Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Travel> Why you can't miss Munnar

Image1: A cottage up in the hills

Image2: A quaint place for prayer

Image3: View from our hotel room

Image4: Cloud of green, the tea gardens at Munnar
Image copyright: Tanya Munshi

Munnar
Far from the crowds lies this haven of green. Its smooth, winding roads are a pleasure to drive on, the pitter-patter of raindrops on your windshield for company. The time is just right for Munnar, considering the swish of wipers is possibly all you will hear now, aside from the occasional birdcall.
If you want to make the most of a weekend trip, start early from Kochi. This 140-kilometre drive can be covered in a leisurely 3-4 hours, complete with a couple of coffee and wada breaks at small restaurants along the way.

A flower 12 years in the making
I had the opportunity of seeing the famous Neelakurinji flowers years ago, when I visited Munnar on a school holiday. This unique species blooms once every 12 years, from mid-August to December. Coming up in their thousands, the tiny blue flowers overwhelm the entire hilly area of the Eravikulam National Park. This year, coupled with Onam, Munnar is flooded with local and foreign tourists, all here to catch a glimpse of Neelakurinji.
A huge mob of tourists, choking roads leading to the Park, made it difficult for us to trek up the hills and see the flowers in bloom again. Amidst these blossoms, mountain goats known as Nilgiri Thar or Ibex also share the limelight. Capturing this flora and fauna is a photographer's delight.

Take time for a cuppa
We couldn't enter the Park, but we managed to buy some fresh tea. Near the entrance to the Eravikulam National Park is an exclusive Kanan Devan Tea outlet, with a variety on offer. For instance, Green Tea is priced at Rs 75 for 250 grams, while Madupatty CTC Leaves costs Rs 45 for 500 grams. What's more, during the drive, you can spot several other estates with outlets selling tea. It is disheartening to see plastic packets ruining the greenery of Munnar, although forest officials are doing their best to keep the area plastic free. This is a magnificent holiday spot and, as tourists, we ought to be careful with what nature gives us in such plenty.

Where to stay
Munnar is dotted with hotels and resorts for all budgets. Most bookings can be made booked online. Rates are currently up, thanks to the crowds coming in to see the flowers.
Although the best time to visit is from September to February and April to May, Munnar is breathtaking in the monsoons between June and July. As you drive up, there are springs and waterfalls all along the way.
You could check out Las Palmas or Hotel Hill View. At the former, a deluxe room costs about Rs 2,400 (plus taxes). A room at the latter should be about Rs 1,000 (plus taxes), and includes a complimentary breakfast.

Contact:
Las Palmas: NH 49, Devikulam, PO Munnar 685 613. Phone: (04865) 264218.

Hotel Hillview: Kannan Devan Hills, Munnar 685 612. Phone: (04865) 230567 / 230882.

Fast facts for travellers
Distance by road to Munnar from Cochin: 140 kilometres.

Nearest railway stations to Munnar:
Kochi -130 km
Kottayam -142 km

Nearest Airports: Kochi (130 kilometres) and Coimbatore (156 kilometres).

Season: September to February and April to MayOff season: June to August.

Published in Rediff.com, on September 25, 2006
Link: http://specials.rediff.com/getahead/2006/sep/25slid.htm

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