meesapulimala trek from bangalore

Situated 1600 m above sea level, Munnar was a popular retreat for the British. It has now evolved into a proper tourist town with a number of resorts, hotels and restaurants coming up in the area. It is also famous for the special Neelakurinji flower that blooms here every 12 years. The hills turn blue and nature lovers come in large numbers to view this natural phenomenon in person.  Munnar gives ample trekking options to enthusiastic guests.

TREKKING TRAILS

Trekking trail through the rhododendron valleys of Munnar

Trekking to Meesapulimala

Let us now explore some of the options in and around Munnar that would provide travellers with ample opportunities to enjoy the captivating hill station of Munnar.  Meesappulimala - a destination for the highly adventurous is the second highest peak in the Western Ghats and a trekking trail via Rhodo Valley.  Travel a distance of 24 km from Munnar via Mattupetty through Aruvikkad estate and you will reach the base camp of Meesappulimala. The journey from base camp to Rhodo Valley is in the jeep and is 4 km and is the last point accessible by any four wheelers. En route you can see the Pandava cave. At night stay in the midst of cloud top at Rhodo Mansion and in the tents and the next day climb to the peak amidst rhododendron trees. Stay can be in your choice, they are providing the stay in three options. This is a hard trekking and needs to do basic preparation.  The package includes guide service, breakfast, lunch, evening tea & dinner

Rs. 6000/- for two persons (Stay in Rhodo Mansion) Rs. 4000/- for two persons (Stay in Base Camp) Rs. 9000/- for three persons (Stay in Sky Cottage)

JUNGLE CAMPS

Stay in the outdoors

Stay over in the tents and enjoy the chillness of Munnar in the Base Camp. Situated at an altitude of about 6000 feet, Kerala Forest Development Corporation offers to stay over programmes.  Enjoy the night in the outdoors by sitting around the campfire and savour a delicious supper. 

Next morning you can go for an adventurous trek up to Meesapulimala or Rhodo Valley. Maximum of 40 persons are allowed for a single night tent stay at Base Camp. The package includes breakfast, lunch, evening tea and dinner. Campfire is also included.  Check-in: By Noon (02.00 PM) and Check out after 23 hours 

Rs.4000/- for two persons

Sky Cottage

Sky Cottage, exclusively for honeymooners, is another stay over programme organized at Munnar by KFDC. This lonely cottage on a cliff facing a waterfall also offers amazing views of Anamudi peaks. If it is a clear sky, the transparent ceiling of the cottage gives you the view of starry sky. Next morning you can go for an adventurous trek up to Meesapulimala. Three persons can avail this programme.  The package includes trekking, guide service, and food. 

Rs. 9000/- for three persons

Rhodo Mansion

The best choice for those who wish to explore the altitudinal starry night is the Rhoda Mansion. Night stay offered at Rhodo Valley has elephant trench protection. Campfire is there and food is also included. The group can climb the ‘Meesapulimala’ peak in next day.

Rs.6000/- for two persons

KFDC Ecotourism MUNNAR Mattupatty Road, Munnar Ph: +91 4865 230332 Mob: +91 8289821408 www.munnar.kfdcecotourism.com

Getting there

By Road: 125 Kms from Ernakulam and 105 Kms from Thekkady  By Rail: 109 Kms from Aluva Railway Station & 126 Kms from Erankulam Railway Station By Air: 108 Kms from Cochin International Airport 

DISCLAIMER : Since the availability of Eco Tourism Packages are subject to change based on climate and other conditions, please make sure you confirm its availability beforehand. We will not be held responsible for any inconveniences caused owing to the unavailability of any specific package.

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• Travel Tips

25 Things You Should Know About Meesapulimala Trekking

How to book Meesapulimala Trekking and Camping packages online?

KFDC offers both online booking facility for Meeshapulimala stay and trek programmes. More details can be found at How to book Meesapulimala online.

How to book Meesapuliamala Trekking and Camping packages offline?

KFDC offers offline booking facility for Meeshpulimala stay and trek programmes. More details can be found at How to book Meesapulimala offline.

How to reach meesapulimala from Munnar?

Meesapulimala is situated near Munnar in Idukki district of Kerala. Munnar to Meesapulimala base camp is about an hour journey and is about 22 km in distance. Route: Munnar – KFDC Base Camp (Meesapulimala)

Where should i report for Meesapulimala camping?

You needs to report at Munnar KFDC office and complete the necessary formalities, before you reach Base Camp or Skycottage or Rhodo Mansion and check-in.

Where is Munnar KFDC Office located?

KFDC office is about 2-3kms from Munnar Bus Depot, near to KFDC Floriculture Centre on Munnar – Marayoor Road. KFDC Floriculture Centre is popularly know as Rose Garden in Munnar.

When to report at KFDC office?

The check-in time for KFDC packages is 2.00 pm. So the best time for reporting at KFDC office in Munar is between 12.30 pm to 1.00 pm. NB: Why we ask you to report at KFDC Office between 12.30 and 1.00 is as because, it take approximately, 40-45 minutes to reach Meesapulimala Base Camp from KFDC Office. So inorder to check in at Meesapulimala at 2.00 pm, its best to report at KFDC Office an hour before.

What are the itinerary for Meesapulimala KFDC packages?

The KFDC Meesapulimala package includes, the trek to Meesapulimala, evening tea, dinner, breakfast, lunch + acccomodation at meesapulimala Sky Cottage or Rhodo Masion or Tent at Mesapulimala Base camp(based on the package you have booked)

Are Munnar to Meesapulimala and Meesapulimala to Munnar transportation charges included in the package?

Transportation charges to and from Meesapulimala are not included in any of the packages.

What is the distance of the trek from Base camp to Rhodo mansion?

The distance of the trek from KFDC Base camp to Rhodo mansion is about 4 km

What is the distance of the trek from Rhodo Mansion to Meesapulimala?

The distance of the trek from Rhodo Mansion to Meesapulimala is about 2.5 km

What is the distance of the trek from Base Camp to Rhodo Valley to Meesapulimala?

The distance of the trek from Base camp to Meesapulimala via Rhodo Valley is about 7.5 km

Munnar to Meesapulimala bus service?

There are no direct buses from Munnar to Meesapulimala. The only option is to take a taxi from Munnar and reach Meesapulimala Base camp.

How to reach Meesapulimala from Ernakulam?

Ernakulam to Meesapulimala base camp is about 142 km distance. It takes approximatly 4.5 hour journey to reach Meesapulimala from Munnar. Route: Ernakulam – Kothamangalam – Adimali – Munnar – Meesapulimala (KFDC Base Camp)

How to reach Meesapulimala from Chennai?

Chennai to Meesapulimala base camp is about 593 km distance via Road. It takes approximatly 12.5 hour journey to reach Chennai from Munnar. Route by Train: Chennai – Ernakulam (Train) and then Erankulam to Munnar (Bus) and then Munnar to Meesapulimala (Taxi) Route by Road: Chennai -Trichy – Dindigal – Theni -Bodyinayakanur – Devikulam – Meesalupulimala

Distance from Bangalore to Meesapulimala?

Meesaupulimala Base camp is about 22 kms from Munnar. Route: Bengaluru – Dharmapuri – Erode – Tiruppur – Udumalpet – Marayoor – Munnar – Meesapulimala

How to reach Meesapulimala from Thrissur?

Munnar to Meesapulimala base camp is about 171 km distance. It takes approximatly five journey to reach Meesapulimala from Thrissur. Route: Thrissur – Chalakudy – Perumbavoor – Adimali – Munnar – KFDC Base Camp (Meesapulaimala Base Camp)

How to reach Meesapulimala from Trivandrum?

Trivandrum to Meesapulimala base camp is about 298 km distance. It takes approximatly 7.5 hours journey to reach Meesapulimala from Trivandrum. Route: Thiruvananthapuram – Kottarakkara – Adoor – Ranni – Kanjirapally – Pala – Thodupuzha – Adimali – Munnar – Meesapulimala

Distance from Devikulam to Meesapulimala?

Devikulam to Meesapulimaa is about 17 km distance. It takes about 50 minutes to reach Meesapulimala from Devikulam

When is the best time to visit Meesapulimala?

The best time to visit Meesapulimala

Is there any discounts for Meesapulimala camping group bookings?

No. Since this is a package offered by Kerala Forest Department, which comes under Kerala Government, there are no discount programs for Meesapulimala trekking and camping packages.

Meesapulimala Trekking – Additional Tip 1#

If you search for Munnar to Meesapulimala, Google Map will show the route through Kolukkumalai, which is not the correct way and is otherwise known to be an illegal trek route to Meesapulimala. Instead please search “KFDC Base Camp” to get the correct route.

Meesapulimala Trekking – Additional Tip #2

If you are coming by your own vehicle, you can drive till Meesapulimala Base Camp. The last 2 km of the road to the base camp is unpaved

Meesapulimala Trekking – Additional Tip #3

If you have opted for the stay at Rhodo Mansion, you will be allowed to drive the off-road till Rhodo Mansion on your own vechicle(not recommended for small cars).

Meesapulimala Trekking – Additional Tip #4

You will be able to opt for a jeep ride from Base camp to Rhodo Mansion and vice versa during the day of the trek. This jeep ride is helpful for people who wish to reduce the distance of the trek to Meesapulimala. Check the jeep rates (subject to availability) and opt for it (if required) while completing the formalities at KFDC office.

