The Gateway to God's Own Hill Country
Nestled at the confluence of three mountain streams—Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundaly—Munnar is one of India's most celebrated hill resorts. Located in the Idukki district of Kerala along the rugged spine of the Western Ghats, Munnar was discovered by British tea pioneers in the late 19th century. Today, it presents an endless undulating panorama of manicured tea plantations, fragrant cardamom valleys, colonial bungalows, and mist-wrapped peaks, including Anamudi (2,695 meters), the highest summit in South India.
Starting from Madurai, the journey to Munnar is one of the quickest and most scenic mountain transitions in the country. In just 4.5 hours, you travel along the newly upgraded NH 85 highway through Theni's fertile agrarian plains, scale the dramatic 17 hair-pin curves of the Bodi Metu ghat, and enter Kerala's high ranges through Lock Heart Gap. With Rithish Tours & Travels, you travel in comfort with seasoned mountain drivers who know the best viewpoints, spice gardens, and roadside tea stalls.
Emerald Tea Plantations
Wander through boundless tea slopes belonging to KDHP and Tata Tea, watching leaf pluckers at work in the morning mist.
Eravikulam National Park
Board the park safari to Rajamalai plateau to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr mountain goat against Anamudi Peak.
Mattupetty & Kundala Lakes
Experience high-speed boat rides across the Mattupetty reservoir and glide on Kashmiri Shikaras at Kundala Arch Dam.
Echo Point
Call out across the peaceful mountain lake surrounded by dense eucalyptus trees and listen to your voice reverberate.
Attukad & Cheeyappara Waterfalls
Witness roaring white torrents plunging down jagged rock tiers amidst thick rainforest foliage.
Kolukkumalai Sunrise Safari
Take an exhilarating 4x4 Jeep ride to 7,900 ft to see the sun rising above a boundless sea of white clouds.
Featured 3 Days / 2 Nights Munnar Bestseller Itinerary
Madurai to Munnar via Bodi Metu Ghat • Lock Heart Gap • Spice Garden Tour
07:00 AM – Pickup from Madurai: Our courteous chauffeur picks you up from your hotel or residence in Madurai. We take the scenic NH 85 towards Theni, driving through green coconut groves and paddy fields at the foothills of the Western Ghats.
09:30 AM – Theni Breakfast & Bodi Metu Ghat Ascent: Stop in Theni for a traditional breakfast. Begin the ascent along the newly expanded Bodi Metu ghat road. The highway carves through dramatic mountain ledges with panoramic views looking down onto the Tamil Nadu plains. Cross the Tamil Nadu-Kerala interstate checkpost at Bodi Metu (border entry taxes handled by our driver).
11:30 AM – Lock Heart Gap Viewpoint & Spice Garden: Pause at Lock Heart Gap to enjoy panoramic valley views and the fresh, cool mountain air. Visit an organic Kerala spice garden in Chinnakanal or Anachal to see growing vanilla, cardamom, black pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, and medicinal herbs with a guided naturalist walk.
02:00 PM – Hotel Check-In & Relaxation: Check in to your resort in Munnar. Unwind in your room overlooking the misty tea valleys.
04:30 PM – Blossom Hydel Park & Munnar Town: Stroll through Blossom Hydel Park, situated beside the river with lush flowerbeds, cycling trails, and ropeways. Later, take an evening walk through Munnar town market to sample hot cardamom tea and explore the bazaar. Overnight stay in Munnar.
Full Day Munnar Exploration: Eravikulam, KDHP Tea Museum, Mattupetty & Echo Point
08:30 AM – Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai): Following breakfast, drive to Rajamalai, the sanctuary of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Board the Kerala Forest Department safari bus winding through manicured tea hills up to the base of the Rajamalai plateau. Walk along the 1.5 km scenic paved trail to spot wild Nilgiri Tahr grazing fearlessly along the slopes beneath the colossal Anamudi peak.
11:30 AM – KDHP Tea Museum & Factory: Head to the historic Tata Tea Museum at Nallathanni Estate. Learn how Munnar was transformed from virgin jungle into a world tea powerhouse. Watch an antique tea-processing demonstration including withering, rolling, fermenting, and drying, followed by expert tea-tasting sessions.
