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Did you know that the name ‘Munnar’ comes from the two words ‘Munnu’ and ‘Aaru’, which mean ‘three rivers’ in the local languages Tamil and Malayalam? Munnar is a town that transports you to the old Bollywood charm of misty hills and undulating tea estates.
Once you enter the Idduki district in Kerala, where Munnar quietly sits, you will be greeted with a drive surrounded by the greenery and the smell of tea, umbrellad by omnipresent clouds. Munnar is not a town which you can leave, even after you have returned.
And not to mention, just an overnight drive from the hustle and bustle of Bangalore. This Plan The Unplanned Munnar backpacking has been carefully curated to give you the best of this hill-station – perfect viewpoints, scenic drives, cultural markers and even some peaceful moments in between.
During the two days, you’ll visit Munnar’s favourite sites, hike to a hidden waterfall in a tea estate, see Kerala's 2,000-year-old martial art form of Kalaripayattu and travel by rugged jeeps up to Kolukkumalai – the highest tea estate in the world.
With an easygoing pace, shared meals and nights spent around a bonfire, this is the perfect trip for solo travellers and groups of friends alike — an opportunity to experience Munnar the way it was meant to be, slow and with love.
Scenic ghat drive into the misty hills of Munnar
Stay amidst tea estates on the quieter outskirts
Visit to iconic viewpoints surrounded by endless plantations
Experience Kerala’s ancient martial art at a Kalaripayattu show
Private trek to a secluded waterfall inside a tea estate
Explore offbeat waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints
Adventurous jeep ride to Kolukkumalai — the world’s highest tea estate
Bonfire evening with food, music & new friendships
Starting From : INR 7999/-
per person
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Meals Not Applicable
Private Vehicle
Stay Not Applicable
Details
Your journey begins at Bengaluru when you are lost in the star-studded sky, with the city lights fading in the background. With excitement in the air, we begin with a few ice-breaking sessions - the best way to get to know your fellow trekkers and unwind from the long weekday stress. As the night lingers on, it’s best to settle down and fall into a short slumber - allowing your bodies and minds to get that much-needed rest. Enjoy the calm and relax as we arrive at our start point for an exhilarating adventure ahead.
Breakfast, Dinner
Multiple Modes
Tents
Details
The ride into Munnar, as we hear, is on winding ghat roads where clouds liberally waft in mist over endless tea plantations, and the air becomes suddenly cooler. As you get closer to the hills, the scenery gradually transforms into the sprawling green estates that Munnar is known for.
Upon arrival at the stay situated on the peaceful outskirts, freshen up and drop off your luggage in the common area. Please note: the normal check-in time for the stay in Munnar is 12:00 noon. Bathrooms for freshening up before you head out will also be provided.
After breakfast, leave for a sightseeing tour of Munnar city. First up is Photo Point, a well-known vantage point and one of the locations where sprawling tea plantations rise over grassy hills—a great place to admire the sheer scale of Munnar’s tea-growing heritage and capture those classic hill-station shots.
Proceed towards Mattupetty Dam, a concrete gravity dam used for water storage and hydroelectric projects. Enclosed by hills and calm waters, this location allows for a restful break in nature.
Stop for lunch at a quirky local restaurant. Please note: there is a lack of dining options in this area, and food will be taken from whatever local restaurants are available.
After lunch, you will proceed to Echo Point, where an echo phenomenon is observed. It features misty hills and lake views, surrounded by greenery, making it a pleasant place to slow down, walk around, and take photographs.
Witness one of Kerala’s most traditional art forms as the sun sets during the Kalaripayattu Cultural Show. Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest martial arts practiced in the world and is recognized for its vigorous exercises, weapons training, and rigorous discipline. Watching the performance offers an opportunity to glimpse the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
Drive back to the lodge by late afternoon and gear up for a serene evening around the bonfire (weather permitting). Anticipate warm conversations, shared anecdotes, and a calm close to the day before turning in.
Breakfast
Private Vehicle
Stay Not Applicable
Details
Rise early to the serene pulse of the hills and start your day with a private trek to an undiscovered waterfall deep in a tea estate. This easy-going trail takes you along plantation paths through the greenery to a tranquil waterfall away from the usual tourist tracks.
After enough time for a dip in the water, you can sit back and relax in the peaceful surroundings.
