Anakulam Wild Elephant Visiting & Tribal village Safari

If you’re craving an experience that combines wildlife encounters, culture, and adrenaline-pumping off-road driving, the Anakulam Wild Elephant Visiting & Tribal Village Safari in Munnar might just be what you’re looking for. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, detailed reviews and the tour structure suggest it’s a well-rounded day packed with natural beauty and unique local insights.

What makes this safari stand out? First, you’ll love the expert guidance from local drivers and guides who have over 30 years of experience, ensuring you gain authentic knowledge. Second, the off-road Jeep safari through rainforests, with river crossings and mountain climbs, promises the kind of adventure that gets your heart racing. Third, the chance to see wild elephants in their natural habitat and explore tribal villages provides a deeply immersive experience.

A small potential drawback? The tour involves several stops with limited time at each, so if you’re after a leisurely, relaxed day, this might feel fast-paced. The value packed into the 9.5-hour itinerary makes it a compelling choice, especially for those who love wildlife, nature, and culture. The tour suits adventurous travelers, nature lovers, families, and anyone eager to explore beyond typical tourist spots.

Key Points

• Authentic local guides with over 30 years of experience enhance the tour with genuine insights.
• Off-road Jeep safari provides thrilling forest and mountain scenery, including river crossings.
• Multiple scenic stops like waterfalls, spice gardens, and elephant bathing spots enrich the experience.
• Cultural exposure through tribal village visits, with strict adherence to guide instructions.
• Value for price with included transportation, forest entries, and private jeep safaris.
• Limited food options—lunch is not included, so plan to buy snacks or meals locally.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Overall Logistics

The safari begins at the Amazing Munnar Tourism office, conveniently located near Saravana Bhavan on MG Road. The tour is designed for up to six people per group, which keeps things intimate but also means you’ll want to book well in advance—about 17 days ahead on average. The cost is $74.48 per group, which, considering the multiple stops, private transportation, and off-road adventures, offers good value.

The day lasts roughly 9 hours and 30 minutes, starting around 10 AM and wrapping up by late afternoon. The tour includes pickup, so you don’t need to worry about arranging transport to the meeting point.

Exploring Letchmi Estate and Tea Gardens

The journey begins with a stop at Lakshmi Hills Plantation, where you’ll learn about tea cultivation and see how the tea bushes thrive on the hillsides. The highlight? Seeing the meadows stretching across the hills, a view that’s both peaceful and scenic. This location also features a connection to Bollywood—it’s where a famous song from Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone was shot, adding a touch of pop culture to your visit. You’ll spend about 10 minutes here, with an admission ticket included, giving you just enough time to enjoy the scenery and snap some photos.

Refreshing Waterfalls and Spice Gardens

Next up are two waterfall stops—Viripara and Perumbankuthu—each offering a fresh burst of natural beauty. Viripara Waterfalls, located inside the forest, provide a quick, refreshing break. For a small fee, you can dip into the waters or simply appreciate the view. The next stop, Perumbankuthu Waterfalls, is free and passes through lush spice plantations, with aromatic cardamom and pepper plants lining the road. It’s a great chance to get a taste of Kerala’s famed spice trade—an aromatic treat during the drive.

The Off-Road Jungle Adventure

The core of this tour is the off-road safari through Anakula, a dense rainforest teeming with wildlife. Here, the experience is about more than just the scenery; it’s about feeling connected to nature in a raw, unfiltered way. The safari involves mountain climbing in 4×4 jeeps and crossing rivers—an adventure that excites both kids and adults. Reviewers mention the thrilling nature of the ride, likening it to a “refreshing process” for the mind and soul.

During this phase, you’ll get to bathe in waterfalls and enjoy the natural pools—an opportunity to cool off after the bumpy ride. The journey into the jungle is accompanied by the sound of rushing water, bird calls, and the chance to spot wildlife, including, hopefully, the elusive wild elephants.

Visiting Anakulam Waterfalls and Tribal Villages

The Anakulam Waterfalls offer a private spot to relax, bathe, and enjoy the hill waters sourced from the mountains. The water’s purity and the peaceful environment make it an ideal spot to unwind.

