Experience breathtaking scenery in the national parks and sun-drenched beaches of Kerala
Want to explore one of the most stunning parts of India? Join this guided trekking tour in India’s Western Ghats, and be amazed at the variety of this wonderful part of India.
Come take on the mountains! Embark on this hiking adventure through India’s Western Ghats and experience the thrill of hiking through the dazzling mountainous landscapes, through misty forests, and up to the peaks. You’ll explore national forests and wildlife sanctuaries at Periyar, take a houseboat tour of Kerala’s backwater, and laze on the endless beaches at Marari to finish the journey.
Bask in a true nature experience as you tent-camp in the mountains of India, and then follow it up by pampering yourself with an Ayurvedic massage upon your return to resort-hotel life. Don’t miss this massive adventure!
Highlights of Western Ghats Trekking Tour
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Western Ghats Trekking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival at Cochin
Upon arriving in Cochin, you will be transported to Rasa Gurukul. This village resort is only a short drive from Cochin Airport, and it’s a perfect place to recover from the long plane ride. Take your time and feel free to wander around the farm or book yourself a relaxing Ayurvedic massage.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chalakudy
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Trek to Munnar
Your trek begins this morning with a scenic drive to Munnar. You’ll travel through picturesque farmland and past stunning waterfalls amidst lush foliage. Once you arrive in Munnar and check-in to your hotel, you can take a short hike through a tea plantation and walk around old town Munnar.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Munnar
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 West Ridge Trekking
Today the staff will pick you up and take you to Ottamaram near the peak of West Ridge Mountain at a place called Great Escape Gap. The first leg of your hiking trek will take you on a moderate path through a cardamom plantation. For the second leg, you’ll be traversing more difficult terrain uphill, over rocky ridges, to an altitude of 2,185 m before descending to 1,400 m and arriving at Tahr Mountain Camp. Once you reach the camp, check out the Sun-Moon Valley overlook and try to watch the amazing sunset, then get ready for a night of delicious food and fun around the campfire!
Overnight Location: Tahr Mountain Camp
Distance: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Meesapulimala Trek
Today your hiking trek begins with a trip downhill, through the planter’s village to Bison Valley. From there you’ll catch a Jeep to Meesapulimala Base Camp on your way to a scrumptious lunch in Munnar. You’ll be traveling through amazing views of the Silent Valley Tea Estates and the Shola Forest, as well as other panoramic vistas. You’ll arrive at the Rhodo Valley Camp in time to do some afternoon hiking around the valley before dinner.
Overnight Location: Rhodo Valley Camp
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Hike to Kolukkumalai
Your hiking adventure up to Meesapulimala peak begins after breakfast. Follow your guide over gorgeous mountain scenery and pause to take in the vistas while eating your packed lunch. You’ll come to the end of the hike in Kolukkumalai where you’ll tent camp for the night
Overnight Location: Tent camp in Kolukkumalai
Distance: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Trekking to Bodimettu
Wake to the stirring song of whistling thrush as you rise from your tent to experience sunrise with a cup of hot tea. Then journey on for Suryanelli, Anayirankal and on up to Bodimettu. From there you’ll transfer to Mathikettanchola National Park for the night.
Overnight Location: Tent camp in Mathikettanchola National Park
Distance: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Mathikettanchola Walking Safari
Get ready for a challenge today! You’ll be heading for an uphill safari through the high-altitude cloud forest to reach Bodi Peak. From there you’ll walk downhill to Pooppara and stay overnight in Chinnakanal.
Overnight Location: Tent camp in Chinnakanal
Distance: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Scening drive to Periyar
Your adventure today will be a scenic drive to rest from all your trekking. You’ll be heading for Periyar Sanctuary where you’ll check-in to your hotel and get settled in. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to go on a guided tour of a local spice farm.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Periyar
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 Exploring the Periyar Sanctuary
You’ll have a full day of trekking in Periyar Sanctuary today. You’ll be following a guided route from the forest department which is only for fit hikers age 13 and up. At 7:30 am you’ll report to the boarding location to board your bus to the starting point. Once there you’ll register for your hike and collect your equipment and food for the journey. The trek will include about 12 km of easy hiking and 2 ks of bamboo rafting. Keep a lookout for wildlife as you travel through the Sanctuary's natural beauty.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Periyar
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Aboard the Alleppey Houseboat
Rise early for a scenic drive to Alleppey where you’ll climb aboard your private houseboat! Cruise along, enjoying hot meals direct from the galley chef, as you visit the tiny backwater villages of Kerala. Bed down for the night on-board to complete the authentic houseboat experience.