Return to the property to freshen up and relish a hearty breakfast along with traditionally prepared Munnar black tea, an everyday practice in this tea-growing district.
From there, go to Lockhart Viewpoint, a not-so-popular viewpoint, but it offers a panoramic view of valleys, tea plantations, and the twists and turns of mountain roads. The perspective makes you realise just how far and layered Munnar’s landscape really is.
The day’s highlight is the trip to Kolukkumalai, reached by a thrilling and challenging off-road jeep ride. The drive is an adventure in itself, snaking through rugged terrain with stunning views of tea-clad hillsides.
Situated at an elevation of more than 7,000 feet, Kolukkumalai is famous for being home to the world’s highest tea factory.
At the summit, head to Jaguar Rock Viewpoint (a well-visited photo-op) where a panoramic vista of the Western Ghats is revealed, with brilliant views into the plains below on cloudless days.
Once you’ve had enough of the viewpoints, pause for an offbeat lunch before making the return trip.
Leave from Munnar in the evening and travel through the night to arrive in Bengaluru the next morning, carrying with you soaking memories of misty mornings, tea trails, waterfalls, and most of all, shared moments amidst those hills.
Backpack / rucksack + small day pack
Reusable water bottle
Comfortable clothes (T-shirts, trek/cargo pants)
One warm layer (fleece / sweatshirt)
Rain jacket or poncho
Cap & sunglasses
Good trekking or sports shoes with grip
Flip-flops / sandals for the stay
Basic personal toiletries
Sunscreen (SPF 40+)
Personal medication (if any)
Snacks / energy bars / dry fruits
Power bank
Extra cash for meals not included
Polybags for wet or muddy clothes
For Departures from Bangalore: If YOU cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy we follow
Note: For All The Above Refund Cases, Transaction Fees/Internet Handling Charges will be deducted from the overall amount, and the balance amount shall be refunded. You can transfer your ticket to anyone so that you could save your hard-earned money.
“Transfer to a future date is only possible only if you cancel between 3-6 days before the trek date and not on the day of departure or a day before.”
For other trips and travels with us and detailed terms and conditions, check this link.
I’ve booked my trip. When will I hear from you next?
You’ll get an event heads-up email by Thursday of the trip week. It includes:
Will I be added to a WhatsApp Group once the trip is confirmed?
Yes. In the heads-up email, we will share a link to a dedicated WhatsApp group so you can chat with fellow travellers and your Outdoor Leader before departure.
What is the “Without Travel” option?
Choosing “Without Travel” all the travel arrangements for your entire itinerary must be self-managed From getting to the start point, local transfers, and the return journey. Please note that Plan the Unplanned crew will not be responsible for your travel, means of transport, and any transfers involved . We recommend driving your own car for the full duration of the trip for maximum flexibility.
I’m travelling solo. Can I still join?
Absolutely. Our trips are designed keeping solo travellers in mind. You’ll join an easy-going group and usually leave with new friends.
Are your trips safe for women?
On all of our trips, safety is non-negotiable and our priority. Female outdoor leaders accompany every group. We assure you that the homestays/tent accommodations are secure. In addition to this, we guarantee separate sleeping arrangements for men and women.
If I miss the departure, can I postpone my booking?
Yes. You can reschedule to any future date of the same trip for a ₹1,500 per-person change fee. Email info@plantheunplanned.com and our team will get in touch with you.
How do I get a discount on trips?
For more information on discounts, we request you to check out our Gypsy Membership here: plantheunplanned.com/membership
Can I leave my extra luggage at the accommodation?
Yes, you can store your main bags at the accommodation and carry only your essentials on the trip.
What kind of fitness is required for your treks?
Most of our treks are beginner-friendly and designed for people with moderate fitness levels. However, some treks may involve challenging terrains or long durations. Please check the difficulty level mentioned on each trip page and ensure you’re prepared accordingly.
What’s your cancellation and refund policy?
Please note:
✅ We accept and confirm cancellations only over email — not via phone or WhatsApp.
✅ Refer to the Cancellation Policy under the relevant trip page for trip-specific details before making any changes.
✅ You can also reschedule your booking for a future date by paying a small change fee.
For assistance, write to us at info@plantheunplanned.com — we’re happy to help!
In order to make this a smooth and enjoyable process for all involved we ask that you read and follow the below guidelines:
Starting From : INR 7999/-
per person
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