Last Updated on July 1, 2024 by admin
While Glamping in India is relatively a new concept, there is a niche crowd who loves to detach from mundane life to reconnect with nature. I recently went Glamping in Munnar, Kerala and had an amazing time. Read this blog to find out.
Although I am not a serial camper, I have camped occasionally and enjoy the rustic charm attached to it. Imagine if one can camp without the hassle of packing. If you like this idea, then glamping is the answer!
This tee-pee style Glamping site on the slopes of Meesapulimala near Yellapatty, the border village between Kerala and Tamil Nadu is one of the best things to do in Munnar.
Table of Contents
What is Glamping?
If you are confused about what I am exactly talking about, I know the feeling. Even I was new to this concept before I went there.
Glamping means luxurious camping. It is a perfect combination of living in nature with the comforts of modern luxury. In most cases, glamping is sustainable in nature.
Glamping in Munnar: What to expect?
Senthil, the owner of Glamp Footprints also sometimes called Munnar Camp Footprints has aptly named this Glamorous Camping in the quiet valley. However, you really need to dig deeper to really understand the fine details that make this glamping site that should be highly sought out by families, couples, adventure enthusiasts and bird watchers for an elevated glamping experience.
Here is a quick list of what you need to know about the accommodation.
Logistical Details
Address: Glamp Footprint, Near Yellapatty village, Munnar – Top Station Road, Munnar
Time from Munnar: 1.5 hours (30 km) by road and 30 minutes of easy trek
Minimum Nights: 1
Year-round?: No. closed during monsoon.
Listing Type: Private
Family Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes
Average Price: INR 10,000 per night including meals and pick-up from Yellapatty village.
Notable Restrictions: The last 3 km of the road has only jeep access. Visitors have to be prepared to walk for about 45 minutes as the last stretch is often not motorable. Should the jeep not make it to the top then they provide porters to carry luggage to and from the camp.
Interior Facilities & Amenities
Number of cabins: 3
Sleeps: 2-3 guests per cabin. 1 double bed (extra bed can be arranged on request)
Bedding: Sheets, Pillows, and Comforters provided
Electric kettle: No. But boiled water is available.
Electrical Outlets: Yes, for a couple of hours a day
Air-conditioned: No
Attached bathroom: Yes
Indoor comforts: Library, board games, towels, bedside chest, lamp, waste disposal bin (inside cabin and washroom) and bedside table
Running Water: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Food: Served in the room
Exterior Amenities
BBQ: Yes, on request
Picnic Table: Yes
Campfire: Yes
Potable Water: Yes running water and also separate distilled water in a water cooler are available
Laundry: No
Additional Items
Fully sheltered Dining and Kitchen Area with Kitchen Accessories (complete with kettle, toaster, and basic condiments)
Check-in Process
The team at Glamp Footprints provides thorough instructions on what is available on site, who is it for, where to park, and the check-in-check-out process.
The instructions are very clear and laid out in a very easy-to-understand way.
After arriving and driving up to the Yellapatty village, visitors are picked up and everyone walks towards the muddy road that leads to the Glamping site. The check-in time is at 11:00 am and the Check-out time is at 1:00 pm.
Once you arrive at the campsite, everything from how to be a guest at the property, to potential nearby areas of interest, trekking, and bird-watching is explained by the site manager.
Glamping in Munnar, Kerala: My experience
Although I would love to spend a longer duration at the camp, the couple of hours I spent here was nothing short of peaceful.
I and my group reached Glamp Footprints for lunch and afternoon siesta after Trekking in Munnar (Yellapatty trail).
From a hill nearby, we could see 3 elegant tee-pee-style tents. A well-laid path with endemic flowers on both sides lead us to the tents and made us feel welcomed and special.
It is difficult to imagine what all this cabin would have before entering it and all I can say is that it has great attention to detail. My entire group who entered the cabin went with a gasp of “oh my goodness, how luxurious!!”
The king-size bed on the wooden floor is inviting with its colourful bedspread and even colourful cushions. On the right, the wall had a lovely library and a reading corner overlooking the view outside.
The entire wall of the left side of the bed is the tree of life with cute fairy lighting decorating the cabin. It is an LED light so when switched on during the night, the entire cabin looks breathtaking. The wooden planks in the cabin give it a feel like you are transported to a tropical country’s resort.
Further up ahead is a platform where fresh towels are kept along with water bottles. The bathroom is clean and spacious with toiletries and running water.
