10.087677.2044Idukki, Kerala

ADVENTURE

Meesapulimala Peak - Trekking Kerala's Second Highest Summit

Embark on a challenging trek to Kerala's second-highest peak for stunning views of rolling hills, shola forests, and cloud-filled valleys near Munnar.

Idukki, KeralaFull day (6-8 hours)7:00 AM – 5:00 PM₹4500No Photography

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Best Season:The ideal time to undertake the Meesapulimala trek is from September to March. During these post-monsoon and winter months, the weather is pleasant, the skies are generally clear, offering the best views. The landscape is lush and green after the rains. Avoid the peak monsoon season from June to August, as the trails become extremely slippery, foggy, and are infested with leeches, often leading to the temporary closure of the trek for safety.

Duration:Full day (6-8 hours)

Entry (Indian):₹4500

Entry (Foreign):₹4500

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Not Available

Why Visit Meesapulimala Peak?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

Meesapulimala is the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats of Kerala, standing at an elevation of 2,640 meters. The trek to the summit is a demanding yet rewarding experience, taking you through a varied landscape of high-altitude grasslands, dense shola forests, and valleys dotted with rhododendron trees. The journey is managed by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) to ensure ecological protection and visitor safety. As you ascend, the terrain shifts from tea plantations to rugged mountain paths.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

Jan

Winter

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Winter

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Monsoon

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Monsoon

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BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

December-January, weekends, and public holidays, due to clear weather and the main tourist season in Munnar.

Moderate

September-November and February-March, especially on weekdays.

Low Season

June-August, as heavy monsoon rains make the trek challenging and less appealing.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

₹4500

Per person

Foreign Visitors

₹4500

Per person

Opening Hours

7:00 AM — 5:00 PM

These are the general operational hours for the base camp. Treks usually commence between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. All trekkers are required to return to the base camp by 5:00 PM. No treks are permitted after 10:00 AM. Advance booking is mandatory.

Entry is not based on a simple fee. It is part of a package provided by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC). A typical package costs around ₹4500 for two people and includes the trek permit, a mandatory guide, and simple meals (breakfast and lunch). Prices can vary based on the package chosen (e.g., including overnight stay at base camp). Check the official KFDC website for current pricing and booking.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

KFDC Base Camp, Rhodo Valley, via Suryanelli, Munnar

Coordinates

10.0876, 77.2044

Nearest City

Idukki

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How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

Cochin International Airport (COK) is the nearest airport, located about 125 km from Munnar. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to reach Munnar, which takes ...

By Train

The nearest major railway station is Aluva (AWY), about 120 km from Munnar. Ernakulam Junction (ERS) is another option, around 130 km away. Taxis and buses are ...

By Road

Munnar is well-connected by road to major cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. From Munnar town, you need to hire a jeep to reach the KFDC base camp (around 24 km),...

Local Transport

Within Munnar, auto-rickshaws and taxis are available. However, to reach the Meesapulimala trek starting point, hiring a 4x4 jeep is the only reliable option. J...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

As a natural geographical formation, Meesapulimala does not have a constructed history. Its name, which translates to "tiger-faced mountain," is derived from its appearance from a certain angle. For years, it was an unmarked trail known only to locals. In recent times, to regulate the increasing number of trekkers and prevent environmental damage to this fragile ecosystem, the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) took over its management. They established official trekking programs with mandatory guides, designated routes, and base camps, transforming it into an organized and sustainable adventure tourism destination.

Significance

Meesapulimala holds significant ecological importance as part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a critical habitat for endemic flora and fauna, including the Neelakurinji flower, which blooms only once every twelve years. For adventure enthusiasts, it represents one of South India's most sought-after high-altitude treks. Its popularity stems from the raw, untouched beauty of its trails and the spectacular 360-degree views from its summit, which are unlike any other in the region.

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