On the hills of Munnar

weekend getaway

It was summer. That time of the year when we feel like getting away from it all — the heat, the dust, maddening traffic et al. This is exactly why I planned a trip to Munnar last month. And, was it good? Not really, for, it was awesome. Greenery till the eyes could see, absolute silence, winding lanes, cool climate and no stress of traffic. Though I had heard a lot about Munnar before planning my trip, none of those descriptions matched what I witnessed in the place.

Situated about 1,600 metres above sea level, Munnar is at the confluence of the mountain streams of Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. This popular hill station is a favourite with tourists owing to its natural beauty. The rolling hills, scenic valleys and sprawling tea plantations in the place make you wonder if it’s for real. No wonder, Munnar was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India.

To enjoy Munnar in all its splendour, all I had to do is set out in the morning with only one wish on my lips — to let myself be awed by the beauty of nature. Yes, there are a great number of touristy haunts in and around Munnar, if you wish to do the tourist circuit. For instance, Pallivasal, the venue of the first hydro-electric project in Kerala, and a favourite picnic spot; Eravikulam National Park, famous for its endangered inhabitant, the Nilgiri Tahr; Anamudi Peak, that’s 2,700 metres tall; Mattupetty, with its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake that offers pleasurable boat rides; Chinnakanal with its waterfalls; Anayirangal for its scenic view; Top Station, the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal Road, offering a panoramic view of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu; and of course, the Tea Museum that narrates the story of the origins and growth of tea plantations in Munnar.

However, if you are a nature lover and just want to enjoy Munnar for what it is, like me, then the ideal option would be to pack a picnic hamper and just drive around the winding hills savouring the beauty of nature. When I felt like it, or spotted a place I really liked, I spread a mat and enjoyed my silent communion with nature. It was just me, my thoughts and nature. It was idyllic, to say the least.

And, it was during my meanderings through the virgin forests of Munnar did I spot several colourful butterflies and birds, those that were nowhere to be seen during my visits to touristy spots. The shy smiles of tea pickers are equally enchanting.

I got to hear a lot about how Munnar is known for Neelakurinji, a plant endemic to the Western Ghats, that flowers only once in 12 years, between July and December. And, when it happens, Munnar turns into a purplish-blue haven, I was told. My only regret is that I couldn’t witness this exotic phenomenon during my visit this year, as the next bloom is expected only in 2018. But, I have marked my calendar, and am already planning for it. How about you?