Full-Day Private Tour to Munnar from Kochi with Lunch

Exploring Munnar in a Day: A Practical Guide to the Private Tour from Kochi

Taking a full-day trip from Kochi to Munnar offers a fantastic way to experience Kerala’s lush landscapes without the need for an overnight stay. This private tour, priced at around $191.70 for up to two people, combines scenic stops, nature encounters, and cultural highlights in a well-organized 15-hour journey. It’s an efficient way to tick off some of Munnar’s most famous sights, especially if your time is limited but you want a taste of this hill station’s beauty.

What we like most about this experience is the carefully curated itinerary, which hits the highlights like Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Kundala Dam, and Eravikulam National Park—all in one day. The fact that it’s a private tour means you can enjoy a flexible, personalized experience with a dedicated guide and a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. A notable plus is the inclusion of lunch with a generous food credit, so you won’t have to worry about finding meals on your own.

A potential downside is the long hours involved—this is quite a comprehensive day, so it’s best suited for those who don’t mind the early start and a packed schedule. Also, be aware that some attractions, like the Rose Garden, have restricted access and small entry fees, which are not included in the package. This tour suits travelers who want a quick, yet varied taste of Munnar’s beauty without sacrificing convenience or comfort.

If you’re looking for an overview of Kerala’s scenic hill station, enjoy nature and photography, and prefer a hassle-free day trip, this tour offers solid value. It’s ideal for first-timers or travelers with limited time who want to see the key highlights.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Covers major sights like Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Kundala Dam, and Eravikulam National Park.
• Private & Comfortable: Enjoy a personalized experience with air-conditioned transport and flexible timing.
• Nature & Scenic Views: Offers plenty of photo opportunities at waterfalls, dam lakes, and tea plantations.
• Value for Money: Includes lunch, entry fees to popular spots, and a guided tour, making it good value for a full day.
• Time Management: The schedule is tight but well-paced, with around 30-minute stops at most locations.
• Suitable for Moderate Fitness: Active elements like walking in parks and some gentle hiking are involved, so consider your stamina.

A Detailed Look at the Munnar Day Trip

Starting Early with Convenience

The tour begins at 6:00 am from Marine Drive in Kochi, aiming to maximize daylight hours in Munnar. Being a private experience, it guarantees a personal pick-up and drop-off, which eliminates the hassle of public transport or navigating crowded tour buses. The vehicle is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort during the roughly 15.5-hour journey, which is important given the long day ahead.

The First Stop: Oonnukal and a Tasty Breakfast

After about two hours on the road, you arrive at Oonnukal, a small, local stop with a restaurant offering vegetarian breakfast and refreshment facilities. This is a nice way to start the day, especially if you’re craving a warm, Kerala-style breakfast. It also gives your guide a moment to prepare for the day ahead.

Cheeyappara Waterfalls: A Picturesque Spot

Next, you’ll visit Cheeyappara Waterfalls, a highlight for many travelers. Situated on the highway, this spot is perfect for quick photos and soaking in the sight of cascading water. The rocks are naturally slippery, so bathing is prohibited—don’t attempt to swim here—and the area is free of entry or parking fees. Expect a 15-20 minute stop, enough to snap some photos and enjoy the cool mist. According to a review, this stop is great for photos but not ideal for bathing due to safety concerns.

Kundala Dam Lake: Scenic and Interactive

The journey continues to Kundala Dam, a key highlight. Recognized as Asia’s No 1 arch dam, it’s a marvel of engineering and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and lake. Visitors can walk along the dam, take photos of the lush landscape, or opt for activities like pedal boats, speed boats, or Shikkara rides—charges apply.

A reviewer mentioned that this was a “great scenic spot” and appreciated the ease of access, since it’s located conveniently between Top Station and Munnar. The 30-minute stop allows enough time to enjoy the view, take some photos, and if you’re interested, indulge in a boat ride for a more immersive experience.

Echo Point: A Fun Sound Experiment

This spot is mostly about fun—the phenomenon of echoing sounds bouncing back from the hillsides. It’s not a major sightseeing destination, but it’s a fun photo opportunity and offers a quirky experience. The entry fee of Rs 20 per person is quite minimal, and a reviewer noted that while it’s a simple site, it’s worth a quick stop for the novelty.

