope you enjoyed reading this blog. Check out our official website https://backpackersunited.in/ for more travel-related content.