Munnar: Mountain Hiking Trek with Tea Plantations & Ridge Views

Summary

Hike Munnar’s tea hills ridge trails with local stories and picnic breaks

You’ll trek through Munnar’s famous tea plantations with a local guide, climb ridges for views of Anaimudi peak and Idukki Dam, pause for picnic snacks among grasslands, and taste fresh spices along hidden forest trails. Expect muddy boots and full senses—the kind of day that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—I almost bailed when I saw the clouds hanging low over Munnar that morning. But our guide, Arun, just grinned and said, “This is how the mountains say good morning.” So we set off anyway, winding straight into the green maze of tea plantations. The smell was earthy and sharp, like wet leaves after rain. I kept stopping to watch women in bright saris snipping tea leaves—one waved at me with her clippers, which made me laugh because I was already out of breath and we’d barely started.

The climb was steady but not brutal. There’s this moment about an hour in where you break out of the neat rows of tea and suddenly you’re on a ridge—one side drops into rocky slopes, the other rolls out in endless green waves. Arun pointed toward a hazy peak far off—Anaimudi, he said, tallest in South India. He told us stories about elephants sometimes crossing here (not today though), and how the Shola forest patches hide wild pepper vines if you know where to look. The wind up top felt cold against my sweaty neck. We stopped for snacks—just simple bananas and something sweet wrapped in a leaf—and I swear everything tasted better up there.

After lunch we wandered through more grasslands and caught glimpses of the Idukki Dam glinting way below. There were stretches where it got quiet except for birds calling from somewhere deep in the trees. My legs ached but in that good way that makes you feel alive. At one point Arun handed me a cardamom pod to chew—my mouth went numb for a second (I probably made a face), but now every time I smell cardamom it takes me right back there.

The last bit was downhill through tea again—muddy in places so I slipped once or twice (no one saw, thankfully). By then the sun had come out properly and everything looked washed clean. We finished dusty, tired, kind of giddy. If you’re thinking about a mountain hiking trek in Munnar—even if it’s cloudy—just go for it. Some views are worth getting rained on.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half day mountain hiking in Munnar

• Start trek at 1420 meters height
• Walk through tea plantations 60-90 minutes
• Trek on ridge with scenic views
• See grasslands, rocky slopes, tea plantations
• Spot Shola forest patches
• View Anaimudi peak and Idukki Dam
• Enjoy refreshment or picnic lunch
• Walk 60-90 minutes through tea plantations
• Finish trek at 1950 meters height

Top questions

How long does the mountain hiking trek in Munnar take?

The trek lasts about half a day, typically 3 to 4 hours including breaks.

Is this Munnar hiking tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

Are snacks or lunch included during the trek?

Yes, simple snacks and water bottles are provided during the hike.

What is the highest point reached on this trek?

The highest point is around 1950 meters above sea level.

Can we see Anaimudi peak during this day trip from Munnar?

If skies are clear, you can see Anaimudi—the highest peak in South India—from the ridge.

Does this mountain hike include pickup or transportation?

No hotel pickup is included but public transportation options are available nearby.

Are there any age restrictions for this hiking tour?

No specific age restrictions are mentioned; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What should I bring for this trekking experience?

Wear comfortable shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing; snacks and water are provided by the guide.

What’s included

Your day includes guided trekking through Munnar’s tea plantations and grasslands, all entry fees and taxes covered, plus snacks and bottled water along the way so you can focus on soaking up those mountain views without worrying about logistics.