Treks · Rhodo Valley → Munthal
Six Days in the Shola
An ancient forest, a dozen streams, a world away
- Duration
- 6 days
- Experience
- Treks
- Destination
- South India
- Season
- Sep – May
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Highest point
- 8,661 ft (2,640 m)
- Distance
- 65 km
- Begins in
- Munnar
- Stay
- Boutique stays
- Activity level
- 3/5
- Group
- Small group · private from 2
The journey
Shola forests are the Western Ghats' secret: dark, mossy islands of ancient trees in a sea of grassland. Spend six days among them — Meesapulimala, Top Station, the lemongrass fields of Central Station overlooking Kolukkumalai, and a final descent past waterfalls to Munthal.
- Meesapulimala summit
- Gaur, sambar & Nilgiri tahr sightings
- Lemongrass fields of Central Station
- Waterfall descent to Munthal
Day by day
- D1
Silent Valley camp
Through tea and pine groves.
- D2
Meesapulimala
Summit day through grassland and shola.
- D3
Grasslands to Top Station
Wildlife country — gaur, sambar, tahr.
- D4
Central Station
Lemongrass fields and farming communities; camp facing Kolukkumalai.
- D5
Munthal
Coffee, papaya and paddy, streams and waterfalls — shoes off for the crossings.
- D6
Depart
Onward journey.
Where you'll stay
Boutique stays. Hand-picked camps, lodges and boutique hotels, chosen for their setting and their welcome.
What's included
- Pickup & drop in Munnar (Kochi transfers on request)
- A-frame tents with 2-inch high-density mattresses
- All meals: campfire dinners, breakfasts & packed trail lunches
- Pontiac trek leader, local guides & porters
- All forest & trekking permits
- Boiled drinking water — no plastic bottles
- Sleeping bag — bring your own or hire on request
- Travel to Munnar / Kochi
- Kolukkumalai tea factory entry (optional)
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Safety & good to know
- Each day begins with a briefing on the route, weather and what to carry.
- Local guides who know the terrain walk with you throughout.
- Permits and transfers are arranged before you arrive.
- This journey reaches high altitude — see what thin air does in our altitude explorer, and tell your trip planner about any health conditions.
- Your trip planner sends a packing list and preparation advice before you travel.
Questions
Can we take this journey privately?
Yes — on your dates, for your party alone, from two travellers. Your trip planner can adjust the pace, stays and route.
Are the dates fixed?
The dates shown are suggested start dates. Your trip planner confirms availability, or arranges a private departure.
How do we pay?
Once your journey is confirmed, your trip planner shares a secure payment link and the terms for your itinerary.
