11 Days - Western Ghats Walking Tour

Welcome to India! On arrival at Cochin International Airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax after your journey, or to begin exploring at your own pace.

Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a coastal city with a layered past shaped by Arab, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. Its relaxed pace and relatively low traffic make it an ideal city to explore on foot. The area around Fort Kochi is particularly pleasant for walking, with its tree-lined streets, colonial-era architecture and local shops tucked away in restored heritage buildings. Stroll along the waterfront promenade where Chinese fishing nets - introduced centuries ago by traders - are still in use today, creating one of the city’s most iconic scenes, especially at sunset.

Just a short auto-rickshaw ride from Fort Kochi lies the historic district of Jew Town, a charming enclave known for its antique stores, spice markets and small art galleries. It’s also home to the Paradesi Synagogue, one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth. The streets here are lined with cafés and boutiques, offering a relaxed place to wander, browse and enjoy a coffee. Whether you choose to unwind at your hotel or head out for a gentle walk, your first day in Kochi offers a welcoming start to your journey through Kerala.

This morning, you’ll be met at your hotel for the scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station in the Western Ghats known for its cool climate, lush landscapes and rolling tea plantations. The journey takes around four hours, climbing steadily through forested hills, spice-scented air and winding roads lined with tea bushes and waterfalls. On arrival in Munnar, check in to your accommodation at Windermere Estate.

Perched high on Observatory Hill, Windermere Estate is surrounded by a 24-hectare working cardamom plantation and offers a peaceful retreat far from the noise of cities. The property blends simplicity with understated charm - think old colonial-style bungalows with gabled roofs, tall ceilings, red cedar beams, and polished teak furnishings. Terracotta-tiled floors, rubbed with linseed oil in the traditional way, add to the rustic character. There are no fans or air conditioners - the high-altitude air stays cool and fresh throughout the day, making them unnecessary.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, taking in the views of the surrounding hills, valleys and gardens. You may wish to wander through the estate’s grounds, where flowering shrubs mingle with trees bearing coffee, guava, pepper, gooseberries and more. It's an ideal spot to simply relax with a book, sip a cup of tea, or enjoy the sounds of the mountain breeze and birdsong.

For those keen to stretch their legs, you can arrange a walk through the estate, guided by the in-house naturalist. Held each evening, this gentle 4-kilometre walk takes about two hours and winds through the cardamom plantation, offering insight into the ecology of the region. Along the way, you’ll learn about native plants and spices, and spot a variety of birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Many plants have been purposefully cultivated to attract butterflies, making it a delight for nature lovers.

Alternatively, you might prefer to head into Munnar town to browse the local markets or pay a visit to the Tea Museum, where you can learn about the region’s tea-growing heritage and sample some of its local brews.

This morning, you'll depart from Munnar and travel to the small village of Yellapetti, a journey of roughly an hour through winding mountain roads and scenic countryside. On arrival in the village, you’ll begin your walk up the hillside to reach Camp Footprint, your accommodation for the next stage of the journey. The walk itself offers a gentle introduction to the terrain, with sweeping views opening up as you ascend through the forested landscape.

Camp Footprint is set midway up the slopes of Meesapulimala, South India’s second-highest peak, and offers a peaceful and immersive escape into nature. Tucked within a forest reserve, the camp enjoys spectacular views of the valley on one side and misty hills on the other. With only three well-appointed tepee-style tents, each with comfortable beds and private en-suite facilities, it offers a glamping experience that combines comfort with simplicity. The tents are thoughtfully positioned to maintain a sense of privacy while still allowing guests to enjoy the landscape around them.

The area is rich in wildlife, and the forest setting means you may have the chance to spot native species of birds, butterflies and possibly larger wildlife such as gaur or sambar deer. During your stay, a knowledgeable naturalist will be on hand to help you understand the unique ecosystem of the Western Ghats and guide optional walks if you choose to venture out.

The rest of the day is yours to unwind. You might like to sit back with a cup of tea, soak up the views from your tent’s veranda, or simply breathe in the crisp mountain air.

This morning, begin your full-day (3-6 hours) walk to Top Station, a route that winds through stretches of shola forest and rolling tea plantations. The trail offers spectacular views of the Western Ghats and the valleys below, with regular changes in landscape and elevation keeping the walk varied and engaging. The cool mountain air, the scent of eucalyptus and wildflowers, and the calls of birds overhead all contribute to the immersive experience of walking through this biodiverse region.