Meesapulimala Trekking – Additional Tip #5

Don’t forget to plan your return journey on Day 01 itself, else you may stuck with unnecessary delays in your schedule and eventualy end up spending more.

For further information, please refer:

• How to Book Meesapulimala Trekking Packages Online
• Things to know before Booking Meesapulimala Camping and Trekking Packages
• Meesapulimala Trekking & Camping Packages from KFDC

Are you among the ones, who visited Meesapulimala? Are you willing to share your experience as a travelogue? Feel free to Contact Us .

• Meesapulimala
• Meesapulimala Camping
• Meesapulimala Package
• Meesapulimala Trekking

Wow… that was a breathtaking article and well researched. Thanks!

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Framing Adventures | One Click At A Time

Meesapulimala trek: A delightful trek to Kerala’s second highest peak

“Have you seen snowfall in Meesapulimala?” Charlie asks Kani who is about to commit suicide. It is a dialogue from the famous Malayalam movie ‘Charlie’ released in 2015. Ever since the release of this movie, Meesapulimala became an overnight sensation, and there was one more reason to visit Munnar now.

The Meesapulimala peak is the second highest peak in Kerala, located in Munnar along the borders of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is named so as one of the peaks in Meesapulimala resembles the whiskers of a tiger.

The Meesapulimala trek, organised by KFDC (Kerala Forest Development Corporation), covers eight hills in total on the way to the peak. The hike is through open meadows and is very scenic as it surrounds you with tall mountains, green valleys and a bird’s eye view of Munnar.

I did the Meesapulimala trek with my friends with the help of KFDC. The following guide tells you everything you need to know about the Meesapulimala trek, including an itinerary that you will follow during your journey.

Rhodo Mansion

Which is the best time to visit meesapulimala, kfdc meesapulimala package.

The Meesapulimala trek is conducted exclusively by KFDC , Munnar. Hence, there is no possibility to do this trek on your own.

There are three different types of trek and camping packages offered by KFDC. Every package includes food, accommodation and a trekking guide. You get evening snacks with tea, dinner, breakfast with tea, and packed lunch in terms of food.

It is the most economical and popular option available for trekkers. You stay in tents situated in the base camp (located inside a reserve forest), and every tent accommodates two people. 

The base camp has a small pond and a building that houses the staff and the kitchen. There are separate shared bathrooms as well, in case you want to freshen up.

The cost for two persons is INR 4,000.

Sky Cottage

Sky Cottage is a secluded house ideal for honeymooners and located on the top of a cliff with open views. You can view valleys and a waterfall from the comfort of your room here. You can view the night sky from your room as they have a glass ceiling.

The cost for three persons is INR 9,000.

Rhodo Mansion is the costliest of the lot and is at the highest point out of all the three stay options. The actual trek to Meesapulimala starts from here, and this is where the off-road limit ends.

Hot water is available here as solar energy powers this place. The main advantage of Rhodo Mansion is that you can observe the sunrise and sunset from a viewpoint nearby, and you have in-house chefs who cook food for you.

The cost for two persons is INR 6,000.

Note : The rates keep changing, so check the  KFDC website  to get the updated rates.

How to confirm your KFDC Meesapulimala booking?

You can confirm your Meesapulimala trek booking from the KFDC website . If you have any doubts, you can also call them up (Ph: +91 4865 230332, Mob: +91 8289821408), and they will be more than happy to help you. 

Apart from the camping packages, you can also ask any other general questions you may have about the trek. I was able to get many questions clarified through a phone call I had with one of the forest officials.

If you are in Munnar, you can also book the KFDC Meesapulimala package by visiting their KFDC office in Munnar. However, it is better to book the trek in advance as they allow a limited number of tourists per day.

Meesapulimala Route Map

The journey starts from the town of Munnar. You have to collect your pass from the KFDC office in Munnar which is at a distance of 2.5 km from the centre of Munnar. After that, you proceed towards the KFDC base camp. Although it shows 1 hour on the map, the journey from the KFDC office to the KFDC base camp may take up to 1.5 hours due to the road conditions.

The roads are narrow as you will be passing through tea plantations and some stretches of the road are in good condition while other stretches of the road are untarred. Moreover, there are a lot of twists and turns that you need to navigate through. So, drive slowly if you are taking your own vehicle.

Meesapulimala Trek itinerary (1 day/1 night)

Your journey to Meesapulimala starts only in the afternoon. Please reach Munnar in the morning so that you have time to roam around Munnar before making way for Meesapulimala.

You can choose to visit the Mattupetty dam and Top Station since both are on the same route. However, these are commercial tourist places in Munnar, but the drive through this route is pretty scenic. If you don’t have your vehicle, you can easily find shared jeeps in Munnar and even buses that go through these places.

Irrespective of where you travel in Munnar, come back to Munnar town by early afternoon and have lunch. Ideally, you should start your journey towards Meesapulimala at least by 2 pm so that you reach your destination by 4 pm. It ensures that you arrive in Meesapulimala well before sunset. 

Before starting for Meesapulimala, visit the KFDC office in the town and collect your pass for Meesapulimala. Whether you booked your package online or offline, you need to take your ticket for Meesapulimala from the KFDC office. Your journey towards Meesapulimala starts from the KFDC office, and it can take up to 1.5 hours, depending on your speed.

If you don’t have a vehicle, you would need to hire a jeep from the KFDC office. It costs INR 3,000 to take you to and from Meesapulimala. It is better to call them up in advance and inform them to be on the safer side. 

Suppose you are coming by your vehicle. In that case, it is preferable to have an SUV because the final stretch to the Meesapulimala base camp and beyond is entirely off-road and bumpy.

One of my favourite aspects about Meesapulimala was the drive to Meesapulimala itself. You will be passing through varying landscapes. A vast stretch of tea plantations, tall mountains and quaint villages welcome you on your journey. There are ample opportunities to take photos, so be sure to take breaks in between.

On the way, we stopped at a village to have tea from a roadside stall as we saw some village kids playing football in an open field amidst the backdrop of huge mountains. These are sights that you usually don’t see anywhere else, and you will find many such views on your ride.

The last 2 km to the base camp and beyond will be completely uphill and off-road, so you need to park your vehicle if it’s not an SUV right before the ascent (you will know it when you see it) and trek 2 km to the base camp. We did this since we weren’t able to drive further with our Maruti Swift.

The Sky Cottage is 300 metres behind on the way to the base camp, whereas the Rhodo Mansion is another 4kms from the base camp. Irrespective of where you are staying, report at the base camp first, after which an officer will guide you to your respective accommodation.

Once you reach your stay, you will be checked in and provided with tea and snacks. If you stay at the Rhodo Mansion, you will also be taken to a nearby place to watch the sunset if you make it on time.

The kitchen staff serves you dinner by 8 pm. KFDC has both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Keep yourself warm by spending some time at the bonfire afterwards. If you are at the base camp, you can socialise with other trekkers and travellers.

Retire for the night.

The following day, tea and breakfast are served in the morning. Get ready and obtain your packed lunch from one of the forest officials. 

A trekking guide will be assigned to each traveller group and will be with you during the entire duration of the trek. 

Your trek starts at 8 am or 9 am but may vary depending on where you are staying. If you are at the Rhodo Mansion, your trek will start earlier so that you get to see the sunrise as well.

If you stay at the base camp or the Sky Cottage, you need to take your vehicle or hire a jeep that takes you to Rhodo Mansion (additional charge for the same). The Meesapulimala trek route starts from here. It is 4km from the base camp. The drive to the Rhodo Mansion is through the thick rainforest.

Once you reach Rhodo Mansion (from the base camp or the Sky Cottage), the entire landscape becomes different. You will only see mountains and open grasslands around you.

From the Rhodo Mansion, the Meesapulimala peak is at a distance of 4 km. The trekking route is pretty flat until the last portion of the trek, which ascends to the top. However, being an open area, the sunlight is a bit harsh, so wear a hat, take breaks in between and hydrate yourself regularly.

There are eight hills to cross on the way to the top. The hills are open meadows with grass and some shrubs growing on them. If you are lucky, you might get to see some rare animals like Nilgiri Tahr and Wild Gaur that reside here. We were able to spot some from a distance.

Keep an eye on the small water streams around these hills. These are constantly flowing from the top of the mountains. The water from these streams is the purest form of water you can have. Drink it directly from the stream and fill your bottles as well. It will energise you like no other energy drink ever will!

Once you reach the top, if you’re lucky, you will be engulfed or surrounded by clouds. You can see other mountains from Tamil Nadu neighbouring Meesapulimala. Kolukkumalai, the famous mountain peak with the highest tea plantations in the world, is located opposite Meesapulimala. There is even a route from Kolukkumalai to Meesapulimala, but trekking is strictly banned.

Spend some time at the top of Meesapulimala and take in the beautiful scenery around you. Have your photo sessions and observe the panoramic views from the top. In our case, we could not see much apart from a few mountains nearby because we had constantly moving clouds for company. Have your packed lunch afterwards.

After spending some time, make a move for Rhodo Mansion. The trekking route will be parallel to the path you took before, and it takes around 3 km to reach the Rhodo Mansion. You will be descending through the open grasslands until you pass through a forest cover. The Rhodo Mansion is right next to the forest cover.

