Trek & Camp Kerala: Conquer the Western Ghats & Sleep Among the Clouds in Munnar!
- Benjamin John
- 6 days ago
- 7 min read
Are you an adventure enthusiast yearning to swap the familiar cityscapes for something truly wild, exhilarating, and deeply immersive? Imagine trading your daily routine for cloud-kissed peaks, emerald tea plantations, and the vibrant pulse of a unique ecosystem. Kerala, often hailed as "God's Own Country," offers an unparalleled canvas for adventure holidays in Kerala, particularly within its majestic Western Ghats. This ancient mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a biodiversity hotspot brimming with incredible flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for those seeking authentic trekking and camping in Western Ghats of Kerala. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey by foot, camping for two nights in some of the most scenic spots, far from the ordinary.
Munnar Magic: Trek and Camp in the Western Ghats
Your adventure begins with a serene arrival in Munnar, a picturesque hill station nestled amidst endless tea plantations. The first night allows you to acclimate and soak in the stunning beauty of this region. You can spend the day exploring local sights, starting with a visit to the renowned Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Further explore local tea factories, where the aroma of fresh tea leaves fills the air, also being a part in a delightful tea tasting session – a sensory journey unique to Munnar's tea county.
As evening descends, anticipation builds for the adventure ahead. A dedicated trek coordinator will meet you at your hotel or at a central town location for an essential pre-trek briefing. This session is more than just a logistical overview; it's a personalised preparation session designed to ensure a seamless experience. The coordinator will provide a clear overview of the coming two days, detailing what to expect, what essential items to carry, and what to avoid. This thorough briefing builds confidence and trust, ensuring that all practical concerns are addressed before the trek even begins. It highlights the local expertise of the team, offering curated advice specific to the Western Ghats that a general travel guide simply cannot provide. Every question will be answered, leaving you fully prepared and excited for the journey next day.
Day 1: Ascending to the Clouds – Meesapulimala & Rhodo Valley
The true adventure commences after breakfast on Day one, as you depart from Munnar town in a jeep, heading towards Rhodo Valley. After an hour and a half, the jeep reaches the base camp of Meesapulimala, from where an exhilarating 5 km off-road journey uphill brings you to the stunning Rhodo Valley.
From Rhodo Valley, the challenging yet incredibly rewarding hike to Meesapulimala begins. Standing at 2637 meters above sea level, Meesapulimala is the second highest peak in South India, offering a strenuous but profoundly gratifying 5-6 hour trek. The trail winds through a narrow path, gradually climbing through dense forests. Along the way, you'll pass through diverse vegetation including pine, rhododendrons, eucalyptus, and mimosa, with sections of the path levelling out as it meanders alongside a slow-moving creek . As the ascent continues, the vegetation gradually thins, giving way to expansive rolling grass hills. The final push involves a steep ascent to the peak, where the views are nothing short of spectacular. From the summit, the dramatic cliff sides of the Western Ghats, the undulating hills surrounding you, and the vast lowlands of Tamil Nadu stretch out in a truly mesmerising panorama.
After a well-deserved refreshment break at the peak, the trek continues with a descent, looping through a valley where wild rhododendrons and pine forests create a unique ecosystem of grasslands and winding streams. The trek concludes at Rhodo Valley, where you'll find comfortable accommodation for the night. This balance of physical challenge and comfortable lodging is crucial for adventure travellers; after a demanding day on "moderate to challenging" terrain, the relatively cozy Rhodo Mansion cottages, operated by the Forest Department of Kerala, provide the perfect place, ensuring you are well-rested and ready for the next day's exploration.
Some details of the day's trek
Starting height - 2300 meters
Height at camp - 2300 meters
Highest point - 2635 meters
Trek distance - 6 - 8 Kilometres
Terrain - Moderate to challenging
Day 2: Wilderness Trails to Yellapetty's Panoramic Perch
Day two begins after breakfast at the Rhodo valley camp, marking the start of another immersive trek. This day's journey is a narrative of discovery, leading you through an even more diverse tapestry of landscapes. You will hike up enchanting pine forests, expansive rolling grasslands, and the dense sholas, all while surrounded by the scenic beauty of the mountain ranges. The path includes a delightful zigzag walk through rolling grasslands interspersed with shola forests, offering glimpses of serene lakes and distant mountain vistas, before finally reaching a sprawling tea estate.
A particularly enjoyable segment involves a short, "steep downhill" section – an easy yet fun challenge that adds a touch of excitement to the trail. This leads you directly to Yellapetty, your camping destination for the night, which boasts magnificent views of the Eastern Side of the Western Ghats. Yellapetty holds a fascinating historical connection, being close to Top Station. This was once a crucial point where processed tea were zip-lined down to the valley of Tamil Nadu, from where they were shipped to the port of Thoothukudi, then to Chennai, and ultimately, to London. This historical anecdote enriches the trekking experience, transforming it from a mere physical activity into an intellectually stimulating journey through nature and history. Your overnight stay will be an authentic Camping holidays in the Western Ghats, stay overnight in comfortable alpine tents.
