Munnar is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. With its rolling tea plantations, rugged hills, and the famous Eravikulam National Park home to the Nilgiri Tahr, it’s an ideal destination for exploring India’s rich biodiversity. Whether you want to trek, learn about tea production, or spot wild animals, Munnar’s tours offer something for every type of traveler. We especially love the Chinnar Wildlife Visiting Tour, which combines wildlife viewing with local cultural insights, and the Tuk tuk safari, which adds a fun twist to exploring the national park.
If you’re considering visiting, this guide will help you choose the best national park tours in Munnar. We’ve reviewed three top options, comparing their unique features, value, and suitability to different interests.
Quick Overview
In this list, you’ll find a variety of tour styles: from immersive wildlife safaris and guided treks to cultural explorations via tuk-tuk rides. For those with limited time or budget, the Tuk tuk safari offers a quick, fun way to see Eravikulam—perfect for a family or first-time visitor. The From Munnar: Tea Factory, Plantation, and National Park Tour is ideal if you want a full-day experience with in-depth visits to tea and spice plantations, plus the national park itself. Lastly, the Chinnar Wild-life Visiting Tour balances wildlife encounters with interactive activities like trekking, making it a great choice for nature buffs.
Below, we dive into each tour, sharing what makes them special and how they match different traveler needs.
1. Chinnar Wild-life Visiting Tour (Eravikulam National Park)
This full-day wildlife tour is a great way to experience Munnar’s diverse ecosystems. It’s primarily based around Eravikulam National Park and the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, with stops at key natural and cultural sites. The tour includes a visit to the Kannan Devan Tea Museum (more info), where you’ll learn about tea production — a perfect intro to Munnar’s famous tea industry. The highlight is exploring Rajamalai, where you can spot the endangered Nilgiri Thar and enjoy the panoramic views.
What sets this tour apart is the chance to trek into the forest with a Kerala Forest Department guide (note: guides speak only the local language), offering an authentic jungle experience. Visitors also get to relax at Lakkam Waterfalls and see sandalwood forests where wild deer roam freely. The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary offers a chance to witness native animals in their habitat.
This tour is rated 4.5/5 with positive reviews praising its scenic beauty and variety of stops. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day combining wildlife, nature, and local culture. The price ($41.18 per group) makes it a good value for the full experience, especially if you’re keen on wildlife and trekking.
Bottom Line: If you want a well-rounded, nature-focused day with wildlife sightings and cultural insights, this tour is a fantastic pick.
2. From Munnar: Tea Factory, Plantation, and National Park Tour
For those who want a deep dive into Munnar’s famous tea culture combined with an adventure in nature, this full-day guided tour hits all the right notes. It starts with a guided visit to the Lockhart Tea Factory (more info), where you’ll see the process of tea-making from leaf plucking to packaging. Afterwards, you’ll trek through lush tea plantations and enjoy the cool mountain air.
The tour continues with a visit to Eravikulam National Park, where you might spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. It also includes stops at the Mattupetty Dam and Cinnamon Gardens Spice Plantation, giving insight into the region’s spice farming. The visit to Old Munnar Town adds a cultural layer, showing you the town’s evolution from plantation hub to tourist destination.
This tour, with a rating of 5/5, is best suited for travelers who love learning about local agriculture and history, with plenty of scenic walking. The price ($90 per person) reflects its in-depth approach, offering guided tours at various key sites. It’s ideal for those who want a full-day experience with a mix of nature, culture, and history.
Bottom Line: If you’re eager to understand Munnar’s tea and spice industries while enjoying the natural beauty, this comprehensive tour provides excellent value.
$90 per person
3. Tuk tuk safari to Eravikulam National Park (By Munnar Info)
Looking for a fun and unconventional way to explore Munnar? The Tuk tuk safari offers an intimate, lively experience with just a small group or even private rides. For around $35 per person, you’ll explore Rajamalai (more info), the designated tourism zone of Eravikulam National Park. Here, you can get up close to Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy the distinctive kurinji flowers that bloom every 12 years.
The tour includes a pick-up from 5th Mile and takes you through the park’s shola grassland ecosystem, with plenty of opportunities for photos. You’ll also visit the Kannan Devan Tea Museum and the CSI Church en route, giving a quick cultural peek into Munnar’s history.
Rated 4.0/5, this tour is perfect for travelers who want a short, light-hearted experience and don’t mind a bit of adventure. The small group size and the chance to see Nilgiri Tahr make it a good choice for families or first-timers. Keep in mind it’s a limited time experience, so not ideal if you want a full day.
Bottom Line: For a quick, playful exploration of Eravikulam with the chance to see wildlife and learn about Munnar’s history, this tuk-tuk safari is a unique pick.
How to Choose the Right Tour for You
When selecting a national park tour in Munnar, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. If wildlife and trekking excite you, the Chinnar Wild-life Visiting Tour offers a broad experience with plenty of nature. For a more cultural and educational day, the Full-Day Tea and Plantation Tour provides in-depth insights and scenic walks. If you’re seeking something fun and flexible, the Tuk tuk safari is perfect for a short, lively adventure.
Think about your fitness level and whether you prefer a guided, in-depth experience or something more casual. Planning ahead and booking early can help secure spots, especially during peak season. Also, check if special activities like trekking or visiting specific sites require permits or additional fees.
Final Thoughts
Munnar’s national park tours present a fantastic mix of wildlife, culture, and scenic beauty. The Chinnar Wildlife Tour is ideal for those wanting a comprehensive wildlife experience, while the Full-Day Tea and Plantation Tour suits travelers eager to explore Munnar’s agricultural roots. For a quick, engaging ride, the Tuk tuk safari offers a fun twist.
No matter which you choose, early booking and flexible planning will help you make the most of your trip. These tours showcase some of the best ways to experience Munnar’s natural and cultural richness—so pick your adventure and enjoy every moment in this mountain haven.
Happy exploring!