If you have booked your accommodation at the base camp or Sky Cottage, you will be taken there by your jeep (or use your vehicle). It will be evening approximately by the time you reach your accommodation. We reached base camp by around 4 pm.

You can ask for tea and some snacks again and start your journey back to Munnar before it becomes dark. On the way back from Meesapulimala to Munnar, reminisce all the beautiful experiences and memories you had in the mountains before you enter civilisation again .

How to reach Munnar

Get to Munnar first before going to Meesapulimala. There are different ways in which you can reach Munnar.

If you are coming from Kochi, the cheapest way to reach Munnar would be by taking a government bus (KSRTC) which is available frequently. If you are coming from nearby states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, you can get inter-state government buses to Kochi.

The nearest railway station to Munnar is Aluva, which is 110 kilometres from Munnar. Ernakulam Railway station (Kochi) is the nearest railway station after that at a distance of 130 km from Munnar.

Cochin International Airport is the closest airport to Munnar at a distance of 110 km from Munnar. If you are coming from a distant state, the most practical option would be to take a flight to Kochi and then take a bus to Munnar.

How to reach Meesapulimala

The distance from Munnar to Meesapulimala is close to 20 km, and it takes around 1.5-2 hours to reach there. Your journey starts from the KFDC office. Either take your vehicle to Meesapulimala base camp or hire a jeep from the KFDC office. 

Travel tips for Meesapulimala

• You need to collect your passes from KFDC Munnar even if you have booked your tickets online.
• Wear proper trekking/sports shoes and carry a towel.
• Wear active clothes instead of cotton clothes because you will be sweating a lot while trekking.
• Make sure you start your journey by 2 pm from KFDC Munnar so that you reach your accommodation in Meesapulimala by 4 pm at least. It starts getting darker after that. As a bonus, you can also view the sunset if you are staying at the Rhodo Mansion.
• You can take your vehicle and drive to Meesapulimala base camp, but it is preferable to have an SUV suitable for rough terrains.
• Carry one warm layer or a jacket as it becomes colder when you reach your destination. The temperature in Meesapulimala, especially at night, goes down to single digits.
• You will be trekking with a forest ranger always. Try to ask as many questions as you can about Meesapulimala as they have tons of useful knowledge and wisdom to share about this place. 
• The water at your accommodations will be icy cold except for at Rhodo Mansion, where you will get warm water as well.
• Carry a hat and hydrate yourself regularly while trekking. It is also advisable to carry other healthy snacks like dry fruits and peanuts.
• Don’t expect any network once you start your journey to Meesapulimala.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is meesapulimala and kolukkumalai same.

Meesapulimala is the second highest peak in Kerala located along the borders of the Idukki district (Kerala) and Theni district (Tamil Nadu). On the other hand, Kolukkumalai is a hilltop located exclusively in the Theni district with the highest tea plantations in the world. Both the peaks are located close to each other but trekking between both the peaks are highly restricted.

How can I get to Meesapulimala from Ernakulam (Kochi)?

There are a number of private and government (KSRTC) buses that run from Ernakulam to Munnar on a daily basis. After reaching Munnar, you have to report to the KFDC Floriculture Centre (KFDC Office) from where you can hire a jeep to Meesapulimala.

How do I get to Meesapulimala?

After reaching Munnar, you have to report to KFDC Floriculture Centre (KFDC Office) from where you need to hire a jeep to Meesapulimala. If you have your own vehicle, collect the pass from the KFDC Office and continue on the Munnar-Gudarala road. You will also be provided with directions from the KFDC Office. It takes 20 km to reach the Meesapulimala base camp.

If you are staying at Rhodo Mansion, you have to drive 4 km further from the base camp to reach your destination.

The best time to visit Meesapulimala is from October onwards, right after the monsoons are over. The landscape becomes a lot greener and vibrant. Till February, the climate in Meesapulimala is pleasant and suitable for trekking. You can also trek in March and April but be prepared to face higher temperatures.

If you are coming to Munnar, make sure you give this place a visit because, as Charlie suggested in the movie, you need to visit this place at least once before you die. Thanks to Meesapulimala, I experienced a different side of Munnar, one that is less explored and far away from the maddening crowds in Munnar town.

Unaware to many people, the famous purple-blue flowers of Neelakurinji bloom here as well once every 12 years. Another lesser-known fact about Meesapulimala is that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

So there you go. I have given you enough reasons and a complete guide to help you plan a trip to Meesapulimala. What have you decided? Have you been to this less-explored destination in Munnar? Let me know in the comments!

Jerry quit his 9-5 job to become a digital nomad and travel the world. Through Framedventures, he helps people have experiential and immersive travel adventures across India. He has travelled to 15+ states/UTs in India so far. Besides travelling, he's also passionate about landscape photography. Connect with him on his social media channels to get his latest travel updates!

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13 comments.

Wow… I’m looking for info on Meesapulimala and your blog is one of the most detailed and informative! Thank you for sharing.

I’m interested in Sky Cottage, by any chance you if know 1. the condition it was in (if it worth it) 2. If they serve food there or have to walk to base camp?

Thanks Khanh!

Answering your questions:

1. I didn’t stay in Sky Cottage. I stayed in one of the tents in the Base Camp.

But based on reviews, I’ve heard that the experience at Sky Cottage is good, especially if you’re travelling with a partner or family.

2.I’m not sure how the food is served there. You can call the numbers given below (KFDC Ecotourism Munnar) to know more.

Ph: +91 4865 230332 Mob: +91 8289821408

All the best with your journey! 🙂

Sagarika Melkote

Thank you, your blog is full of useful information, laid out in a succinct and crisp fashion. Am going there tomorrow and I’m feeling a lot more confident after reading this!

Hey Sagarika! Thanks a lot for your feedback. Means a lot. 🙂

Hope you have an amazing experience at Meesapulimala! 🤗

Raghavendra

Very nicely explained. Indeed it is helpful especially for outsiders. Thanks for the blog Jerry!

Thanks, Raghavendra! 🙂

we are reaching munnar on our car, is there space to park it in KSTDC office and proceed with Jeep to trek? I am looking to see where i can park our car while we are on the trek. I am not sure if we can drive to base camp with our venue car. Please advise

Hey Vinoth! Sorry for the late reply.

We drove Maruti Swift till the base camp without any issues. So there’s no reason why you can’t drive Hyundai Venue till there.

In any case, I think you can park your car at the KSTDC office and then hire a jeep from there. The best option would be to call them up and confirm.

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Meesapulimala : Trek to the Mountain of Whiskered Tiger

A trek to meesapulimala - to the mountain of whiskered tiger the 3 rd highest peak of south india en route sprawling tea plantations, forests & undulating hills. an adventurous jeep ride to rhodo valley followed by moderate trekking to the top..

                 Having extensively explored almost all the trekking trails and peaks in South India, my eyes were set on Anaimudi  Peak Altitude  2695 m  8842 feet  – The Highest peak in south India. Tried all the best possible ways to gain entry and hike beyond Eravikulam National Park as Surmounting the Elephant was a dream of my lifetime. Being an eco-sensitive area and home of  Endangered species  - Mountain Goat  Nilgiri Thar Nilgiritragus hypocris my proposals were denied by officials and Permits were on hold. It was on 12  Dec 2011,  managed to visit Munnar and thought of directly seeking permission with some arrangement and completing it was the final plan.

On one fine morning, myself with my close friends and nature enthusiasts landed in  Munnar – a popular hill station in Kerala. The shocking news came as lightening, that state bundh is being enforced because of the Mulla Periyar dam dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.Poured cold water on all my plans!

 All my effort went in vain, I had an intuition that it would be difficult in this grim situation to get permission and since then pursuing Anaimudi was like going on a wild goose chase still remained as a dream.!  

                               What next was our plan?

Instead of hearing slogans and spending time in the midst of rallies, we thought of spending fruitfully in some offbeat place, amidst nature. We did not take more time to decide, without  2 nd thought . in the wee hours we headed to Rhodo Valley and decided to trek Meesapulimala Peak – The  3 rd highest peak in south India.

A paradise less known in disguise came in as a blessing.!

Entry Formalities and Registration

Meesapulimala Peak Trek is possible only after permission from forest department.

The forest officials agreed to the request and granted permits for the trek.The normal process is registering with KFD website.The trek to Meesapulimala cannot be done as a day trip from munnar.One need to stay at one of the accomodation options provided by the department and trek.We had three options before us to choose.

• Base Camp   - Budget category with dome-type tent Accommodation to stay on sharing basis.
• Sky Cottage - About a km further away from Base Camp facing mountains and a waterfalls
• Rhodo Mansion - Further up above the Base Camp, with all facilities and is an ideal location to stay.    

We were left with only with Budget stay option and accepted it hearfully 

  At Base Camp

We straightway headed to the KFDC office located about 2 km from the main town by our own Tempo Traveler for permits and information about reaching the Base camp.It did not take much time to finish formalities. We were advised and given directions to reach Base Camp at 2:00 pm after lunch.

Since we had enough time, we finished the morning ablutions and refreshed at a hotel in the Munnar town. We had a sumptuous breakfast at popular Saravana Bhavan. We spent some time at leisure visiting Matupetty dam and Lake and Pallivasal in Munnar. We had an early lunch and boarded the Jeep which was arranged in advance to reach Base camp.  