01:30 PM – Lunch & Photo Point: Enjoy lunch at a garden restaurant. Stop at Photo Point for photographs amidst rolling green tea carpets framed by silver oak trees.
02:45 PM – Mattupetty Dam & Speedboating: Drive towards Mattupetty Dam, built in a picturesque mountain valley. Enjoy thrilling speedboating or a relaxing pontoon cruise across the reservoir surrounded by thick shola forests and tea hills where wild elephants occasionally come down to drink.
04:00 PM – Echo Point & Kundala Lake: Continue to Echo Point to test the natural mountain acoustics. Drive another 6 km to Kundala Dam, Asia's first arch dam, where Kashmiri Shikara boats gently navigate the placid waters fringed by cherry blossom trees.
06:00 PM – Evening Cultural Show: Conclude the evening by attending a live Kathakali classical dance performance and Kalaripayattu martial arts demonstration at Punarjani Traditional Village. Overnight stay in Munnar.
Attukad Waterfalls • Tea Shopping • Scenic Return Drive to Madurai
09:00 AM – Attukad Waterfalls: Check out from your resort and take a short detour through winding private tea roads to Attukad Waterfalls. A scenic hanging bridge offers front-row views of the cascading mountain stream foaming between jungle rocks.
11:00 AM – Souvenir Shopping in Munnar: Visit the official KDHP factory outlet to purchase world-renowned Munnar tea varieties (White Tea, Green Tea, Earl Grey, and premium CTC leaf). Shop for whole green cardamom pods, cinnamon quills, cold-pressed eucalyptus oil, and freshly tempered artisan homemade chocolates.
12:30 PM – Mountain Descent via Bodi Metu: Begin the scenic descent through Bodi Metu ghat road back into the plains of Tamil Nadu. Enjoy lunch at a traditional highway restaurant near Theni.
05:30 PM – Madurai Drop: Arrive back in Madurai. Our driver drops you safely at your hotel, residence, or Madurai Junction railway station for your onward travel.
Choose Your Preferred Munnar Itinerary Duration
2 Days / 1 Night Express Hill Escape
Weekend SpecialIdeal for quick weekend getaways. Covers scenic Bodi Metu drive, KDHP Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and spice garden with overnight stay in Munnar.
Starting ₹6,500 / cab OWNER TO CONFIRM
3 Days / 2 Nights Classic Munnar Holiday
Most PopularOur bestseller. Complete sightseeing covering Eravikulam National Park, Rajamalai, KDHP Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, Attukad Falls, and cultural show.
Starting ₹8,500 / cab OWNER TO CONFIRM
4 Days / 3 Nights Munnar & Kolukkumalai Safari
In-Depth Mountain ExperienceIncludes an early-morning 4x4 Jeep safari to Kolukkumalai (7,900 ft sunrise above clouds), Marayoor sandalwood forests, and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Starting ₹11,500 / cab OWNER TO CONFIRM
Vehicle Selection & Munnar Cab Package Tariff
We provide dedicated, clean, air-conditioned tourist vehicles driven by professional chauffeurs certified for mountain ghat routes.
| Vehicle Model | Passenger Capacity | 2D/1N Fare | 3D/2N Fare (Bestseller) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Maruti Dzire / Etios) | 1 – 4 Passengers | ₹6,500 – ₹7,500 | ₹8,500 – ₹9,800 | OWNER TO CONFIRM |
| Maruti Ertiga AC | 4 – 6 Passengers | ₹8,200 – ₹9,200 | ₹10,500 – ₹12,000 | OWNER TO CONFIRM |
| Toyota Innova AC | 6 – 7 Passengers | ₹9,800 – ₹11,000 | ₹13,000 – ₹15,000 | OWNER TO CONFIRM |
| Toyota Innova Crysta | 6 – 7 Passengers | ₹11,500 – ₹13,000 | ₹15,500 – ₹17,500 | OWNER TO CONFIRM |
| Tempo Traveller (12/17 Seater) | 8 – 16 Passengers | ₹14,500 – ₹16,500 | ₹19,500 – ₹23,000 | OWNER TO CONFIRM |
*Note: Cab tariff includes vehicle rental for all days, fuel, driver bata, hill driving charges, and standard Kerala interstate border permits. Tolls, parking fees, national park tickets, and boat rentals are extra as actuals. Hotel inclusive packages and holiday surcharges are OWNER TO CONFIRM.
