Disconnect from the chaos of the current day and escape into paradise hidden away in the depths of the Munnar hill ranges. Located roughly 50 kms from Munnar, Vattavada is a well-kept local secret. And our Vattavada camping experience is an exquisite jungle getaway devoid of luxuries including electricity and the internet. Embrace the simple life as we at Plan The Unplanned help you experience the great outdoors in its most authentic and raw self through this two-day Vattavada camping itinerary.
Situated 6500 ft. above sea level, Vattavada offers you a world very different from mainstream Munnar and is your best bet for an off-beat weekend escapade from Kochi. Vattavada experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year and hence can be visited anytime. However, the months starting from September all the way until the end of April would be the ideal season to experience Vattavada in her full glory.
With unlimited forest trails, enchanting terraced slopes, natural waterfalls, hidden caves, camping, and more, we at Plan The Unplanned helps you experience Vattavada to its fullest and come back rejuvenated to better tackle the uncertainties and chaos of the new normal.
Coming from Bangalore: You will have to reach Cochin by 7 AM on Day 1 (Saturday). Overnight buses, as well as trains, are now available for the same which can be booked by yourselves. Our team will assist you with the same as well as obtain permits on your behalf for a ‘short-visit’ into Kerala. Facilities for freshening up and breakfast can also be arranged in Cochin at a nominal charge. We expect to be back at Cochin by 8 PM on Day 2. You can book your buses back to Bangalore post 8 PM.
Coming from Cochin and other parts of Kerala: You can meet our team from Plan The Unplanned at 9 AM at the respective pick-up points starting from Cochin.
Coming directly to Vattavada: You can meet our team from Plan The Unplanned at around 3 PM at Vattavada from where we will proceed towards the campsite. Kindly choose the ‘without travel’ option while booking in case you wish to do so.
Day 1
Day 2
Following are the pick-up points:
Vytilla Junction
In front of SG Electronics
Google Map Location
Pipeline Junction
In front of Cosmo Sports
Google Map Location
Edapally Toll Junction
In front of City Silks
Google Map Location
Aluva Bypass
In front of Seema’s
Google Map Location
Our journey towards the gentle slopes of Vattavada begins from Cochin at 9 AM. Once you’ve boarded the bus from your chosen pick up points, our trek leads will soon get to work transforming your bunch from a group of strangers to the closest of friends. Plan The Unplanned’s signature ice-breaking sessions are designed to do just that.
By around 2 in the afternoon, we leave the city life behind and slowly make our way up the hills. You are greeted by the crisp and chilly air of Munnar and breathtaking views of tea estates all around. The road from Munnar to Vattavada is an experience in itself. Watch as the narrow road meanders amidst tall Eucalyptus trees and scenic views as you make your way across the Pambadum Shola National Park.
If places like Munnar are known for their hills and tea estates, Vattavada is known for its vegetables. This is also one of the most striking features you will notice as you reach Vattavada. Endless green slopes of vegetable farms line the valleys down below as things wind down after the hustle and bustle of Munnar. An agricultural village of impeccable natural beauty, Vattavada is known for its strawberries and other winter vegetables including the freshest carrots, cabbages, and garlic.
Vattavada offers scintillating scenic views of its agricultural lands interspersed with small settlements with the locals having a touch of Tamil to their accents being so close to the Kerala Tamilnadu border. One can also enjoy 360-degree views of the valleys and the sprawling farmlands across the various viewpoints en route.
By around 3 PM, we make our way to our Vattavada camp, a hidden little campsite tucked away deep amidst the hillocks of Vattavada. Once here, we settle down after the long and scenic drive from Kochi and freshen ourselves up with a short forest trek to a nearby waterfall along with discovering a hidden cave en route. This short yet scenic trek through narrow forest trails and tall Eucalyptus trees combined with a cold shower in a natural waterfall will give you a much-needed boost of energy and zest.
We return to the campsite, enjoy the myriad hues across the evening sky, and settle down for the night. But not before a lively campfire and a sumptuous dinner made with the most local and freshest produce. We spend the night in tents under the open sky in complete wilderness and rest assured, this Vattavada camping experience will be one for the ages.
After a memorable night under the stars, we wake up to a beautiful day out in the wild. We start off the day with an early morning hike to the most scenic spot of the valley. Offering an almost magical view of the surrounding hills, the short trek leading up to this panoramic view is just as adventurous. Spend some good time here taking in the morning breeze and calm your senses before heading back to the campsite. Once there, reward yourselves with a hearty traditional Kerala style breakfast. With numerous opportunities to hike, explore, and wander around the campsite, spend the rest of the morning enjoying what this magical valley has to offer to its fullest.
We then begin our return journey back to Cochin by 12 PM and expect to be back by 8 PM. On the way back, we will also make a quick stop to enjoy the beautiful grasslands adjoining the Kundala Dam reservoir area.
Vattavada is one of those rare places in Kerala which is yet to fall victim to hustle and bustle of modernization. Time slows down in this part of the world as it stays true to its agricultural roots and people who live in perfect harmony with nature, across her gentle slopes. Experience this serenity firsthand on this two-day Vattavad camping trip with Plan The Unplanned.