Leaving behind the hustle-bustle of hill town, we were on the hilly road. Every bend was picture-postcard views. We stopped at few places to savor the beauty of hills and dales enroute and the drive was very cooperative.As we climbed higher and higher we could feel the variation in altitude and start feeling cold. The route was picturesque and passed through tea plantations and view of hills.

The last stretch of about 2 km was steep, the road really bad. Since our jeep was of 4 *  4 wheel drive we enjoyed it. Other vehicles other than jeeps literally can't go beyond a certain stretch,  to maneuver and risky too. Finally, after  90 minutes we reached the Basecamp.

Base Camp was strategically located at a picturesque location, a small patch with tented stay with makeshift toilet facility. Foldable tables and chairs. A campfire place. A simple slice of heaven. What else we can ask for .....!

We were served hot tea, Kattan Chai - Kerala tea with hot pakoras. As the sun went down we felt severe cold as it was December. Few members started sharing experiences of cold with Bali pass, Rupin pass, and Winter treks Kedar Kantha We Campfire kept us warm and snippets from the guides were interesting. We enjoyed the typical Kerala style dishes served. Both veg and Nonveg. We did a bit of stargazing and were awake till the fire ceased.

Trek Plans 

During tea time we discussed with the forest guide about the trek schedule. We were given 2 options to choose 

• Start after breakfast from Basecamp, reach Rhodo Valley and continue towards Meespulimala Peak. It would take about 8 - 9 hours on average, walking up and down. Packed lunch is provided for each member.
• Start from basecamp at 5:30 am by jeep to Rhodo Valley. Witness the sunrise proceed to Meesapulimala peak. Return to basecamp by 11:00 am. Jeep cost would be an extra cost and not included in the package.

Since all were seasonal trekkers, desired to trek and we opted for the 1st option.

To Rhodo Valley

The morning mist gave way to clear skies, we set out after breakfast. The initial part of the climb to Meesapulimala was steep, but the refreshing crisp of morning air and the breathtaking views were making us stop again and again. We made up to the Rhodo Mansion camp quite easily. We crossed the picturesque Rhodo Valley dotted with rhododendron trees with crimson red flowers in bloom and criss-crossed by perennial streams. The Nilgiri rhododendron that is endemic to the Western Ghats, with its thick leathery leaves, looked gorgeous among wild golden grass and pine trees. 

From the Rhodo Mansion camp, we started the second part of our ascent. The terrain immediately transformed to high-altitude grasslands with wildflowers in myriad colors. With the help of the guide, we sighted a herd of Nilgiri tahr grazing leisurely. One of them posed for the camera shyly and animals quickly made their way down the steep valley as we approached closer.

Towards  Meesapulimala Peak

We were surrounded by hills and passing clouds seemed to like kissing the mountains and it was a great feeling. The initial stretch took us on a steep descent. Later we had to cross a series of hills on an undulating path. In front of us was the Meesapulimala peak rising above clouds. The sun was behind the peak and  Meesapulimala being the highest peak in the region we were not facing direct light and the whole valley was a perfect silhouette. The sun suddenly emerged from the tip of the peak and lit the whole valley. A small lake at the base of the mountain looked spectacular and all on a sudden glittered in the sunlight. We could see Anaimudi peak - The highest peak in South India. As the name mentioned it looked like a perfect Elephant head. in the distance, it as playing hide and seek covered with clouds. After a steep ascent on the ridge, we reached the peak.

Standing at the highest point and we could have a  360 deg view of surroundings. Guide pointed at the Kollakkumalai Tea estate in Tamilnadu, which is another route for

Meesalulimala.Even mentioned that Entry from here is restricted. We could have a clear view of Top Slip, Anayirankal dam backwater, and Munnar town from here.  

After spending some memorable time appreciating the views. it was time to descend, guide during return took us through a different route passing through a small water body. We found few scats of animals and felt that after dark, that this region to favorite hunting grounds for cats. Our guide even mentioned of sighting a tiger during in days of patrolling in hills. We finished the packed lunch bit late by a small stream and relaxed for some time. After thanking Guide and reached Munnar by evening.

Few things you need to know 

• We strongly advise you to plan in advance for confirmed bookings
• It is better to stay in Rhodo  Valley Campsite as the location is good 
• On the arrival, day lunch is not served for visitors and is not included in the package. So plan accordingly. There are no refreshments close by to serve you.
• Don't speak as it is a forest area, with dry grass and eco-sensitive zone. Behave responsibly.
• Jeep costs are moderate and not high. If you are willing for jeep services do inform them in advance.
• Hot water is not available for taking bath at the campsite.
• Tents are spic and span. Sleeping bags are provided for occupants. Do have warm clothing as nights would be cold

The services of KFD are of par excellence. The staff is friendly and helpful Those desiring to visit Meesapulimla can directly contact them. Summiters regularly conduct trek to Messapulimala from Bangalore. It is an ideal safe weekend getaway and camping location for families and Children.

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• treks in western ghats
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• rhodo valley
• meesapilimala trekking
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Munnar Insider Travel Blog

Meesapulimala Trekking – Best Tips on Booking, Stay , Tour and Route

posted on November 22, 2021

Meesapulimala was a secluded and unexplored place in the tourism map of Kerala until 2015. Most of the people were not even aware of Meesapulimala Trekking which is nothing less than paradise on earth and one of the most popular trekking spots in Munnar.

A sudden rush of tourists to Meesapulimala was a result of a recent Malayalam movie – Charlie – where the hero says it is the place to visit before you die and the descent of mist enveloping the peak is a sight worth watching. Now Meesapulimala is one of the most visited places in Kerala welcoming honeymooners, bikers, mountaineers and adventurists alike. One can always see a swarm of tourists escalating the gigantic mountain.

ALSO SEE – Best Treks in Munnar

Meesapulimala is a fusion of three words ‘ meesa ’ which means moustache, ‘ puli ’ which means a tiger and ‘ mala ’ which means mountain in Malayalam. The view of Meesapulimala resembles a tiger about pounce. It is not just the peak but every nook and corner and every twist and turns in the way equally enthralling.

The jeep ride from Munnar to base camp and the 8 km trek from there to the peak offers an assemblage of blissful sceneries and landscapes; passing through tea plantations, densely covered forests, lakes and the imposing 8 hills to trek.

Here are some snaps from Meesapulimala Treks of Iris Holidays   (used with permission)

Located at a significant altitude of 8,661 feet in the Idukki district of Kerala, Meesapulimala is the second highest peak of the state and the range of eight hills passes through the shared border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Details of Meesapulimala Trekking

• Trek duration: 6-8 hours, depending on the place from where you start
• Trek distance: 8 km
• Trek difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
• Best time to visit: September to May; avoid monsoon season as the place would turn slippery making it difficult to trek.

KTDC trekking package

The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has Meesapulimala trekking packages. If you wish to scale this majestic mountain this is the only way to go as the government has announced all other trekking to be illegal.

Munnar town to base camp

The adventure starts in Munnar town. From there the trail starts in a Jeep track that goes to the base of the hill. The road meanders through tea estates and beautiful valleys and the journey is smooth for the first 10 minutes after that it becomes steeper and gruelling taking you towards the lap of the mountain ranges.

ALSO, SEE – Eravikulam National Park

At base camp

KTDC is offering three stay facilities the base camp, sky cottage and Rhodo mansion.

• The tents at the base camp are very warm and comfortable. Extra sleeping bags are arranged by the KTDC volunteers. By nightfall the temperature drops along with it. The warm tent is not enough to contain the chillness. The tents are for two; restrooms, electricity recreational activities like campfires are arranged in the common building by the camp.
• Sky cottage is exclusively for couples honeymooning. The cottage is ideally located and designed to nurture love. It is a lonely and secluded cottage atop a cliff overlooking a beautiful waterfall.
• Rhodomansion is located at 7500 feet altitude and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The mansion is at the foothill of Meesapulimala, right where the trekking starts. You are travelling as a group; the Rhodomansion is the best place to stay because more than 10 people can stay together there.

Reaching and reporting for Meesapulimala Trekking

It is ideal to reach a day before the trek so that you can relax and start fresh in the morning. The trek is strenuous and you need to be as energized and fresh as possible when you commence the trek. When you reach Munnar you need to report at the KTDC office and from there the accommodation facilities can be reached by hiring a Jeep.

KTDC will arrange the Jeep but it is not included in the package and has to be paid separately. The KTDC office has a beautiful floriculture centre which is a treat to any weary travellers eyes; the garden has an array of exotic and wild high altitude plants and flowers.

ALSO SEE  –  Neelakurinji Flowers-When Munnar Blooms Blue?

Stay on Meesapulimala Trekking

Ascend to Meesapulimala Trekking

Ascend begins when everyone from all accommodations reaches the foothill ready to trek. The trek is in groups with two KTDC guides to help and guide the tourists. It takes 3-4 hours to reach the peak if the climate is favourable. The process of ascending is not just scaling one mountain; you have to cross a series of ups and downs to finally reach the peak.

