My journey began from Kochi at around 6.15 am taking the route via Pookkattupadi-> Perumbavoor-> Kothamangalam-> Neriamangalam-> Adimali-> Munnar.
Enroute a tea and pit stop at Neriamangalam. Neriamangalam forest range is called the "Chirapunchi" of Kerala because of the high availablity of the heavy rains. The Neriamangalam Bridge, built across the Periyar River, is known as the gateway to the high ranges of Idukki. Munnar is 60 km away from the bridge.
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| Neriamangalam Bridge |
The most challenging part of the drive is through curved roads. En-route a natural structure on both sides of the road was something to click.
Next up is Cheeyappara Waterfalls which is 11 km from Neriamangalam bridge. This is truly a sight to behold.
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| Cheeyappara waterfalls |
Beautiful green fields sprawling across the horizon make the tea gardens of Munnar one of the most beautiful landscapes. The best thing to do is to take long walks along deserted roads or inside plantations, and become part of the romance that Munnar excudes.
After 118 kms drive from Kochi, we reached Munnar. Spotted a Eucalyptus forest near the bus stand. After reaching Munnar, we had breakfast in a nearby restaurant. After a cup of tea,we began our journey around Munnar.
There are various routes through which you can explore the surroundings of Munnar. We selected the Mattupetty direction. Just 2 km from the city, you can visit the Rose Garden. We skipped this place and drove ahead to Photo Point which is 3 km from the city. This place is on the main road and parking is difficult. The lush green tea gardens are owned by Kannan Devan Hills Plantations Limited and you can take photographs from the road only.
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| Photo Point |
The lake and dam surrounded by hills and tea plantations is one of the best scenic places in Munnar. You can go down the dam to enjoy the beauty.
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| Mattupetty Dam,Munnar |
En-route we saw an elephant family at elephant arrival spot. Watching elephants was a pleasant experience.
Echo-point is situated, at a distance of 19 kms from Munnar, on the main road on the back waters of Mattupetty Dam amidst rolling hills. As the name suggests, every loud call made from a spot on the lake embankment is returned manifold by the echo from the surrounding hills.
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| Echo-point, Munnar |
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| Kundale Dam, Munnar |
Then I drove to Top station road. The clouds hang low or gently sweep across, alternatively masking everything in a translucent curtain and clearing up to reveal stunning vistas.
Top station view point is situated on the Kerala-Tamilnadu boarder at a distance of 34 kms from Munnar. You have to walk 2 km from the parking area to the view point. This place is under Tamilnadu Forest Department - Theni forest division.
Top station was a historic shipment point for the trasnportaion of tea leaves via a rope way
carriage contructed in 1924. This ropeway is spread over 3 stations: top station, central station
and bottom station ( Kurangani) from where the tea chests were transported to Bodi, the nearest railway station.
Top station is home to the Nilgiri Marten, a rare mammal found only in the Western Ghats of India.
From the view point, you will get a breathtaking view of the Top station valley, Kolukkumalai and Meesapulimala Peak.
This place is known as trekkers paradise. Pass for Indians is Rs.200 and for Foreigners - Rs.500. You have an option of rock climbing, cycling and jungle stay.
After tea, we started our return journey by 3.15 PM and reached Kochi at around 8 PM.
How to get there
Fly to kochi from any other city and head to Munnar via NH.
Where to stay
Munnar has several good options.
What to see and do
Enjoy a fun ride
Stop at various points
superb
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