Tea Plantations, Misty Mountains, Waterfalls & Western Ghats

12 Hours · Day Return Tour · Private Tour

Tour Type: Hill Station Tour · Tea & Nature Experience · Scenic Kerala Day Trip
Starting Point: Kochi / Ernakulam
Tour Start: 7:00 AM
Return to Kochi: Approximately 7:00 PM
Guests: 1–15 · Private Transport + Professional Local Guide. 

 Tea Plantations, Misty Mountains, Waterfalls & Western Ghats

12 Hours · Day Return Tour · Private Tour

Tour Type: Hill Station Tour · Tea & Nature Experience · Scenic Kerala Day Trip
Starting Point: Kochi / Ernakulam
Tour Start: 7:00 AM
Return to Kochi: Approximately 7:00 PM
Guests: 1–15 · Private Transport + Professional Local Guide. 

Experience the spectacular hill country of Munnar in a single, well-planned day.

Our private Munnar Day Return Tour from Kochi is ideal for travellers who have limited time but do not want to miss Kerala's famous tea country.

Leave the tropical lowlands of Kochi behind and travel into the magnificent Western Ghats, where the landscape gradually changes from coconut palms and villages to forests, waterfalls, rolling tea plantations and mist-covered mountains.

During the day, discover Munnar's beautiful tea-growing landscapes, visit selected viewpoints and a spice plantation, stop at a scenic waterfall and enjoy opportunities for photography and short walks.

With a private air-conditioned vehicle, professional local guide and flexible sightseeing, the tour can be adapted to the group's interests and pace.

One spectacular day in Kerala's highlands.

• 🚗 Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour
• 👨‍🏫 Professional English-speaking local guide
• 🌄 Scenic journey through the Western Ghats
• 🍃 Munnar's famous tea plantations
• 🌿 Tea-growing landscapes and mountain scenery
• 🌱 Spice plantation experience
• 💦 Scenic waterfall stop
• 🏔️ Munnar mountain viewpoints
• 📸 Excellent photography opportunities
• 🚶 Short, easy walks at selected locations
• 🏡 Glimpses of Kerala's mountain villages
• 🌿 Cool, refreshing hill-country climate
• ☕ Optional tea-tasting experience where available
• 🕐 Flexible itinerary according to the group's interests
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Suitable for couples, families and small groups

ITINERARY

Your guide and private vehicle will meet you at your hotel in Kochi / Ernakulam.

Begin your scenic drive towards Munnar.

As you leave Kochi, the landscape gradually changes from the coastal plains to the lush countryside and foothills of the Western Ghats.

The journey itself is an important part of the experience, with opportunities to stop for photographs and refreshments along the way.

As you climb into the Western Ghats, stop at a scenic waterfall along the route, subject to:

• Weather conditions
• Road conditions
• Seasonal water flow
• Available time

Enjoy the natural surroundings and take photographs.

Waterfall stops may be modified according to seasonal conditions and local accessibility.

Continue towards Munnar through spectacular landscapes of:

• 🌱 Tea plantations
• 🌴 Forests
• 🏔️ Mountain slopes
• 🌿 Valleys
• 🌫️ Misty hills
• 🏡 Mountain villages

Visit a selected tea plantation and learn about Kerala's tea-growing traditions.

Your local guide will explain how tea is cultivated, harvested and processed and how the plantations have shaped the history and economy of the Munnar region.

There will be opportunities to stop at suitable viewpoints overlooking the rolling tea estates.

Take time to enjoy the scenery rather than simply passing through it.

Visit a local spice plantation and discover some of the plants and spices that have made Kerala famous around the world.

Depending on seasonal availability, you may see:

• 🌿 Cardamom
• 🌱 Pepper
• 🍃 Cinnamon
• 🌰 Nutmeg
• 🌿 Cloves
• 🌱 Other tropical spices

Learn about traditional cultivation and the role of spices in Kerala's cuisine, culture and trading history.

Explore selected viewpoints around Munnar offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and tea estates.

Depending on weather, traffic and local conditions, possible stops may include scenic viewpoints in and around the Munnar tea country.