In every few meters, the mountains offer streams of sparkling fresh mineral water to quench the thirst of the weary mountaineer. You have to cross seven hills to reach your destination and the seventh hill is the steepest of them all. But the promise of the peak’s sublime view and the ecstasy of conquering the second tallest peak in Kerala keep the traveller going.

ALSO SEE –  Anayirangal Dam in Munnar

Meesapulimala peak or Tiger Moustache Mountain

By noon or early noon, the tourists will reach the top. Their tourists are given time to relax and click pictures. The view at the top of the mountain is worth all the trouble. The vision of clouds floating beneath gives a feeling of being in heaven and looking down on earth. Before descending the volunteers will distribute food that they have packed and brought along.

From the peak, you can catch a glimpse of marvellous Munnar and neighbouring Suryanelli which is another place worth seeing. If the enveloping clouds drop down the tourists could see the border shared between the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

ALSO SEE –  How many days trip is good for Munnar & Mistakes to Avoid

Descend from Meesapulimala

After finishing the dinner the descend starts again in groups. The way used for ascending is not used to descend. The steeper way is avoided as it would be difficult to trek down a steep way. The other way is more beautiful taking the tourists through a valley of flowers and streams. This trail also offers the breathtaking view of Neelakurinji flowers that blooms once every 12 years; only if you go in the year it blooms.

When you reach the foot of the hill, when your trekking adventure ends; you will be more happy and content than tired.

About Vijeesh

Hello, I'm Vijeesh and a travel advisor at Munnar Holiday. I'm here to help you travel in Kerala through useful tips and helpful articles. Don't forget to get a FREE Customised Holiday Itinerary from me if you are planning to visit Kerala.

In case you have any questions, I would be happy to help you.

MEESAPULIMALA

Around 15 KM from Munnar lies Rhodovalley which is famous for the blooming Rhodendron trees and there sits the peak of Meesapulimala at an elevation of 8000 ft above sea level. This is the first highest peak in the Munnar region that can be trekked as Anamudi has restrictions. The peak shares the border of Kerala and Tamilnadu and is a moderate trek of one day that goes through passing eight hills to reach the top.

Perched at a height of 2640 meters above the sea level, Meesapulimala is the second highest peak when it comes to the mountain ranges in the Western Ghat. This mountain range is a trekker’s paradise in the Southern parts of India, and is located just a small distance away from the beautiful Munnar town of Idukki district in Kerala. The name of the peak is derived from the fact that it is made of a total of eight peaks. All of these mountains are spread out and have a moustache like formation. The mountain range is sandwiched between Anaimalai Hills and the Palani Hills, which are located near Suryanelli. 

The beauty of the mountain range can only be fully appreciated if you trek to the top of the mountain. To that end, first, you have to take a jeep to the base camp and then hike to the top of the mountain. However, this route should only be undertaken by veteran hiking enthusiasts, as it can be quite grueling. Most of the travelers prefer to undertake an easier trek from Rhodovalley to Meesapulimala, which is 8 km long. You can also hike to the mountains from Silent Valley, which is located 6 km away from Rhodo Valley.

Regardless of what trail you take, the mesmerizing views of the grasslands, emerald green rainforests and the rich wildlife of the region is sure to take your breath away. The trek covers 8 hills on the border of Kerala, and offers you some of the most stunning views of the region.

Moreover, Meesapulimala has also been declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO, so it is definitely worth checking out. This small town is located just 20 km from Munnar, and also oversees the beautiful Kolukkumalai tea estate. You can also visit other tourist attractions like Tea Station and Tripadamala when you are here, as both of these places are quite close to Meesapulimala.

How To Reach

To reach Meesapulimala, first you have to reach the base camp of the mountain peaks. The total distance from the city center to this base camp is nearly 42 km. You can cover this distance via the Suryanelli-Kolukkumalai tea estate road. But if that sounds boring, there is another, more picturesque option too. The very first thing you have to do is travel to Mattupetty via the magnificent Aruvikkad estate. This journey is 24 km long and will take you about an hour. 

After that, you will go to the base camp of the mountains. From the base camp, you will take a jeep to Rhodo valley, which is 4 km away. This valley is the last point in the region that is accessible by a four-wheeler. You will also see the Pandava caves on your way to Rhodo valley. After reaching Rhodo Valley, the next part of the journey has to be covered on foot. You will travel to the top of the peak by hiking amidst the beautiful rhododendron trees. It should be noted that this is a difficult trek and you need to be well prepared to undertake it.

Best Time To Visit

It is best to plan your trek to Meesapulimala in the months of winter, that is, between October and February. This is because once the monsoons are over, the entire region is reenergized after rain. The grasslands seem greener, the jungles look prettier, and the flowers look more vibrant. During these months, your entire journey will be filled with sounds from singing birds, rushing waters and a cool breeze. Moreover, the weather is pleasant enough and comfortable, so that you can soak in the beauty of the trail in peace. 

On the other hand, the summer months, that is, between March and June, it is too hot and uncomfortable to undertake the hike. The scorching sun makes it difficult to even step outside, and the hot sun on your back will soon discourage you from hiking. Moreover, there is also a good chance that you might get dehydrated. During the monsoon months, that is, between July and August, the rains are too incessant to go sightseeing. The roads get blocked and there may even be landslides. So, it is not recommended to attempt hiking during this season.

Other Essential Information

Location: Meesapulimala, Munnar, Idukki, Kerala

Average Temperature: the average temperature in this region of the country is a pleasant 19.4 degrees centigrade, and the average precipitation received by the hills is 2640 mm.

Trek Duration: the entire trek is only 8 kms long, so it will not take you more than one day to cover this entire region on foot. Once you reach the top, there is a 4 km jeep ride to the Silent Valley too.

Distance from Munnar city centre: the peak is located at a distance of nearly 42 km from the city center and it will take you just 2 hours and 40 minutes to reach here via road.

Traveler's Tips for Visiting Meesapulimala:

Here are some helpful tips to make your journey to the peak more pleasant and comfortable:

1. It is recommended to get a tour guide to ensure that your journey is hassle free.

2. If you do not speak Malayalam, it is better to request a multilingual tour guide.

3. Do not throw away garbage or plastics in the region. Littering should be prohibited.

4. The trek is quite difficult, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

5. The trek is not recommended for pregnant women.

6. Do not drink alcohol before going on the trek.

7. Make sure you carry some food and water with you.

Tourism Board Alliances

Meesapulimala faqs, what is the height of meesapulimala in munnar, can we do camp and trekking in meesapulimala.

Yes, camping and trekking are allowed in this region. Your journey will start at the base camp and then you can hike to the top of the peak. Once you reach the peak, you will spend the night in a camp and return to the base camp the next day.

It should be noted that the hike is not easy in this region, so it is recommended to partner with a travel agency to plan your hike and camping.

Is Meesapulimala worth visiting?

The road to Meesapulimala is flanked by tea estates and beautiful grasslands that will take your breath away. As you pass through the lush green jungles and pine plantations, the serenity and tranquility of the valley will astound you. The entire trek to the peak offers some of the most magnificent views of the region all around – lush grasslands dotted with shola forests and verdant greenery.

Once you reach the top of the peak, you will be greeted by spectacular views of the valleys with cotton white clouds you can almost touch. The mountain peak offers magnificent landscape views of Tamil Nadu, the Kolukkumalai plantation, and the Anayirangal dam. You will get a chance to enjoy the spectacular views, the cool breeze, and the divine silence of the hills here. So yes, the mountain range is certainly worth visiting.

How is the climate of Meesapulimala?

The climate in this region is mostly cool. The average temperature in these areas is 19 degrees centigrade, so you won’t feel the oppressive heat that some other areas of Tamil Nadu suffer from.

On the other hand, the hills do receive a lot of rain during the monsoon months, so there may be high humidity during that season. Overall, however, the climate at Meesapulimala is extremely pleasant and lovely.

Do I need training to trek to Meesapulimala?

The trek is a medium difficult hike. So, if you have undertaken trekking before, it won’t be too hard for you. But if this is your first time trekking, it is recommended to get some training before at easier trekking routes.

Alternatively, you can hire a tour guide who will help you throughout the hike and will also offer you some valuable advice to make the journey easier for you.

How much time does it take to trek to Meesapulimala?

Depending on where you start from, the trek can take one to two days to complete. If you are travelling from Munnar, it will take you a few hours to reach the base camp where the trek starts. Here, you can rest for the night or continue hiking to the top.

Once you reach the peak from here, most people prefer to spend the night at the mountain stop to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy the stunning views of the valley. You can return to base camp the next day. So the actual trekking may be less than a day, but the entire journey will take at least 2 days.

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Adventure of Meesapulimala “A walk to remember”

Meesapulimala trek .

Hi, friends If you want to walk through the mist, clouds, and fog, Meesapulimala is one among the most beautiful and adventurous places in southern Kerala, for trekking.

This beautiful hilly area, surrounded by the thick forest and thick shrubs are well-known for its adventurous trekking and wildlife. This place is close to Munnar and is one of the best places in Munnar for trekking lovers. Meesapulimala is the second highest peak in Kerala after "Anamudi' .

The Meesapulima Peak is called so because it resembles a tiger’s face. “Meesa,” means mustache, “puli,” means tiger and “mala,” means hill .