Passing through the tribal village, the vehicle only stops at a designated animal watchtower for photos. The strict instructions to follow guide and driver tips help preserve the authenticity of the experience and avoid disturbance to village life. This part of the tour offers a glimpse into traditional lifestyles, which many travelers find enriching.

Relaxation at the Check Dam and Elephant Viewing

The tour continues with a peaceful stop at the Anakulam check dam, where you can relax, take a bath if you wish, and simply enjoy the calm waters. This stop, along with the Elephant View Point, lets you see wild elephants bathing and drinking water—a signature highlight that visitors consistently praise. Watching these gentle giants in their natural environment makes the trip worthwhile, and the experience is free, adding to the overall value.

Tiger Cave and Forest Walks

A final stop at the Tiger Cave—a roadside attraction—offers a chance to relax amid bamboo groves and learn about the area’s history of tigers. The site is perfect for a short walk and offers a different perspective on the local flora and fauna.

What Makes This Tour Valuable?

This safari is about more than just sightseeing; it’s an immersive journey into Munnar’s natural and cultural landscape. The private transportation ensures a comfortable, tailored experience, with admission to forests, waterfalls, and tribal areas included in the price. The expert guides—local men with decades of experience—add authenticity and insight that you won’t get from generic tours.

The adventure aspect—mountain climbing, river crossings, jungle scenery—is what sets this safari apart. Reviewers mention the exhilaration of the off-road rides and the pleasure of seeing wild elephants in their habitat. The stops at waterfalls and spice gardens break up the day nicely, giving you both adventure and cultural flavor.

Potential Considerations

While the tour offers a comprehensive experience, it’s fast-paced. If you prefer a leisurely day with lots of downtime, this might feel rushed. Also, since lunch is not included, travelers should plan to carry snacks or buy locally—an aspect worth noting for those with dietary preferences or specific needs.

Booking and Pricing Perspective

For $74.48, the value is high given the multiple scenic stops, private transport, and off-road adventures. Compared to similar experiences, this package offers a good balance of thrill, culture, and natural beauty—especially considering the guided commentary from local experts.

Who Should Consider This Safari?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to explore beyond the typical tourist route. Families with older children, nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those interested in local culture will find it rewarding. If you’re eager to see elephants in the wild and enjoy off-road Jeep rides, this tour ticks many boxes. However, if you prefer a slow, relaxed day or have mobility concerns, plan accordingly.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your hotel or specified meeting point, making the start hassle-free.

What is the tour duration?
The entire experience lasts approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes, from pickup to drop-off.

Can I participate if I don’t ride in the jeep?
The tour is designed around the private jeep safari, so participation involves being in the vehicles during the off-road sections.

Is there a limit on group size?
Yes, the tour is for groups of up to 6 people, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Do I need to bring my own food?
Lunch is not included, so bringing snacks or buying from roadside shops is recommended.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but the tour involves off-road driving and water activities, so children should be supervised.

Is it suitable for all weather conditions?
The tour requires good weather; poor weather might lead to cancellations or rescheduling, with full refunds offered.

Are entry fees included?
Most forest and waterfall entries are included, but the fee for Viripara Waterfalls (INR 20-50) is not.

Can I take photos during the tribal village visit?
Only at designated animal watchtowers; visiting the tribal area itself is restricted to prevent disturbance.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, closed shoes for the jungle sections, and swimwear for waterfalls are advisable.

Final Thoughts

This safari in Munnar offers a well-balanced mix of culture, wildlife, and adventure. It’s particularly suited for those eager to see wild elephants, enjoy thrilling off-road rides, and connect with local tribal communities. The expert guides and private transport add a layer of comfort that makes the price worthwhile.

The carefully curated stops—spice gardens, waterfalls, elephant viewpoints—are all thoughtfully timed to maximize your experience without feeling rushed. However, expect a lively day with some physically active moments and limited downtime, which suits travelers looking for an energetic exploration.

In summary, if you’re after a full-day, authentic Munnar safari that combines nature’s beauty with a touch of local culture, this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments. Just prepare for a day full of adventure, scenic beauty, and the chance to witness elephants in their natural habitat.