Your guide will select suitable locations based on the day's conditions and the group's interests.

Munnar's rolling tea plantations and mountain scenery provide excellent opportunities for landscape photography.

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a suitable local restaurant.

You may choose from a selection of:

• Traditional Kerala cuisine
• Vegetarian dishes
• South Indian specialities
• Other locally available options

Lunch is not included in the tour price.

Where available and depending on the day's schedule, an optional tea experience can be arranged.

Learn more about:

• Tea cultivation
• Tea leaves
• Processing
• Different grades of tea
• Kerala's tea plantation heritage

A tea-tasting opportunity can be included where available.

Optional experiences may involve an additional charge.

After completing the Munnar sightseeing programme, begin your return journey to Kochi.

Relax in the comfort of your private vehicle as you descend from the mountains towards the Kerala lowlands.

There may be opportunities for short refreshment or photography stops depending on the available time.

Arrive back in Kochi / Ernakulam.

Drop-off at:

• Your Kochi hotel
• Kochi International Airport
• Kochi Railway Station
• Other agreed location

Tour concludes in Kochi.

Your entire day is conducted in a comfortable private air-conditioned vehicle reserved exclusively for your group.

GuestsSuggested Vehicle

1–2 guestsA/C Sedan

3–4 guestsA/C SUV such as Toyota Crysta or similar

5–10 guestsA/C Tempo Traveller

11–15 guestsA/C Tempo Traveller / suitable larger vehicle

Vehicle selection may vary according to availability and group requirements.

Group Size             Total Tour Price

1–2 guests              ₹ 12,000

3–4 guests             ₹ 15,000

5–10 guests           ₹ 20,000

11–15 guests           ₹ 25,000

The above prices are for the entire group, not per person.

The tour price includes the private vehicle, professional local guide and the services specifically mentioned under 

Package Includes.

• 🚗 Private air-conditioned vehicle for the entire tour
• 👨‍🏫 Professional English-speaking local tour guide
• 🏨 Pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Kochi / Ernakulam
• 🌄 Scenic drive through the Western Ghats
• 🍃 Visit to selected tea plantations
• 🌿 Spice plantation visit
• 💦 Waterfall stop, subject to weather and road conditions
• 🏔️ Selected scenic viewpoints
• 📸 Photography opportunities
• 🚶 Short walks at suitable locations
• 🛣️ Fuel charges
• 🅿️ Parking charges
• 🛣️ Toll charges
• 👨‍✈️ Driver charges and allowances
• 👨‍🏫 Guide charges
• 
  

• 🍛 Lunch
• 🥤 Drinks and refreshments
• 🎟️ Entrance fees where applicable
• ☕ Optional tea-tasting or special plantation experiences where separately charged
• 🛍️ Personal expenses
• 📸 Camera/video charges where applicable
• 💰 Tips and gratuities
• Any service not specifically mentioned under Package Includes
• 
  

From the tropical surroundings of Kochi to the cool mountain landscapes of Munnar, this day trip offers an unforgettable contrast within a single day.

Watch Kerala's scenery transform as you climb into the Western Ghats.

Walk among rolling tea plantations, discover fragrant spices, photograph waterfalls and mountain valleys and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Kerala's famous hill country.

Although it is a day-return tour, the itinerary is designed to provide a meaningful Munnar experience rather than simply ticking off attractions.

• 🇮🇳 Trusted local tour operator in Kerala
• 🚗 Private transportation throughout the tour
• 👨‍🏫 Professional local guide
• 🍃 Knowledge of Munnar's tea-growing region
• 🌿 Authentic spice plantation experience
• 📸 Carefully selected scenic stops
• 🕐 Flexible sightseeing pace
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Suitable for couples, families and groups
• ♿ Stops can be adapted for guests who prefer limited walking
• 📞 Direct communication with your local tour operator

Munnar can be visited throughout much of the year, with different seasons offering different experiences.

October to March generally provides pleasant conditions for sightseeing, photography and outdoor activities.

April to May can be warmer but the hill station remains considerably cooler than Kochi.