Overnight Location: Houseboat in Alleppey
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Exploring the Marari Beach
After breakfast aboard the houseboat, you’ll check-out and drive to Marari. There, you’ll find a peaceful beach-scape awaiting you in Kerala. From there, you’ll check-in to your hotel and have the rest of the day to explore the beach at your leisure. If you’re feeling tired or sore, you can catch a nap or get an Ayurvedic massage.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Marari Beach
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 Resting at Marari
You’ll spend the day at the resort overlooking Marari Beach. If you tire of the stunning panorama of sand and waves, visit the authentic fishing village nearby. You’ll get a taste of the local’s peaceful and ancient way of life. In the evening, you may wish to take a trip to the temple to experience the local customs.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Marari Beach
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13 Sightseeing in Cochin
Today is a morning drive to Cochin followed by an afternoon of sightseeing. You’ll follow your guide and explore the old colonial portion of Cochin.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cochin
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14 Departure day
After breakfast, the tour is over, and you will be transferred by staff to the Cochin International Airport for your flight to your next destination.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Western Ghats Trekking Tour Adventures Prices and Dates
This guided tour to Chalakudy is always run as a custom tour for your group only. The pricing depends on the size of your group.
Prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room.
- Guided Groups of 2: $2,695 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 3-4: $2,315 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 5-6: $2,190 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 7+: on request
Accommodation on Western Ghats Trekking Tour
This tour is based in hotels that offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. You will also be staying in tented camps and mountain huts during the trek. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a $665 USD supplement to have a private room in a hotel.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Rasa Gurukul in Chalakudy
Experience the Kerala culture as you rest here in a natural setting on the banks of Chalakkudy river. Don’t forget to enjoy some of the authentic local food while you’re here.
Camelot Resort in Munnar ★★★
Nestled in a natural setting amidst tea and coffee plantations, you’ll find it easy to connect with nature here. Enjoy the plentiful hiking trails and organic fruits and vegetables.
Tented camps and forest huts
Staying in tented camps and remote forest huts while trekking in Western Ghats is an unforgettable experience.
Camelot Resort in Munnar ★★★
Nestled in a natural setting amidst tea and coffee plantations, you’ll find it easy to connect with nature here. Enjoy the plentiful hiking trails and organic fruits and vegetables.
Mountain Courtyard in Periyar ★★★★
Located near the Periyar Sanctuary, this beautiful resort is built on a spice plantation. You’ll enjoy scenic views of lush forests and mountains as you relax in style.
Evergreen houseboat in Alleppey
Come aboard for a unique houseboat experience!
Marari Sands in Marari Beach
Enjoy this location right on the beach! Plenty of amenities for your comfort.
Dutch Bungalow in Cochin
This lovely hotel is a heritage property built in 1668 by the Dutch East India Company. Get a taste of the local history while you enjoy your stay!
What’s included in Western Ghats Trekking Tour?
Meals
13 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 13 dinners are included:
- Daily breakfast and dinner at hotels and tents/forest huts
- All meals on the houseboat
- Proper hygienic packed picnic lunches on full-day trekking days
Accommodations
Accommodations for 13 nights along the tour are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation is included for you and your luggage.
Also Included
- Guide services:
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- English speaking driver during transfers
- Trained trekking guides on trekking days
- Activities during the tour:
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- Guided Spice Farm visit in Periyar
- Guided Heritage sightseeing in Cochin
- Packaged drinking water on all trekking days and transfers
- Assistance and emergency helpline throughout the travel
- All trekking permits, entrance fees and camera fees
- All taxes
Not included
- Getting to and from starting and ending points of the tour
- Visa
- Insurance
- Personal expenses and tips
- Anything not stated as ‘included’
Optional Extras
- Full escort throughout the tour - $1,799 USD for the group
- Additional night in Chalakudy before the tour
- Additional night in Cochin after the tour
Frequently Asked Questions about Western Ghats Trekking Tour
Kerala Voyages is a boutique tour operator focusing on showcasing the highlights India’s Kerala region. With a focus on sustainable tourism, Kerala Voyages aims to immerse guests in an unforgettable journey in this very special part of India.
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