Bodimettu
Perched at an elevation of about 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) in the Western Ghats, Bodimettu sits right on the border of Tamil Nadu (Theni district) and Kerala (Idukki district). While it is widely celebrated today as a serene hill station along National Highway 85 (connecting Kochi to Madurai), it holds a fascinating place in regional trade history.
The Ultimate 4-Night / 5-Day Circuit Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival via the Bodi Ghats to Bodimettu / Chinnakanal
- The Drive: Ascend from the Tamil Nadu plains via the stunning 17 hairpin bends of the Bodi Ghat road (NH 85) to reach Bodimettu.
- Afternoon: Check into a secluded plantation resort nestled in the cardamom hills. Spend the afternoon taking a guided walk through the shaded cardamom trails to learn about the processing of the “green gold.”
- Evening: Witness the sunset over the deep valleys of the Theni plains from a localized viewpoint.
Day 2: The High-Altitude Border Wonders (Bodimettu to Munnar via Gap Road)
- Morning: Head towards Munnar via the iconic Gap Road (NH 85). This stretch offers some of the most breathtaking cliffside views in South India. Stop by the serene Anayirangal Dam and Lake, wrapped tightly by tea gardens.
- Afternoon: Reach Munnar. Visit the Lockhart Tea Museum or take an off-road jeep safari up to Kolukkumalai (the world’s highest organic tea plantation) for a late lunch or panoramic views.
- Night: Stay at a heritage tea bungalow in Munnar.
Day 3: Immersed in the Queen of Hill Stations (Munnar)
- Morning: Venture early to Eravikulam National Park to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr along the misty slopes.
- Afternoon: Explore the serene waters of Mattupetty Dam and the natural Echo Point. Take a relaxed walk through the lush blossoms of the town’s botanical gardens.
- Night: Second night in Munnar enjoying a cozy bonfire at your plantation stay.
Day 4: The Scenic Spice Route to Thekkady (Munnar – Pooppara – Udumbanchola – Thekkady)
- The Drive (approx. 4 hours / 100 km): Take the highly recommended Devikulam–Pooppara–Udumbanchola highway. This route avoids heavy traffic and tracks directly through endless hills of black pepper vines, coffee estates, and dense Shola forests.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Thekkady (Kumily). Dive into a completely different sensory landscape focused on exotic spices like clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Watch a traditional Kalaripayattu (martial arts) or Kathakali performance in the evening.
- Night: Stay in an eco-lodge or jungle-canopy plantation resort.
Day 5: The Wilds of Periyar & Departure
- Morning: Enjoy a dawn boating session on the Periyar Lake inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve to catch glimpses of wild elephants, gaur, and otters along the banks. Alternatively, opt for a guided border hiking program.
- Afternoon: Collect fresh highland spices from local co-operatives before starting your return journey or heading toward the backwaters.
Handpicked Plantation Stays & Resorts
The accommodations along this specific corridor focus on immersion—either deep within misty tea carpets or sheltered under a dense canopy of spice trees.
1. Near Bodimettu / Pooppara / Chinnakanal (The Spice Belt)
- Dream Catcher Plantation Resort (Suryanelli/Pooppara region): Set inside a stunning 20-acre cardamom plantation, this resort is famous for its luxurious treehouses elevated 60 feet above the ground, an infinity pool overlooking misty valleys, and immersive plantation walks.
- **SpiceTree Rajakumari (Near Pooppara): A premium boutique retreat offering high-end luxury villas and unique mountain views, seamlessly connecting the quiet cardamom foothills of Bodimettu with Munnar’s high ridges.
- Chill Berg Resort (Bodimettu): Located right on the mountain ridge near the border, perfect for those wanting immediate access to the cliff edges and a serene, quiet getaway immediately after ascending the Bodi ghats.
2. In and Around Munnar (The Tea Country)
- Tea Drops Plantation Villa: Perfect for small groups or families looking for an authentic estate bungalow feel surrounded entirely by neatly manicured tea hedges.
- Windermere Estate: A classic, experiential property combining a working cardamom/tea plantation with old-world mountain charm.
3. In Thekkady (The Jungle & Spice Haven)
- Spice Village – CGH Earth: Styled after the traditional tribal dwellings of the Periyar forest, this eco-resort is entirely integrated into a spice garden ecosystem, focusing on sustainability, regional cuisine, and naturalists-guided treks.
- Poetree Thekkady: Perched on a mountain ridge offering 360-degree views of the surrounding reserve forest and spice hills, known for its premium eco-villas.
Travel Tips for this Route
- Road Conditions: The stretch from Munnar to Pooppara via the Gap Road is spectacular and wide but requires cautious driving due to sudden patches of low-lying fog.
- Timing: Always aim to cross the Pooppara–Udumbanchola–Thekkady spice route before 5:00 PM, as mist sets in quickly and wild animal crossings (including elephants) are common in the forest stretches bordering the sanctuaries