During the monsoon season, waterfalls and greenery can be particularly spectacular, although heavy rain may affect road conditions and some outdoor stops.

This is a full-day excursion of approximately 12 hours. The journey between Kochi and Munnar is considerable, so an early start is essential.

Travel time can vary according to traffic, road conditions, weather and local congestion. The itinerary is therefore indicative rather than a guaranteed minute-by-minute schedule.

Munnar's mountain weather can change quickly. Some viewpoints or waterfall stops may need to be modified for safety or accessibility.

The tour includes opportunities for short walks, but extensive walking is not required. Please inform us in advance if members of your group have mobility limitations.

Tea plantation access depends on local operating conditions and permissions. The exact plantation visited may vary.

The plantation visit is designed as an educational and cultural experience. Purchases are entirely optional.

The Munnar Day Return Tour can be arranged for cruise passengers arriving at Cochin Port, provided the ship's schedule allows sufficient time.

For cruise passengers, the programme can be customized around:

• Cruise arrival time
• Port pickup procedures
• Munnar travel time
• Required return-to-ship time
• Private vehicle arrangements

Because the Kochi–Munnar–Kochi journey is a long-distance day excursion, sufficient time between ship arrival and required return-to-ship time is essential.

Please provide your cruise ship name, arrival date and arrival/departure times so we can assess whether the tour is suitable for your schedule.

Provide:

• Travel date
• Number of guests
• Pickup location in Kochi
• Preferred tour date
• Special interests
• Any mobility requirements

We will confirm the vehicle, guide and proposed programme for your group.

Approve the quotation and complete the booking arrangements.

You will receive:

• Tour itinerary
• Pickup details
• Vehicle information
• Guide information
• Important travel instructions

Your driver and professional local guide will meet you at the agreed pickup point at 7:00 AM.

Tea plantations. Mountain valleys. Waterfalls. Spices. Misty hills. Western Ghats.

Private. Comfortable. Flexible. Locally guided.

Contact Excel India Tours: +91 9447070158

Ask us about customized Munnar experiences, larger groups and cruise passenger arrangements.

 Tea Plantations, Highland Villages, Mountain Views & Rural Kerala

Kochi → Pullikanam → Kochi
Day Return · Private Tour · Approximately 9–10 Hours

Tour Type: Tea Plantation Tour · Nature & Scenic Experience · Rural Kerala · Day Trip from Kochi

Starting Point: Kochi / Ernakulam
Suggested Start: 7:00 AM
Return: Approximately 5:00–6:00 PM
Guest

 Tea Plantations, Highland Villages, Mountain Views & Rural Kerala

Kochi → Pullikanam → Kochi
Day Return · Private Tour · Approximately 9–10 Hours

Tour Type: Tea Plantation Tour · Nature & Scenic Experience · Rural Kerala · Day Trip from Kochi

Starting Point: Kochi / Ernakulam
Suggested Start: 7:00 AM
Return: Approximately 5:00–6:00 PM
Guests: 1–10 Guests
Transport: Private A/C Vehicle + Professional English-Speaking Guide

Escape the busy streets of Kochi and travel into the green highlands of Pullikanam, where tea gardens, forested hills, winding roads and peaceful rural landscapes create a very different side of Kerala.

This private day excursion is designed especially for travellers who would like to experience Kerala's tea country without spending most of the day travelling to and from Munnar.

The journey itself becomes part of the experience, passing through changing landscapes as the lowlands gradually give way to the cooler, greener highlands.

At Pullikanam, explore the tea-growing landscape, learn about traditional tea cultivation and enjoy panoramic views across the surrounding hills and valleys.

• 🍃 Explore the Pullikanam tea-growing region
• ☕ Discover how tea is cultivated and harvested
• 🌿 Walk through or alongside tea plantations
• ⛰️ Enjoy spectacular Western Ghats scenery
• 📸 Excellent opportunities for landscape and plantation photography
• 🏡 Experience peaceful highland villages and rural Kerala
• 🌱 Learn about local agriculture and plantation life
• 🚗 Scenic drive through Kerala's countryside
• 🍽️ Enjoy a relaxed local lunch
• 👣 Short, easy walks rather than a demanding trekking programme
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Suitable for couples, families and small groups
• 
  

Meet your professional guide and driver at your hotel, residence or agreed pickup point in Kochi.

