A Trail Inside the Magic Valleys of Munnar

Where else other than Munnar?

From past few days the nostalgia of the place has taken over me. As a counter measure, I thought of putting my experience in a piece of writing. During the month of October 2012, the traveler bug had stung me again. Having spent enough time seeing those mesmerizing pics of valleys of Munnar and doing enough research on Internet, I finally overcame the inertia and planned an itinerary. My itinerary generally goes around finding a holiday around a weekend, ask lazy friends to get off their ass, book tickets and then research fine details around the place. Seeing a window of opportunity in late October around Dussehra, without any hesitation, I did the same.

Day 0:

Our adventure started while departing from Chennai itself. It was pouring heavily during that time. One of my friends Ritukant missed the bus and 4 others Sai, Apurva, Hriday and Bhuvan would have missed it by delta time where delta, as always, tends to zero.

Day 1: 

Madrasi at Anayirankal Dam

Shades of Green

Reaching Bodinayakanur around 8 in the morning, we were wondering how to reach Munnar  which was about 65 km from there.We waited for the bus and meanwhile we looked for other alternatives. Sai got a french beard in the meantime. Finally, we got a Jeep and settled the deal. The driver agreed on stopping at all the viewpoints and places of interests in the route. We started our journey on a high tempo. All I can say about the weather is that it couldn't have been better. Cloudy and mild rain in intervals. Bhuvan occupied the seat right next to driver fulfilling his dream to be seated like a police inspector in the movies. As we ascended, we witnessed spectacular views of the valleys. The driver stopped at a small waterfall , where we stretched ourselves and didn't miss the opportunity to get a few clicks. After moving on, as we reached higher, the vegetation, the view, the landscape everything started changing gradually. The mesmerizing views of tea plantation started  showing up with mountains in the background. While we were enjoying the view, our stomachs started reminding us that we had not eaten anything till that time. Soon we reached a small village Pooppara located among the valley surrounded by tea plantation all around. After having breakfast there, we resumed the journey. The driver stopped at Anayirankal dam and we enjoyed the calmness and the beauty of the place. Moving further we saw a magnificent waterfall known as Power House waterfalls pouring water with a great force. There was a board saying the water was drinkable and I did not miss the opportunity. Enjoying the weather and the spectacular views we reached Munnar and found a hotel. In the evening we spent time in a Spice Garden and Jeep ride in Ghat roads. We spent the night laughing at Bhuvan who kept on loosing by big margins in Least count (a cards game). 

Day 2:

Pranshu, Hriday & Beautiful Folds of Tea Garden

Next day we hired a Jeep and set along the Top Station Direction. Starting with the botanical garden, we moved on the photo point, saw numerous bee hives on a tree, took pics with beautiful tea gardens in the background and ate passion fruits and fresh carrots on the way. Near Matupetty dam, we had rides on elephants  and then enjoyed boating on a speed boat. We sat near the lake for sometime and enjoyed the serenity of the place. Next we shouted like crazy at the echo point. Further, we encountered Kundala lake and lied down on its banks. All this while we were visiting these beautiful places, my mind was thinking of letting ourselves free in mountains. The mountains were to tempting to resist and continuously invited me to come and explore them. All these places were very nice but I wanted to go a place where people generally don't go. Leaving aside that thought, we continued our journey to Top Station, the last view point. The views from this valley are awe inspiring. As we reached there, the whole valley was covered with clouds and nothing was visible. But that was temporary only. Soon the valley was visible in its full splendor. If any word could have described it for me, it was 'magical'. The instantly fell in love with the place. But again the souls was wanting to go and explore the place rather than just watching it from the tourist fencing. After getting lost in the beauty of the valley, we headed back for Munnar. Evening as usual we spent seeing marvels of Bhuvan in card games.

Above the Clouds at Top Station

Day 3:

The Magical Valleys

It was decided the previous night that we are done with touristy spots and wanted to do some trekking and go explore some less walked by paths. But we were quite uncertain which mountain to head to. There were infinite numbers of them around. The only thing in my mind was the valleys around Top Station and I convinced everybody to go there again. After a little scuffle with the hotel guy we started for Top Station. Reaching there, we arranged one guide to take us around for Rs.150 each. The only thing we told him was that we want to go some rarely taken path in the valley and in addition, some waterfalls and streams will be 'sone pe suhaga'. Right after walking for 10 mins. Hriday realized that his 150 rupees had already been paid off. He could have gone back satisfied. Such was the influence of the views. Numerous waterfalls, zig-zag trails, tribal villages and the mountain folds. Yes it was no less than magic for me. We relaxed and enjoyed serenity and calmness of the place. Our guide, a very humble and simple Tamil man introduced us Lemon grass, which he rubbed on his hands and asked us to smell. It smelt exactly like lemon. He showed us Neelkurinji flowers which blooms once in 12 years and the complete valley looks blue during that time. He showed us Magic Mushrooms which cause hallucinations upon consumption. After this we followed a trail to a small abandoned home where they used to pre-process coffee. There we saw big sour lemons which we easily confused for oranges. This abandoned place was situated close to a waterfall. The water was cold enough to make you numb if you stay longer in it. But ignoring that we recharged ourselves under the waterfall. Finishing this we headed back. We followed the same trail. At one point we had a option to climb steep and finish early or follow the long trail back. We voted and decided to follow the steep climb. The expressions on everyone's face were worth noticing while climbing. After reaching the top, we relaxed and enjoyed the mesmerizing views again. 

And the feeling of being 'Blessed'

Day 4:

This was the departing day for us. We planned it in a way that we would visit the viewpoints and trekking trails in Coimbatore direction and from there we'll make an exit to Coimbatore. We first encountered Erivakulam National Park and gave it a 

Anamudi Peak, Highest in Western Ghats

miss seeing a long queue for tickets. We saw the mighty Anamudi peak (the highest non-Himalayan peak in India, also the highest in south India). The view was spectacular to say the least. Peak in the background, a steam rushing from the valley over the rocks, tea gardens on one side and a small cottage on the other. Don't know about others, but this is my definition of 'heaven'. Next we reached Lakkom waterfalls. The crystal clear water was hard to resist. Hriday and me dipped into it. Moving further we witnessed sandalwood forest and noticed how they were tagged to avoid smuggling. Finally we reached Chinnar and hired a trek guide. Through a trail into the jungle, he took us to beautiful Thoovanam waterfall on Pambar river. After reaching there, we relaxed. I preferred a nap over a rock. We returned and caught bus for Coimbatore from Udumalaipettai. This was supposedly the end of trip for us. From Coimbatore we took an overnight bus to reach Chennai next day early morning.

A good company makes it so easy

To say the least the trip was one of the best trips I have ever had. Partly because of great company of friends, partly because of the weather (mild rains) and partly because of the place itself. The place has so much to offer to everyone. There are few images from every trek/trip that keep roaming in my mind. Top station valley's images still linger in my mind, every single day.