Top Station, perched on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, once served as a trans-shipment point for tea transported by ropeway to the plains below. Today, it offers sweeping views across the Western Ghats and deep into the plains of Tamil Nadu - a rewarding place to pause for a well-earned lunch break.

After lunch, continue your walk with a steady descent into the Korangani Valley. This path follows an old labour trail once used by estate managers to bring workers up from the lowlands to the tea plantations of Munnar. As you walk, you’ll pass through forested stretches and open terrain, with glimpses of local life and remnants of the region’s plantation history.

You’ll arrive in the village of Korangani by early evening. For your overnight stay, you have two options. You can choose to camp in a peaceful Areca nut plantation, surrounded by palms and gently rustling trees - an opportunity to experience the outdoors up close. Alternatively, for those preferring a bit more comfort, a short 30-minute drive will take you to a simple motel in the nearby town of Mundal. Either choice offers a chance to rest and reflect after a rewarding day on foot through one of South India’s most scenic landscapes.

This morning, you’ll be transferred from your accommodation in Korangani up into the hills to the historic tea plantations of Harrisons at Lockhart Estate. The drive takes you through winding mountain roads, past terraced fields and misty hills, until you reach the estate. On arrival, check in to your accommodation at the charming Manale Bungalow, an original British planter’s bungalow that has stood here for over 150 years.

Manale Bungalow retains much of its colonial character, with vintage furnishings, high ceilings and polished wooden floors. While some modern updates have been made to ensure a comfortable stay, care has been taken to preserve the building’s original charm. The bungalow features two bedrooms, is fully staffed, and sits amidst lush lawns and flowering gardens, offering uninterrupted views across the tea-covered slopes of the Western Ghats. Meals are home-style and wholesome, prepared using locally sourced ingredients and served in the relaxed comfort of the dining room or garden. The bungalow stay is part of a responsible tourism initiative by the tea company, helping to preserve the heritage buildings and provide continued employment for local staff.

This afternoon, take a guided walk through the surrounding plantation, where you’ll learn about the history and methods of tea cultivation in the region. Stroll among rows of tea bushes as you observe workers at various stages of the harvesting process. You’ll also visit the on-site tea factory to see how the leaves are processed - from plucking and withering to rolling, drying and sorting. The visit offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the production of one of South India’s most famous exports, and a deeper appreciation for the effort behind every cup. Return to the bungalow in the evening to relax, perhaps with a freshly brewed pot of local tea in hand.

This morning, lace up your boots for a rewarding long walk from Lockhart Estate to Upper Suryanelli, tracing a route through some of the most picturesque sections of the Western Ghats. Taking roughly 5 to 6 hours, the trail meanders through rolling tea plantations, open grasslands and forested patches, offering ever-changing views of the high ranges and valleys below. With every step, you’ll be immersed in the rhythm of the landscape - the gentle rustling of tea leaves, the calls of highland birds, and the occasional sighting of local wildlife.

On arrival at Upper Suryanelli, settle into your accommodation at a comfortable permanent tented camp, set on the upper slopes of the plantation. The camp combines the charm of camping with the ease of well-equipped tents, each offering proper beds, ensuite facilities, and simple furnishings to keep you close to nature without giving up on comfort.

The rest of the day is yours to take it slow. Unwind with a hot cup of tea, take in the sweeping mountain views from your tent’s veranda, or simply stretch out in the cool air and listen to the sounds of the hills around you. As the sun begins to set and the light shifts across the tea fields, it’s a peaceful and scenic place to reflect on the day’s walk and the unique beauty of this remote corner of South India.

Begin your day with an early morning jeep ride, departing before first light to reach a lookout point in time to witness the sunrise over the Palani Hills. As the sky gradually shifts from deep blue to soft gold, the hills and valleys below are slowly revealed in the morning mist - a quiet, breathtaking start to the day.

From here, begin your ascent to Meesapulimalai Peak, starting at the Kolukkumalai Estate. Known as the highest tea plantation in the world, Kolukkumalai is perched at around 2,160 metres above sea level and is famed not only for its scenic beauty but also for its distinctive tea. The high altitude gives the leaves a unique flavour and aroma, and the surrounding landscape is nothing short of spectacular.

The walk to Meesapulimalai is a challenging yet deeply rewarding trek. At 2,640 metres, it is the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats and lies between the Anaimalai and Palani hill ranges. The trail winds through a variety of ecosystems - from grassy ridges and shola forests to pine plantations and groves of rhododendrons, which bloom brightly in season. The climb can be demanding at times, but the changing views and peaceful surroundings provide more than enough motivation to keep going.

