Munnar Trek: Tea Plantations, Cardamom Forests & Breakfast Hike

Summary

Walk Munnar’s tea hills at sunrise with breakfast on the mountain

You’ll trek through tea plantations, forests, grasslands, and cardamom fields around Munnar with a local guide who knows every path. Expect an early start, breakfast on a mountaintop with valley views, and small moments you’ll remember long after your boots are clean again.

What’s the experience like?

“If you’re lucky, the Nilgiri langurs might show up — but they’re shy,” our guide Rijo grinned as we set off from his villa just after sunrise. I was still half-asleep, honestly, but there was something about the way the mist clung to the tea bushes that made me forget how early it was. The air in Munnar is cool and earthy at 7am, almost sweet from the plantations. Rijo pointed out tiny blue wildflowers underfoot — I’d have missed them — and told us how his grandmother used to pick cardamom by hand. I tried to repeat the Malayalam name for one of the plants; he laughed gently and corrected me (I still can’t say it right).

The first part of this trekking tour felt easy enough, winding through rows of tea plants with women already working in bright saris, their voices carrying across the slopes. It got steeper as we crossed into forest and then open grassland — my boots picked up red dust, and birds called overhead. By the time we reached the top (about two hours in), my shirt was damp but I didn’t really care because that view over Munnar valley just... stopped me for a second. We sat on rocks with hot chai and breakfast packed by Rijo’s wife — idlis wrapped in banana leaf, which tasted better than anything from a hotel buffet.

I liked that there wasn’t any rush; nobody hurried us off the summit. We talked about monsoon seasons and how cardamom prices change every year. On the way back down, we passed through coffee bushes and more cardamom plantation — I rubbed a leaf between my fingers and it left this spicy-sweet smell that stuck for ages. The last stretch felt longer than I expected (14 km is no joke), but Rijo kept spirits up with stories about leopards (don’t worry, he said he’s never seen one). By noon we were back at his place for snacks and cold water — legs tired but minds kind of buzzing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half day trekking in Munnar valley

• Start walk at 7:00am or 8:30am
• Walk through tea plantation, forest, grassland, rocks
• Reach mountain top by 9:30am or 11:00am
• View tea plantation and valley nature
• Have breakfast at mountain top
• Continue walking through five mountains and forest
• Walk through grassland, coffee, cardamom, tea plantations
• Return to starting point by 1:00pm or 2:30pm

Top questions

How long is the Munnar trekking tour?

The trek covers about 14 kilometers in total.

Is breakfast included during the trek?

Yes, breakfast is included and served at the top of the mountain.

What time does the trekking start?

The tour starts at either 7:00 am or 8:30 am depending on your reservation.

Are entry tickets to tea plantations included?

Yes, entry tickets for tea plantations are included in your booking.

Is there a guide during the trekking tour?

Yes, a local guide leads you throughout the trek.

What should I bring for this trekking tour?

You should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection; water is provided.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

Are snacks or water provided on this trek?

Yes, bottled water, fruits, snacks, and breakfast are all included.

Is this trek suitable for people with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water throughout the hike, entry tickets for all tea plantation areas along the route, guidance from a local expert who grew up here in Munnar valley, plus breakfast served fresh on top of the mountain with extra fruits and snacks waiting when you return to Rijo Villa where you can also store luggage or use restrooms before heading out again.