Camping And Trekking At Meesapulimala

"Munnar never ends at Munnar"... True indeed !!! ....You have to go further to find the real treasures of the Western Ghats".

Meesapulimala is one such hidden treasure in Munnar Western Ghats ranges, in the Indian state of Kerala.  It is the second highest peak in South India and is one of  UNESCO 's world heritage sites.

To enjoy the hidden treasure of Munnar - Meesapulimala, we started our journey from Kochi at around 9 am in a private car. After having breakfast from the roadside eateries, we again resumed our journey. Finally we reached Munnar at around 1 pm after few frequent halts. It was already lunch time.  Our  lunch was in a restaurant near Munnar town, a typical Non Veg Thali which offers locally sourced cuisine  in a very relaxed atmosphere. After having lunch, we moved to KFDC (Kerala Forest Development Corporation ) office at Rose Gardens which is just 3 kms from Munnar bus depot.

Rose Garden, Munnar

Meeshapulimala tour is arranged by Kerala Forest Development Corporation. There are three types of accommodation available for overnight packages. Base camp accommodation ( Tent) is more economical. You can also select Sky cottage or Rhodo valley accommodation.

ENROUTE TO BASE CAMP

At around 2 PM, our jeep was ready. Base camp is 25 kms away from Rose Garden. The jeep passed through a narrow road amidst tea estates for the first few kilometers, after which the journey was off-road...an altogether different experience !! . However we enjoyed the jeep ride through the tea plantations of Kannnan Devan hills and it took around 45 minutes to reach there.

At around 3 pm, we reached the base camp. The campsite,  the highest ( 2050 feet ) and coolest, is situated in a beautiful landscape. The temperature was 14 degree celsius. This is the place where electricity is generated using a micro turbine. Upon reaching, you need to make an entry by writing your address and contact details . Soon we were allotted tents.

Base Campsite

LEISURE TIME

At around 4.30 p.m.,  tea and biscuits were ready. We strolled  leisurely towards sky cottage from where you  get a beautiful view of the waterfalls . You can also enjoy the cool air amidst the mist.

And I walked back to the campsite, marveling at the peaceful surroundings. The campsite was fenced by electric wires to protect visitors from wild animals.

It was nearly 7 'O clock and we wanted sometime to relax before dinner. Meanwhile, the  campfire was also ready.

Our host prepared a lovely meal for us.  Chicken was highly featured in the menu. After having delicious food, we spent  some time for leisure activities by singing songs and chit chatting. Then we were provided sleeping bags which was good and in perfect condition.

Day 2

The first sight of the surrounding was breath taking. Clouds floating like river around mountains is a sight to behold.  It was a visual treat for our eyes arranged by Mother Nature . The cool air will make you awe.

Break fast was ready by 8.30 am and they provided packed lunch and water bottle which was also a part of the package.

FOREST TREK

At around 9.30 am, we were ready to start our trek. First few minutes was a regular walk.   From the left side, you can see the beautiful Anamudi Mountain which is the highest peak in the Western Ghats.  It looks like an elephant standing beside a wall.

Distant view of Anamudi

Then the trek goes through the forest with hikes till Rhodo valley. The path is less demanding with a usually chilled climate.

We passed through several valleys with a beautiful view of  the forest. Then a pit stop below the waterfalls. This was the waterfalls we watched from the sky cottage.

From the falls, the trail continues till Rhodo valley with increasingly dense vegetation. It was a steep climb from falls. We were having so much fun during the climb. However, beware of leech bite.

You can see wood bridges to cross small streams. you can dip your feet in water while walking by the flowing water, enough to recharge you for sometime. Enroute we spotted one small dam kind of structure, from where water is being supplied through pumps without any motor.

Then there is a beautiful landscape with pine trees carved from the forest. Spotted magic mushrooms that were prohibited from being plucked. We found many of these on our way. Consuming it gives you a decided high, makes you euphoric and can also take you on a hallucinatory ride.  'Have you seen the magic mushrooms?' This is the question Charlie asks Kani who is about to commit suicide in the Malayalam movie 'Charlie'. Since then I had wanted to see this magic mushroom.

magic mushroom

This protected area is flourished with flora and fauna.

A PIT STOP

Soon we reached Rhodo mansions at around 12 noon. It  was a 7 kms trek from the base camp. This is the end of the forest in the trek and further trek through the vast grassland was awaiting  us.

Rhodo mansions

TREK THROUGH  HILLS

After a little rest and a few snacks to help recover our strength, we again continued our trek towards shooting point. It was a steep walk for 800 meters till shooting point.

