The long weekend was fast approaching and we were thinking where to go this time. Goa was the first destination that came to our mind. We both visited Goa previously but we didn't go there together. My Dad and Mom was coming to our place and he once asked us to take him to Munnar. So we thought let it be Munnar this time. We didn’t have much time to plan anything. So we randomly choose few destinations in Munnar.
Day 1:
Finally on Saturday, 29th of April we started off from Cochin at around 12:45PM as we had some things to be done before our journey. On the way we stopped at Hotel Mahanami near aluva to have lunch. From outside the hotel was looking grand but when we entered the hotel we felt like it was not a good one but thankfully food was good :) . After filling our stomach, we started off to Kothamangalam. Nearby Kothamangalam there was a place called Oonjapara which was one among our check list. We reached Kothamangalam and enquired people how to go to Oonjapara and we started off to the place. On the way it started raining accompanied by heavy wind. It was raining heavily so we stopped near a petrol pump and waited some time for rain to cease. When the force of rain reduced a bit we started off our journey we could see that many tees where uprooted due the heavy wind and people were cutting and removing the trees from the roads. We wondered how fast these people started removing the trees as there was not much gap. It looks like in this place it is a common incident. So we dropped the plan of visiting Oonjapara and we went straight to Adimali where we booked our rooms. On the way to Adimali we saw Cheeyappara waterfalls. We stopped there to enjoy the view and took few snaps from there. After staying there for another 5 minutes enjoying the view we got into our car and started our journey. On the way there was one more waterfall called Valara waterfalls. This was the next photo stop location. The next stop was tea break. We had coffee, tea and some snacks and then started off to Adimali. We reached Adimali at around 6PM at Jannah Residency where we had booked our rooms. When we enquired there they said that the rooms were cancelled and they mailed Agoda agency the same. Rakeu was bit worried and started calling customer care of Agoda to enquire the same. After half an hour discussion they said they will arrange another stay for us and we waited at the hotel reception itself. We enquired the receptionist whether there will be any rooms vacant in any nearby hotels. He told us it would be difficult and said only hotel that would have rooms will be Le Prime Inn. Rakeu immediately went there and enquired whether there are any rooms vacant there and was relieved to know that there were rooms available. We waited for some more time to get any confirmation from Agoda and we called them again to check about the confirmation but they couldn't find any. We were really frustrated so I asked them to cancel the reservation and we went directly to Le Prime Inn and took 2 rooms. Just because of Agoda's mistake our 2 hours of our time was wasted. We got refreshed and went to a nearby hotel and had our dinner from there. The food was tasty, so after dinner we came back to room and did some chit chat and went to bed.
Day 2:
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| Near Mattupetty Dam |
The next day early morning at around 6:30AM we checked out of hotel and started off to Munnar. Our first destination was Top station and I used google maps and set the location. Unfortunately maps was not up to date with Munnar destinations we ended up at Munnar town with a comment from maps saying you have reached your destination, that is Top station. We were searching our way to Top station and came to know that it will take an hour to reach the place. So we kept google maps aside and started to enquire to local guys and the navigation boards. We came to know that around 5 tourist locations are on a stretch and we can cover many places on the go. The first destination was Mattupetty Dam we stopped at a place next to Mattupetty Dam to
enjoy the view and click few snaps. We strolled down and reached near lake and could see that many people were fishing from the area. We stayed there for a while and after clicking few snaps left off the place. Before getting into the car we had tea and coffee from a nearby 'chaya kada'(tea shop). On the way we saw a traveller halted in road side. We too hopped out of our car to find a herd of cattle eating grass. We went near the cows taking pictures of them and us. And when we were about to leave the place we saw one guy shouting at other people who came in the traveller to get out of the place. We were wondering why he was shouting but then we came to know that it was a private property and trespassers were not allowed inside the place. There were no boards or notice outside the place so any one would have got into this place. We left the place and the next stop was at Kundala Dam. We walked across the Dam and saw that at one side of the dam, a turbine was open and water was flowing out of it with full force. We watched the water flowing out of it for a while and walked towards the lake crossing the dam. It was around 10AM and we thought of having our breakfast on the way but couldn't find any proper restaurants anywhere. So searched one hotel nearby and could only find one small shop selling bread omelette and Maggie noodles. So we ended up having these for our breakfast. After having breakfast we walked across the lake to find many horses along with its owners. These horses were brought there to attract tourists and to earn some money out of horse rides. There were horses with white, coffee brown and white and black mix colours. I went near the horses touched it, I wanted to pamper them but felt a bit scared too. Rakeu took few snaps of me and Mom along with horses.
