God’s own Country

Munaar

Munnar is a small town in the Idukki district along the Western Ghats. In Tamil, Munnar means three rivers. There are many other villages and towns around the area, people residing here are mostly Tamilians and Malayalees. With an elevation of 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) above sea level, Munnar is located at the Western Ghats and is one of the finest hill stations in Kerala. If you are interested in flora and fauna, Munnar will offer a plenty of exciting species to look for. Munnar is rich with exotic flora and fauna because of its climate. The Neelakkurinji flowers are most famous among them as they bloom once every 12 years. The whole valley turns violet ,and offer tourists to witness this nature’s one of most elegant gifts

This hill station is famous for trekking and the favorite trekking spot is the Aanamudi, which is the highest peak in the Western Ghats. The Munnar hill station was once a summer resort for British Officials at the era of pre-Independence. They played an important role in developing the tea-estates there.

Interesting Facts:

  • Munnar Echo Point is a scenic location which is lapped amidst the picturesque mountains of Munnar.  Listen to your own voices hitting the ravines and coming back to you, it is a magical experience and the beautiful clean lake formed just beside the hillock, makes the place even more splendid.Located close to the Top Station is another must-see spot, the Echo Point, known for its natural resonance. The echoes are not all that this point is popular for, the beautiful river flowing through the green grassy valley with tea and coffee plantations makes it a perfect spot for nature lovers. This is an amazing spot for photography.
  • Munnar is considered as the hill station which was once the summer resort for the British Government Elites.
  • Munnar has the highest peak of the Southern part of India called Anamudi Peak, which makes for an ideal spot for trekking. So, if you are a trekking enthusiastic, put your shoes on and trek away!
  • Munnar, today is the commercial centre for some of the world’s highest tea-growing estates.

Munnar has a wide range of adventurous sports to offer including rock-climbing, paragliding, trekking, cycling is just to name a few. Because of the natural beauty of the hills, these activities become more enjoyable.

Munnar is famous for the wild Neelakurinji orchids, which bloom once in twelve years when the entire valley turns violet.

You must not miss the Top Station. This is the highest point in Munnar, offers gleaming views of the hills, rivers and valleys surrounding the Western Ghats.

Munnar is a food haven for food lovers! All dishes here are cooked in coconut oil and garnished with crushed coconut.From puttu and kadala curry to appams with stew, Munnar offers a variety of food.

  • Best time to visit Munaar
  • Munnar enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year. It is a perfect place to visit between April and mid-June for a summer vacation and October and February for winter holiday. In the monsoon season, due to rains, Munnar’s landscape comes to life.

How to reach Munaar:

  • Via Air:

The closest air terminal is Cochin International Airport, which is around 125 km far from Munnar.Once you arrive at Cochin airport, you can hire a cab to Munnar.

  • Via Train:

The closest railway station from Munnar is situated in Kochi or Ernakulam. You can book a train from any part of the country to this railway station in Kerala. There is also Aluva Railway Station which is closer to Munnar. Once you reach either of this station, book a cab and journey by road to the beautiful hill station of Munnar.

  • By Road:

The final journey to Munnar can only be completed by road. State-run or private transports, handling from different towns in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are the most ideal approach to get to Munnar by street.

Picturesque landscape, refreshing lush green tea plantations, wonderful climate with a Misty clouds , rich abundant flora and fauna. If you are looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating holiday in the hills, then book yourself a hotel in munnar right away! Munnar is the ultimate destination for the most relaxing time ever. There are plenty of interesting activities to do and absorb the beauty of the lush green scenery everywhere with a steaming hot cup of freshly brewed tea! We bet the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word Munnar is the tea estates, sprawling across the town .

We went to Munaar from by Car. The distance from Bangalore to Munaar is around 480 kms . There is a good connectivity of roads.

