Munnar Chinnar Wild Valley day tour: Trekking and Nilgiri Tahr

Track endangered Nilgiri Tahr across 97 square kilometers of protected forest

A guided day tour from Munnar covering roughly 63 kilometers toward Coimbatore, visiting Eravikulam National Park (where the endangered Nilgiri Tahr roams across 97 sq. km.), Lakkam Waterfalls, Marayoor Sandalwood Forest, and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary with optional three-hour trekking. Private transportation and a driver-guide are included. National park entry fees are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Munnar and Chinnar Wildlife

• Drive from Munnar info center
• Visit Eravikulam National Park
• See waterfalls shower
• Drive through sandalwood forest
• Visit viewpoint and dolmens
• Explore terrace farming
• View Thoovanam waterfall
• Trek in Chinnar wildlife forest
• Return to Munnar info center or town

The experience

The tour centers on Eravikulam National Park, Kerala's first national park and home to the largest viable population of Nilgiri Tahr: an endangered wild goat found nowhere else. The park spreads across 97 square kilometers and holds several rare animal and bird species alongside butterflies. You drive roughly 63 kilometers from Munnar toward Coimbatore, stopping at attractions along the way: Lakkam Waterfalls (where trekking is possible), Marayoor Sandalwood Forest, Muniyara Caves with their ancient dolmens, and Thoovanam Waterfall. A private vehicle and driver-guide handle the route. You bring only yourself and a camera.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary closes out the day with a three-hour trek through forest where you can also visit a watch tower. The itinerary runs seven to eight hours total, and the pace is set by the guide and the weather: the tour operates only on days when conditions are suitable. You'll see tea plantations rolling across the hills and mist-covered slopes. If you visit during the rare years when Neelakurinji blooms (a plant endemic to the Western Ghats that flowers once every twelve years), the hillsides turn blue. The tour ends at Munnar Info tourist information center or in Munnar town.

Entry fees to Eravikulam National Park, Anakottapara Park, and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary are not included in the tour price and are paid separately at each site. Bottled water is provided during the drive.

What’s included

• Private transportation by vehicle.
• driver-guide in English.
• bottled water during the drive.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 09:00

Book up to1h before

GroupUp to 15 · max 3 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

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 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Munnar Info

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a driver-guide leading a fixed route with stops rather than independent exploration, and you're prepared for four hours of driving. The optional three-hour trek in Chinnar lets you decide between active hiking or staying with the vehicle.

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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.

What is the Nilgiri Tahr and where do I see it on this tour?

The Nilgiri Tahr is an endangered species of wild goat found only in the Western Ghats. Eravikulam National Park, the first stop on the tour, protects the largest viable population of Tahr across its 97 square kilometers. The park also holds other rare animals, birds and butterflies.

How much driving is involved and what's the total length of the day?

The tour covers roughly 63 kilometers by private vehicle from Munnar toward Coimbatore, with stops at multiple attractions along the way. The full day runs seven to eight hours, including the three-hour trek in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary if you choose to do it.

Do I need to pay extra for entry to the national parks?

Yes. Entry to Eravikulam National Park, Anakottapara Park, and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary are separate from the tour price and paid at each site. The driver-guide will accompany you but the fees are your responsibility.

Is the three-hour trek in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary mandatory?

Trekking in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is optional. You can also visit the watch tower instead. If you choose to trek, there is an additional fee per person paid at the sanctuary.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour operates only on days when weather conditions are suitable. The guide and operator monitor the forecast and will confirm the tour is running before you depart.

When is the best time to see Neelakurinji flowers on the hillsides?

Neelakurinji is a plant endemic to the Western Ghats that blooms once every twelve years, covering the hill slopes in blue. The timing is rare and unpredictable, so check with the operator about whether a bloom is expected during your visit.