Watching the early days of ‘Pi’ in Munnar in the Oscar winning movie ‘Life of Pi’ brought back the evergreen memories of a school day visit to that picturesque hill station. The movie nevertheless captured the mind-blowing misty mountain peaks dexterously and the temptation to revisit the wafting fragrance of tea gardens was irresistible. It is a place where you can see the resplendent low flying clouds and mist even when other parts of South India are reeling under the scorching sun. Munnar, a sleepy village atop the Western Ghats, is situated on the confluence of three mountain streams namely Madhurapuzha, Nallathany and Kundaly, in Idukki district of Kerala.
I start the journey, indeed for a winter solace, from Pathanamthitta via Kottayam-Kumali Road.
This road is gateway to green landscape and driving through serpentine roads surrounded by hills is refreshing. The sprawling tea estates are an indication that Munnar, which sits above 1,800 metres above sea level, is not far away.
After a six-hour drive, I enter the country’s highest tea gardens. Generally hill stations have a certain simplicity that draws one towards it. Layers and layers of tea estates, mountain mist, waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries make Munnar one of the surrealistic beauties in the earth. A few kilometer’s drive through the steep road will take you to Mattupetty dam where speed boating is a major attraction. The lofty mountain ranges with misty peaks and serene weather provide a quiet and peaceful way out at the View Point. This opens onto panoramic views of low-flying clouds and mist-filled valleys.
Misty mountain peaks blend harmoniously to create a blissful ambiance. A picture perfect moment for posterity.
The place is home to gaur, lion tailed macaque, elephants, leopards, tigers and many other micro and macro wildlife. Echo Point is where you can scream on top of your voice; it will surely come back to you kissing the hills on the other side of the lake. Tourists, especially newly-wed couples from North India, throng this area for boating and horse riding. There are plenty of opportunities for touristy things. Plantation visits, trekking, cycling, boating and paragliding add to the excitement.
Eravikulam National Park is a must visit place where Nilgiri Tahrs, a rare breed of mountain goat, roam the stretches of grasslands. The valley of wild orchids, Nilakurinji which blooms once in 12 years (Last time it bloomed in 2006) is another attraction. There are more to see in Munnar--Marayoor known for Sandalwood forest and Muniyaras, Anamudi Shola Park and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary--- and get lost in the everlasting beauty of nature.