Begin the journey towards the Kerala highlands.

️ ITINERARY

Travel through the changing landscapes of central Kerala.

As the journey progresses, the scenery changes from towns and villages to rubber plantations, forests, hills and eventually tea-growing country.

Your guide will introduce you to Kerala's agriculture, landscape and local way of life along the route.

Arrive in the Pullikanam tea-growing area and explore the plantation landscape.

Learn about:

• Tea cultivation and planting
• Tea bushes and harvesting
• Seasonal changes in the plantations
• The daily life of plantation workers
• The importance of tea to Kerala's hill economy

Depending on local permission and operating conditions, the experience may include a plantation walk and/or access to plantation facilities.

Enjoy a freshly prepared cup of tea while taking in the peaceful plantation surroundings.

Tea tasting, factory access or a dedicated tea-processing demonstration can be arranged subject to availability and prior confirmation.

Continue through the surrounding highland countryside.

Stop at suitable viewpoints for photography and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the tea-growing region.

There may also be opportunities to observe local farming and village life.

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a suitable local restaurant.

Lunch is not included in the tour price.

Continue exploring the surrounding plantation landscape at a comfortable pace.

Your guide can introduce you to local agriculture, village traditions and the relationship between the plantation communities and the surrounding hills.

There will be opportunities for photography and short walks.

Leave the highlands and begin the scenic drive back towards Kochi.

Arrive back at your hotel or agreed drop-off point in Kochi / Ernakulam.

Return time may vary depending on traffic, road conditions and the time spent at the plantation.

GuestsVehicle1–2A/C Sedan3–4A/C SUV such as Toyota Crysta or similar5–10A/C Tempo Traveller

The vehicle remains exclusively for your group throughout the tour.

Group Size         Total Tour Price

1–2 Guests          ₹11,000

3–4 Guests         ₹14,000

5–10 Guests       ₹19,000

The above price is for the entire private group, not an individual per-person rate.

The quoted price includes the private A/C vehicle, professional English-speaking guide and the services specifically listed under Package Includes.

• Private A/C vehicle for the entire Kochi–Pullikanam–Kochi journey
• Professional English-speaking local tour guide
• Pickup and drop-off in Kochi / Ernakulam
• Scenic journey through Kerala's countryside and Western Ghats
• Tea plantation exploration
• Selected plantation and scenic stops
• Photography opportunities
• Short, easy plantation/countryside walks
• Fuel
• Parking charges
• Tolls and road charges
• Driver charges and allowances
• Professional guide charges

• Lunch
• Tea, refreshments and beverages unless specifically included
• Tea factory entrance or special plantation experiences, where applicable
• Special tea-tasting or processing demonstrations requiring an additional fee
• Personal expenses
• Shopping
• Camera/video charges where applicable
• Tips and gratuities
• Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Includes

Pullikanam is about slowing down and experiencing Kerala's highlands.

Rather than trying to cover a long list of tourist attractions, this tour concentrates on the landscape itself — tea gardens, mountain roads, village life, plantation culture and the peaceful atmosphere of Kerala's interior.

It is particularly suitable for travellers who have already visited Kochi and would like to see a greener, cooler and more rural side of Kerala without undertaking the long Munnar day-return journey.

✔️ Shorter and more relaxed alternative to a Kochi–Munnar day trip
✔️ Private vehicle and personal guide
✔️ Focus on authentic tea-country landscapes
✔️ Excellent for photography
✔️ Flexible pace for couples and families
✔️ Suitable for travellers who prefer nature and culture over crowded attractions
✔️ Possibility of arranging a more in-depth plantation/tea experience
✔️ Comfortable return to Kochi on the same day

• Plantation access is subject to the estate's permission and operating conditions.
• Tea plucking and factory operations are seasonal and cannot always be guaranteed.
• A dedicated factory visit, tea tasting or processing demonstration should be confirmed in advance.
• The itinerary can be adjusted according to weather, plantation access and local conditions.
• Comfortable footwear is recommended for plantation walks.
• This is primarily a scenic and cultural tea-country experience, not a strenuous trekking tour.