From there we directly went to Top. This is the view point from where the whole Munnar hills can be seen. While climbing the hill we could see many ladies selling fresh carrots, passion fruit, beetroot and all. We thought of getting all those on our way back and kept climbing. When we reached the spot we could see jam pack crowd taking pictures and enjoying the view. We too entered into the crowd for enjoying the beauty of Munnar. After staying there for some time we started back and on the way we saw a dog was fast asleep. Rakeu took few pics of the sleeping dog and we climbed down the place. We got into our car and Rakeu said we can go to Vattavada as well. From top point we had to go in another direction to reach Vattavada. And I saw a board saying Strawberry Farms,Vattavada. I was so thrilled as I never saw Strawberry Farms before. So off we went to Vattavada. There were only few cars on our way so we doubted whether we are on the right track.
We kept going and reached Pambadum Shola National Park check point. Achan and I got out to check the conditions and the security person told us that forest stretch for 5 kms and you are not supposed to get down in between 5kiometeres to take any pictures as there might be animals. And it is not allowed to take pictures there. He also mentioned that there are cameras placed everywhere so be careful if you are caught you will be fined 2000 INR. Total there were 8kms to reach Vattavada. So we entered the forest in a hope to see some animals but it was noon and none of the animals were on stroll. So we missed the chance. When we reached Vattavada a small kid came running asking to see Strawberry Farm and he took us to the Farm. I was assuming the Strawberry to be a crawler and was expecting a farm similar to grapes, but to add to my knowledge I found the plants to be on floor just like cabbage and all. The kid gave us Strawberry jams and wines to taste. Also the owner gave us passion fruit to taste. We bought some wine and passion fruit from there and we started back. While we were returning that kid gave me one more passion fruit and asked me to keep it with me. I was so delighted and wanted to give the kid something. Rakeu was suspicious and said that the kid might want some money that's why he is doing it. I said that’s fine and we gave him some money but he denied the offer in a humble manner. I was so touched by his behaviour so I gave him one of the hats that we had with us. We bid adieu to the kid and started our journey back.
We reached back to top station and took right turn to climb down the whole hilly area. While we were going down we could see the whole Munnar was jam packed with vehicles. Traffic was in such a way to test our patience. We started from Top station at around 12:45PM and finally reached Munnar town at 3:30PM. So just imagine how much was the traffic. Note that while climbing up we took only 1 hour. Everyone was feeling damn hungry so we went to a nearby restaurant to have our food. We all grabbed our food and we thought that enough for the day so we thought of retiring to our Resort. We had a good expectation from our resort so we thought we will reach the resort early and enjoy the resort surroundings. We have mapped the resort in Google maps and started off to the resort. Rakeu was a bit confused whether to believe google or not so we confirmed the way with some passengers as well. Finally we reached our resort,The Sienna Village at around 5:30PM. The resort was situated in a sloppy area so we find difficulty in parking our car. After parking Rakeu went to reception. 2 room guys came with Rakeu and took our luggage and guided us to our rooms. The rooms were good. In fact the whole resort was lovely with beautiful garden and small small cottages. Behind the resort we could see scenic view of hills. We had 2 rooms booked in our names. All of us decided to fresh up so we just got inside the room and fresh up. We got ready by 7PM and went to Achan's room. We sat there and chit chat for some time. We decided where and all we should go the next day. One of my friend Riya once told me about Kattapana so we thought of visiting Kattapana the next day. I messaged here checked about the places. And she said Anjuruli and Kalyanathandu would be best places to visit at around 10AM. As we were planning to reach there only by that time. After deciding the destination for the next day we got out for a stroll. We walked through the mild lighted area of resort and enjoying fresh air. This part of the city seems to be in a good condition and unpolluted. Dinner was served in 2 areas. One for buffet and another one ala carte style. We opted ala carte as buffet was for 400 INR and we were not that hungry. We went to the restaurant and placed the orders. After our dinner we roamed around the resort again. We explored the areas near reception and took another route to go back to our room. This route was seriously amazingly lighted and there was camp fire as well. The climate was chill so when we reached near the camp fire we could feel the warmth. :) There was a port like structure with chairs inside where we sat for some time for relaxation. It was really nice to be away from work like this some times. We were tired so we retired to bed at 9:30PM.