Tea Plantations and Kannan Devan Hills

Next up are the iconic tea plantations. Munnar is famous for its sprawling green tea estates, and this tour offers a chance to see these lush fields up close. The guide does not specify an entry fee here, and you’re free to take photos from multiple vantage points. A reviewer pointed out that “whole Munnar is tea plantations,” so while this stop is brief, it’s a good snapshot of one of the region’s most defining features.

Mattupetty Dam: Lakes, Mountains, and Family Fun

The visit to Mattupetty Dam is a highlight for many. Located just 13 km from Munnar, it is a scenic spot where mountain, lake, and greenery converge beautifully. The site features a tourist facilitation center with restrooms, a snack shop, and activity options such as speed boats—charges apply. Visitors can also walk from Kundala to Mattupetty, enjoying views of the tallest blue Read more.

A reviewer called it “breathtaking” and appreciated the photo opportunities, especially when combining boat trips with dam views. The overall experience is relaxing and visually stunning but involves some walking and standing.

Rose Gardens: A Floral Feast

The next stop is the KTDC Floriculture Centre, a botanical garden filled with roses and other flowers. For flower lovers, it’s a colorful, peaceful setting perfect for memorable photos. Entry costs Rs 50, and visitors should be aware of steps—less suitable for those with mobility issues. Some reviewers enjoyed selecting plants and capturing vibrant images in this tranquil garden.

Lunch Break: Satisfying Your Hunger

Around 1 pm, the group heads for a well-deserved lunch break. The tour includes a Rs 400 food credit voucher, which can be used at various restaurants in Munnar. This is a practical way to satisfy different tastes—vegetarian or non-vegetarian options—without worry about prices. Reviewers appreciated the quality and variety of the included meal, seeing it as great value for such a full day.

Eravikulam National Park: Home of the Nilgiri Tahr

Post-lunch, the tour heads to the renowned Eravikulam National Park in Rajamalai. The highlight here is spotting the endemic Nilgiri Tahr and viewing the Anamudi Peak, the highest in South India. The park boasts undisturbed grasslands, mountain vistas, and rich flora and fauna.

A visitor described their experience as “breathtaking,” especially with views of the mountain ranges. The park’s entry fee is included, and the walk involves about an hour of light hiking. Note that the park closes February and March for breeding season, so timing is important.

Final Thoughts: Who Would Love This Tour?

This private day trip offers a well-rounded snapshot of Munnar’s highlights—ideal for travelers who want to make the most of limited time without sacrificing comfort. The inclusion of key attractions like the waterfalls, dam, tea plantations, and national park, combined with a comfortable private vehicle and guided commentary, makes it a value-packed option.

It’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness due to walking and some uneven terrain, and for travelers who prefer a structured, all-in-one experience. The inclusion of lunch and entry fees simplifies planning, and the flexibility of a private tour means you can enjoy a more personalized day out.

While it’s a long day, the variety of scenery—waterfalls, lakes, mountains, gardens—keeps it engaging from start to finish. If you’re looking for an efficient way to see Munnar’s top sights and enjoy a blend of natural beauty and cultural charm, this tour fits the bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins at 6:00 am from Marine Drive, Kochi, ensuring you maximize your day in Munnar.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most stops involve light walking and scenic viewing, making it suitable for families. However, there are steps at the Rose Garden, so consider mobility needs.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers a private air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees to Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum, and Plantation Tour, as well as a Rs 400 lunch voucher.

Are there additional costs?
Yes, activities like boating or horse riding at Kundala Dam or Mattupetty Dam are chargeable. Also, any extras like tips, telephone calls, or optional tours are not included.

How long do I spend at each stop?
Most stops last about 30 minutes, except for the national park (about 2 hours) and the lunch break.

Can I customize this tour?
Since it’s a private tour, you might have some flexibility, but the itinerary is designed to cover key highlights within the day.

Is the tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
Some locations, like the Rose Garden, have steps, and the park may not be accessible by wheelchair. Moderate fitness is recommended.

Final Words

This private Munnar day trip from Kochi offers a well-structured, comfortable way to experience a slice of Kerala’s hill station. With scenic waterfalls, lush tea plantations, and the chance to see rare wildlife, it combines natural beauty with cultural insights at a reasonable price. The inclusion of a generous lunch voucher and entry fees makes planning straightforward and adds to the overall value.

Ideal for first-time visitors or those short on time, this tour balances adventure and relaxation with enough flexibility to enjoy your favorite spots. Just remember, it’s a long day, so pack comfortable shoes, a camera, and a sense of curiosity. Overall, it’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a practical, yet memorable, taste of Munnar’s magic.