It will take around 10 hours to reach Munnar if one begins early in the morning ,We started our journey at 3 am to avoid the traffic . The journey will go via

Bangalore → Hosur → Krishnagiri → Salem → Avinashi → Udumalpet → Marayoor → Munnar

We packed a lot of food and water to avoid unnecessary breaks ,as the journey is long ,Roads are in a very good condition and once you enter the chinnar wildlife , the adventure begins. Breathtaking views narrow roads and the steep mountains is how I can describe the distance from Chinnar wildlife to Munaar .

It is definitely a place of tranquility and peace. You will find neverending tea plantations, pristine valleys, hill ranges, forests, waterfalls, rare flora, and fauna. I had an incredibly wonderful time in Munnar not just because of its breathtaking landscape but because people are so nice in the region.

.’Road trips are always fun. You can play your favourite music and enjoy the magnificent views outside your window. Take short stops to admire scenic spots and taste the local cuisine. The overall experience can be refreshing and lift your spirits.The route goes through the thrilling Chinar wildlife sanctuary with narrow and steep roads ,one can enjoy the nature at its fullest .Once you cross the wildlife Sanctuary you will be surprised to see the tranquillity of Munaar,truly a ‘God’s own Country

Thankyou

        God’s own Country

Wayanad

Wayanad is unique as it is situated in an elevated picturesque mountainous plateau in the Western Ghats, known as ‘The Land of Paddy Fields‘ by the native tribes of this region, Wayanad lies in the Western Ghats at an altitude of 2100m. This is the only district of Kerala that borders both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The most attractive feature of Wayanad is the forests, which are as old as 3,000 years.Wayanad is the perfect definition of an adventurer’s paradise.

Wayanad district is bordered by Karnataka (Kodagu and Mysore districts) to the north and north-east, Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris district) to the south-east, Malappuram to the south, Kozhikode to the south-west and Kannur to the north-west.

Kerala’s least populous district, Wayanad offers the most spectacular view  with misty mountains, splendid forests, pristine rivers, and cascading waterfalls, Wayanad is ‘the’ hill station  in South India.Wayanad, the green paradise is nestled among the mountains , forming the greener part of Kerala. Clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotizing, this land is filled with history and culture. Located at a distance of 76 kmfrom  the sea shores of Kozhikode, this hill station is full of plantations, forests and wildlife. Wayanad wildlife sanctuary is contiguous to Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu and Bandhipur in Karnataka, thus forming a vast land mass for the wild life to move about in their most natural abode.Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Which has been established with the specific objective of conservating the biological heritage of the region , the sanctuary is very rich in fauna and flora.

Interesting Facts :

  • Lakkidi, Vythiri and Meppadi are the high rainfall areas in Wayanad. High altitude regions experience severe cold .The misty environment of Wayanad offer a wide range of trekking opportunities, plantation visits and wildlife tours.
  • Wayanad district has the largest population of Adivasi in Kerala.
  •  Due to its pleasant climate and picturesque views, Wayanad is often referred to as the Ooty of Kerala
  • Wayanad has no Railway line.

Tourist Destination :

  • Edakkal Caves
  • Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Sri Mahaganapathy Temple at Thiruvangoo
  • Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Jain Temple at Sultan Bathery
  • Karappuzha Dam
  • Kuruva Islands
  • Soochippara Waterfalls

Shopping in Wayanad:

Shop for Spices, coffee, pepper, honey, tea, bamboo products, ivory craft and coconut shell craft.

My stay in Wayanad was like visiting a fairy world amidst verdant and Misty Surroundings .We went from Bangalore ,it takes around  6-7 hours to cover the distance,  most of the path passes through hilly terrain.The journey from Bangalore to Wayanad is easy and as you enter kerela you can witness  the lush green blessing of nature. It is one of the most memorable  road trips I had .We booked two properties  , Chateau woods resort   and Vythri village resort ,Both were located at  harmonious and lush  green surroundings ,offering   the splendid views of forest and the tea plantations,which can refresh your soul from deep within.

Chateau woods

Cliff Cottage Chateau woods
Chateau woods
View from Chateau woods
Vythri village resort Wayanad
Vythri village resort

There is something to satisfy the wanderlust of every adventurer. It is a place you need to add to your travel bucket list today.

Thankyou