Visiting Kerala – Munnar the only hill station of Kerala

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Visiting Kerala – Munnar the only hill station of Kerala

An idol of Lord Ganesha on way to Munnar

A map of Ernakulam district (sourced from internet)

Another road map of Ernakulam district (Sourced from internet)

A pictorial depiction of tourist points of Munnar (sourced from Internet)

We started our journey from Thekaddy at around 10.00 AM and after traversing a distance of about 100 Kms., passing by rubber plantation, spice plantations that gradually gave way to tea plantations, as the altitude was gained gradually, we reached Munnar at around 1.30 PM.  Since we had a light Breakfast in Thekaddy and noting much in between during the journey, so we were almost famished by the time we reached our hotel called Grace Munnar Resort in Chirdkandathil (H), Anachal, PO Adimaly.  The hotel had been booked through ‘MakeMyTrip’ portal and advertised its’ location as little away from Munnar, but when I reached the actual destination, at first we could not locate it, despite the fact that the driver was a local and after much enquiries, we finally reached the hotel and found it to be located in middle of some paddy fields, with no proper roads.  Moreover, when I asked for some meal for lunch, I was told that they had not advertised it in their profile and the restaurant was not having a chef at that time and would only be available by evening.  Thereafter, the driver took us to a restaurant in Adimaly, which was a good 5-8 Kms. away, we finally had out lunch at around 2.30 P.M and we had a good hearty meal there.  Thereafter, the driver suggested, that we cancel the booking, but as there was no refund available, I decided against it.  In the evening, a whole horde of persons, purportedly the owners of said resort and their known to, trooped into the hotel and all the hotel personnel were diverted to serve them, we got some tea/coffee after much persuasion and the dinner was atrocious, we almost slept on empty stomach that night.  It is advisable that the MakeMyTrip people check the hotels that they book the tourists in and provide every detail, as what I faced was total cheating by the hotel, if they wanted to host their family members, they should have declined booking of guests for that day, ‘GRACE MUNNAR RESORT’ is a totally atrocious place to visit, as neither its location is tourist friendly nor are there any amenities available nearby, so a tourist is struck in a hell-hole during the duration of his stay there.  The next day we headed for Munnar early in the morning and had a ‘parotha’ each, as B’fast was included in the room charges. 

Panoramic view of Munnar township

The famed 'Idli point' of Munnar

The Lockhart Tea factory - steeped in antiquity

First step of making tea out of tea leaves - withering process

Munnar is the only hill station of Kerala and is situated in the Western Ghats.  The climate there is conducive for huge tea plantations and the scenic beauty that it imparts, has made this area famous, especially through shooting of films etc. and thereby attracts hordes of tourists to the quaint township. The Malayalam word “Moonu Aaru,” which can be translated literally as “three rivers,” is from where the name “Munnar” evolves. The confluence of the three rivers namely Kundaly, Nallathanni and the Madhurapuzha is where the hill station is perched.  In addition to the Rivers, one can enjoy the massive wilderness, the lush greenery and the aromas emanating of tea industries, as usually passing wind brings in whiffs of tea aroma and thus, makes it a verdant location.  It is also a popular honeymoon destination and is often called the “Kashmir of South India.”  Once known as the High Range of Travancore, Munnar used to be the summer resort of the British during colonial times and it is perched at an altitude of 6000 feet.  Another attraction of Munnar is the blooming of Neelakurinji flowers, that is scientifically called Strobilanthus, which also plays a significant role in attracting tourists from all across the world, as it blooms only once every twelve years, covering the entire hill side in a shade of purple blue. 

Some scenic views around Munnar

Some huge boulders and hill tops around Munnar

Panoramic view of tea plantation in Munnar

Close up of tea plantation in Munnar

View of highest peak of Munnar i.e. Anamudi peak (2695 MSl)

The first view of the Munnar township from the opposite ridge was our first sighting of the place and I found it quite mesmerizing.   The first destination  we visited is one of the oldest Tea Estates of Munnar i.e. Lockhart Tea Factory and enroute another scenic view unfolded, aptly called the ‘Idli point’, as the hillocks covered with tea plantations, appeared like green colored Idlis (a local steamed snack made of fermented rice & lentil powder).  Having visited the Tea Estate and having learned about the process of making tea etc., with tickets costing around Rs.200/- per head, we headed back to Munnar town.  Since it was almost mid-day, we had our lunch and thereafter headed for the famed ‘Eravikulam National Park’, which was once used by the British as a hunting preserve, this area is now a national park. To this day, the park continues to provide excellent protection for its native wildlife. Located at an altitude of around 3,000 meters (10,000 feet), this national park is perched at a relatively high altitude. The Nilgiri tahr, a rare wild goat, is the protected species of this National Park.  For visiting the park, we had had purchase tickets @ Rs.200/- per head plus charges for camera etc. and therefrom, after waiting for a considerable period of time, boarded a bus operated by the park authorities, which takes the visitors to the hill top and later transfers them back to the gate by the road side.  The busses run in a circular route and one can board any bus, subject to availability of seats, during the return journey.  It is a must visit destination for the nature and wildlife lovers.

Details of Eravikulam National Park at its entrance

The famed 'Nilgiri Thar' the protected species of Eravikulam National Park

The famed 'Neelakurinji' flowers that bloom every twelve years (sourced from internet)

Panoramic view from atop Anamudi hill in Munnar

Panoramic view of Mattupetty dam in Munnar

Panoramic view of 'Echo Point' in Munnar

In late afternoon pruning of tea plants being undertaken by labourer

Thereafter, having visited the Eravikulam National Park, we headed for another destination known as the Mattupetty Dam that is a water reservoir in Idukki district, located at about 13km from the heart of the hill station.  Owing to the availability of water year round, it houses an exotic range of flora and fauna thriving around it.  If luck favors, one may spot a herd of Asiatic Elephants here or a little ahead at a place called Echo Point.   Mattupetty, is also perched at an elevation of about 5000 feet and takes about an hour’s drive from Munnar to reach the place, which is also well-known for its old Swiss type dairy farms. The picturesque Mattupetty lake and dam, is an ideal picnic point where one can enjoy the thrills of boating and other related adventure activities.  We crossed the bridge across the dam and headed towards the Echo Point, by this time it was getting late afternoon and it had started drizzling and so after a brief visit, we headed back towards Munnar town.  On our way back, we visited the Botanical Garden in Munnar and had some delectable tea/coffee and some snacks at the restaurant run within the precincts of the Botanical garden.   Thereafter, we made a pit stop at the Munnar market wherefrom we got our dinner packed, because of the experience we had in the hotel the previous night and then we headed back to the hotel, where we reached quite late in the evening.

Entrance of Botanical Garden

Some flowers growing the the Botanical Garden in Munnar

Some orchids growing the the Botanical garden in Munnar

Here is a short video of the destination -

© S. Roy Biswas