Organic tea plantation visit & rolled green tea making
A twenty minute drive away from Mistletoe, this mini organic tea plantation (only five hectares) offers interaction with the farmer, hand rolled green tea making, tea tasting, and plantation walk. Admission is only with 48 hours prior booking, as tea leaf harvesting and withering must be pre-planned.
- Duration: 3 hours
Letchmi Hill Trek – a walk through time and tea
The Letchmi Hill Trek is one of Munnar’s most rewarding trails, unfolding at about 1,420 metres above sea level. Starting around 8:30–9:00 AM, the journey begins through undulating tea plantations, where each leaf tells a story of Munnar’s colonial legacy and the hardworking communities that keep its tea heritage alive.
As the trail ascends along the western ridge, you’ll pass grasslands, rocky slopes, and shola forests, with sweeping views of Idukki Dam, Anamudi Peak, and the mist-covered valleys of the Western Ghats. Your guide shares fascinating insights into the history of tea in Munnar, its socio-economic role, and the delicate processes of cultivating, plucking, and roasting tea — traditions introduced by Scottish planters over a century ago.
- Half-day (4 hrs): Includes entrance, guide, water & light refreshments | 8:30 AM–12:30 PM
- Full-day (6–7 hrs): Includes entrance, guide, water & light lunch | 8:30 AM–3:00 PM
(Wear sturdy shoes, long trousers, sun protection — and don’t forget a bar of Rakkaudella chocolate from Mistletoe!)
Tea trails programme at Lockhart tea plantation
Stroll through Munnar’s mist-clad hills on a guided walk amid endless tea gardens, where every leaf tells a story. Visit the century-old Lockhart Orthodox Tea Factory, a living legacy of the Scottish tea-making era, and witness traditional methods of withering, rolling, roasting, and grading tea—unchanged for generations.
Along the way, discover the rich history of Munnar, its flora and fauna of the Western Ghats, and hear thrilling tales of wild icons like Padayappa and Arikomban. Conclude with an intimate tea- tasting session, savouring the aromas, flavours, and timeless charm of the highlands.
- Session I: 9:45 AM–12:00 PM
- Session II: 2:00 PM–5:00 PM
(Wear walking shoes, long trousers, sun protection — and don’t forget a bar of Rakkaudella chocolate from Mistletoe!)
Anakkulam wild elephant & jungle tour
Discover Anakkulam, one of Munnar’s most loved locations to observe wild elephant herds in their natural habitat. Drawn by mineral-rich spring waters, elephants often gather here from surrounding forest divisions — a spectacle of nature at its purest.
The experience unfolds on a 4WD jeep trail through scenic valleys, waterfalls, rivers, and plantations of Mankulam and Anakkulam, with casual village interactions along the way. Elephant sightings depend on luck and patience, but there is nearly a 75% chance of encountering these gentle giants. Short jungle walks may be included if time and weather permit.
- Full-day tour: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
- Afternoon spotting: 4:00 PM–8:00 PM
- All entry and toll fees included | Max 5 guests per jeep
Pettimudi peak hike
Just 3 km west of Mistletoe, the Pettimudi Peak—fondly called the Lion-Head Mount—offers a gentle, scenic self-guided day hike. Reach the foothills by e-bike (30 minutes through village and plantation roads) or by car/auto in 15 minutes.
From there, a one-hour uphill walk offers sweeping views of misty valleys and ridgelines. Adventurous walkers can hike directly from Mistletoe and reach the summit in under two hours. Sunrise and sunset bathe the hill in golden light—perfect for photography and quiet reflection.
(Not recommended during rainy days. Wear sturdy shoes, long trousers, sun protection — and don’t
forget a bar of Rakkaudella chocolate from Mistletoe!)
Chokkanmudi peak hike – the sentinel of the ghats
Rising to nearly 2,400 metres above sea level near Gap Road, Chokkanmudi Peak stands as a majestic guardian of the Western Ghats. The journey begins with a one-hour drive from Mistletoe to the foothills.
This three-hour guided hike traverses grassy ridges and shola patches, offering open, panoramic views instead of shaded trails. On clear days, the summit rewards hikers with views of three distant dams, including the iconic Idukki Dam.
The trail is led by local tribal guides whose instinctive knowledge ensures safety. For deeper interpretation, an English-speaking naturalist is recommended. With luck, one may spot Nilgiri tahr, shy mountain deer, or Malabar giant squirrels.
- Duration: 3 hours (8:30 AM–12:00 PM)
- Elevation: ~2,400 m
(Wear sturdy shoes, long trousers, sun protection — and don’t forget a bar of Rakkaudella chocolate
from Mistletoe!)
Guided bird watching tours – songs of the highlands
Welcome the dawn with guided birding walks through Pothamedu, Letchmi, and the foothills of Eravikulam National Park. Walk through tea valleys, shola forests, and grasslands alive with Nilgiri flycatchers, laughing thrushes, bulbuls, and more.
Led by an experienced naturalist, this serene morning experience lets you tune into the heartbeat of the Western Ghats.
- Time: 6:00–10:00 AM
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Includes guide & light refreshments
- Best from October to May months
Top valley hills trek – above the clouds
A full-day guided hike to the Top Valley hills (1.5 hours from Mistletoe) through tea plantations, vegetable farms, and shola forests. The summit offers 360° panoramic views of valleys, waterfalls, and distant peaks.
(Recommended only during summer months.)
Meesapulimalai Sunrise hike – where the mountains touch the sky
At 2,640 metres above sea level, Meesapulimalai—the second highest peak in South India—offers an unforgettable full-day expedition through rolling grasslands and mist-draped ridges. This is a sunrise hike and jeep safari combo.
From the summit, the world dissolves into clouds—a moment of stillness and awe.
- Duration: Full day – from 3:00 am to 2: 30 pm
Night herping walk – secrets of the rainforest
Explore Munnar’s nocturnal world with a specialist naturalist, discovering frogs, geckos, snakes, and other night dwelling species of the Western Ghats. A quiet, eco-sensitive experience. Reccomended during western monsoon and estern monsoon seasons.
- Time: 7:00 PM–12:00 AM
- Limited departures | Advance booking essential