Best Trekking Tours in Munnar

What You Should Know More About Trekking in Munnar

• Q. What is the best time to go for trekking in Munnar?

  A: The best time to visit Munnar for a vacation is from October to March. Being a hill station, it may attract tourists in summers but the monsoon unpredictability in South India is a big reason to visit it after October. The winters aren’t harsh like the north Indian hill stations and make a perfect time to visit and experience Munnar trekking.

• Q. What You Should Know More About Trekking in Munnar

  Munnar, in the state of Kerala lies in the scenic Western Ghats of India and is one of the favorite hill stations of the southern India. This means that one of the best activities that you can experience is Trekking in Munnar. Munnar is home to many scenic trekking routes, like the Chokramudi, Idukki and the highest mountain of South India, Anamudi. Trekking here is extremely safe, fun and you will see views that will take your breath away as you trek above the sheet of clouds.

• Q. Is it safe to trek in Munnar during Monsoon?

  It is generally safe to visit some treks in Monsoon while some are not. Easy treks like the Idukki trek and Chummar treks get even prettier in the monsoon with the rains causing even better lush green views and plantations. But other than that, treks like the Kannan Devan and Chokramudi treks become quite tough. The rains in Munnar can constantly go on for longer periods and for treks that require hardcore climbing, it becomes quite unsafe.

  If you are going for Munnar trekking in the Monsoon season, make sure you have proper clothes, medicines, equipment, and the help of an expert local guide.

• Q. Where is Munnar? How can I reach Munnar?

  Munnar is a hill station in the Western Ghats of the state of Kerala, on the Kannan Devan Hills to be exact. You can get to Munnar in the following ways

  • By Road- Munnar lies on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway, about 130kms from Cochin
  • By Train- Nearest Railway stations are Ernakulam and Aluva (approx 140 km by road)
  • By Air- The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport (110 kms by road)

• Q. How far is Munnar from Bangalore?

  Munnar in Kerala is approximately 475 kms from Bangalore in Karnataka

• Q. Which is the highest peak for trekking in Munnar?

  The highest trekkable peak in Munnar is the Anamudi peak. It stands at a height of 2,695m. It is not just the highest peak in Munnar but in the entire Western Ghats. It is just an hour drive away from Munnar and is also known as the ‘Himalayas of south India’. It is home to some incredible wildlife and forests and also the Neelkurinji flower.

  Though the difficulty level of the trek is really high. Tourists are only allowed on foot up to 2 km by the authorities. If you want to reach the top of the peak, you will have to take certain permissions from the authorities at Eravikulam National Park.

   

• Q. What is the best time to visit Munnar for Trekking?

  With the average elevation close to 1600m, Munnar boasts of a pleasant weather throughout the year. However, the peak winter months are considered the best time to go on a Munnar trekking expedition. For the best experience, visit here between the months of (December to February)

• Q. Will food and safe drinking water be provided during the trek?

  Food will be provided during the trek. You will have to carry water yourself. It is advisable to take at least a bottle for 2 liters for the trek.

   

• Q. Is it safe to trek in Munnar during monsoon?

  Rains are also, ideally, an amazing for trekking in Munnar. Being a green haven, the rains bring about a brilliant addition of multiple shades of happy green to the areas around. Trekking in these times will be an amazing experience. But when it comes to the question of safety, the rains also make the rock faces slippery and leave the trails muddy, making it a little risky to trek. However, adventurers still go for treks in the monsoons with the habit of keeping all the precautions in mind.

• Q. What is the level of difficulty of trekking in Munnar?

  The difficulty level in Munnar trekking varies from the trek to trek. Treks like the Idukki trek and the Chummar treks are pretty easy as they go through tea plantations and the lush green strips that do not involve steep climbing or any issues.

  The Kannan Devan trek and Chokramudi trek after a point become quite difficult. They involve steep climbing and passages where you might need the help of a local guide to reach the top of the trek.

  The trek to the Anamudi peak, that is, the highest peak in Munnar is extremely difficult. It involves slippery grass strips with steep climbing. It is so difficult that the officials allow only trek up to 2kms of the peak for tourists. If you want to climb to the top, you have to get special permission from the authorities at the Eravikulam National Park.

   

• Q. What are different trekking options available in Munnar? What sort of treks are they?

  Munnar Trekking is an amazing experience in itself, with all the green areas around and the hills covered in tea plantations. Some of the best trekking options available here are-

  • Chokramudi Trek
  • Idukki Trek
  • Chummar Trek
  • Kolukkumalai Tea Estate Trek
  • Lakshmi Hills Trek
  • Kannan Devan Hills
  • Forest Trekking in Chokramudi

  The treks range from moderate to difficult in their difficulty

• Q. What is the level of fitness expected from the participants?

  The fitness level of participants is dependent on the trek you are choosing. But nevertheless, the main thing you need to work on is stamina and endurance. The easier treks are anyway quite easier with mostly just walks and no steep climbs. For the more difficult treks, the participants must have good stamina, strength, and endurance, as, without it, things may get tougher with the ascent.

   

• Q. What will be the cost of trekking in Munnar?

  The cost for trekking in Munnar is something that will depend on the package you choose. Options for only trekking will start somewhere at INR 700/- and average at around INR 1200/-, while options for treks with camping will start at INR 2200/- and go as high as INR 4500/- based on the number of days and amenities provided in the package.

• Q. Is it safe?

