Neelakurinji Bloom at Munnar

I have explored Munnar in many trips. But this time, the  feeling was different. The road ahead to Munnar had been further narrowed, following the recent floods and landslides. At many places, all along the road, safety barriers have been constructed.  Vehicles were moving in one line in most of the places. The remains  of landslides will make you feel uncomfortable.  The recent  floods has  consumed literally  the whole of Kerala state. But people had  begun to travel to Munnar to view and enjoy the  Neelakurinji bloom in Munnar hills.

It was in 2006 that the Neelakurinji bloomed in Munnar hills. Neelakurinji season arrive only once in 12 years.  This year the flowers bloomed a bit late and rains, flooding and week long fog also affected the longevity of the flowers.

We started our journey at around 6 am to Munnar which is around 117 km from Kochi. Along the way we stopped at Cheyappara Water Falls.

Cheyappara Falls

Our next stop was at View point. There is small hut and you will get tea and snacks. You can go down after taking nominal entry fee. From here you can admire the beauty of valley and hills.

We reached Munnar at around 1 PM. After lunch we rushed to Eravikulam National Park also known as Rajamala. It is situated just 8 kms from Munnar. You can also take ticket from the counter of sports council stadium, old Munnar.  After taking the ticket you can board the bus arranged by Eravikulam national park by paying Rs. 20 and within 15 minutes you will reach Eravikulam.

Fifth mile is the entrance of the Eravikulam National Park. It has visitors launch, drinking water, bio toilet, display boards and parking facility.  After taking the entry ticket , further travel is by safari bus arranged by Park authorities till Park Entry. Entry time is restricted from 7:00 am to 4.00 pm. Entry Fee is  Rs.120/ for Indian Adults and Ordinary Camera charge for Rs. 40/-

The road ahead to Park Entry is narrow and two buses cannot cross at a time. The scenery on both sides of the zigzag road is marvelous.  Rolling hills and emerald green tea plantations sprawling across horizon make for a picture postcard setting.  You can also see some Neelakurinji flowers on the road side.

The bus will go till Park Entry. Further you can walk through the tar road about two kilometer to the top. When we cross the security check post, the guard informed us that  plucking of Nilakurinji flower is illegal and will  be charged  Rs.2000/-. These flowers, when in bloom, cover vast areas over the hills and the surrounding landscape.

And we walked through the narrow road enjoying beautiful Neelakurinji flowers on one side and the wilderness of the nature on the other side. When I searched for the Neelakurinji flower over the internet, it looked like blue or pink color flowers,  but in real it looks purple color.

The presence of Nilgiri Tahr, the endangered mountain goat is one of the attractions that attracts travelers. They wander through the mountains by eating plants and ambling down the hills is a sight to behold

You can also find all kinds of flora and fauna which are marked by placing boards near to them which provide details of these flowers. Some of them are, Kattumunthiri ( Robus ellipticus), Sundew Plant, Blechnum orientala, Anaphalis subdecurrens, Kattu Thumba ( Leucas vestita) and Kurinji( Strobilanthes pulneyensis ).

All you can do is to enjoy the scenery  arranged by nature.

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Varikkasseri Mana

After more than a month of busy schedule, I happened to travel through Thrissur and Palakkad districts in the Indian State of Kerala. The recent floods has caused untold  damages to roads and houses. It was saddening to see the places affected by landslides which took the lives and livelihood of many people.  On my way to Ottapalam from Shoranur, I stopped at Varikkasseri Mana. It is situated just one kilometer from Manisseri. Visitor car parking inside the compound is not allowed. I parked my car on the road side. Entry ticket is Rs.20. The entry is actually through the back side of the building.

I was walking towards the house which I had seen only in Malayalam cinema till date.  'Theertham' was the first Malayalam film shooted here. But director IV Sasi's  Malayalam film 'Devasuram' made this house an important location in Malayalam cinema.

Actually known as Varikkumanchery Mana, it was constructed 112 years back by Varikkasseri Ravi Namboothirippad. The family owed its allegiance to the Zamorin of Calicut.  The yellow painted structure including Poomukham is constructed after 30 years. The design of Poomukham is different with long pillars. One member of the family -  Krishnan Namboothiripad also known as 'Shilpy Thampooran'   designed this building.  He studied fine arts in Madras and his influence is reflected in the design of Poomukham.

And I  sat on the steps of the  'Poomukham' trying to imagine the unforgettable scene of Devasuram - Mangalasseri Neelakandan sitting in a chair and the dance performance of Bhanumathy. I made a conscious decision to wear a blue shirt and 'Mundu' and I wanted to be photographed like Neelakandan.

'Poomukham', Varikkasseri Mana

As you wander around the Verandha (hallways) and various halls, you will step into artworks on every corner. The  main door is facing western side and the art work on the door is awesome. The Verandha is elevated differently. You can watch wooden roofing and pillars with art work. Red hand cut bricks are used on the boundary wall.

The main door is open to Padijattini - the place for entertainment. It is spacious and the roof is designed in solid wood with art work. The main attraction of this house is the main Nalukettu.

'Nalukettu',  Varikkasseri Mana

There is a wooden stair to reach the  first floor. There are two other stairs like this. There is a big hall and a bed room next to the hall on the first floor. Roof are made up of wood and all rooms have enough ventillation. You can watch many exit doors and most of the doors are not opened for public . You can have the view of 'Nadumuttam' from all rooms . I spent hours just wandering around, enjoying the wooden work on the roof  and view from rooms.  Rooms are cool enough and this is how ancient people lived here. This is really a palace.

And I came out of the main building and walked towards the building left to the main building. This building has two pathayappura and the main pathayapura is constructed in Victorian style. Earlier there was a bridge connecting this building with the main building and removed it later. You will get a good view from the balcony. The Malayalam film 'Thooval Kottaram'   was also shot in this building. You can also see this building in the film 'Devasuram'.

'Pathayappura', Varikkasseri Mana

It also has a Sreekrishna temple, a marvelous large pond with kulappura (a building at the pond-entrance). Entry to the temple is not allowed to visitors. Some scenes  in the Malayalam films 'Aaram Thampuran' and 'Drona'  shot here.

Total 170 films shot here in all languages. Visiting time is restricted between 9.30 am to 3 pm. Do not miss this place if you are traveling between Shoranur and Ottapalam.

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