Munnar - A slice of heaven

My first trip to God's own country and Munnar had to be on the list. I visited Kerala around May end when the first showers were just setting in with monsoon on the verge of making a grand entrance. Believe you me, you step into this state and every place around you justifies why this place is called God's own country.

I tried to travel mostly using public transport as the state transport buses in Kerala are really clean & comfortable and they have super fast buses as well. I started from Kannur & took an overnight train to Aluva. Although most travel guides on google suggest Aluva is the nearest railway station to Munnar, it is difficult to get a direct bus from Aluva as the frequency is quite less. If you want to take a direct bus, Angamaly station is your best shot. Cabs charge anywhere between 4-5k based on the season. While State transport buses will only cost you anywhere between Rs. 200-400 per person depending on the boarding point. I took a bus from Aluva to Kothamangalam as the frequency of buses from Kothamangalam to Munnar is more. The bus conductors were really helpful and they go out of their way to help tourists visiting their state. They guide you where to board and what stop to get off the bus. Everyone speaks English and most of them speak Hindi too so language is not a barrier.

My first halt was at Anachal. This place is about 11kms from the main city of Munnar. If you want a leisure vacation in the lap of nature your best bet is to stay in the outskirts because the main town is purely commercial & crowded. With too many hotels & a bustling market area, it gets crammed & you are less likely to enjoy any views and more likely to be stuck in traffic for long hours. My stay was close to Sengulam dam at Lakeview Resort. It has rooms with beautiful views, breakfast has a vast variety of options to choose from & they boast of their Chicken Chettinad which you might want to try. They have an infinity pool as well.

Anachal

Lake View Resort https://thelakeviewmunnar.com/

The next day I had reserved for site seeing. Based on the locations of your spots on the sightseeing list, the cab drivers can charge anywhere between 2000-5000 Rs. This usually does not include pick-up and drop from your hotel, you are required to assemble in the main town but if you ask some of them may accommodate the request.

The sightseeing locations are on different ends so it is advisory that on a single day you cover the locations on one particular route. There are 4 routes in 4 different directions - Top Station, Coimbatore, Idukki & Kochi. Research a bit before setting out as you may not want to see everything. I knew what places I wanted to cover and it was all on the top-station route.

I covered the following places in my itinerary:

1. Munnar Rose garden Swipe left

2. Matupetty Photo Point

3. Kanan Devan Hills

4. Ripple tea factory & tea estate

5. Mattupetty Dam

5. Echo point

6. Carmelagiri Elephant Park

Swipe left

7. Elephant view point

8. Kundala lake & dam

9. Top Station

I stayed at Zostel Munnar on the second night. It is located amidst a vast tea estate in a valley. Zostel Munnar offers views to die for, while you are paying mere dorm prices for accommodation. The property is amazing, has a great hangout area, offers dining options & they have their own wide range of events lined up everyday from catching sunrises to guided treks amidst tea gardens. While Zostel lies at this dreamy location, it is a bit challenging to get here as the road is tricky and runs steep down into the valley. Zostel arranges for transport if asked for.

Zostel, Munnar

Recommendations:

Shopping: Preferably buy tea at the tea factory for factory prices and spices at spice garden as the main Munnar town market is expensive.

Food: Ghee roast dosa, Al-Faham, Kuzhimandi Biryani are some authentic dishes to try here.

Transport: Private cabs from Aluva/Angamaly to Munnar - 4-5k

Bus from Aluva-Kothamangalam-Munnar - 200-4600 per person. Buses are clean, comfortable for a long journey and super-fast carriers are scheduled too.

Sleeper 3AC train from nearest Airport (Kannur/Kochi) to Aluva - 600-800

Autos are convenient & charge reasonable rates in and around Munnar. Most auto drivers would be happy to show you around & even recommend good stores for shopping & good restaurants in town.

Stay: If you are backpacking, Zostel is a good option. The location is a bit tricky and lies in the valley, but the views are worth every struggle to get here.

Avoid maintown Munnar, rather book your stay in the outskirts in Anachal, Pallivasal or Karadippara for the views and to stay away from the hustle bustle of tourists. Adimalai could be a bit far but if you have your own vehicle it has some good stay options too.

Best time to visit: Just after the initial showers towards May end or September-October. Summers here are cool too. But the nature is bountiful during the Autumn months.

P. S. A humble request to anyone visiting the Elephant Park, please avoid riding the elephants. You can feed them & pet them. :)