After the successful completion of Hemkund Sahib and The valley of flower trek, we planned for next trip to Kerala which included Meesapulimala trek. Thanks to Praveen Shekhar who arranged this tip very well.

The journey began on January 12 th from IGI airport to Cochin which was 4 days short trip. I only want to talk about the 1st-day trek to Meesapulimala.

After landing in Kochi airport we needed to reach the silent valley which was approximately 4 hours’ drive. Reaching the silent valley was quite a challenge because it was a private road with the narrow lane. The area was surrounded by a tea plantation and there are two-three deviations on the way. I couldn’t find anyone on that road until I reached the silent valley base camp.

By the time we reached base camp, it was late around 7 pm. We had a warm welcome at the base camp. The place is bestowed with blissful solitude. No phone calls, no busy schedule, no vehicle noise or pollution. Electricity for the camp is generated using the microturbine.

The best thing about Munnar is chillness in the weather. We spent the night in the outdoors by sitting around the campfire sharing stories and delicious south Indian supper. All we could see was the unending layers of hills, beautiful waterfalls and the mesmerizing sky full of stars.

View from the camp

We woke up early morning and after freshening up we had breakfast. From the base camp, we started walking around 8 am. The trail started with a steep ascent.

In 30 minutes we reached the top of the falls and had our first break there. The walk was through marshy land and almost every one of us had leeches crawling on our legs. But after that, we entered into some plain grasslands and from this point, the walk was a little easier and we could cover more distance in less time.

Middle of the Jungle

By 12 pm we reached Rhodovalley which was 6 km from base camp and had a 15 minutes break there. Crossing the large valley through the grasslands we reached the base of the mountain and trek leader said Meesapulimala is behind this mountain.

I was anxious to see the destination and wanted to ascend fast but all I could do was to drag my foot one after another. Don’t know why but I was feeling very tired. But the fact which I later realized was that I have reached the maximum level of my stamina. Walking 8 km through the steep hills drained out my stamina.

Mighty Meesapulimala

After reaching the top of the mountain trek leader showed us the Meesapulimala. It was an enormous structure to look at and the very sight itself boosted me up and I decided I won’t turn back leaving this giant unconquered.

After crossing one more valley in 20 minutes we reached the base of Meesapulimala. All the team members were tired and we took a break before starting the final lap.

There were no obstructions in front and the top of the peak was visible from that point. I Don’t know from where I got that energy but I wanted to do the whole final ascent in one stretch. I neither looked up the top nor did I looked back just concentrated on my foot and kept both my legs moving one after the other. The fresh air was helping a lot. A long breath was enough to continue whenever I felt like stopping.

Awesome long trek

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At 02:00 pm I touched the top of Meesapulimala.

It was a great moment of happiness when I reached the top. The view from Meesapulimala top was simply unbelievable. All the surrounding hills seemed like little dwarfs and it made Meesapulimala really a giant. I clicked the view but I could never get the real picture that we saw with our eyes. Cameras could capture 60% of what we can see there I would say.

We could see the Kolukkumalai hills, Yellapetty, top station, Kurangini area, and a lot of other hills. We spent blissful 30 minutes there.  

Finally at the top!

By 02:30 pm it was time for us to say goodbye to Meesapulimala.

We were taking another route while descending and trek leader showed the way in front. But the story doesn’t end here. What goes up must come down right?

And it is always the coming down part that is wrought with danger and fun. If climbing was difficult because of the effort we have to put in, it was easier in a safer sense. We were in control of our steps and always had the upper hand. But while going downhill, the cruel gravity came into play. We all know how cruel it can be. With a full heart we started descending through the other side. Descended down the hills and covered a valley. Then there were small hills which were easier to walk through. A look back would give the Majestic view of Meesapulimala.

Now we can walk straight!

We treaded slowly and cautiously along the slippery path, following each other’s lead and taking the best path possible. Many slipped and lost balance and were doubtful of their next step, but we lent a helping hand and picked them up, dusted them off and again continued in out path. We were a team, a team united by some common motive.

View from the top

Similar to the Meesapulimala trek there are other notable treks in the south like the Kudremukh Trek , a fun weekend trek from Bangalore, or the Kumta Gokarna Beach Trek , tropical trek taking you through some of the most pristine beaches of India. 

But, if you wish to undertake any popular or aspirational treks in the Himalayas then choose from the list of treks that will take you through some of the most pristine, dramatic, beautiful and classic trails. 

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You could have hired a jeep from the base camp to the Rhodo Valley to save time.

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Meesapulimala trek from Munnar PHOTOS: Trekking in Western Ghats, Kerala, India

Meesapulimala is located in the Western Ghats of South India, a mountain range that is older than the Himalayas and has UNESCO world heritage status .

At a height of around 8,660ft, the Meesapulimala Peak is said to be the second highest peak in Kerala.

The highest peak in Kerala is the Anamudi Peak at around 8,840ft.

It’s possible to go trekking from Munnar to the Meesapulimala peak as a guided trek with the Kerala forest department .

You will spend overnight at “base camp” in a tent for a forest stay in the Western Ghats, and then the next day you’ll hike to the peak and back.

You’ll also need a  permit for this trek , but it is pretty easy to obtain.

This is actually at the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and once you make it to the peak, it’s possible to stand in both Kerala and Tamil Nadu at the same time.

If you’re doing a backpacking trip through Kerala, you can go to Munnar conveniently from Cochin or Alleppey. From Alleppey, consider taking the ferry in part from Alleppey to Munnar  on the Kerala backwaters!

You can also  get to Munnar from Bangalore .

And when in Munnar, you can do a tea plantation trek as a warm-up to the Meesapulimala trek!

I did the trek in March 2018 and this was my experience!

Things that will make the Meesapulimala Trek a Munnar trekking experience to remember!

1. Getting to base camp from Munnar

You’ll drive through scenic roads to get to the Meesapulimala base camp from Munnar town.

Once you get close to base camp, the roads get pretty rough.

So if you’re taking your own vehicle there, make sure it can handle it.

There are people who ride their motorbikes to get to base camp.

It’s not really recommended to drive your own car, as it’ll be questionable whether a normal car can handle the roads once you get to the road close to base camp.

You can take a taxi to get close to the base camp and get dropped off at the point that the road gets bad. That will be about a 30 minute walk. You can consider it a warm-up for your trek the next day. 😉

Otherwise, you can hire a jeep to take you all the way from Munnar town to base camp.

2. Kerala dinner food

To give you energy for the following day’s trek to the Meesapulimala peak, you’ll have a Kerala dinner!

So be sure to eat up.

You can sit around a campfire too.

You’re in the Munnar hills so it can get chilly at night.

You might want to bring extra layers of clothes to wear when you’re hanging out in the evening.

They do allow you to leave a bag in a storage area at base camp in case you don’t want to carry all your belongings with you on the trek.

You’ll be returning to base camp after your trek, so this could be a convenient option.

3. Sleep in a tent

Overnight camping in the Western Ghats!

With the tent comes a sleeping bag.

You’ll be sleeping at an altitude of around 6,000 ft.

And this is the outdoor bathroom.

Nothing special. Nothing horrible.

4. Kerala breakfast food

Wake up in the morning and then get ready to embark upon the journey you came for!

There will be some Kerala breakfast food, as well as other types of breakfast food too.

Be sure to eat a good breakfast to start you off on the trek!

5. Start the trek in the morning

And finally – you get to start on the trail to the Meesapulimala peak!

6. Short stop for small waterfalls

There might not be very much water to call these real waterfalls, but it still makes for a scenic overlook!

7. Keep hiking the trail!

8. Stop at another scenic overlook

9. Keep hiking the trail!

You might start getting tired. 😉

10. Walk across the mountain ridge

11. Arrive at the Meesapulimala peak!

So, how long does it take to reach the Meesapulimala peak?!

It totally depends on your group!

There’s only one guide, so you kind of need to stick together.

I would say my group was going at quite the leisurely pace, and it took around 4 hours to hike from base camp to the peak.

We left base camp shortly before 9am, and then arrived at the peak shortly before 1pm.

12. Eat lunch at the peak

Before you leave base camp, you’ll be given a packed lunch to take with you on the hike.

You can eat this at any time when you’re on the trail, but eating lunch at the peak can be perfect too!

13. Rest at the peak

How long do you spend at the peak?

Once again, this depends on your group.

I think my group spent 1 – 1.5 hours here before heading back down.

14. Make your way back to base camp

You’ll take a different route back to base camp than the trail you came from.

Naturally, you can expect it to take a shorter amount of time going down the mountain than going up.

If you’re feeling tired, you can ask your guide about getting a jeep.

You’ll still have to walk to get to one of the Kerala forest department’s accommodation units, and maybe that’s 1 to 1.5 hours of walking.

From there they can arrange a jeep to get you back to base camp. This is an added cost.

It seemed like everyone in my group wanted to take a jeep back, so I went with them.

How much does the Meesapulimala Trek cost?

To sign up for this trek, you’ll book a tent at base camp.

The price per tent is 4,000 rupees (US$55). This price went up by around 500 rupees (US$7) in April 2018, so it might go up again in April 2019.

The tent can sleep 2 people so it’s best to sign up for this trek in pairs. If you’re alone, you’d pay the same amount for the tent.

This price also includes dinner on the first night, and then breakfast and lunch on the second day.

