Anakulam jeep safari from Munnar: Wild elephant herds

Anakulam's elephant herds, tea plantations, waterfalls and tiger cave in one half-day jeep run

A private jeep safari from Munnar to Anakulam, a forest village 43 km away, where you watch wild elephant herds in their social groups, swim in Viripara waterfall, visit tiger cave and walk through Reserve forest. The guide speaks English. The jeep is yours alone. Duration is 3 to 6 hours including the drive from Munnar.

Step-by-step itinerary

Anakulam Jeep Safari and Sightseeing

• View Vripara tea plantation
• Swim at Viripara waterfalls
• Visit tiger cave
• See big waterfall in Mankulam
• Watch wild elephant herd at Anakulam

The experience

Anakulam sits inside Reserve forest and draws elephants in large social groups. Something rare in inhabited areas. You travel by private jeep from Munnar with your own English-speaking guide and driver. The route passes Vripara tea plantation views on the way, then reaches Viripara waterfall, where you can swim in water the Forest Department keeps safe for visitors. From there the jeep takes you to tiger cave and one of the largest waterfalls in the region before arriving at Anakulam itself, the amphitheater where elephant herds arrive. You wait and watch from within 50 meters of the animals (calves and tuskers together), then drive back to Munnar.

The half-day timing means the drive and all stops fit between morning and early afternoon, or afternoon and evening. A cool walk through the forest and a swim in the Idacholayaar freshen the body after the jeep hours. Entry fees to Viripara waterfall and tiger cave are not included in the booking price. Each costs 100 Indian rupees per person. Food is not provided, so plan accordingly or bring supplies.

What’s included

• Private jeep transportation from Munnar to Anakulam and back.
• English-speaking guide and driver.
• stops at Vripara tea plantation views, Viripara waterfall (with swimming), tiger cave, and one of the region's largest waterfalls.
• elephant viewing at Anakulam.
• restroom on board.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 14:00

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Trip to Village

Is this one for you?A private jeep means you set the pace at each stop and wait as long as you want for the elephants to appear, rather than following a group schedule. This suits travelers who want flexibility and their own guide's attention, or families traveling together who prefer not to share the vehicle.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How close do you get to the wild elephants at Anakulam?

The elephant herds arrive at Anakulam and you watch them from within 50 meters. The guide and driver wait with you in the jeep for the elephants to appear, then you drive back once you have seen them.

What is Viripara waterfall like, and can you swim there?

Viripara waterfall is managed by the Forest Department and is kept safe for swimming. You can enter the water and feel the flow. It is one of the stops on the route before reaching Anakulam.

Does the jeep stop at any viewpoints or plantations on the way?

Yes, the route includes views of Vripara tea plantation before reaching the waterfall and other stops. The full itinerary covers tea plantation views, Viripara waterfall, tiger cave, one of the region's largest waterfalls, and the elephant viewing site at Anakulam.

Is the guide included, and what language does he speak?

An English-speaking guide travels with you in the private jeep for the entire safari. The guide is also your driver and comes with the booking.

How long does the whole safari take, and does that include the drive from Munnar?

The total duration is 3 to 6 hours, and that time includes the travel to and from Munnar. The length depends on how long you wait for the elephants to arrive at Anakulam and how much time you spend at each stop.