Western Ghats Trekking Tour
Experience breathtaking scenery in the national parks and sun-drenched beaches of Kerala
Guided
Western Ghats Trekking Tour Overview
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!
Trip highlights
Experience the rush of traversing the stunning mountain landscapes as you reach the peak after peak trekking through the Western Ghats.
Discover the misty depths of a high-altitude cloud forest as you make your way to the top of Bodi Peak for more jaw-dropping vistas.
Watch for wildlife as you trek through the Periyar National Park and tiger reserve on an unforgettable journey.
Embark upon a unique adventure aboard a houseboat as you visit the villages and hidden local spots of Kerala’s backwater.
Day By Day Itinerary
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 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 for 13 nights along the tour are included.
- Transportation is included for you and your luggage.
- Guide services:
- Trained trekking guides on trekking days
- Activities during the tour:
- 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 for the group
- Additional night in Chalakudy before the tour
- Additional night in Cochin after the tour
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour 3/5. It’s beginner-friendly, but being reasonably fit is expected.
This service is not necessary but offers a higher level of service during your tour, and larger groups typically book an escort for the group. Please note that without the escort, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking driver and different guides at different locations. If you and your group are independent travelers, you can do well without the escort, but having one would guarantee better-personalized care throughout the tour.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
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
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
You can get to Cochin via flight from most major Indian cities.
The tour ends in Cochin.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to India for this trek is from November to May.
Why book Western Ghats Trekking Tour with 10 Adventures?
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Packed with Inclusions
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