Munnar: Full-Day Hiking Tour with Tea Plantations & Lekshmi Hills

Summary

Tea fields, mountain ridges and the quiet wild heart of Munnar

You’ll trek across Munnar’s famous tea plantations with a local guide, climb up to 2000 meters on Lekshmi Hills for sweeping views of Anaimudi peak and Idukki Dam, sample fresh fruit along grassy ridges, and pass through spice-scented forests before returning via plantation trails. Expect tired legs and maybe a new favorite memory.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice in Munnar would be the smell — sort of sharp and green, almost like someone just tore open a bag of fresh tea leaves. Our guide, Arun, waved us over at the edge of the Kannandevan plantation and grinned as if he knew we had no idea what was coming. He pointed out where we’d be hiking — up there? It looked far. But somehow it felt good to start walking, boots crunching on damp earth while women in bright saris picked leaves with practiced flicks.

The climb got steeper fast. I’m not going to lie: I was sweating by the time we hit the ridge. The wind up top was cool though, and you could see Anaimudi off in the distance (Arun said it’s the highest peak in South India — he seemed proud). On one side, rocky slopes; on the other, those endless tea bushes rolling down like a green ocean. We stopped for fruit and snacks somewhere between grassland and shola forest — I remember biting into an orange that tasted extra sweet after all that uphill. There was this silence too, except for birds calling from somewhere deep in the trees.

We passed through Nature Zone resort grounds next (the sign looked a bit faded), where Arun crushed a cardamom pod in his hand for us to smell — spicy and sweet at once. He told us stories about coffee plants and how his father used to work these hills. I tried repeating “shola” forest back to him but probably butchered it; he laughed anyway.

The last push up to 2000 meters felt long but weirdly peaceful. The air thinned out; clouds drifted close enough you could almost touch them. Going down through the shola forest only took about ten minutes but I wish it had lasted longer — mossy trunks, filtered light, everything kind of hushed. Then suddenly we were back among tea pickers again, waving as we walked past. My legs ached but honestly? I still think about that view from the ridge sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day hiking in Munnar mountains

• Collect guests for hiking
• Walk through Kannandevan tea plantation
• Hike on ridge with scenic views
• Rest and refresh with fruits and snacks
• Walk through Nature Zone resort spices
• Climb to highest peak (2000 mtr)
• Walk back through shola forest
• Continue walking through tea plantations
• Pass by viewpoint
• Complete full day hiking tour

Top questions

How long is the full day hiking tour in Munnar?

The hike covers 14 to 18 kilometers over several hours including breaks.

Is lunch included on this Munnar hiking day trip?

Yes, a packed lunch with fruits and snacks is included during the trek.

What is the highest point reached on this trek?

The highest point is approximately 2000 meters above sea level on Lekshmi Hills.

Are there any views of Anaimudi or Idukki Dam?

On clear days you can see Anaimudi peak and the water reservoir of Idukki Dam from the ridge.

Do you walk through tea plantations during this hike?

Yes, much of the route passes through Munnar’s Kannandevan tea plantations both at the start and end.

Is this guided by a local expert?

Yes, trained local guides from Munnar trekking adventures lead the tour.

Is transportation provided or do I need to arrange my own?

Pickup is included; public transportation options are also nearby if needed.

Are there any restrictions for travelers?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your accommodation or nearby meeting point in Munnar, all entry fees along the route, guidance from a trained local trekking guide throughout your hike across tea plantations and mountain ridges, plus a packed lunch with fruits and snacks enjoyed mid-trek before heading back down through forest trails toward town.