Monsoon at its best - Munnar Hills

I got a chance to travel to Munnar for the first time in my life during the Monsoon season, in the second week of July, along with my brother and my brother in law.

My brother and brother in law started the journey in the morning from Ernakulam/ Cochin/ Kochi. They had to come to Palai to pick me from my sister’s house in Kummannoor. After breakfast we resumed our journey through Palai – Thodupuzha – Oonnukal route. The ride through the recently developed Palai – Thodupuzha route was exciting. The road is redeveloped at par with international standards. From Thodupuzha, the Oonnukal route is the shortest one. The roads are narrow but the condition of the road is always good. This road was rebuilt in 2001 and still is in good condition. On the way we could enjoy the rubber plantations, fruit farms and vegetable gardens.

This road ends at Oonnukal from where the NH Cochin – Madura Highway starts. On the way we could see many temporary sheds on the road side selling fruits like Rumbutan, Pineapple, and Papaya. These fruits are cultivated and collected from the farms in that area. Because of the falling prices of rubber these days, the villagers here are turning to fruit farming so as to survive. Along with this Organic Farming, the trending aspect among the youth of today, is also encouraged and developed.

We reached Adimali around noon and had lunch from a restaurant there and proceeded to Munnar. On the way the Kallar waterfalls with ample water, provided a treat for our eyes. While reaching 2 nd Mile we could see the tea estate of Munnar. Since it was my first trip to Munnar, I told my brother to go down through the road to Anachal. We drove a kilometer down and we could enjoy the real beauty of Pallivasal tea estate and the nearby places. We could see many resorts and home stays welcoming guests. On the way we noticed a resort on top of the hill called Plum Judy and decided to visit that place.

The view from this place was mesmerizing and we could see the entire Pallivasal valley from this resort. We could also see a guest house, owned by a leading newspaper firm in Kerala.

They offered us lunch but since we had our lunch we were given fresh juice.

We reached Munnar town at around 3.00 pm and it was raining. From there we went to Chinnakkanal where our stay was arranged in a villa. The route to Chinnakkanal is breathtaking and there are so many places on the way to stop for selfie or photo. Many visitors were seen stopping their vehicles for a  photo, in a place specially designated by a tea estate. Usually the Tea estate owners won’t allow visitors to enter the tea estate for a walk or for photography. Photographs with the background of tea estate or taking photos standing inside the tea plantations, is a wish of many tourists. Keeping this in mind the tea plantation owners opened up their estates to tourists to fulfill their dream.

We travelled through the Gap Road and it was a very good experience for me. In some areas only one way traffic, is possible. The view of Rock Mountains on one side and the valley views on the other is a  breathtaking experience. We can park our vehicles only in two or three places where there is enough space for parking. Many tourists visiting Munnar could be seen visiting this place to get a feel of the views. Sometimes the area gets covered in mist and it moves fast while wind is there. Some small shoppers are selling coffee, tea, snacks and fruits there. Some visitors spend long time there watching the changing mood of the environment there. It is cool. The local people say this area and the Chinnakkanal area are the coolest areas in Munnar. I also felt like that.

After spending some time there we moved to the Villa where our stay was arranged. We reached there at around 6.00 pm after visiting some other places in the Chinnakkanal area. The Villa called Meltemi Munnar is located on a hill top which is on the way to the Sita Devi Lake. The road to this villa is just in front of the famous Club Mahindra Resort. This road also leads to Mount Serine Resort which is also owned by Club Mahindra. The location is marvelous since it is situated above all the resorts there.

There is an open deck, where chairs are put in for relaxing. I have taken so many good photographs from this area. The Meltemi Munnar is having two well furnished bed rooms and a Living cum kitchen area. This villa is best suitable for small families and for those who want to spend some time for just relaxing. This is an ideal place for honeymooners too. Privacy is the main USP of this Villa.

This Villa is placed overlooking the valley and the Anayirangal dam. The dam is now almost empty. It will take two or three months to fill. The view then would be spectacular told the villa’s owner. On the one side we could see a big rock mountain and the climate was so cool. It was raining too. After a small chat and a drink we took the dinner and went for sleep.

In the morning, the sight was wonderful with fog and mist all around. After breakfast we moved to the Anairangal Dam area and visited the Periyakanal tea estate and factory. We also visited another home stay in this area, where some bachelors were spending their time. This villa is situated in the midst of a tea estate.

Then after one hour we returned back to the Munnar town. On the way we stopped at photo point and had some tea and proceeded to Munnar town. We had lunch from Munnar town and came back to Ernakulam.

The trip was so nice and enjoyable. Thanks to Siby, my brother who is having a tour operation company called Kerala.com Travel Division for the nice arrangements and the memorable stay arranged at Meltemi Munnar.

JAMES GEORGE
RALEIGH, NC, USA