The Nature & Wildlife Route
Arrival Cochin 02 Nights Munnar 02 Nights Thekkady 01 Night Cochin Departure Cochin
Tour Overview
Escape into the pristine greenery of the Western Ghats with our highly refreshing 05 Nights / 06 Days Hill Station & Wildlife Safari Tour Package. Specifically designed for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, this itinerary perfectly combines the cool, misty tea gardens of Munnar with the untamed wildlife experiences of Thekkady, concluding with the colonial charm of Cochin.
Your journey begins with a highly scenic drive from Cochin, ascending the winding hills towards Munnar. En route, you will be greeted by the magnificent Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls. In Munnar, you will spend two days exploring vast tea estates, visiting the high-altitude Eravikulam National Park (home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr), and enjoying the serene beauty of Mattupetty Dam.
From the rolling hills of Munnar, the tour takes you to the dense forests of Thekkady for a 2-night stay. Here, the renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary awaits you. Experience a unique boat safari on Periyar Lake, offering excellent opportunities to safely spot herds of wild elephants drinking at the water's edge. You will also embark on a fragrant walk through a local spice plantation. The trip gracefully ends with a heritage walk through the historic streets of Fort Kochi before your departure.
Verified Eco-Tourism Route
We prioritize your safety and comfort on winding mountain roads. This Cochin round-trip provides the most efficient routing to the Kerala highlands. We utilize highly experienced hill-station drivers and partner with eco-friendly resorts to ensure a premium, secure, and authentic nature experience.
Tour Highlights
- Marvel at the cascading beauty of Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls en route to Munnar.
- Stroll through the manicured, aromatic tea gardens and visit the Tata Tea Museum.
- Spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai).
- Take a thrilling boat safari on Periyar Lake to spot wild elephants in Thekkady.
- Embark on a guided walk through aromatic cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon plantations.
- Explore the colonial monuments, Chinese Fishing Nets, and Spice Markets in Fort Kochi.
Day-wise Itinerary
Welcome to God's Own Country! Upon your arrival at Cochin International Airport (COK) or Ernakulam Railway Station, our professional chauffeur will warmly greet you. Begin your nature retreat with a highly scenic drive ascending into the misty hills of Munnar (approx. 130 km / 4 hrs). Watch the landscape slowly transition from cityscapes into sweeping, emerald-green tea estates.
En-route Attractions:
- Cheeyappara Waterfalls
- Valara Waterfalls
- Karadipara Viewpoint
Upon reaching Munnar, check into your hill resort. Spend a peaceful evening relaxing and breathing in the fresh mountain air. Overnight stay in Munnar.
After a hearty breakfast, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Munnar's most picturesque spots. Start by visiting the high-altitude terrains of Eravikulam National Park, followed by an educational tour of the local tea industry. In the afternoon, enjoy the serenity of the local dams and lakes.
Attractions Covered:
- Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai)
- Tata Tea Museum
- Mattupetty Dam (Optional Boating)
- Echo Point & Kundala Lake
Return to your hotel after a day surrounded by nature's bounty. Overnight stay in Munnar.
After breakfast, check out and drive through the breathtaking Cardamom Hills to reach Thekkady (approx. 90 km / 3 hrs). Upon arrival, check-in to your nature resort. Thekkady is famous for the Periyar National Park and its dense evergreen forests. Spend your afternoon relaxing at the resort or taking a stroll through the local spice markets. In the evening, you can opt to witness local cultural performances. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Optional Evening Activities:
- Kathakali Dance Show
- Kalaripayattu Martial Arts
Today is dedicated to exploring the wild side of Kerala. Head to the renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for a unique boat safari. This is one of the few places in India where you can safely spot wild elephants, bison, and wild boars drinking at the water's edge from the comfort of a boat. Later, dive into Kerala's rich agricultural heritage.
Wildlife & Nature Spots:
- Periyar Lake Boat Safari
- Guided Spice Plantation Walk
- Elephant Junction (Optional)
- Jungle Scout / Trek (Optional)
Return to your resort for a relaxing evening amidst the sounds of the jungle. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
After a relaxed breakfast, check out from the resort and drive back down to the coastal city of Cochin (approx. 140 km / 4 hrs). Check into your city or heritage hotel. In the afternoon, proceed for a sightseeing tour of historic Fort Kochi. Walk through the colonial-era streets and experience the rich cultural melting pot of the city.
Monuments & Heritage Spots Covered:
- Chinese Fishing Nets
- St. Francis Church
- Mattancherry (Dutch) Palace
- Paradesi Synagogue & Jew Town
Spend your evening exploring the quaint, cozy cafes and aromatic spice markets. Overnight stay in Cochin.
Enjoy your final Kerala breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight or train schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping at Lulu Mall or MG Road. Our representative will then safely transfer you to the Cochin International Airport (COK) or Ernakulam Railway Station. Depart with a completely rejuvenated mind, body, and soul, carrying beautiful memories of Kerala's magnificent hills and wildlife.
Package Inclusions
- 05 Nights stay in Premium Nature Resorts & Hotels (2N Munnar, 2N Thekkady, 1N Cochin)
- Daily Buffet Breakfast at all resorts
- Private AC Sedan/SUV for all transfers & sightseeing with a highly experienced hill-station driver
- Sightseeing tours to Eravikulam, Mattupetty, and Fort Kochi Heritage Walk
- All Toll taxes, State permits, Parking fees & Driver allowances
Package Exclusions
- Flights / Train tickets to and from Cochin
- Monument / National Park Entry Fees (Eravikulam, Dutch Palace, Spice Plantation, etc.)
- Periyar Lake Boating Tickets (Must be booked online in advance)
- Lunches and Dinners
- Optional activities like Elephant rides, Kathakali shows, or Speed Boating
- Tips, room service, laundry & personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
The ideal time to visit is during the winter and early summer months, from September to March. The weather in Munnar is pleasantly cold, perfect for sightseeing. The monsoon season (June to August) is also incredibly beautiful as the waterfalls are in full flow and the tea gardens turn vibrant green.
Boating tickets at Periyar Lake are issued by the Kerala Forest Department (KTDC) and are subject to strict availability. It is highly recommended to book them online well in advance via the official website to avoid long physical queues. Our team can guide you on the booking process.
Yes, the roads to Munnar are well-maintained state highways. We ensure your safety by providing highly experienced drivers who are experts in navigating the winding terrain of the Western Ghats. If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking medication before the hill drive begins.
Eravikulam National Park is generally closed for the calving season of the Nilgiri Tahr, usually from February to March every year. During this period, we provide alternative sightseeing options in Munnar, such as extra viewpoints or tea factory visits.