  Yes, all the treks in Munnar are completely safe. All these treks pass through lush green strips with tea plantations and easily walkable stretches. There are no unsafe passages throughout the trek except the Anamudi peak where you need some expertise to tackle the harsh route.

  The wildlife is known to be distant as well. The weather conditions in Munnar are generally great for trekking and they do not get harsh like the north Indian hill stations. It can get difficult in the monsoons but otherwise, Munnar trekking is completely safe.

   

• Q. What are the different trekking options available in Kerala? What sort of treks are they?

  There are many options available for trekking in Kerala ranging from easy to difficult. Some of the most popular ones include Munnar, which in itself consists of multiple peaks like Anamudi peaks, Idukki trek, etc.

  Another beautiful trek is the Chembra Peak in Wayanad. It is quite a difficult trek with picturesque waterfalls and breathtaking view from the top.

  Agasthyakoodam Peak is the second highest peak in Kerala and is believed to be abode of sage Agasthya and Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. This trek is only for the male travelers as the tribes occupying the area detest women. Trekking here requires permission from the forest officials.

  There are various other treks like the Pythal Mala, Chimmini, Vellari Mala and Dhoni Hills. All these treks offer great adventure and scenic experiences filled with lush green surroundings and waterfalls.

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• Q. Is it safe to do trekking in Munnar?

  Absolutely. The guides make sure that you remain safe while on the trek as they are the locals who have spent a lifetime in these areas. However, certain ground rules are always established and need to be followed at the trekker’s end for their own safety.

• Q. Which is the highest peak for trekking in Munnar?

  Anamudi Peak, with the height of the summit at 2,695m above sea level is the highest point for trekking in Munnar, and is also the highest peak in the entire southern India

• Q. What kind of clothes and equipment should I carry?

  Carry light comfortable clothes with some light winter clothing and accessories like cap and sunglasses. Carry water bottles, sunscreens, and a waterproof backpack.

   

• Q. Do we need to book a group tour for Trekking in Munnar? Can a solo person do it as well?

  No, there are certain treks that a person can choose to take on solo. However it is advised that you do not venture into the hills on your own without proper precautions

• Q. Can we camp in Munnar along with trekking? What sort of tents will be there?

  Yes, camping can be done in Munnar along with trekking. Tents can be set up in a double or triple sharing basis. Moreover, they are quite comfortable along with sleeping bags and basic amenities nearby.

   

• Q. Is there a chance of facing wild animals while trekking in Munnar?

  Many of the hills in Munnar come under the forest reserve here and the rest don’t. This means that depending on the package you choose, you might or might not run into wild animals here.

• Q. Is it safe for a solo female to trek in Munnar?

  Yes, it is completely safe for a solo female to trek in Munnar since all the treks are properly taken care of and monitored by the officials. Moreover, the people of Munnar are also warm and welcoming.

   

• Q. What are the different things apart from trek which can be done in Munnar?

  There are various things to do in Munnar besides trek. You can visit the Eravikulam National Park and experience the endemic wildlife and plants, experience the beautiful tea plantations, take a biking tour and soak in the beauty of waterfalls.

• Q. Can we do camping in Munnar as well with trekking? What sort of tents will be there?

  Yes, many options for Munnar Trekking come with the feature of camping combined with trekking. The tents will be available on a double and triple sharing basis and will also be water and windproof.

• Q. What should I wear while trekking in Munnar?

  While trekking in Munnar Light-coloured full arm clothes are preferable

• Q. What things I must carry while trekking in Munnar?

  Things that you must carry with you on your trekking adventure in Munnar are-

  • Any personal medication
  • Backpack of 20 liters
  • 2 liters of water
  • Energy Food (Chocolate bars, flavored milk, Electrolyte drinks – Glucon-D, etc)
  • Sports shoes (for better grip)
  • Camera (optional)
  • Rain Coat (Suggested)
  • Torch

• Q. Is it safe for a solo female to trek in Munnar?

  Yes, a solo female is safe to trek in Munnar. But it is advisable that you do not venture on your own in the wild without proper precautions

• Q. What kind of Food will be provided to me during trekking in Munnar? Will it be packed food or not?

  You will get the local food which, depending on the duration of the trek, will either be packed for shorter durations, or will be freshly prepared.

• Q. What kind of sleeping bags will be there during the trek in Munnar?

  You can rest assured that the sleeping bags provided on the trekking expedition would be clean, comfortable and waterproof.

• Q. What are the different things apart from trek which can be done in Munnar?

  There is a lot more to do in Munnar apart from trekking. These activities are a good way to kill time and feel excited about while you are here. Some of the best things to do Munnar are listed below-

  • Mountain Biking
  • Camping
  • Sightseeing
  • Wildlife Safaris
  • Rock climbing
  • Boating in Kundala Lake
  • Watersports at Mattupetty Dam

• Q. What kind of homestays can I find in Munnar?

  You can find a lot of variety in Homestays in Munnar. There are nature homestays, Tea Estate homestays, wild homestays and hilltop bungalows that you will easily find in almost every corner of the hill station

• Q. Can I get transportation from Bangalore to Munnar?

  Yes. There are at least 7 buses that go straight from Bangalore to Munnar which you can avail to get here. Apart from that, you can take a train from Bangalore to Salem and then take public transport to reach Munnar. Or if you wish to take the fastest way there, then a flight from Bangalore to Ernakulam, and then a road transfer to Munnar will get you there in slightly above 5 hours.