Known for its spectacular tea plantations, the exotic hill station is blessed generously by nature. Housing some of the rare flora and fauna, Munnar is the most beloved hill station of Kerala, situated  5,200 ft above sea level. 

The tropical place has an array of reasons that entices visitors from across the globe. Well, let’s explore the heavenly beauty of this paradise with one of our dearest travelers.

Jeswin Augustine is a Software Developer in Bangalore, however, due to Covid, he has shifted temporarily to Cochin. Munnar is pretty near to his place and so he planned a weekend trip which later extended to more days. 

Day 1

He, along with his wife and 3-year-old son started a road trip from Cochin, early in the morning at 5, and stopped at Salkara restaurant for breakfast. Even though it adds an additional 10 km to the trip, Jeswin says, the food here is so delicious that it is totally worth it. They then took the Adimali route and resumed their journey to Munnar. The road to the top is filled with multiple waterfalls for you to enjoy. Their first stop on the route was at the amazing Cheeyappara Falls, which is around 300 m high. As soon as you reach the point, you’ll meet several shops selling snacks and other accessories. You can also walk down towards the bottom of the waterfall. Driving another 10 min ahead, there is a beautiful Valara Falls. Not to mention, these waterfalls are prominent only in the months of monsoon and winter. 

One another alluring spot before reaching Munnar, a restaurant that has a magnificent view of rolling hills and mountain peaks as far as the eye goes. From there they checked into their hotel  “Shola Crown”, which is 25 km further from Munnar, in Suryanelli village. After finishing lunch at the hotel, they drove towards Tea-town Kerala and then to the Tamil Nadu border. After having dinner at the local market, they went to book a jeep safari for the next day and called it a night.  

Day 2

Starting the day early they went for the sunrise trek with the locals at the Kulukkumalai. Jeswin says the view was breathtaking especially in Jeep Safari. It is one of the must-visit places if you happen to be in Munnar. However, this needs to be booked prior if you want to enjoy the view. You can also hike the hill, but make sure to take necessary precautions, especially during rains because you’ll be meeting many leeches along the way. 

Having enjoyed their time there, they returned at 9, had their breakfast at the hotel, and later went for a drive locally. When in Munnar, tea plantations are the major attraction of the place, and therefore, makes it a go-to place. There is also a Tea Museum which offers a tea tasting activity and you can know all about the origin, process, and history. Now, if you are a tea lover, which most Indians are you’ll definitely enjoy it.

Day 3

On the third day, they checked out of their hotel and drove towards the main city, and booked another stay at Munnar Castle. They booked this day for driving around places towards Coimbatore. Now on the way, there are yet again some waterfalls, one, in particular, is Nyamakad waterfalls. You can stop here for a few minutes for pictures and videos. Next on their list was the  Eravikulam national park, which houses the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The tickets to the park can be booked online in advance, which includes the bus ticket and car parking facilities. 

The bus then takes you to the hill, and then you have to walk a few kilometers ahead to sight the  Nilgiri Tahr, which if you are lucky, you will. After that, they drove further to the Lakkam waterfall and Lakkam lake. You’ll need a ticket to enter and you can also go swimming in the lake. But make sure to carry extra pair of clothing. 

Sandal Bamboo forest and Muniyara are the next tourist places if you drive further. The Manyara Dolmens belong to the Neolithic age and are burial chambers. It is definitely a sight to behold.  

Day 4

This was their last day of the trip. They checked out from their hotel and drove towards Mattupetty. It is the most scenic route and first comes the Photopoint. As the name suggests it is a perfect Instagram-worthy place.

Upon driving a little further you’ll reach Mattupetty Dam, It’s a charming place to take a walk or even do the boating. Next is Echo Point, and then the Top Station, both are very attractive destinations. The very last stop on their trip was to a boating spot. Having enjoyed a lovely boating experience they left back for Cochin. And this was the end!

For more photos and videos, check out Jeswin’s Instagram page @jeswinaugustine.

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