Bloom status: 2026 is a Neelakurinji year in the Munnar hills. Flowering began at Chokramudi in late August and moves towards higher hills such as Meesapulimala. It is a natural bloom, so density changes with rain and weather and cannot be guaranteed on any date. We share the latest trail report on WhatsApp before you pay.
Highlights
- Trek to the 2,640 m summit of Meesapulimala, the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats
- Look for Neelakurinji patches on the high grasslands in the 2026 season
- Rhodo Valley, rolling grassy ridges and shola forest
- Overnight travel from Aluva, so no hotel night or leave day needed
- A 60 km off-road jeep safari from Munnar to base camp and Rhodo Valley and back, through tea estates and hill roads
- Pickup and drop at Aluva, breakfast and lunch included
- KFDC forest guide plus a KeralaTrekking trek coordinator
- A special KeralaTrekking badge for every trekker
Price
₹3,999 covers pickup and drop at Aluva, the trek with a KFDC forest guide and KeralaTrekking trek coordinator, breakfast, lunch and your special KeralaTrekking badge. Base camp and Rhodo Valley are about 30 km from Munnar up steep estate roads that only licensed off-road jeeps can drive. That 60 km round-trip jeep safari is charged separately at ₹550 per person, and the climb through the tea estates is an adventure of its own.
Itinerary
Times are a guide. Night roads, KFDC timings and group pace can shift them a little.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 12:00 AM | Pickup at Aluva Railway Station at midnight. Please report 15 minutes early. |
| Night | Drive to Munnar via Perumbavoor, Kothamangalam and Adimali. Sleep on the way. |
| 4:30 AM | Reach Munnar, KFDC formalities, then the off-road jeep safari to base camp. |
| 5:30 AM | Base camp. Breakfast and safety briefing with the forest guide. |
| 6:00 AM | Trek starts: a 5 km off-road jeep ride to Rhodo Valley, then the hike up through the grassy hills. Water and photo breaks on the way. |
| 9:30 AM | Summit, 2,640 m. Time for views and photos while the clouds stay low. |
| 10:00 AM | Descent the same way to Rhodo Valley. |
| 1:00 PM | Jeep back to base camp (5 km). Lunch. |
| 2:00 PM | Jeep back to Munnar. |
| 3:00 PM | Leave Munnar for Aluva. |
| 7:30 to 8:30 PM | Drop at Aluva Railway Station. |
Trek at a glance
What’s included
Included
- Pickup and drop at Aluva Railway Station
- Transport to Munnar and back
- Trek entry and KFDC forest guide
- KeralaTrekking trek coordinator
- Special KeralaTrekking badge
- Breakfast and lunch
Not included
- 60 km off-road jeep safari, Munnar to Rhodo Valley and back: ₹550 per person, paid separately
- Snacks, dinner and any extra food on the way
- Personal gear: shoes, rainwear, warm layers
- Personal expenses and insurance
- Costs from roadblocks, weather or other events outside our control
Is this trek for you?
You should be comfortable walking 8 to 10 km over grassy hills with a steep final climb, after a night on the road. Regular walkers and active beginners do fine. If you have not trekked before, our 4 week fitness plan helps a lot.
What to carry
- Trekking shoes with good grip
- Small daypack
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Warm layer for the summit
- Cap and sunscreen
- 2 litres of water
- Personal medicines
- Original photo ID
- Charged phone and power bank
- Neck pillow for the night drive
Build a tickable list with our free packing checklist.
Neelakurinji rules
- Do not pick, uproot or step on Neelakurinji or any other plant. It is protected, and fines apply.
- Stay on the trail and behind the forest guide.
- No alcohol, smoking or loud music in the forest.
- Carry every wrapper and bottle back down.
- The guide and trek coordinator decide on safety and weather. Their call is final.
Questions
Can we choose our own date?
Yes. Fixed batches run on alternate Saturdays, and we arrange custom dates for groups, families, colleges and companies. WhatsApp us your date and group size and we will confirm availability.
Why is the jeep safari paid separately?
The forest department assigns licensed off-road jeeps at the KFDC office in Munnar for the steep, rough road to base camp and Rhodo Valley, about 30 km each way. The fare for the 60 km round trip is ₹550 per person, charged at the actual rate. Everything else, from pickup in Aluva to lunch after the trek, is in the ₹3,999.
Will I definitely see Neelakurinji?
No one can promise it. The bloom depends on rain and weather, and patches vary week to week. We share the latest report from the trail before you pay, so you can decide.
Where exactly is the pickup?
Aluva Railway Station, at 12:00 midnight. We share the exact spot and the coordinator’s number a day before.
Can I join from Munnar instead?
Yes. Tell us when you enquire and we will arrange a Munnar pickup and adjust the price.
What if it rains or KFDC closes the trek?
Safety comes first. If the trek is cancelled for weather or forest reasons, we offer another date or a trek credit.
Is it safe for women and solo trekkers?
Yes. Many of our trekkers join solo, and every batch has a KeralaTrekking trek coordinator plus the KFDC forest guide.