Day 3:
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| Inside Anjuruli Tunnel |
On May 1st we got up at 6:30AM, got ready by 7:20AM. And then we roamed around the resort to feel and enjoy the beauty of resort in day light. Breakfast was complementary and was starting at 7:30AM so we reached the restaurant at 7:40AM to have our breakfast. The varieties of items that were served there was tremendous. The list will go like Methi paratha, Lemon rice, curd, pickle, Bread, butter, jam, corn flakes, chocos, puttu and kadala, grape juice, tea, coffee, dosa, idli, sambar, tomato chutney, coconut chutney, methu vada, French toast, omelet, cut fruits,etc. Apart from this you can order ghee roast, masala dosa, omelet,etc. On order basis. After having a tremendous breakfast we said the receptionist that we will be checking out in 10 minutes and we went near our cottages. But when we reached there I was like do we really need to go anywhere. The climate was lovely and I felt like sitting at the balcony for hours without doing anything. Even Achan was saying the same thing, but Rakeu said in that case we will spend half an hour more there before starting off. So we sat there chatting for a while enjoying the resort ambiance. Finally we checked out at around 9AM and off we go to Kattapana. On the way near Anayirankal we could see tea plantations were spread on both sides of the roads making the view amazingly beautiful. We went through the scenic view of Poopara as well before reaching Kattapana. From Kattapana Anjuruli was around 12km way. We reached the Anjuruli and we got down a slope to get a view of the lake. We didn't knew exactly what was there at Anjuruli. So when we saw the lake view we thought that’s it. We thought of spending some time there and return. Meanwhile Acha walked to the right side of the lake to find that there is a big cave carved out of a single rock. Anjuruli was highly noted for the 5.5km long circular tunnel that carries water from Erattayar dam near Kattappana to Idukki reservoir. We were thrilled to find this out unexpectedly and we went inside the tunnel to find few writings saying that oxygen will be less when you go inside and chances of finding snakes inside. Still we went inside to a distance and came out as lighting was very less when you go inside. We should have got a torch light to explore this place. And there were water inside the tunnel as well. As this was not monsoon season water level was very less. Still in some areas the water level was kind of deep. There were many more tourists who came to visit the place. I guess when dam is open the water flow would in such a force we wont be able to stand in the tunnel. And water from this tunnel was flowing down to the nearby lake just like a small waterfall. But in monsoon seasons this would in fact be a larger waterfall. :)
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| View from Anjuruli |
We took off from Anjjuruli in search of Kalyanathandu. We saw a navigation board saying Kalyanathandu was just 1.5kms from that place but we enquired the people they said if you want the real view then this part of Kalyanathandu is not the place. So we went in a different route and we were confused which way to go and enquired one uncle about the place. He too was not aware of the place he said Kalyanathandu is a big hill and the are spread across for many kilometres and he asked us which part of that place exactly we wanted to go. We said there is nothing like that we heard about a view point which is exactly the spot where we wanted to go. Then he said in that case you better go to Patham mile which would be the best place to visit for tourists. So we started off to Patham mile by enquiring to many people on the way. On our way we grabbed our lunch as well. Finally we reached the place which was on top of a hill, yes The Calvary Mount. This part belongs to Govt. Of Kerala and we took tickets to get inside the place. It costs us 20 per person and 20 for the vehicle. Once we entered the place and walked towards the end of the mount we were mesmerised by the beauty of the place. The view was breath taking. I would say that God himself has come down to this place and painted the look and corner by himself to make it a perfect picture.
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| The Calvary Mount!!! |
Wow!!! This would be the only word that you will be uttering each and every time you visit this place. We were not feeling like coming back from this place. I wanted to stay there forever enjoying the beauty of mother nature. I can promise you that you will never be disappointed once you reach there. This should be a must see place in your list. We sat on a rock for some time enjoying the picturesque view. The look of mother nature was getting changed from time to time. The distant view was getting faded away with time. When it started thundering we started our way back as we didn’t want to take the risk of driving in the rain. This was our last destination for this trip and we started off home. We saw Idukki Dam from a distance keeping in mind to cover few more spots in our next visit. There were many hair pin turns on our way back so we were driving a bit slow. We choose Thodupuzha route instead of Kothamnagalam. On our way back we saw Kulamavu dam. And when we reached near Thodupuzha it started raining cats and dogs. Many trees were uprooted due to wind. We stopped in a shop for a tea break and immediately started off home and reached at around 8PM. That was the end of the story. ;) As you know the story doesn't end here. Until we see in our next trip bidding a small bye!!!
