Munnar: Wild Elephant Anakulam & Waterfalls Day Trip Trek

Summary

Elephant watching in Anakulam plus waterfalls trek with tea estate stops

You’ll trek through Munnar’s tea estates, feel icy waterfall spray on your skin, walk across an old hanging bridge, and wait quietly for wild elephants at Anakulam. Includes lunch, snacks, entry fees and a local guide who knows every shortcut — just bring your patience and sense of humor.

What’s the experience like?

We almost missed our pickup because I couldn’t find my other shoe — classic me. Our driver-guide, Manu, just grinned when we finally tumbled into the jeep outside Rijo Villa. He said it happens more than you’d think. The air was still cool as we rattled out of Munnar toward the Letchmi tea estate; you could smell the faint sweetness from the tea leaves even through the open windows. We stopped for chai with a couple of women sorting leaves by hand. Their laughter was louder than the birds — one tried to teach me a word in Malayalam but I’m sure I got it wrong.

The shooting point at Letchmi is where everyone wants their photo, but honestly it’s the view that sticks: rows and rows of green rolling away under low clouds. After that came Viriparai waterfalls — cold water on my feet and mossy rocks slick under my hands. Some local kids were swimming like it was nothing; I dipped in for about thirty seconds before scrambling out shivering (Manu just shook his head). Lunch was simple rice and curry eaten sitting on a rock near Perumbankuthu falls, with fruit and snacks he’d packed for us. It tasted better than any restaurant meal after all that walking.

Crossing the old hanging bridge felt like stepping into another world — creaking wood, river below, everything green and humming with insects. Tiger Cave was more a quick stop (no tigers today), but Manu told stories about why locals avoid it after dark. Then came Anakulam itself: we waited by the riverbank for ages, watching monkeys steal fruit from someone’s bag. Just when I thought maybe today wasn’t our day, there they were — wild elephants moving slow and silent out of the trees across the water. Everyone went quiet except for one little kid who gasped so loud his dad had to cover his mouth.

I still think about that moment — standing there muddy and tired, watching those elephants do their thing without caring about us at all. If you’re patient (and lucky), this wild elephant Anakulam tour is something you’ll remember longer than any perfect Instagram shot.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore tea estates and waterfalls

• Visit Letchmi tea estate and local village
• Photo shoot at Letchmi shooting point
• Bath and visit at Viripara Waterfalls
• View and eat local food at Perumbankuthu Waterfalls
• Walk and enjoy Hanging Bridge
• Explore Tiger Cave surroundings
• River crossing and swim at Anakulam Waterfall
• Watch wild elephants at Anakulam viewpoint

Top questions

Can I really see wild elephants on this tour?

You have a good chance at Anakulam viewpoint if you’re patient, but sightings aren’t guaranteed since they’re truly wild.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

Yes, one meal plus fruits and snacks are provided during the tour.

How long does it take to reach Anakulam from Munnar?

The drive takes around 1–1.5 hours each way depending on road conditions and stops along the route.

Can I swim in the waterfalls?

You can swim or take a dip at Viriparai or Anakulam waterfalls if you want — just be careful as rocks can be slippery.

What’s included in this Munnar elephant tour?

Your day includes transportation by jeep with a local guide-driver, all entry fees, one meal with snacks and bottled water.

Are hotel pickups available?

Pickup from your hotel can be arranged for an extra cost if needed; otherwise meeting point is Rijo Villa office.

Is this trek suitable for children?

Children can join but should be comfortable walking moderate distances; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Will we visit tea plantations too?

Yes, you’ll stop at Letchmi tea estate to see local tea processing and village life up close.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Rijo Villa or optional hotel transfer for an extra fee, private jeep transport with an experienced local guide-driver who handles all entry tickets and taxes along the way; there’s luggage storage at the meeting point if you need it. You’ll get one meal (rice curry), fruits and snacks plus bottled water before heading back after sunset.