Top 5 Trekking Trails in Munnar for Adventure Enthusiasts
For thrill-seekers and adventure lovers, Munnar isn't just about lush green tea gardens and beautiful landscapes. Beyond its serene beauty, Munnar is home to trails that cut through dense forests, rocky terrains, and steep ascents, perfect for those looking to push their limits.
Before starting the trek, ensure you're well-prepared: pack sturdy trekking shoes, comfortable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, a rain jacket, a first-aid kit, water, and snacks. Also carry a flashlight, a fully charged mobile phone with a power bank, and a map or GPS device. Starting early in the morning is ideal to avoid the midday heat and to ensure you have ample daylight to complete the trek and return before dusk.
The best time to visit Munnar for trekking is between September and March, when the weather is cooler and trails are safer post-monsoon.
This guide highlights the top five trekking trails in Munnar, showcasing the best routes for an exciting adventure in nature's raw beauty.
1.Anamudi Peak Trek
Anamudi Peak, South India's highest peak at an impressive 8,842 feet, is just 15.6 km from Munnar Town. This moderately challenging trek takes around 4 to 5 hours to complete round trip, offering an adventurous experience for those with a reasonable level of fitness.Starting your trek at the entrance of Eravikulam National Park, about 7.5 km from Munnar Town, you'll need to pay a small fee (₹200 for Indians, ₹500 for foreign nationals) to enter the park. The initial trail winds through lush forests, providing a cool and shaded environment. As you ascend, the terrain becomes rockier, with moderate challenges and steep climbs. This trail offers a variety of landscapes, including dense forests and open grasslands, keeping the trek visually captivating.Although the actual summit of Anamudi Peak is restricted, the highest accessible viewpoint provides a breathtaking sight of the Western Ghats. The views from this point are worth the effort, with beautiful valleys and surrounding hills visible. The trek is moderately crowded, especially during peak seasons, so starting early can help you avoid larger groups
2.Meesapulimala Trek
Meesapulimala, the second-highest peak in Kerala at 8,724 feet, is around 33 km from Munnar Town. The trek is moderately challenging, taking about 6 to 8 hours from the Silent Valley base camp near Rhodo Valley to the summit.
The adventure begins in the lush forests of Silent Valley, where towering trees and a rich array of flora and fauna surround you. As you progress, the forested area gives way to expansive rolling grasslands, offering sweeping views of the valleys and mountains. The final stretch towards the summit is the most demanding, with a steep ascent through rocky terrain. This uneven landscape offers the most breathtaking views as you climb higher.
Upon reaching the summit, you'll be rewarded with magnificent views of the surrounding valleys, tea plantations, and mountain ranges. The trail is less crowded compared to Anamudi Peak, providing a more peaceful trekking experience. For those staying overnight, stunning sunsets add to the adventure.
3.Chokramudi Peak
Trek Chokramudi, located around 11 km from Munnar Town, offers a moderately challenging trek that takes about 5 to 6 hours to complete. The base camp is near Gap Road, and the trek starts with a trail marked by a cross on the roadside.
The initial trail leads you through dense forests and lush cardamom plantations, with the rich aroma of spices filling the air. As you ascend, the terrain becomes steeper and rockier, with Kurisu Mala being the first significant landmark. This area features rocky outcrops and grasslands, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
The final stretch towards Chokramudi Peak is characterized by steeper climbs and more exposed rocks, often enveloped in mist and clouds.On clear days, you can see the expanse of the Western Ghats, Anamudi Peak, and the Idukki Dam. The trek is relatively uncrowded, providing a peaceful trekking experience.
4.Top Station Trek
Top Station, located 35 km from Munnar Town, offers an easy trek that takes about 1 to 2 hours from the base camp to the top. The base camp is surrounded by luscious tea gardens, creating a serene and aromatic atmosphere.
As you trek upwards, the landscape gradually transforms into denser, fog-covered forests. This change in geography offers a mix of open clearings with magnificent views of the Western Ghats and the Theni District valley.
Upon reaching the top, you are greeted with a beautiful sunrise, with the sun's rays piercing through a bed of clouds.Top Station itself can be crowded, particularly around the watchtower. However, for a quieter experience, a 200-meter walk down a flight of stairs provides unparalleled views with fewer people. The stairs lead to a peaceful viewpoint with unobstructed vistas, offering a serene alternative to the crowded areas at the top.
5.Lakshmi Hills Trek
Lakshmi Hills is located very close to Munnar town. The Lakshmi Hills Trek starts at an elevation of approximately 4658 feet.
The initial 30 to 40 minutes of the trek will take you through lush tea plantations, providing a memorable beginning to your journey.
After reaching the top of the hill, the trek continues along a ridge for a couple of hours, offering beautiful views all around. The path will take you through grasslands, with one side featuring rocky mountain slopes and the other side showcasing tea plantations and patches of Shola forest.On a clear day, you can see Anaimudi, the highest peak in South India, and the water reservoir of Idukki Dam, which is listed as one of the highest arch dams in Asia and the third tallest dam in India. The area is less crowded, providing a peaceful environment to enjoy the views.
Each trek promises an adventure filled with discovery and excitement , reminding us of the beauty and wonder that nature has to offer. So, why wait? Lace up your boots, embark on one of these unforgettable journeys, and let the peaks work their wonders on you. Happy hiking!