Here are the key details for Day 2's trek:
Starting height - 2300 meters
Height at camp in Yellapatty - 2100 meters
Highest point - 2400 meters
Lowest point - 1850 meters
Trek distance - 14-15 kms
Terrain - Moderate to challenging
Day 3: A Paradise Sunrise and Fond Farewells
The final morning at the Yellapetty campsite is a truly magical experience, offering an exclusive reward for those who undertake the effort of this trek. As dawn breaks, the campsite often finds itself literally above the clouds, creating a breathtaking panorama akin to a depiction of paradise. Witnessing the amazing twilight bless the earth as the sun rises is one of the rarest views in the Western Ghats, a privilege reserved for true trekkers who embrace the challenge. This unique, hard-earned spectacle appeals directly to the adventurer's desire for unparalleled experiences and a sense of accomplishment, positioning this as a truly remarkable Adventure trails in Kerala.
After a final breakfast amidst these heavenly views, you'll embark on a hike down to Yellapetty and walk past the tea plantation worker's villages and lines, where your cab will be waiting. Before heading back to Munnar or your next destination, there's an option to drive up to Top Station, which is close by, for one last panoramic vista and to find the remains of the real old Top station of this tea county.
Beyond the Trek: Customising Your Kerala Adventure
This exhilarating 3-day trekking and camping program in the Western Ghats can be seamlessly incorporated into a longer, more elaborate Kerala holiday itinerary, transforming it into the undisputed highlight of your trip. Travellers from traditional overseas tourism markets for Kerala often seek multi-faceted journeys, and this trek serves as a powerful centrepiece.
The flexibility of this program allows for extensive customisation, enabling you to craft an itinerary that perfectly aligns with your interests. Consider extending your adventure to include thrilling wildlife programs in Thekkady, home to the famous Periyar National Park, where you might spot elephants, tigers, and a myriad of bird species. For a change of pace and a taste of Kerala's serene lowlands, add some kayaking programs and country canoe cruises in the tranquil backwaters along the coastline. This holistic approach to travel planning ensures that Green Earth Trails can cater to your broader needs, offering a comprehensive and personalised experience that goes beyond just the trek.
Reviews - Hear It From Fellow Adventurers!
Don't just take our word for it. Hear what fellow adventurers, just like you, have to say about their experiences with Green Earth Trails:
Camille, a verified TripAdvisor reviewer, shared her "Incredible green tour in Kerala!":
"We went on a 7 days tour with Green Earth Trail, and it was an amazing experience! They build us a personalised trip based on our preferences, and it seems that they knew exactly what we wanted: we stayed at beautiful peaceful places good for bird watching and nature lovers, they added a few days of hiking upon request, and made sure we were happy during our trip. The food was good, and our guide for the two days hike, Ram, was amazing! He was knowledgeable, passionate and funny. We were so lucky to have him with us! I have never dealt with a company that cares so much about their clients' satisfaction. Thanks to Benjamin and his team, we had an unforgettable experience in Kerala!"
Patrick, another satisfied guest, described "An Unforgettable Journey Through Kerala with Green Earth Trails":
"We had an an unforgettable experience with Green Earth Trails! Benjamin and his team were attentive to our needs and requests, making adjustments to our itinerary to suit us perfectly. The weeklong tour they organised was truly amazing. It focused largely on nature, particularly birdwatching, but also included a delightful cultural evening and two unforgettable days of hiking in Munnar. The accommodations we stayed in were fantastic and wonderfully picturesque, perfectly complementing the stunning natural beauty of Kerala. The team was fantastic throughout, ensuring everything was smoothly organised and providing us with an unforgettable journey in Kerala."
These consistent testimonials underscore the commitment to personalised service, the attentiveness of the team, the expertise of guides like Ram, and the seamless organisation that define the Green Earth Trails experience. Such positive feedback from past travellers builds immediate credibility and trust, reassuring potential guests from afar who expect quality and reliability of their adventure holiday in Kerala.
Why Green Earth Trails is Your Perfect Partner in Kerala
Choosing the right partner for an adventure in a foreign land is paramount, and Green Earth Trails stands out for its deep-rooted connection to Kerala. Our team embodies what it means to be "sons of the soil," possessing unparalleled local knowledge and a genuine passion for their homeland - Kerala. This profound understanding and expertise of the region translates into a superior experience for every guest.
This unique local advantage means more than just knowing the best trails; it means access to hidden gems, authentic cultural encounters, and an unparalleled level of support throughout your journey. For travellers, particularly those coming from Europe and America, this deep local insight addresses common concerns about safety, reliability, and cultural immersion. It ensures a truly seamless adventure holiday experience, where every detail is managed with expertise and care, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Kerala's Western Ghats without a worry.
This journey promises not just physical challenge, but also profound connection with nature and a glimpse into the heart of "God's Own Country." If you have come all this way reading the blog post, you are someone who is the eligible person who would love this program. Get in touch with u today to customise your dream trekking and camping in Western Ghats of Kerala adventure! You can also have a look at our Leisure Kerala holiday programs we offer to which this trek could be incorporated
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