Meesapulimala trek – The second highest peak in Western ghats

This trek was after quite a long time, obviously due to COVID-19.
Started from Chennai to Munnar in a private bus, Ankita was also with me.
Before starting the trek, we have to do some bookings. I will get straight into it now.

Previously, anyone could have trekked Meesapulimala peak, there were a lot of private companies arranging the trek. But as far as I know, things have changed. You can only trek to Meesapulimala with the permission of Kerala Forest department. The trek is supervised by the forest department officials. Not a big deal – all you need is to book your slot prior to reaching Munnar.

How to book Meesapulimala trek

So go to the website: munnar.kfdcecotourism.com , you can easily book the trekking package according to your preferred time and the luxury of stay you are expecting. Both tenting as well as cottages are available for the night. The reporting time is around 2.30 PM, you need to be physically present at the Forest Department office in Munnar. Once you call them after online booking, you will get the details and location of the office.

Meesapulimala trek: My experience

We reached the Forest Department office, it was raining most of the time that day in Munnar. A jeep from there will take us to the Base camp of Meesapulimala trek. We have chosen tents for the night stay, if you are staying at the cottage, the jeep will take you further 8km up. From Munnar to Base camp, you need to pay 2000 INR. You can form a group from the office and share the expense also.

What happened in our case was, I knew some of my friends were coming on the day for this trek. We didn’t plan this trek together. So there were 5 people in the jeep.

The day was cloudy and rainy, it got dark by the time we reached the camp. The camp was beautifully lit and facilities available were really good. You can expect leeches and be prepared for that. Keep some salt or any leech repellent with you.

The trek starts the next morning at 5.30. There is a sun-rise point on the way. The officers will give all the necessary instructions the day before. There will be a guide with us on the trek. Since there was a forecast for rain on that day, we had already kept aside the idea of sunrise. But anyway, we started our trek on time, after nice hot tea from the camp.

The trek starts from the cottages at Rhodo Valley. You can either walk from the Base camp to the cottage or ask the jeep driver to drop you. I think you can skip walking this part since it is a 3-4 km road. Anyway it’s your choice. You need to pay some extra money for the jeep.

It was drizzling and windy. The trek was amazing in every sense. Really enjoyed walking over the rolling hills. The flora is something which can keep you awestruck. One side trek will take almost 3 hours. On the way up, it was mostly foggy, the views were hidden from us. But the fog cleared on the way down. At the top of Meesapulimala, we couldn’t stand for more time due to heavy chill winds. We took a different route on the way back. Since the fog had cleared later, the landscape was amazing.

Meesapulimala is about 2600 meters above sea level. The vegetation is different from what we see in other part of the western ghats. Most of the area is covered with shola forests. You can also see a lot of Rhododendrons on the way. Once these rhododendrons flower, it gives a different feel for the trek. Sometimes, you can see Nilgiri Tahrs roaming in those grasslands (we saw one..!!!).

I am not spoiling the thrill of the trek by describing each and everything, covered most of the essential details for the trek.

Few important things to remember

Meesapulimala trek is through the reserved forest. They are called reserved for a reason. The flora and fauna in this area is very sensitive. We should not do anything which causes harm to them. So strictly, no plastics and no loud music.

Meesapulimala is a moderate trek. Since the altitude is high, the oxygen level is comparatively less. There can be difficulty for breathing. So don’t exert too much, just relax and trek in your own pace.

You have to deal with leeches, if you are coming in the rainy season.

The facilities in the base camp are very good considering the remoteness of the place. Food is also pretty good. But don’t expect any luxury, demanding such unacceptable things will be idiotic.

The jeep cost to and from base camp to Munnar is around 2000 INR. If you form a group, can share the expense.
The tariffs for different accommodations are available in the KFDC-Munnar website.

Let me know your thoughts in the comment section.

Also, gratitude to my friend JIGS JAYATHILAKAN for the pictures.

Links for more treks in the Western Ghats; Chokramudi Trek , Vakavanam Trail walk , Kodachadri Trek , Kumaraparvatha Trek , Baba Budangiri Trail

Keep travelling…