Package Inclusions & Exclusions
What is Included
- Dedicated private air-conditioned cab for all days as per itinerary.
- Doorstep pickup and drop anywhere in Madurai.
- Sightseeing coverage: Tea Museum, Eravikulam, Mattupetty, Echo Point, Kundala, Attukad.
- All driver charges, night halt allowances, fuel, and Kerala border tax permit.
- Hotel booking assistance (Budget, 3-Star Deluxe, or 4-Star Luxury Resorts) OWNER TO CONFIRM.
What is Excluded
- Eravikulam National Park safari entry tickets and Tea Museum tickets.
- Mattupetty Dam and Kundala Lake boat hiring fees.
- Optional Kolukkumalai 4x4 Jeep safari charges.
- Kathakali & Kalaripayattu evening show entry tickets.
- Meals, personal expenses, and 5% GST on transport invoice.
Essential Munnar Hill Station Advice
Weather by Seasons
Winter (Nov – Feb): Crisp, sunny days (15°C–20°C) with chilly nights
(5°C–12°C). Heavy woolens recommended.
Summer (Mar – May): Very pleasant (18°C–25°C). Ideal escape from the plains;
light jackets sufficient.
Monsoon (Jun – Aug): Heavy rains, overflowing waterfalls, and lush greenery.
Carry raincoats and sturdy umbrellas.
Ghat Driving & Motion Sickness
The Bodi Metu highway features 17 hairpin bends. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, sit in the front passenger seat, keep the window slightly open for fresh mountain air, avoid heavy oily meals before the climb, and take travel sickness medicine 30 minutes in advance.
Advance Eravikulam Booking
Daily visitor capacity at Rajamalai is capped to protect wildlife. Book your entry slot online 3 to 7 days before your trip at eravikulamnationalpark.in to avoid long counter queues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance and travel time from Madurai to Munnar?
The road distance is approximately 155 km via NH 85 through Theni and Bodi Metu. Driving time in a private car is around 4 to 4.5 hours. The highway is wide, newly paved, and offers sweeping valley views.
Are Kerala border permits included in the cab fare?
Yes. All tourist cabs operated by Rithish Tours & Travels carry commercial inter-state tourist permits. The driver pays the Kerala border vehicle tax directly at the Bodi Metu checkpost without any hassle for passengers.
What are the main places covered in Munnar?
Our packages cover Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai), KDHP Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Arch Dam, Photo Point, Blossom Hydel Park, Attukad Waterfalls, and local spice plantations.
Can we do a Kolukkumalai sunrise trip?
Yes. Kolukkumalai is the world's highest organic tea estate at 7,900 ft. A special 4x4 rugged Jeep picks you up at 4:30 AM from Suryanelli to take you to the sunrise viewpoint above the clouds. We can coordinate this jeep ride as an add-on.
When is Eravikulam National Park closed?
The park is closed for 60 to 75 days annually between February 1st and mid-April during the calving season of the Nilgiri Tahr goats. During this period, our driver will take you to Marayoor Sandalwood Forest or Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary instead.
Can we drop off at Cochin Airport instead of Madurai?
Yes, Cochin International Airport (COK) is located just 110 km (3.5 hours) from Munnar. We provide flexible one-way drop at Cochin Airport or Ernakulam Railway Station at transparent tariffs.
Which car is best for elderly parents?
We strongly recommend a Toyota Innova or Innova Crysta for senior citizens. Its raised seating, armrests, independent suspension, and spacious legroom minimize fatigue over the mountain curves.
How do I book this tour?
Call our Madurai booking desk directly at +91 97902 46008 or send a WhatsApp message with your travel dates and passenger count. We provide instant quote confirmation and cab assignment.
