Exploring Kerala's Iconic Hill Stations
A trip to Munnar, Thekkady, and Wayanad offers a chance to experience Kerala’s diverse landscapes and culture. Munnar’s rolling hills are famous for tea plantations and cool weather, while Thekkady brings you closer to nature with its wildlife and spice gardens. Wayanad, tucked in the Western Ghats, offers a mix of adventure and heritage, with waterfalls, caves, and historical sites. Each destination has something unique to offer, from peaceful moments in nature to the thrill of spotting wildlife or hiking through forests. It's a journey that blends relaxation with adventure, perfect for any traveler.
Tour Highlights
- A trip to Munnar, Thekkady, and Wayanad offers a blend of natural attractions and wildlife experiences.
- In Munnar, the Tea Museum delves into the history of tea production, while Pothamedu View Point, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Dam, and Top Station highlight the region's high-altitude landscapes.
- Eravikulam National Park provides a chance to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr in its natural habitat.
- Thekkady's Periyar Tiger Reserve is known for its diverse wildlife, and Lake Periyar offers peaceful boat rides amidst nature.
- Wayanad presents Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary and Kuruva Island, where one can spot varied flora and fauna.
- The ancient Edakkal Caves hold fascinating carvings, and Soochippara Waterfalls offer a refreshing experience.
- Banasura Sagar Dam and Pookode Lake are popular spots for relaxation and family outings.
Itinerary
Day 0Journey from Bangalore to Munnar
Journey from Bangalore to Munnar
Depart from Bangalore late at night, around 10 PM, for an overnight journey to Munnar.
Day 1Journey from Cochin to Munnar
Journey from Cochin to Munnar
Upon arriving at Cochin airport or railway station, a representative will greet you and drive you to Munnar, a journey of approximately 4 hours.
As you enter Munnar, the sight of endless tea plantations welcomes you. Once you arrive, check in to your hotel.
In the afternoon, visit the Tea Museum and Pothamedu View Point.
The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the cool mountain climate.
Overnight stay in Munnar.
Meals: Meals: Breakfast
Day 2Munnar Exploration
Munnar Exploration
After breakfast, set out on a self-guided tour of Munnar.
Visit the Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Dam, and Top Station, each offering its unique charm.
If time allows, consider visiting Eravikulam National Park, where you might spot the rare Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat native to the region.
Return to the resort in the evening and enjoy an overnight stay in Munnar.
Meals: Meals: Breakfast
Day 3Munnar to Thekkady
Munnar to Thekkady
Start your day at a leisurely pace before embarking on a 4-hour drive to Thekkady, located in the Western Ghats mountain range.
Thekkady is home to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of India’s largest wildlife sanctuaries. Here, you might catch glimpses of elephants, wild dogs, and a variety of bird species.
After checking in to your hotel, you can take a boat ride on Lake Periyar to observe wildlife or visit the nearby tea estates and spice plantations.
Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Meals: Meals: Breakfast
Day 4Thekkady to Wayanad
Thekkady to Wayanad
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cochin railway station to board a train to Calicut.
Upon arrival in Calicut, travel to Wayanad for an overnight stay.
Meals: Meals: Breakfast
Day 5Journey to Wayanad
Journey to Wayanad
Arrive in Wayanad early in the morning.
After freshening up and having breakfast, visit Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, a rainforest reserve connected to Bandipur National Park in Karnataka and Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.
In the afternoon, visit Kuruva Island, a 950-acre evergreen forest island on one of the tributaries of the Kabini River, home to rare birds, orchids, and herbs.
Overnight stay in Wayanad.
Meals: Meals: Breakfast
Day 6Wayanad Exploration
Wayanad Exploration
After breakfast, take a trek up Ambukuthi Hill near Ambalavayal town to explore the Edakkal Caves, a fascinating Neolithic site with ancient etchings that have captivated archaeologists and historians worldwide.
In the afternoon, visit Soochippara Waterfalls.
Overnight stay in Wayanad.
Meals: Meals: Breakfast
Day 7Wayanad Sightseeing and Departure
Wayanad Sightseeing and Departure
Start your day with a visit to Banasura Dam, recognized as the largest earthen dam in India.
In the afternoon, head to Pookode Lake, situated in a valley surrounded by evergreen forests and wooded hills, making it one of Wayanad’s most popular attractions.
Afterward, begin your journey home, marking the end of your tour.
Meals: Meals: Breakfast
What to Expect from this Trip
A trip to Munnar, Thekkady, and Wayanad offers a mix of natural beauty and wildlife experiences. In Munnar, you can visit the Tea Museum to learn about the region's tea history, stop at Pothamedu View Point and Top Station for panoramic views, and see Mattupetty and Kundala Dams. Echo Point adds a fun auditory twist, while Eravikulam National Park is ideal for spotting rare wildlife like the Nilgiri Tahr. Thekkady is home to Periyar Tiger Reserve, where you might see elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. A boat ride on Lake Periyar provides a peaceful experience. In Wayanad, you can visit Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary for more animal sightings, explore Kuruva Island’s forests, and check out the ancient carvings in Edakkal Caves. The Soochippara Waterfalls, Banasura Sagar Dam, and Pookode Lake round off the trip with a mix of natural and water-related attractions.
Accommodations
A charming 3-star hotel or resort on both days, providing a comfortable stay.
Backpackers United Team
Our team will provide you with a responsible and experienced driver to help with transfers throughout the trip. If required, we will also arrange a tour guide to help you with sightseeing locations.
What's in your package
What is Included
- Breakfast on Day 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- 3-star hotel accommodation
- Comfortable and hygienic transportation
What is Not included
- Lunch and Dinner on all days
- Entry charges to sightseeing locations
- Air fare and train ticket charges
- Personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section
Things to Carry
Warm clothing
Poncho
Sunscreen SPF 40+
Personal Toiletries
Personal Medication / First Aid
Charger
Power Bank
Personal Documents & ID's
Main Jacket
Hoodie
Camera
Moisturiser & Cold Cream
Insect Repellent
Cash
You pick the weekend.
We map the route.
Join a small group of travellers on our next departure. Overnight bus, curated stays, handled logistics — you just show up with a bag.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Munnar, Thekkady, and Wayanad?
Are there any adventure activities in these areas?
Is Pothamedu View Point worth visiting?
What can I expect at Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady?
Is Lake Periyar a good spot for boating?
What is special about Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary in Wayanad?
What makes Edakkal Caves worth visiting?
What can I do at Banasura Sagar Dam?
What activities are available at Pookode Lake?
What activities are available at Mattupetty Dam?
Transparent cancellation policy
Good to know
- Once a flight is booked, it is non-refundable.
- Minimum 8 travellers required for group departures. If the group falls below 8, you'll be offered an alternative.
- In case of weather, strikes or government restrictions, trips may be modified. Cash refunds aren't issued in such cases.
- For international bookings, 5% GST + 3% booking fee is non-refundable.
| Days before departure | Cancellation charge | Refund |
|---|---|---|
| 15–30 days | 25% | 75% refunded |
| 7–15 days | 50% | 50% refunded |
| 3–7 days | 75% | 25% refunded |
| 0–3 days | 100% | No refund |
