"Nature-a good word for the effect whose cause is GOD"
Amazingly stunning and beautiful place it was-can't stop to miss it.
The best atmosphere ever.There might be others somewhere around the world-but for me till date this was the place;the place where I found peace,where I enjoyed being one with nature,where I had the best time being lonely and obviously best time being with friends too...:D
In short,words are not a real medium which could describe this place. It could only be felt and I could say it without a doubt in mind that you will be refreshed with those drizzles striking your face,that cool and calm wind blowing towards you,that beautiful hazy view of range of mountains...All of it seemed to be a magical world.
The journey began with a night travel in the KSRTC(Kerala Govt bus) directly to Munnar.It was nearly a pleasant journey. It was still about 30km more to Munnar and we were freezing of the chill atmosphere. The temperature during dawn being 7-10 degree celcius. There were nearly 3 waterfalls on the way,visible but not flowing at their best as it is just beginning of rains here. The rivers were almost dried. I am sure,you could enjoy more during monsoon but make sure you remain cautioned. :)
We reached Munnar Town by 7:30am after a 8hr long journey. As all our trips are,this one also was an unplanned one. So we went on to explore the hotels around. You get hotels and lodges for nearly all the budgets here.
When its Kerala,I would advice one thing in specific-"Do not trust agents who take bookings over internet unless it is the Hotel itself"
We didn't fall into such a thing but received the same advice from others.
We finally managed for 4-bedroom rooms at N.G.Tourist home. Not a luxurious stay,but comfortable for 4 and when its IPL going on and you've got television in your room,you could not miss it. :D
So we opted for it at a really economical rate compared to what we found at other hotels. If you are looking for a luxurious stay,I would advice you Hotel Eastend-a really good hotel with vacant rooms easily available during off-season.
Once we were ready to begin the exploration of Munnar,we enquired for the sight seeing charges at Taxi Association office. The guy got us a Mahinda Tourister-a really comfortable vehicle for 15 people if its not a long journey especially when the driver is good.
Here I would also suggest you to contact the person directly-his contact number:
Kumar-09498579468
No incentives on my side :D
Just a general suggestion is that taking a direct taxi is a better choice as the association adds their commission which is somewhere around Rs500.
The first day journey was towards the "Mattupetty" direction.
The first spot: Flower Garden
A beautiful place with variety of colourful flowers-if you wish to photograph yourself with this varieties of nature,you could get in.If you are in Munnar for the visit,do not skip it. Do not skip any venue. A nominal entry fee-you could bear it. Not a big deal. One visit might please you atleast if nothing.
Some pics for you specially :P
The second spot: Photo point
A perfect spot for just photography. Its en-route to Mattupetty. It has a vast area covered with tea gardens which give this place a vivacious look. If you feel that its merely a place to see and no fun-you should leave Munnar the same minute :P
It is all about enjoying each and every moment with nature rather than having the same fun as we have daily. :)
A small markets accompanying the spot with few food items and some imitations available. In addition to these,instant photograph printing also is available.
The third stop: Mattupetty Dam
As already mentioned, it was just the beginning of rains in this place and hence this dam too wasn't filled much. There was speed boating available. Cost bit high but if it is not a matter, it would be fun to have the ride once atleast.
Normal place just like any other dam. Nothing specific about it
The fourth spot: An unknown beauty where we fulfilled our small trekking wish :P
Stopped en-route seeing a beautiful place, a downhill ending into jungles and leading straight to the water reserve of the Matupetty Dam downhill. As I always say, its fun when your have friends accompany you in all such stupid yet fun stuff. :D
The fifth spot: Echo point
Paddle boating at an affordable rate but heavy crowd. Shallow water making it less fun. Had lunch or rather snacks here-maggi after a lot of days and was amazed that they know to make it!! :D :D :D
Dalwada & tea both good enough. Maggi would be a better option in my opinion.
The echo point was certainly an echo point-not a myth :P
But with too many people around and so much of noise,you feel it less. There's a small market selling all that is famous in and around Munnar-spices,dry fruits and hand made chocolates.A variety of all.
The sixth spot: Elephant arrival spot
The visit to it was closed because of Good Friday-a rare thing. But yes,you wont be disappointed at this place as we were able to see atleast 5-6 elephants outside itself.So I guess there might be more inside the place. Basically the entire area surrounding Munnar is a residence of Elephant,many of them. This spot was specifically a sanctuary area which made it more noticed.
The seventh spot: Kundala lake
One more venue with boating facility available(paddle boating). Was heavily crowded and hence skipped the venue and moved ahead to the next spot.
The eight spot: An array of tea gradens-an un-named venue again.
Affected by the beauty of the place,we decided to halt to snap a few pics with these beautiful shrubs.
The Top Station-Last but not the least spot-About 6600ft high, this place had the essence of love in the air. Felt pleased to smell the winds here. This was the hill top of this direction and far off you could see nothing but green shawl on the "Mother Earth"-the magical and artistic nature,crafted by human.
Spent quite a lot time here, took a cup of tea in the pleasant pink cold weather. :D
Finally the rains began to shower, slow and steady. It added to the beauty of the place. The tea leaves appeared even more lively with water on them. They refreshed, felt as if they also talked and enjoyed the rains.
And then, it was time to get back....We set back to return to our hotel.
The return journey was equally pleasing standing at the door to enjoy the rains and view more. :D
And then it was downhill town again...the dreamy sight seeing was over. It was time to get back to rooms,get fresh and finally begin with shopping....a lot of shopping :D
Overall,was a really pleasant day and the coming day too remained equally pleasant....The description coming up in the next post...to keep this one short. :D
For the description of restaurant and tea stalls where we experienced the food- just logon to:
www.datsfoodie.blogspot.com
For any feedback or suggestions,
Mail me at: abk.edu@gmail.com
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