Senthil and his team have thoughtfully done this glamping site in Kerala so that visitors can experience comfort and digital detox.
Other things to do at Glamp Footprint property
Explore the Property
Exploring Glam Footprints and the area around them is a thrill in itself. This hilltop glamping site is located on a few acres of private property. This gives full access to explore the trekking trails and forests that surround the property. While you can completely explore the property limits in less than 10 minutes, there are a lot of interesting sights and sounds to hear on their property.
Campfire
Overlooking the Munnar hills, when the evenings become chilly, it is time to set up the bonfire. One level down from the tents, this campfire among the woods in pitch dark is a different thrill altogether.
Once dusk falls, it’s really hard to not want to light a fire and lounge on the chairs around the site while waiting for the stars to come out.
Relax on the Property
Relaxing and not doing anything is the best way to spend time here. Read, catch up on movies in a pre-downloaded format or snooze. As there is no mobile network here, it is the absolute best way to take a break from city life and chill.
Vegetarian, as well as non-vegetarian food, is served here. It mainly consists of Kerala traditional items. In case you have any special requests for food, let the team know in advance and they will be happy to accommodate it.
Stargazing
Given its remote location, stargazing in Yellapatty under a clear sky is a great way to spend time. Enjoy an uninterrupted view of the night sky for stargazing.
Birdwatching in Munnar
Due to the strategic location of this glamping site in Kerala, the entire area is rich in biodiversity. So much so that there is a chance to spot wild elephants too. The topography of the area certainly reminded me of my Kumaon Birdwatching trip with ample birds to spot and photograph.
The Munnar hills are protected by Shola National Park and Eravikulam National Park. Due to the forest density, and good weather it is the perfect habitat for birds in this Biodiversity hotspot of Western Ghats. 132 bird species have been recorded here. Birds of Munnar include White-bellied Treepie, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Gold-fronted Leafbird, Yellow-throated Bulbul, White-bellied Treepie and others.
Trekking in Munnar
If you like trekking, there are over five trekking trails around Munnar including Top Station Trek. Depending upon the number of days visitors are spending here, the team at Glamp Footprints can plan a trekking trail. Whether you want it easy or moderate or difficult, you name it and you got it.
If hiking does not interest you then you can simply trek to watch the sunrise or sunset from a better vantage point.
Due to its location, the site and surrounding areas have leeches. The team will provide leech socks for your safety.
What to Pack for Glamping in Kerala?
Because of how luxurious this campsite is there are significantly fewer things you need to worry about bringing to enjoy your stay here. Here are the essentials you will need:
- Clothing: Trekking pants, loungewear, undergarments, socks
- Footwear: Sports shoes for outdoor and flip-flops for the cabin
- Soap: Although provided, if you have a particular brand, carry it
- Toiletries: Toothpaste and Toothbrush
- Organic Mosquito Repellent: Best to carry one of those
Concluding Remarks
Overall, this was another absolute gem of a stay that we had in Munnar. If Offbeat Munnar is your calling then do give a chance to Glamping in Munnar. Considering what is offered at this campsite, this is truly a hidden gem of accommodations. The luxuries and attention to detail provided at this site are equal to if not exceed other glamping accommodations and glamping sites in India.
I highly recommend Senthil and Saju and the team members of Glamp Footprints as they run an extremely ethical glamping site and promise unforgettable trekking in Kerala experience.
For booking, Senthil Kumar can be reached on: +91 9447031040
Sustainable tips for Glamping in Munnar, Kerala
- Wear camouflage colours that will easily blend with the surrounding – green and brown shades work the best around the trees.
- Do not make noises when you spot a bird, it may get distracted and fly.
- Do not dispose of wet waste or plastic in the jungle valleys. Remember that the team has to carry it back to Munnar town to dispose of the trash.
- Boiled drinking water is provided in glass bottles. Do not request packaged drinking water in PET bottles.
- Reuse the towels as it takes energy and time to get them cleaned from the town.
Read More Kerala posts:
- Kerala Backwaters of Alleppey
- Human by Nature: Impressions from Kerala
- Places to visit in Thekkady
- Chendamangalam Handlooms, Kerala
- Responsible Tourism in Kumarakom, Kerala
- Best things to do in Cherai
- Kerala road trip guide
- Periyar National Park
- Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram
Disclaimer – This post may contain affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.
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