But it’s still best to bring some snacks along for the trek! Also bring water. They did provide one bottle of water, but this really isn’t enough for a full day of trekking.

Now, if you’re ready to do this Meesapulimala Trek from Munnar yourself, you can see a little bit more info through the Kerala forest department .

How to get the Meesapulimala Trek permit

You need official permission to do the Meesapulimala Trek.

But this is pretty easy.

Once you arrive in Munnar, you’ll have to go to the Kerala forest department office so you can collect your permit to give you permission to be in this part of the Western Ghats.

You can do this right before you head to base camp.

When I did this trek, there wasn’t an added cost for the permit. They’ll just check that you have a booking at base camp.

You’ll need to show this permit at the checkpoint on your way to the Meesapulimala Trek base camp, as well as on the way back to Munnar, so you kind of need to have the permit in hand.

And then…

Where to stay in Munnar

There are affiliate links below. You should totally check out the reviews and photos of these places.

If you’ll be arriving a day early before the trek, or you’ll be staying an extra day after you’ve finished the trek… or you just want to make the most of your stay in Munnar… here are some places to take a look at!

Budget hotels near Munnar bus station

• Greenview Holiday Inn
• SMM Cottage

Budget hotels around Munnar

• Shire Hostel
• Sunleo Spice Homestay

Simple hotels around Munnar

• Munnar Minds Homestay
• Munnar Farmhouse

Best hotels around Munnar

• Resort with activities, swimming pool, and good views
• Hotel with activities surrounded by nature

And go for a Munnar tea plantation trek as a warm-up or recovery to Meesapulimala! 😉

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The scenic hilltop of Meesapulimala can only be reached via trekking and it takes one day to complete. The Meesapulimala trek route has two major trails. The shorter trail is around 8 kilometers and takes you through the natural landscapes of Rhodo valley. Stroll through gushing lakes, hilly areas, lush valleys and scores of rhododendron trees on this trail.

The second trail to Meesapulimala starts from Kurangani and is about 15 kilometers long. Low-hanging clouds, chilly weather and abundant flora will make this trek a delight. You may also be able to spot barking deers, leopards, langurs, wild cats and tigers.

How to reach Rhodo Valley

If you choose the shorter trail to Meesapulimala , you will first have to reach Rhodo Valley. To reach this valley, first you must board a bus towards Munnar .  Munnar is around 463 kilometers from Bangalore.  From Munnar, board a jeep towards Rhodo Valley.

For those who are traveling by air, the nearest airport is at Cochin, from where you will have to take a cab or train till Munnar.

How to reach Kurangani

For those who want to take the longer trail to Meesapulimala , you will have to travel till Kurangani. Firstly, you can board a bus till Theni in Tamil Nadu, that is about  430 kilometers from Bangalore. Then, board a bus to Bodia and from here you can finally board a bus till Kurangini.

If you want to travel by air, then the nearest airport to Kurangani is Madurai International airport. There are also several trains that you can take to this destination and the nearest station is Bodinayakkanur.

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When the Trail Gets Tough: My Trek to Kolukkumalai and Meesapulimala

One of my resolutions for this year is to visit a new place every month. Doesn’t matter where,  but I have to go. Whether it’s trekking, travel, or backpacking solo; I will go.

So when I received a mail from Bangalore Trekking Club (BTC) about a 2 day trek to Kolukkumalai and Meesapulimala I didn’t think twice. I guess it took me not more than 10 mins to register, including payment. And Bala even closed the registration within 2 hours of opening it. Right on time.

Trek dates were 11 th and 12 th  March. Only problem is I have to travel all the way to Bangalore to catch up with the group. I had an important meeting on Friday and couldn’t rush early also. So I got my trekking backpack along with my laptop bag to office instead. Train was at 4pm; and I left at office at 3:40. I literally had to run, take the cab, and get a General class ticket, and run again towards the platform to catch the train, right on time again.

Reached Majestic by 7:30 and met Sandeep and Sangeeta near Shantala Silks. Soon Ameer, Poornima, Puneeth, and few others also gathered. Lokith, Bala, and couple more would board from Madiwala. We departed by 8 am from Majestic as we anticipated huge traffic in Bangalore. While the bus was in motion we introduced ourselves to all. It was great to see a diverse group on board.

Once out of the city the bus started speeding up! As if the driver was more excited for the trek than us. The roads were good and the journey long. Time to get some sleep before the D-Day.

Day 1: A Tough Day Indeed; To Kolukkumalai Tea Plantation

I blissfully woke up to views of mountains on my right. Tells me we have arrived. We have arrived at Kurangani, the base camp of the trek. We went to a nearby river to refresh ourselves and for the daily chores. Once done we had breakfast of Poori, idli and vada.

We dumped our backpacks in a jeep which will ferry them to the tea estate. We need to carry a day pack with the essentials. Packed lunch of lemon rice was given to all.

One mistake we all made was to carry only a single bottle of water for the trek. This was a big mistake. The guide didn’t alert us on this one. It had rained profusely the previous days. But today was to be a hot and sticky day. We quickly assembled, took a nice group pic (courtesy of Sandeep), and off we go.

The initial part of the trail doesn’t provide for much shade from the sun. You walk past long, wild grasses which starts itching when it scratches against your body. The hike here was steep and a bit tiring. We soon realized our folly; 1L of water won’t suffice. We have to be smart and drink wisely. Only in sips.

The sun was in no mood to show mercy today. We panted, huffed, puffed for at-least 4 hours.  As much as we were tired we had to move on as the longer we take the thirstier and tired we become. We soon reached our lunch point under a lone tree. I call it “The Tree of Life”. While the rest had lemon rice I decided to take a power nap under the inviting shade.

The clouds were forming up slowly, indicating it will rain soon. Grassy stretches soon gave way to dense forest cover. Guides told us we are not very from our destination now. But we were however too tired, and had to take occasional rests. Plus the trail through the jungles had numerous hair pin bends till the top, and we didn’t have any more water with us.

Even if late, our prayers were heard and it soon started drizzling. And then drizzling gave way to a heavy downpour. We have to be extra careful with our steps now. Few of us (including me) just looked up the sky and opened our mouths for rainwater; others devised an ingenious idea of collecting water in their ponchos and drinking it. Yes, we were very thirsty.

Crap, I have water seeping into my shoes now. The last thing I wanted. We exited the forest to be greeted by a never ending stretch of tea shrubs. We have arrived at the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, the highest tea plantation in the world at around 7,130 ft. Delighted to see the freshness all around, and it took away all the fatigue that we had. It was hazy and the greenery never ending. The first thing I did was to fill water from a tap and quench my dry throat. Gulp gulp gulp! It was still raining heavily though, quite normal for this place. A quick cup of tea is what I needed to rejuvenate myself. Total distance covered today was around 15 kms.

We headed to the 2 nd floor of the factory which we will use to spend the night. It was surprisingly very warm inside (due to the wood burning for the process of withering of the tea leaves) and spacious. We were indeed excited to spend the night here inside this luxurious cabin now. We quickly removed our wet and damp clothes and raincoats to be dried and prepared to explore the tea estate as it stopped pouring.

Only there was a slight problem; my shoes were wet from inside, and I didn’t bring sandals. Hence, I decided to venture out barefooted! And ouch, the initial steps indeed were painful. So, me and my camera went along to explore the beauty of this place. I just couldn’t stop clicking; there was something unique everywhere. I was soon joined by Sandeep, Apoorva, Bhagyalakshmi, Naveen, and Sampath. The jeeps would go even further up. I soon realized this is a huge plantation.

We returned to our factory-cum-dorm to help with tent pitching. Vivek had developed fever, and needed to rest well. He wouldn’t be able to join us for the climb to Meesapulimala.

We all gathered to play Mafia. Every trek I’ve been to will involve a round of Mafia for sure! Bala was the God, and there was utter mayhem! We made so much of noise over who’s the innocent, and who’s the culprit. People went bonkers!

We had a bonfire setup outside for us where I tried to dry my shoes. It was already 9, and we had to wake up by 4 and leave by 4:30 am to Meesapulimala. Surprisingly there was chicken for dinner tonight. The dinner was sumptuous and everyone ate to their hearts desire. Back to our dorm and some went inside the tents, others slipped inside their sleeping bags. Lokith and Bala ensured to wake everyone in the morning.

Day 2: Climb up. Descend. And Descend More!

We woke up by 3:45 am to footsteps running here and there. Tells me excitement was already brimming up. We were trek ready by 4:30 am; it was complete dark all around. All of us carried torches and everyone fell back into line. The objective was to catch the sunrise from Meesapulimala peak. Let’s go!

Midway through the horizon was finally opening up, leaving us with some jaw dropping views. We finally reached the point from where the summit climb starts. This one was at an angle of 70 degree. The 2 nd highest mountain of South India was right in front.

The ascend needed to be gradual but continuous with small steps.  It takes around 60-90 mins to reach the summit. The sunrise was already visible now. We started ascending as we saw the BMC people already at the top. The summit climb is indeed a tough one. We stopped after every 10 steps to catch our breath. Everyone was doing pretty well though. A nice human chain was visible from the top now. Vivek (we had one more Vivek in our awesome group) however, had a slight sprain on his knee so he was being watchful of his steps. Sweating it out, huffing-puffing we all finally made it to the summit. And the view from the top was incredible. Munnar valley was clearly visible from here and so the adjoining mountain ranges. We were sitting at the top of the 2 nd highest mountain peak in South India at the moment, at an altitude of 8,660 ft. We had one more achievement now to add to our resumes!

