In Search of Idukki Gold – A Christmas Tale of Traffic, Mist & Too Many Strawberries

Family trips are supposed to be relaxing - chance to unwind, reconnect, and make memories. This Christmas, we set off on a grand family adventure in search of Idukki Gold—not that one, but the lush, unexplored beauty of Idukki’s hills and farms (in Kerala). What started as a quest for adventure quickly turned into a journey filled with unexpected surprises.

Pit Stop at “Luxury” (or Not) Tents

We kicked off our journey from Thrissur, bracing for a 6+ hour drive to Vatavada (deep in the unexplored heart of Idukki). Being smart planners (or so we thought), we decided to take a break enroute at Amritsar Riverside Luxury Tents in Thattekkad. "Luxury" was apparently just part of the name - understaffed, basic amenities, and a breakfast spread that looked like it had seen better days. But yeah, at least we were riverside!

Not ones to waste a stop, we did explore Inchathotty Suspension Bridge (big bridge, lots of suspension :) ), and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, where we saw precisely zero birds - guess they were on vacation too!

The Long Road to Vatavada

Next morning, full of optimism we hit the road for Vatavada which was supposed to be just an hour from Munnar, but thanks to heavy tourist traffic, it took more than double the time. But the drive greeted us with mist so thick, we had to briefly switch on fog lights.

After testing our patience we finally hit the entry point to Vattavada and we crossed into Pambadum Shola National Park - it’s Kerala’s smallest national park, but surprisingly beautiful with colorful misty grasslands creating a dreamlike landscape. It was one of those rare travel moments where you stumble upon something unexpectedly breathtaking.

Finally, we reached Camp Noel - perched near the very end of civilization, and what a relief! Open spaces, a kid’s play area, and top-notch service and for the first time in the trip, we felt like we had made a solid choice.

Strawberry Fever & Overload

Vatavada is known for its farms, so we visited strawberry and vegetable farms, where we enthusiastically picked and purchased enough produce to start our own market back home. The reality of our mistake only hit when we had to pack them for the journey.

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, we hit the road early hopping to beat the traffic —only to be trapped once again in the Munnar traffic vortex. At this point, we had spent more time in Munnar traffic than in our actual destinations.

But worse than the traffic? The utter lack of toilet facilities on the way. For a place marketed as Kerala's top tourist destination, Munnar’s toilet situation is a disaster. Be prepared if you ever plan a family road trip here.

But one tradition remained unchanged: stopping for Maggi and bread omelettes at roadside tea shops set against munnars beautiful mountain backdrop - an experience no fancy resort can match.

The Hunt for “Idukki Gold”

Our next stop was Spicebuds Farmstay near Ramakalmedu - a farmstay nestled among the plantations and villages of Idukki. The drive was an experience in itself - it took us through charming villages, winding roads, tea plantations and lush coffee, cardamom plantations. It was the Kerala countryside at its finest.

We visited Chathurangapara (windmill farms set against rolling hills) and Ramakalmedu (known for its towering Kuravan-Kurathi statues and panoramic views) - both breathtakingly pristine. No crowds, no rush— the air was crisp, the views endless, and the tourist count blissfully low.

Final Thoughts

Despite a few hiccups (bird-less bird sanctuaries, traffic nightmares and lack of toilet facilities, this Christmas vacation was a wild, fun, and unforgettable experience. Scenic landscapes, hidden gems, and a whole lot of family chaos —exactly how a holiday should be.

And if you ever need some strawberries, you know who to call.