This experience can also be considered for cruise passengers arriving at Cochin Port, provided the ship's arrival and departure schedule allows sufficient time.

A customized pickup and return arrangement can be planned from the cruise terminal.

For cruise passengers, the itinerary and timing should be confirmed according to the vessel's actual port schedule.

To arrange your Pullikanam Tea Country Experience, simply provide:

1. Preferred tour date
2. Number of guests
3. Pickup location in Kochi
4. Preferred start time
5. Any special interests or mobility requirements

We will then confirm the vehicle, guide and plantation arrangements and provide the final booking details.

Leave Kochi behind for a day and step into the peaceful green world of Kerala's tea country.

Book your private Pullikanam Tea Country Experience with Excel India Tours.

Tea Gardens, Plantation Life, Mountain Landscapes & Rural Kerala

Kochi → Karimtharuvi → Kochi
Day Return · Private Tour · Approximately 9–10 Hours

Tour Type: Tea Plantation Tour · Nature Experience · Plantation Life · Rural Kerala Day Trip

Starting Point: Kochi / Ernakulam
Suggested Start: 7:00 AM
Return: Approximately 5:00–6:00 PM
Guests: 1

Tea Gardens, Plantation Life, Mountain Landscapes & Rural Kerala

Kochi → Karimtharuvi → Kochi
Day Return · Private Tour · Approximately 9–10 Hours

Tour Type: Tea Plantation Tour · Nature Experience · Plantation Life · Rural Kerala Day Trip

Starting Point: Kochi / Ernakulam
Suggested Start: 7:00 AM
Return: Approximately 5:00–6:00 PM
Guests: 1–10 Guests
Transport: Private A/C Vehicle + Professional English-Speaking Guide

Discover the peaceful tea-growing landscapes of Karimtharuvi, a closer alternative for travellers who want to experience Kerala's tea plantations without undertaking the long journey to Munnar.

From Kochi, the route takes you away from the urban landscape and gradually into the green countryside and highlands of Kerala.

At Karimtharuvi, the focus is on tea, plantation landscapes, rural life and the natural beauty of the Western Ghats.

This is a private and flexible experience, allowing you to spend time enjoying the scenery rather than rushing from one attraction to another.

• 🍃 Visit the Karimtharuvi tea-growing region
• ☕ Discover Kerala's tea cultivation and plantation traditions
• 🌱 Explore tea gardens and plantation landscapes
• ⛰️ Enjoy beautiful highland scenery
• 📸 Photograph tea gardens, hills and rural landscapes
• 🏡 Experience authentic countryside and plantation life
• 👨‍🌾 Learn about the lives of people connected with tea cultivation
• 🚗 Enjoy a scenic drive through central Kerala
• ☕ Opportunity for a tea-tasting experience
• 🍽️ Relaxed local lunch
• 👣 Easy walks and scenic stops
• 🌿 Ideal for travellers looking for an alternative to Munnar
• 
  

Your guide and private vehicle will meet you at your hotel, residence or agreed pickup point.

Begin your journey towards the Karimtharuvi highlands.

Travel through Kerala's changing landscapes.

Your guide will explain the countryside you pass through, including local agriculture, plantations, villages and the development of Kerala's highland plantation regions.

As you climb into the hills, the temperature and landscape gradually change.

Arrive at the Karimtharuvi tea-growing area.

Explore the plantation surroundings and learn about:

• Tea cultivation
• Tea bushes and harvesting
• Plantation work
• Seasonal changes in tea production
• Local plantation communities
• Kerala's tea-growing heritage

Where permission is available, visitors can enjoy a closer look at plantation activities.

Take time to appreciate the landscape with a cup of locally produced tea.

Tea tasting, factory access or a tea-processing experience can be arranged subject to availability and prior confirmation.

