Hey travel enthusiasts, Pranjal is here!
I take you on my unforgettable 5-day bike adventure from Bangalore to the misty hills of Munnar and the serene beaches of Varkala. Also, this trip was a perfect blend of nature’s beauty, delicious food, and some thrilling rides on the open road.
Are you ready to escape the ordinary and explore the wonders of Kerala on two wheels?
Planning Your Bike Trip to Munnar: Route
On a cold November morning, I set off with a friend on my bike from Bangalore to Munnar, which was 420 km away. Also, it was a 10-hour journey with breaks to keep us going.
Our first stop was a cafe in Salem for a delicious South Indian breakfast of dosa, idli, vada, and coffee for Rs. 280 for two. After that, we grabbed some tea and Maggi from a roadside stall for Rs. 100 before reaching Munnar.
A Refreshing Accommodation Experience in Munnar
I just wanted to share about a cool 2-day collaboration we did with Ela Ecoland Munnar. Also, we promoted the resort, and in return, we got to enjoy an awesome hike together! It was a great experience for all of us.
Things to Do in Munnar: Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring This Scenic Paradise
- Day 1: Relaxing at the Resort and Exploring the Tea Plantations
Our first day was all about chilling at Ela Ecoland Munnar. We enjoyed a delicious lunch sponsored by the resort, complete with some tasty pakoras.
As the afternoon rain rolled in, we decided to embrace it and capture some fun photos and videos in the downpour. Since the resort is located near Idukki, a district known for its stunning views, we took the opportunity to visit a nearby tea plantation. Also, it was an incredible experience to be surrounded by those rolling green hills!
Back at the resort, we finished the day with a delicious North Indian dinner, including paneer, chapati, dal, and, to top it all off, some sweet gulab jamun. After that, we were all set for a good night’s sleep.
- Day 2: Exploring Ela Ecoland and Learning About Tea
On day two, explore the beauty of Ela Ecoland Munnar. We woke up feeling refreshed at around 9:00 am and fueled up for the day with a delicious dosa breakfast, courtesy of the resort.
Also, the highlight of the morning was exploring the resort itself. It was stunning; we even got to check out the treehouse, which offered incredible views.
In the afternoon, we ventured out to a tea factory called Lockhart, located just outside of Munnar. Also, it was about 15 km away from the resort. Here, we learned all about the different types of tea and even picked up some souvenirs.
The entry fee was only Rs. 250, and I snagged a 200 gram bag of tea bags for Rs. 260—a great deal!
- Day 3: Hitting the Beach in Varkala!
Our journey from Munnar to Varkala was a scenic one, although a bit bumpy. The 230-kilometre trip took us about 6–7 hours because the roads weren’t highways. Finally reaching Varkala, a beautiful beach town, was a welcome sight.Also, it felt quite different from Munnar—less crowded with Indians and more international tourists. Despite the hot and humid weather, the beach views were breathtaking.
We made a pit stop at the Valara waterfall before reaching our resort on Varkala Cliff. The resort stay cost us Rs. 3500 per day. After a quick rest, we headed to a cafe called Darjeeling Cafe for some delicious pasta and refreshing beers for Rs. 1200.
- Day 4: Beach Bliss and Sunsets
Day 4 was all about soaking up the sun and the stunning views at Varkala Beach. Also, we spent a relaxing day enjoying the beautiful scenery, and we even caught an incredible sunset.
In the evening, we grabbed dinner at the German Bakery. Moreover, we opted for a unique fusion meal of burgers paired with naan and curry for Rs. 1500. It was a delicious way to end the day.
- Day 5: Back to Bangalore
The final leg of our trip took us back to Bangalore from Varkala. It was a long ride—a whopping 660 km. We hit the road at 10:00 a.m. Let’s just say it was a tiring journey, especially since I was the one on the bike.
To break up the trip, we made a couple of stops. First, we refuelled ourselves with a pit stop at McDonald’s.
Later, we grabbed a refreshing treat, a local iced apple from a roadside stall for just Rs. 80. Finally, after many miles, we rolled back into Bangalore.
Pleasant weather: November is the best time to visit Munnar
Munnar’s best weather is between September and March, making it nice and cool. Also, it is still possible to visit in the summer months (April to June), but expect it to be a bit warmer.
Packing Essentials:
- Sunscreen (it’s a must for hot weather)
- Beach clothes
- Water bottle (stay hydrated in that humidity)
Travel tip to Munnar:
The phone signal around Ela Ecoland Munnar can be weak. If you’re not using a BSNL SIM card, you might have trouble with your phone. Also, it is a good idea to grab a BSNL SIM card before you go so you can stay connected.
We had an unforgettable 5-day journey and highly recommend visiting Varkala. Also, it’s a beautiful, lesser-known spot. So, our total budget for 5 days for 2 people was Rs. 15,000, covering everything.
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So, pack your smiles and happy travels!!!