We also spotted some mountain deer, whom we later found out were actually mountain goats! No problem, identity mistake! After spending close to 1 hour at the peak it was time to head back to Kolukkumalai. In fact, today we will only descend throughout the day. The sun was bright, which means it’s going to be equally tough going down. In between, I realized I’ve misplaced my lens cap as well.

We reached Kolukkumalai by around 9:30 am. We did around 12 kms as of now. Realized there were lot of tourists in the garden today, it’s a Sunday after all. We had an amazing breakfast at the estate, and also saw 6 cyclists entering the estate. Turns out they are professional mountain bikers, with each of their bikes upwards of 5 lakhs I think. Not our cup of tea I guess!

We decided to descend to Kurangani by 11 am. Few of us also bought tea leaves from the shop. Both the Vivek, Sangeeta, Poornima, Siva decided to take the Jeep to Kurangani. When we were about to descend I remember the guide of the biking team asking which route we are taking. We said we are going by the trek by the forest, hilly route. He replied, “We are also coming by that route”. I didn’t realize what was he trying to say, or may be misunderstood us. Only to realize later the meaning of it…

The weather was cool and we were all upbeat. Sandeep had a portable speaker, and played some really nice old songs. We were descending at a very good speed. At this pace we will reach by 2 pm at Kurangani. Suddenly, someone exclaimed, “Guys make way, those cyclists are coming”! The remaining people got confused. And then these mountain bikers pop up from nowhere! We couldn’t believe what we are seeing here. There’s hardly any place to even walk, at almost 6,000 ft., and a dangerous slope here we have 6 insane folks who are cycling on top of a trek route! We have only seen this kind of crazy stuff on TV, but here they are. They were doing a photo-shoot for Scott. Adventure of a whole new level. We soon re-entered the grassy slopes from where Kurangani was now visible. The mountain bikers were having a field day here as well. Take a look at some of their daredevilry acts.

The sun came out and we all started to perspire again. All we needed now was a nice, cool bath in the river. That very thought made us go even faster! We reached Kurangani at around 2:30, and immediately went for some nice lunch. The lunch was, well I can’t describe how good it felt. We had covered almost 26 kms today. That is, by no means, a small achievement.

Soon enough, we rushed back to our bus to get ready for the shower. We just raced back to the river for that all important dip. Bloody hell, the moment we went inside the river it felt as if all the pain has been washed away. We stayed there for at-least an hour, before departing Kurangani at around 5 pm.

We reached Bangalore by 6 am, and I had to rush to the railway station for my onward journey. This trek was not only a test of your mental and physical stamina but also provided me an opportunity to explore some of the off-beat places South India has to offer. Indeed, the trek was not only tough but fulfilling as well.

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Published by Hrishikesh Baruah

Psst psst... let's go on a trek View all posts by Hrishikesh Baruah

3 Comments Add yours

Such a brief and wonderful write up 😃

dude, thatz well written, Awesome man, ❤

Nicely done.. your photos narrates the story. Love that photo titled # tracing back our path.

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Meesapulimala Trek & Camping

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Meesapulimala is the second highest peak in the Western Ghats of Idukki district on the Indian subcontinent after Anamudi. Its peak is 2,640 meters (8,661 ft) above sea level.

The name derives from the fact that it is formed of eight hills which spread like a mustache which gave a name as “Meesapulimala”. It is considered to be the most beautiful mountain to climb over the South Western Ghats.

One of the best part of the Meesapulimala Trek is that you could see lots of Rhododendrons flowers . The Valley is also called Rhodo Valley. It’s special because it only places you see these flowers in south India else it grows in abundance in Sikkim and nearby regions. Rhododendron trees are actually the state tree of Sikkim. Please do look at the picture of this beautiful flower tree.

The Campsite of this Messapulimala Trek in the Silent Valley of Munnar. It has a beautiful panoramic view of the below valley and waterfalls.

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Meesapulimala trek

  Meesappulimala trek for the more adventurous is the second highest peak of the Western Ghats and a hiking trail in the Rhodo Valley. The name comes from the fact that it is formed of eight hills that extend like a mustache which gave the name of Meesapulimala. It is considered one of the most beautiful mountains to climb in the Southwest Ghats. The best part of the Meesapulimala trek allows you to see many rhododendron flowers. The valley is also called the Rhodo Valley. This is special because you only see these places in southern India, otherwise it grows abundantly in Sikkim and in neighboring areas. Rhododendrons are the state tree of Sikkim. Please look at the picture of this beautiful flowering tree. Camping this hike Messapulimala in the Silent Valley of Munnar. It has beautiful panoramic views of the valley and the waterfalls.

Trip Starting Point

Mode of travel, tour distance (round trip), trip duration, sunrise and sunset point, camping and trekking, jeep safari, trek view point, meesapulimala trek gallery.

Meesapulimala Trek itinerary

Day 0 chennai to munnar.

• You will be picked up on Friday at your chosen pick-up point in Chennai.
• As this is a night bus trip that will take you to Munnar from Bangalore, you will be advised to have a light dinner before the trip.

DAY 02 Munnar to Rhodo Valley

• After reaching Munnar early in the morning, fresh up, breakfast
• Munnar to sailent valley sightseeing

kerala forest flower garden

Flower garden, distance from munnar.

Munnar Rose Garden is an excellent garden with many uncommon assortments of blossoms and home grown plants. With expansive tea ranches out of sight, this place can be visited amid an excursion to Munnar. The garden is worked by Kerala Forest Development Center (KFDC), a legislature. from the organization Kerala. It stretches out along a couple of sections of land of land, this place has an administration community for voyagers and a state of offer, notwithstanding many uncommon assortments of blooms, prickly plant, bushes, vines and home grown plants. The administration focus inside the garden has administrations, a shop, refreshments, espresso, and so on

photo pinot

Nature scenic.

Photopoint is the ideal place to experience the charms of the native vegetation of the region. Dotted with soft hills, streams and bright silver oaks, the beauty of this place lies in its simplicity. The turquoise sky against the emerald tea gardens is an impressive sight, and the nearby lake elevates the experience to another levela

Shooting Point Munnar

Honey bee tree.

The Honey Bee Tree is located along the Munnar – Mattupetty Road and deserves a few minutes. It is a pretty big tree with several hives hanging on the branches.As it is on the side of the main road, most visitors will stop to look at bees and hives.It is also a very interesting sight to enjoy the natural beauty of Munnar

ELEPHANT ARRIVAL SPOT

Water falls.

On the way to Top Station, you will come across a vast expanse of lime green hues surrounded by lush green hills. Trails and elephant pieces are a common sight on this meadow which is called the elephant point of arrival. At 18 km from Munnar, you can enjoy the joy of riding the largest mammal, a majestic elephant. It’s a fun place for kids and adults. Elephants are well trained and comfortable. A mahout accompanies each elephant while ensuring your safety. The ride is inexpensive and quite affordable. This attraction near Munnar is so close to you

MATTUPETTY DAM

At almost 13 km from the city of Munnar, Mattupetty Dam is a famous vacation spot for tourists. Carefully observe the stillness in the water; I would notice the undulating reflection of the lush tea gardens on either side. The height at which Mattupetty is located is around 1,700 m, which makes the dam one of the tallest dams in Munnar.

This is one of the attractions in Munnar that goes on the list of things to do of all because Mattupetty is the dream destination of Munnar and the dam falls on the road. A few kilometers from the dam is the lake that lies between the tea gardens and the forest of Shola; One of the places to visit in Munnar that goes without saying.

elephant park

Elephant safari, safari fees.

Located at an altitude of 600 feet and at a distance of approximately 15 kilometers from Munnar, the scenic beauty of Echo Point is very captivating. This picturesque destination is right in the lap of a picturesque lake and lush green mountains, which makes it a visual gift for all. As the name suggests, this place is well known for its captivating illustration of the echo phenomenon. As you scream, it’s fun to hear your voice reverberating around the attraction again and again.

Silent Valley

which will also serve as a camp for the night. Stay in the tents and enjoy the cold of Munnar at base camp. Located at an altitude of approximately 6000 feet. Enjoy the outdoor night as you sit around the fire and savor a delicious dinner. Dinner and overnight at the campsite

Day 3 Silent Valley to Misspulimali | Return

• Afte­r freshening up, you will start the hike to the famous Rhodo Valley. Until the lagoon of the waterfall, the path only goes up thereafter.

• You will cross dense forests and tall grasses to finally you are into heavenly atmosphere. which also marks the beginning of the Meesapulimala Valley. 
• You will see a number of Rhododendron flowers along the trail, adding many colors to the green canvas. A 2 km hike from there will take you to a checkpoint,  
•  from where the trail leads 4 km and crosses 6 other hills to reach the summit. From here you can see the whole valley    

          Kollukumalai viwe point

Top station view  point

Eravikulam National Park view  point

Back to base camp Return Chennai

DAY 0 Bangalore to Munnar

• You will be picked up on Friday at your chosen pick-up point in Bangalore.

Back to base camp Return Bangalore

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