Continue through the surrounding countryside, stopping at suitable locations to appreciate the views.

Your guide can introduce you to local village life, agriculture and the everyday landscape of the highlands.

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a suitable local restaurant.

Lunch is not included in the tour price.

Spend the afternoon enjoying more of the plantation landscape.

Depending on local conditions, the programme can include:

• Tea-garden walks
• Scenic viewpoints
• Photography stops
• Rural villages
• Local agriculture
• Plantation landscapes

The pace remains flexible and comfortable.

Begin the scenic journey back towards Kochi.

Arrive back at your hotel or agreed location in Kochi / Ernakulam.

Actual return time depends on traffic, road conditions and the time spent at the estate.

GuestsVehicle1–2A/C Sedan3–4A/C SUV such as Toyota Crysta or similar5–10A/C Tempo Traveller

Your vehicle is private and reserved exclusively for your group.

Group Size         Total Tour Price

1–2 Guests          ₹ 11,000

3–4 Guests         ₹ 14,000

5–10 Guests       ₹ 19,000

The above prices are for the entire private group, not per person.

The quoted tour price includes the private A/C vehicle, professional English-speaking guide and all services specifically listed under Package Includes.

• Private A/C vehicle for the complete Kochi–Karimtharuvi–Kochi journey
• Professional English-speaking local tour guide
• Kochi / Ernakulam hotel pickup and drop-off
• Scenic countryside and Western Ghats drive
• Karimtharuvi tea plantation experience
• Selected plantation and scenic stops
• Photography opportunities
• Short, easy walks
• Fuel
• Parking charges
• Tolls and road charges
• Driver charges and allowances
• Professional guide charges

• Lunch
• Drinks and refreshments unless specifically included
• Tea factory entrance, where applicable
• Special plantation visits or activities requiring an additional fee
• Dedicated tea-tasting or tea-processing experiences where an additional charge applies
• Personal expenses
• Shopping
• Camera/video charges where applicable
• Tips and gratuities
• Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Includes

Karimtharuvi offers a chance to experience Kerala's tea country without the intensity of a long Munnar day trip.

The experience is deliberately relaxed: green tea gardens, mountain scenery, plantation life, rural communities and the opportunity to understand how tea forms part of the landscape and livelihood of Kerala's highlands.

For foreign visitors staying in Kochi, it can provide an attractive alternative to the conventional Munnar excursion, particularly for those who would rather spend more time experiencing a plantation and less time travelling.

✔️ Convenient alternative to a Kochi–Munnar day return
✔️ Private vehicle with professional English-speaking guide
✔️ Focused tea plantation experience
✔️ Authentic rural and plantation landscapes
✔️ Excellent photography opportunities
✔️ Flexible itinerary and comfortable pace
✔️ Suitable for couples, families and small groups
✔️ Optional deeper tea/plantation experiences can be arranged
✔️ Return to Kochi the same day

• Entry into the tea estate and plantation areas is subject to estate permission and local operating conditions.
• Tea harvesting and factory activity varies according to season and daily operations.
• Tea factory visits, tasting sessions and processing demonstrations require advance confirmation and may involve additional charges.
• Plantation walks can involve uneven ground; comfortable footwear is recommended.
• The programme is designed around nature, plantation culture and scenery, rather than strenuous trekking.
• The itinerary may be adjusted because of weather, road conditions or plantation operating schedules.

Karimtharuvi can also be considered as a private shore excursion for passengers arriving at Cochin Port, subject to the ship's port schedule.

A customized pickup from the cruise terminal and return before the ship's required departure time can be arranged.

For cruise passengers, we recommend confirming the exact ship arrival and departure times before finalizing the itinerary.

To book the Karimtharuvi Tea Estate & Highlands Experience, provide:

1. Tour date
2. Number of guests
3. Pickup location
4. Preferred start time
5. Any special interests or mobility requirements

Excel India Tours will then confirm the vehicle, professional guide and plantation arrangements.

Trade the long Munnar road journey for a closer encounter with Kerala's tea country.

Book your private Karimtharuvi Tea Estate & Highlands Experience with Excel India Tours.