You cannot simply drive to Meesapulimala and start walking. The peak sits in forest land managed by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC), and every trekker needs a booked slot and a forest guide. Here is how booking works, whether you do it yourself or through an organiser.
Step 1: Pick your format
KFDC runs Meesapulimala as part of its stay and trek programmes. Decide first whether you want a day trek or an overnight stay, and which stay: base camp tents, Rhodo Mansion or Sky Cottage. Each has its own capacity and price. Our stay guide explains the differences.
Step 2: Check dates early
Capacity is small. Kerala Tourism lists the base camp at a maximum of 40 people for a night’s tent stay. November, weekends, long weekends and December fill first. Two to three weeks ahead is sensible for weekends, more for Christmas and New Year.
Step 3: Book through KFDC or an organiser
Booking directly with KFDC
- KFDC eco-tourism runs a booking website for its Munnar programmes at munnar.kfdcecotourism.com.
- The KFDC eco-tourism office is on Mattupetty Road in Munnar. Contact numbers are listed on the Kerala Tourism Meesapulimala page.
- Jeeps to base camp are often arranged in Munnar, sometimes in person at the office. Confirm this when you book.
Booking through an organiser
An organiser books the KFDC slot, arranges the jeep, briefs you and sends a trek lead along with the forest guide. You pay one price and get one point of contact. This is what we do at KeralaTrekking: our 2 day trek and camp package costs ₹3,999 to ₹5,000 per person depending on date, group size and stay.
Step 4: Keep your ID details ready
Slots are issued per person. Have every adult’s name and government photo ID ready when booking, and carry the original ID on the day. Children travel with a parent or guardian.
Step 5: Understand cancellation terms
KFDC can cancel or postpone treks for heavy rain, wind or forest reasons. Before paying anyone, ask two questions: what happens if KFDC cancels, and what happens if you cancel. Get the answer in writing.
Step 6: Confirm reporting details
A day or two before, you should have the reporting time and place in Munnar, the jeep arrangement and a contact number. If you do not, ask.
Common booking mistakes
- Booking Munnar hotels first and the trek later. Slots are the bottleneck, so secure them first.
- Assuming the jeep is included. Check.
- Arriving in Munnar on the morning of the trek. Most starts are too early for that.
- Planning for June to August. Treks may be suspended in heavy monsoon. See best time to visit.
For a breakdown of what each part costs, read permits, rules and cost.