From this point, we were able to see Meesapulimala. There were 8 more hills to be crossed to reach Meesapulimala which is 2640 ft above sea level. It was a straight path through the hills without much chance of getting lost.

Distant view of Meesapulimala

Then a steep downhill from shooting point. The steep hikes and downs are manageable and the views would definitely justify the extra effort.

You can watch Shola forests where animals are supposed to hide during daytime. We crossed a small stream after descending the first hill and started ascending the second hill.

On the right side of the path, we could see the mighty mountains and  grass lands on the left. You can hear the whistle of the soft wind as it blows through  the mountains. And as the clouds descend, the foggy mountains get silhouetted with a dark, bushy foreground.

You can see the incredible vibrant colors - the deep blue sky, the mountains covered by green mat and the black soil. As all the goodness sinks in, you are sure to lose yourself.

Literarily we were walking through the clouds. Low hanging clouds and chilly weather made our trail easier. After crossing eight mountains,  we reached the much awaited Meesapulimala summit.  It took around three hours to cover 5 kms from Rhodo mansion.  Meesapulimala Peak offers a panoramic view of the majestic Munnar range.  It started raining as soon as we reached the top. We had our packed lunch from the top.  After spending some time at the top, we started  descending.

Meesapulimala is meant to be experienced with all the senses. A beautiful challenging  trial with a mixture of Pine trees, valleys, terrains and Shola forest .

Read More

Streets Come Alive during Kerala’s Vishu Festival

Kani Konna flowers

Every year in the month of April, a bunch of yellow flowers envelops Kerala in a surreal,beautiful covering. The old tradition of Vishu is just one reason why you should travel in Kerala during April . As per the Malayalam Calendar, Vishu is traditionally celebrated as a New Year. Vishu itself is a travel -   the transition of sun into the Meda Raasi i.e. first zodiac sign and falls on the spring equinox.

Since I work in Thiruvananthapuram and my home being in Kochi, I have been traveling this 200 kms every weekend. But this time, I have my camera with me. I tried to capture the changes in the nature, traditions and festivals.

The month of April is a month of festivals as well. There are numerous temples on this stretch. Processions are part of temple festivals.  Elephants, Theyyam and drum beats accompanied by fans is a sight to behold. It is a photographer's delight.

Street markets is the best place to get the Vishu vibe.  Beautiful idos of Lord Krishna, crafted to perfection, are displayed for sale in different colors and style. These idols are made of plaster of Paris.

I spotted Kani Konna flower (Scientific name Cassia fistula) on the sides of the highway. Exceptionally picturesque beauty of this golden yellow flower resulted  in a frequent halt for photography.  This yellow flower is an integral  part of 'Vishukani'.  You can also watch people stroll around looking to get a bunch of these yellow flowers.

During my childhood, when the schools were closed, I used to travel to my hometown to celebrate Vishu.  This is an occasion of get-together for families.  The most important event of this occasion is 'Vishukani' which means the first object viewed  in the early hours of the morning on the day of Vishu after waking up .  After seeing the Vishukani, we burst fire crackers and wait for our parents to give the Vishukaineetam -  the tradition of giving money by elder people in the house.

Usually I have been seeing Vishukani arranged in my house. But this time, I decided to visit Guruvayoor temple  to see Vishukani. Photography is not allowed inside the temple.

The arrangement of 'Vishukani' consists of all the auspicious items intended to signify prosperity. It is a cherished tradition to place gold ornaments, jack fruit, rice, fruits and vegetables, valkannadi or metal mirror, Kani Konna, holy texts, money, all kept on a brass vessel called Uruli along with a traditionally lit lamp around Lord Guruvayurappan. It is a great way to start the beginning of the new year.

We also mark this auspicious day as the first day of the harvest year.  As am born and brought up in a traditional agriculture family, I still remember my childhood days. After the first rain, each day starts with the lovely music of  the bird - vishupakshi -  usually seen in paddy fields. It was a reminder to the farmers and background music to the beginning of farming activities. The tenth day of the  Malayalam month 'Medam' is known as Pathamudayam and is important to  start agricultural operations. On this auspicious day pooja is  performed in paddy fields.

Festivals without food is incomplete. On the occasion of Vishu, various dishes are prepared at home. The special feast is known as  Vishu feast or Sadya. Vishu Kanji ( made up of rice, cumin seeds and coconut milk),  jack fruit dishes and various payasam's are the other delicacies made in the households during the festival.

This beautiful season is not just for celebration but to taste new cuisines as well. I found this travel very interesting  and refreshing.

Read More