The Munnar Tea Hills tour is a focused 5-day escape into the rolling green highlands of Kerala's most celebrated hill station — Munnar, perched at 1,600 metres in the Western Ghats. This is a tour for those who want to trade the city's heat for cool misty mornings, panoramic ridgeline views and the meditative calm of endless emerald tea gardens.
You'll walk through KDHP's historic tea plantations, visit the Eravikulam National Park to meet the rare Nilgiri Tahr, stand at the edge of the Ghats at Top Station where Kerala meets Tamil Nadu, and chase waterfalls through the forest on the climb up from Kochi. Two full days in Munnar means there's no rush — just mountains, mist and freshly brewed estate tea at every turn.
Route: Kochi → Munnar (via Cheeyappara) → Top Station → Eravikulam → Kochi
Walk through the iconic Kannan Devan hills plantation, meet tea pluckers and see how Munnar's famous CTC and orthodox teas are processed and graded inside the factory.
The only place in the world where the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (a wild mountain goat) roams freely — walk the grassland trail at 2,100 m and spot this rare, curious animal up close.
Drive to the highest point in Munnar (1,700 m) for sweeping views over the Theni valley, the Suruli hills and the Ghats folding into Tamil Nadu — a truly cinematic panorama.
The dramatic drive up the Ghats from Kochi takes you past two spectacular multi-tiered waterfalls cascading through the forest — a perfect stop to stretch legs and photograph.
A peaceful shikara boat ride on Mattupetty Lake surrounded by tea estates, followed by Echo Point where your voice bounces off the surrounding forest — a favourite with families.
Wake up at your hillside resort and step onto your balcony to golden mist rising over row upon row of tea bushes — one of the quietest, most beautiful mornings in South India.
Arrive at Cochin International Airport. Your guide and private vehicle will be waiting. Check in to a heritage boutique hotel in Fort Kochi. After freshening up, take a leisurely evening walk through the Fort Kochi quarter — the legendary Chinese fishing nets silhouetted at sunset, a stroll down Jew Town's antique lane, and dinner at a waterfront heritage restaurant. Rest up for the big Ghats drive tomorrow.
After breakfast, begin the scenic drive to Munnar (approx. 4.5 hrs). This journey through the Western Ghats is itself a highlight — rubber plantations give way to jackfruit forests, then teak and finally tea as you climb. Stop at Cheeyappara Waterfalls (a 7-tiered cascade visible from the road) and Valara Waterfalls just 3 km further. Arrive Munnar and check in to your hillside resort with valley views. Evening stroll through Munnar town market — fresh spices, estate tea and banana chips.
Full day exploring Munnar's greatest hits. Morning visit to Eravikulam National Park — take the park shuttle to the Rajamala grasslands at 2,100 m where the tame and curious Nilgiri Tahr will approach within a few metres. Guided tea estate walk through KDHP's Chinnakanal division with a comprehensive factory tour — watch the withering, rolling, fermenting and drying stages, and taste 4 grades of freshly made Munnar tea. Afternoon drive to Top Station for the Ghats panorama. Return to resort for sunset and dinner.
A more relaxed day exploring Munnar's scenic outliers. Morning shikara ride on Mattupetty Lake framed by tea hills on all sides — watch Indo-Swiss dairy cattle grazing on the lakeside. Drive to Echo Point for the famous sound effect and sweeping views. Visit Kundala Lake dam and the Blossom International Park, which bursts with colour during spring. Optional: trek to Lakkam Waterfalls (4 km round trip through shola forest). Evening bonfire and stargazing at the resort (weather permitting).
Wake up one last time to the misty tea hills from your resort balcony. After a leisurely breakfast, drive back to Kochi (approx. 4.5 hrs). Optional stop at a spice garden in Kothamangalam. Drop off at Cochin International Airport or your Kochi hotel. Tour ends with fresh tea packets, hilltop memories and a deep breath of cool mountain air still in your lungs.
"Woke up every morning to mist rolling through the tea rows below our balcony. The factory visit was genuinely fascinating — I had no idea how much went into a cup of tea. Perfect trip."
Jan 2026"The Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam came right up to us — completely unafraid. The drive to Top Station was breathtaking. Our guide knew every plant name on the trail. Highly recommend."
Feb 2026"Booked this for my parents' anniversary — they loved every moment. The resort was stunning and the cool weather was a relief from Chennai's heat. The Cheeyappara stop alone was worth it."
Dec 2025"A wonderful short break. Munnar in December was absolutely stunning — faint mist in the mornings, clear blue sky by noon. The tea tasting at the factory was one of the best experiences."
Dec 2025