A Scenic Escape: Ahmedabad to Munnar via Kochi

A place where rolling tea plantations, misty hills, and scenic road journeys meet adventure, culture, and backpacker vibes—Munnar is the perfect escape.

Day 1: Kochi – The Gateway to Kerala

Journey Begins: Ahmedabad to Kochi

My journey started from Ahmedabad Airport, landing in the charming coastal city of Kochi. First things first—breakfast! The city has some fantastic South Indian eateries where I indulged in a delicious plate of idli, vada, and a steaming cup of filter coffee—the perfect start to the trip.

A Little Luck: Buying a Lottery Ticket in Kochi

While strolling through the streets of Kochi, I tried my luck by buying a Kerala lottery ticket—a quirky, must-do experience in the state! Who knows? Maybe the gods of fortune would favor me.

The Scenic Road to Munnar via Athirapally Falls

Leaving Kochi, I opted for a road trip to Munnar via Athirapally Waterfalls. This route is not just about reaching the destination—it’s about soaking in the beauty of lush green forests, winding roads, and mesmerizing waterfalls. Athirapally Falls, often called the ‘Niagara of India,’ was a breathtaking stop. The sound of the cascading water and the misty air made it an unforgettable experience.

What to Expect on the Path?

• A gradual stone-paved walkway, making it easy to walk.
• Surrounded by thick vegetation, adding to the scenic beauty.
• Rest stops along the way to soak in the misty breeze.
• A breathtaking view from the base, where the falls roar in full glory.

Athirapally Waterfalls Experience:

A 90-foot-high cascade, creating a mesmerizing mist-filled atmosphere.

The best views are from the lower level, where you can feel the power of the falls up close. Mornings and late afternoons are the best times to visit for a peaceful experience. From there, the journey to Munnar was magical—winding roads, dense forests, and tea gardens kept me company throughout. Kerala truly lives up to its name—”God’s Own Country.”

Stay at Zostel Munnar: A Hidden Gem in the Hills

After a long but scenic road trip, I finally reached Zostel Munnar, which is perched on a hill and offers spectacular views of the valleys and tea gardens, one of the best backpacker hostels in Kerala. But getting there was an adventure in itself!

The Road to Zostel:

• The hostel is located off the main road, deep in the hills.
• Only autos or small cabs can reach the top—bigger vehicles can’t handle the boulder-filled path.
• The rough road might be challenging, but the views are 100% worth it!

Zostel Munnar Review:

• Location: Set on a hilltop, offering stunning valley views.
• Stay Options: Cozy dorms & private rooms with artistic décor.
• Vibe: A backpacker-friendly atmosphere with fellow travelers.
• Food: Delicious Kerala-style dishes—don’t miss their parottas!
• Common Area: Perfect for indoor games, music, and late-night chats.

Day 2: Exploring Munnar’s Tea Gardens & Adventures

The next morning started with a small hike uphill to reach the main road connectivity from Zostel. While walking through the roadside tea gardens, I had an unexpected encounter—a leech bite! Thankfully, some local kind people quickly stepped in, using salt and onion to stop the bleeding.

Tip:

If you’re exploring tea plantations during or after rain, wear covered shoes and check your legs occasionally to avoid these tiny hitchhikers!

Floriculture Centre (Rose Garden)

The Floriculture Centre Munnar, commonly known as Rose Garden, is an absolute delight with over 100 varieties of flowers and herbal plants. The entry fee is Rs.30 per person.

Ripple Tea Factory: A Must-Visit

Visiting Ripple Tea Factory was an eye-opener. Watching the process of tea leaves turning into the perfect tea powder was fascinating.

Kerala Traditional Saree Shopping

Exploring local handloom stores, I found elegant handmade sarees with beautiful golden borders—perfect as souvenirs!

Mattupetty Reservoir – A Scenic Paradise

The Mattupetty Dam was a stunning location with lush green surroundings. Entry costs Rs.40 per person, and adventure activities like boating and horse riding are available.

Adventure at Wonder Valley

For thrill-seekers, Wonder Valley was the highlight! With ziplining, rope courses, and ATV rides, it was totally worth the ₹1000 entry fee.

Final Night at Zostel: Games, Music & Travel Stories

Returning to Zostel, the night ended with games, music, dance, and sharing experiences with fellow backpackers. The Munnar experience was nothing short of breathtaking!

Quick Munnar Itinerary

Day 1:

• Flight from Ahmedabad to Kochi
• Breakfast in Kochi
• Buying a Kerala Lottery Ticket
• Road trip to Munnar via Athirapally Waterfalls
• Check-in at Zostel Munnar
• Chill, food, and fun at Zostel

Day 2:

• Early morning climb to main road
• Tea gardens visit & Ripple Tea Factory tour
• Shopping for fresh tea
• Floriculture Centre (Rose Garden) visit
• Mattupetty Reservoir visit
• Kundala Lake visit
• Photo Point & Echo Point
• Wonder Valley adventure activities
• Back to Zostel for games & socializing

Final Thoughts

Munnar is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and tea enthusiasts. The road journey, the tea estates, the thrilling adventures, and the people at Zostel made this trip absolutely incredible. If you’re planning a trip to Munnar, take the scenic route, enjoy the tea culture, and definitely stay at Zostel for the ultimate backpacker experience!