Kerala, Heaven On Earth!

I recently visited Munnar, Kerala with my family and family friends. It was the most memorable trip of my life yet. Munnar was like an oasis of serenity. Such calmness and relaxing place is nothing less than heaven. We landed at Kochi airport in evening and took a mini bus to Munnar that night itself. It was a 5 hour journey in the mountains. I recommend taking medicines if one has motion sickness. We booked a stay in Sterling resorts beforehand and checked in at midnight, which according to me is the best choice of stay in Munnar. Our parents took separate rooms and the kids shared a suite. We woke up to a view that the mind could capture forever.

A little fog on the hills and the birds chirping with a chilly weather. After breakfast we got ready and left to visit Eravikulam National Park. On the way we stopped for a while at some spots to take pictures and observe the scenery. We reached the spot, took tickets , ate some green mango which is a snack there. Then a bus took us to the top of the hill where we saw some birds but did not find many animals. The weather was so pleasant and soothing plus the place is very well maintained. Visiting the rose garden was the next in our bucket list. The vivid and vibrant colours of the flower left me mesmerized. I couldn’t stop clicking pictures till the exit. There were also some ayurvedic plants and nursery in the rose garden. From there the next stop was Mattupetty dam which is one of the most picturesque places in Munnar. There we did boating and visited the location where some scenes of Chennai Express were shot. The landscape was verdant with the lake so dreamy. The weather got a little cloudy, hence enhancing the scenic beauty. The thunders and lightening began which was so breathtaking. We had dinner on our way to the resort at a local restaurant. We had some south Indian dishes like dosa and idli, also some special pink water, which is considered a speciality in Kerala.

The next day we stayed in for a little longer as we were tired. We went for a walk in the woods early in the morning and it was so calm and soothing that i could keep walking for hours. Our resort had some adventure activities like riffle shooting , battery driven cars , trampoline , zip- liners , swings and so on. After breakfast we proceeded for these activities. We had fun and enjoyed to the fullest. After getting ready we went for a visit to the most awaited tea plantations. In an open jeep we went to the tea garden. The road was covered with lush  green trees on both the sides and it was the best feeling. I captured the plantations from different angles as I was just not satisfied. On the top of the hill was a tea factory where they showed us different processes that lead to the making of tea leaves that we use. From plucking the leaves to drying and grinding we got to know everything. At the end we realised that the best quality of tea leaves is sent for export and what the Indians get is the last and second last grade of tea leaves. The weather was pleasant with a little chilly winds . On our way back from the factory, we stopped at a tea plantation where we could see mountains covered with clouds and the aroma of tea was all around us. Being a travel photographer it was so tempting that I made everyone wait for half an hour there. We went back to the resort and had some good north Indian food there itself. We watched a haunted movie in our room and had some fun. The day was tremendous.

The next day in Munnar again started with the mind blowing scenery. This was our last day in Munnar. We went to the spice garden after breakfast. Kerala is famous for the export of spices to various parts of the world and the country and hence is known as the ‘spice garden of India’. We hired a guide to show us around. The garden had some thousands of species of medicinal herbs, spices and other essential plants. The guide told us about the advantages and what diseases and disorders can be cured from which plant. At the end there was a store where spices , beauty products , medicines and home made chocolates were available, which were manufactured from the plants of that garden itself. We bought whatever was necessary and left. We packed up and checked out of the resort. That night we reached back to Kochi and stayed in the tourist appartments. Next evening we had a flight to catch.

We woke up early in the morning and went to the Cherai beach and loved the sunrise that was breathtaking. After some time we got back to the apartments and had breakfast. The ayurvedic spa is very appreciated there and I went for it. The hot oils which were made from different herbs are used and led to a perfect ending to this trip. I would recommend everyone to at least visit Munnar once in their lifetime and experience the serenity and the mesmerizing beauty of nature!
I have attached a few pictures below that might give one an idea of the beauty I am talking about.

#sampadatravels #kerala #india #wanderlust