The Heritage & High-Altitude Trail: Eravikulam & Tea Legacy
Focus: Wildlife, History, and Classic Sightseeing.
Munnar is not just a destination; it is a living chronicle of colonial history, rare biodiversity, and the relentless labor of generations of tea plantation workers. To truly understand this hill station, one must embark on the Heritage & High-Altitude Trail. This day tour is specifically designed to take you through the two most iconic landmarks of the region: Eravikulam National Park and the KDHP Tea Museum.
The Itinerary
This tour is the "Gold Standard" for first-time visitors. It blends the colonial history of Munnar with its unique high-altitude biodiversity.
- 08:00 AM – Eravikulam National Park: Start early to beat the crowds. This park is the natural habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. You will take a park-operated shuttle bus up to Rajamalai, followed by a gentle uphill walk.
- 11:30 AM – Tea Museum (KDHP): Located in the Nallathanni Estate, this museum showcases the evolution of Munnar from a wild forest to a world-class tea hub. Watch the demonstration of black tea processing.
- 01:00 PM – Lunch in Munnar Town: Enjoy a traditional Kerala Sadya (leaf meal).
- 02:30 PM – Pothamedu Viewpoint: A panoramic spot offering views of tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations. On clear days, you can even see the Idukki Arch Dam reservoir in the distance.
- 04:00 PM – Blossom Hydel Park: A 16-acre park near the Muthirappuzha River, perfect for a relaxing stroll amidst exotic flowers and migratory birds.
Part 1: The Morning Ascent – Eravikulam National Park
The day begins with a drive toward the Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai), located about 15 km from Munnar town. Spread across 97 square kilometres along the high ranges of the Western Ghats, this park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the crown jewel of Kerala’s wildlife sanctuaries.
The Quest for the Nilgiri Tahr
The primary draw of Eravikulam is the Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius). Once on the brink of extinction, these mountain goats have found a safe haven here. Unlike many wildlife encounters where animals remain hidden in the brush, the Tahr are remarkably habituated to human presence. You will often find them grazing peacefully just a few feet from the walking path, offering incredible photography opportunities.
The Rajamalai Experience
Upon reaching the park entrance, private vehicles are parked, and visitors board the forest department’s eco-friendly shuttle buses. The ride up the winding mountain road is a spectacle in itself, offering views of the rolling grasslands and the Anamudi Peak—the highest point in India south of the Himalayas (2,695 meters).
Once the bus drops you at the Rajamalai terminal, a 2-kilometer paved walk awaits. This stroll takes you through the "Shola-Grassland" ecosystem, a unique high-altitude landscape where patches of stunted evergreen forests (Sholas) nestle in the valleys of expansive grasslands.
Pro-Tip: The park is closed during the calving season of the Tahr (usually February to March). Always check the latest updates on Munnar.com before planning your spring visit.
Part 2: A Sip of History – The KDHP Tea Museum
After descending from the misty heights of Eravikulam, the tour shifts from natural heritage to industrial legacy. Located at the Nallathanni Estate, the Tata Tea Museum (now KDHP) is a tribute to the pioneers who transformed a rugged wilderness into one of the world’s most productive tea regions.
From Forest to Plantation
The museum houses curiosities, photographs, and machinery that date back to the 1880s. You will see the original "Pelton Wheel" used at the Pallivasal Power House and the ancient "Rotorvane" used for CTC tea processing.
The Live Demonstration
The highlight of the museum is the mini-processing unit. Here, experts walk you through the various stages of tea production:
- Withering: Removing moisture from freshly plucked leaves.
- Rolling & Oxidation: The chemical process that gives black tea its color and strength.
- Drying & Grading: Sorting the tea into various sizes, from "Broken Orange Pekoe" to "Dust."
The tour concludes with a tea-tasting session where you can learn to distinguish between the delicate notes of high-grown orthodox tea and the bold flavours of strong CTC blends.
Part 3: Afternoon Serenity – Pothamedu & Blossom Park
As the sun begins to tilt, the tour moves toward the softer side of Munnar’s landscape.
Pothamedu Viewpoint
Pothamedu offers a wide-angle view of the tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations that cloak the hillsides. It is perhaps the best spot in Munnar to observe the "staircase" effect of the tea bushes. On a clear day, the silver streaks of the Idukki Arch Dam reservoir are visible on the horizon. The air here is perpetually scented with the aroma of roasting cardamom from nearby processing sheds.
Blossom Hydel Park
Located near the headwork’s dam, this 16-acre park is where the Muthirappuzha River flows. It is an ideal spot for those traveling with children. The park features:
- Exotic Flora: Rare orchids and seasonal flower beds.
- Bird Watching: A sanctuary for migratory birds.
- Adventure: River crossing and nature trails for the more active traveler.
Essential Travel Logistics
To ensure your Heritage Trail goes smoothly, keep these details in mind:
- Timing is Everything
The Eravikulam National Park opens at 7:30 AM. We recommend arriving by 7:15 AM to avoid the long ticket queues that form by mid-morning. The entire circuit (Park + Museum + Viewpoints) takes approximately 7 to 8 hours. - Booking Tickets
While tickets are available at the counters, it is highly recommended to book your Eravikulam entry online via the Kerala Forest Department portal to save at least 60–90 minutes of waiting time. - What to Wear
Even in summer, the wind at Rajamalai can be biting.- Layers: A light jacket or sweater is essential.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as the paths can be slippery during the monsoon.
4. Sustainable Travel
Munnar is a plastic-free zone. Eravikulam National Park strictly prohibits the carrying of plastic bottles or snacks. Ensure you carry a reusable water flask.
The Soul of Munnar
The Heritage & High-Altitude Trail is more than just a sightseeing trip; it is an immersion into the elements that define this region. From the prehistoric presence of the Nilgiri Tahr to the Victorian-era machinery of the tea museum, you walk through different eras in a single day.
By the time you return to your resort in the evening, the cup of tea in your hand will mean something more. You will know the soil it grew in, the history behind the estate, and the mountain air that gave it its flavour.