Reaching the summit is a truly special moment. The panoramic views from the top stretch across the Western Ghats, with rolling hills, deep valleys, and forested slopes spreading out in every direction. It's a fitting reward for the effort, and a reminder of the natural beauty and ecological importance of this region.

After taking in the views, begin your descent on the opposite side of the peak, making your way to your overnight accommodation at the forest department’s base camp. You’ll stay at Rhodo Mansion, a simple but welcoming cottage surrounded by high-altitude forest. With its remote location and quiet setting, it’s a peaceful place to rest after a day of trekking through one of South India’s most scenic and untouched landscapes.

This morning, set off on a long and scenic walk from Rhodo Mansion, the forest department’s base camp near Meesapulimalai, back towards Camp Footprint. The route takes you through a strikingly diverse landscape, beginning in the cool stillness of pine forests before giving way to patches of dense shola vegetation and open grasslands, followed by sections that weave through tea plantations on the lower slopes.

The walk offers a true sense of the Western Ghats' natural richness, with opportunities to spot highland birds, butterflies and native plant species along the way. The terrain is varied, with a mix of gentle paths and steeper descents that require sure footing. While not overly technical, the route does involve some physically demanding sections, so a moderate level of fitness is needed to fully enjoy the day.

As you descend, the mist lifts and views open up across the surrounding valleys and plantation-covered hills. The trail also provides a rare perspective of the different altitudes and ecosystems in this region, making it both a physically engaging and rewarding walk.

On arrival at Camp Footprint, settle back into your comfortable tented accommodation. You’ll be greeted once again by the familiar views of the hills and valleys, the scent of the forest, and the quiet that defines this peaceful camp.

Enjoy a leisurely and relaxing day at Camp Footprint, surrounded by the peace and natural beauty of the Western Ghats. After several days of walking, today offers a chance to slow down, rest your legs and take in the stillness of the forested hills and open skies.

If you feel like stretching your legs, you might choose to walk to the nearby workers’ lines - the small community where tea plantation workers and their families live. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to share a typical home-cooked meal with a local family, a warm and memorable experience that offers insight into everyday life in this remote part of South India. It’s a chance to engage in genuine conversation, hear stories, and taste simple, flavourful regional dishes prepared with care.

Later, you could join the camp’s naturalist for a relaxed tea tasting session. Learn about the different varieties of tea grown at high altitude, how flavours are influenced by soil, weather and processing techniques, and how to properly taste and appreciate the subtleties in each brew. It's a quiet, informative experience that deepens your connection to the landscape you’ve been walking through.

Of course, you may simply choose to do nothing at all - and that’s part of the charm here. Curl up with a book, take in the views from your tent, listen to the birds or just sit quietly, enjoying the fresh air and sense of space. You’ve earned it!

After a leisurely breakfast at Camp Footprint, enjoy a final stroll down to the village road where you’ll meet your driver for the journey back to Munnar. The drive takes around an hour, winding through tea estates, forested slopes and quiet village roads, with time to take in the ever-changing views of the Western Ghats.

On arrival in Munnar, check in to your accommodation and settle in for a slower-paced afternoon. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish - you might like to relax at your hotel, take a walk through the nearby tea fields, or simply enjoy the cool mountain air and peaceful surroundings.

For those keen to explore further, we recommend taking part in a hands-on cooking class that includes a visit to the local market. This experience offers a chance to learn about Kerala’s distinct culinary traditions, with guidance from a local cook or host. You’ll begin by visiting a nearby market to select fresh produce and spices, gaining insight into how ingredients are chosen and used in everyday cooking. Back in the kitchen, you’ll prepare a variety of traditional dishes using time-honoured techniques, before sitting down to enjoy the results. It’s a relaxed, engaging way to learn about the region’s food culture and makes for a memorable afternoon.

Today, you’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred by private vehicle to Cochin International Airport for your onward journey. The drive takes approximately three hours, passing through the scenic hills and tea estates of Munnar before descending into the lower plains of Kerala. Along the way, you’ll see a gradual shift in landscape - from misty mountain roads to coconut palms and vibrant roadside towns typical of Kerala’s lush lowlands. Hotel check-out is generally around midday. If your flight is scheduled later in the day, you may wish to spend the morning at leisure - perhaps enjoying a final walk through the gardens, a relaxed breakfast, or simply taking in the fresh mountain air before your journey back down to the coast.