Munnar Holidays

Visitors to Munnar are often unaware of its unique beauty. On this guided trek you will be shown the incredible scenery of the region. The Letchmi Hills trek is the closest trek to Munnar town and not only is it beautiful, but the route is flexible. You could add a visit to the tea museum or a trip to a tea plantation should you wish.

If you’re arriving after the 4-hour drive from Cochin, it’s the perfect way to get outdoors and stretch your legs while soaking up some wonderful views.

You will start in the tea gardens before moving into grassland and onto a ridge with rocky mountains on one side and tea plantations on the other with patches of tropical montaine forests scattered in between. Starting at 1,350 metres you’ll ascend to a high point of 1,950 metres. From the top you have 360-degree views of some of the highest peaks in the south of India, the undulating valleys and the spice gardens. On a clear day you could see up to thirty mountain ranges including Anaimudi, the highest peak in South India and the waters of Idukki Dam, India’s third highest. During your trek, you may encounter elephants, mongoose and the colourful bird life in this beautiful part of India. The trekking guides are all young and energetic and know the best spots for photographs.

Rather than exploring Munnar in an air-conditioned vehicle, a unique way to get a real understanding of the region’s famous tea plantations is by tuk-tuk. Also known as an auto rickshaw, these tuk-tuks are a way of life in India.

There’s no need for air-conditioning, it’s just the sun on your face and the wind in your hair as you ride (and bump!) along the dazzling green tea bushes.

Travelling like a local, it’s a totally different experience for guests. Not only are tuk-tuks a fun mode of transport but they’re specifically used by the tea estates to traverse the narrow roads generally inaccessible to most other vehicles. You will start in Munnar town and head to one of the oldest and most beautiful tea estates. Your guide will show you how the workers harvest tea and introduce you to the local village.

The day starts with a lovely walk perhaps spotting elephants, birds and small deer along the way. Munnar has the perfect British summer climate ranging from 18-28 degrees Celsius. Traverse the tea plantations for first-hand experience of harvesting, speaking to the local tea pickers who often offer insight into the art of leaf picking.

Next it’s onto the tea museum to learn how tea is made followed by a tasting in the dedicated café. This is no ordinary tasting but more of a ceremonial introduction into the nuances of tea and what makes the perfect cup.

The Srishti Foundation organisation was started in 1991 by the wives of TATA (India’s largest conglomerate), who recognised the distinct lack of resources and schools for families with special needs children. On an excursion here, you’ll learn about their welfare units and the numerous vocational training projects.

In the past, the Srishti Foundation was never really on the tourist radar. Even now, out of all Munnar’s visitors, only a handful of in-the-know guests enter its doors. The organisation was started in 1991 by the wives of TATA (India’s largest conglomerate), who recognised the distinct lack of resources and schools for families with special needs children. Without the appropriate childcare, this meant one less working hand in the tea plantations which in turn would have a negative impact on the quality of that family's life. The Srishti Foundation has made a huge difference to those families.

On an excursion here, you’ll learn that Srishti is comprised of eight welfare units including its DARE school for children with special needs as well as numerous vocational training units covering sustainable craft projects from wood-free paper making to textile design. Elsewhere you can wander the gardens growing strawberries, passion fruit, cauliflower and cabbage, or perhaps buy a sweet treat from the bakery whose chefs with hearing and speech impairments were trained by the Corporate Executive Chef of Taj Business Hotels. It’s a success story that’s been largely unsung.