Blessed with a wide variety of flora and fauna, Munnar has become an abode of scenic beauty of Western Ghats in Kerala. This beautiful hill station situated at Devikulam Taluk has a rare and peculiar location being at the junction of three rivers, namely Mudhirappuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly. Hence, Munnar got her name, derived from the concept of “Three Rivers”.
It was a Sunday when I started my journey to Munnar. The sole intention for the travel was to visit the remote village of Vattavada, which is located at the northern side of Munnar. From Cochin, Munnar is approximately 130 Kms. During the transit, I was welcomed by the small town of Adimaly, which is an entrance to Munnar. With the smell of spices, the essence of her freshness began to encircle my body and mind with ecstasy. The Cheeyappara water falls on the way added to her beauty. The Cheeyappara waterfalls, is a wonderful architecture by the nature, having seven steps. The view of water cascading through the rocks is a mind blowing scene and provoked my desire to explore more of Munnar. The weather is also a factor that acts as a catalyst for the enjoyment of natural artistry of Munnar. From Cheeyappara falls, I moved further and reached one of the major waterfalls in Kerala – the Valara Waterfalls. The other prominent waterfalls in Munnar are Lakkam, Attukal, Nyayamakad, Chinnakanal, Kuthumkal and Thoovanam.
Further journeying deeper in to this bountiful green adobe, I started to see the glances of mountains and hills engraved with a green fur made of the tea plantations. The Kannan Devan hills which are known for its greenery and tea plantations are another major attraction of munnar. Harrison Tea estate and Tata Tea Estate are the other major tea plantations here. Passing through the tea plantations, I reached the Top Station. The top station is 32 kms away from the Munnar town.
Spread over the borders of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, this place offers an unobtrusive view of a large area beyond the borders. Seeing the low hung clouds from the top station one does wonder if they could be touched with bare hands when we just reach out to them. The presence of Neelakurinji flowers, which blooms once in every 12 years adds the beauty of the area. The top station was the highest railway station in the valley and that’s how the place got the name “Top Station.”
From Top Station, I started my Journey to Vattavada. The route goes through the forest of Pambadumchola. It can be considered as one of the main artery of Munnar. The impeccable silence of the forest was broken by the sound of the vehicles. Even above the noise of the vehicles what made the ride better was the voice of different type of birds which perch here. On the way, I was able to see a herd of elephants. The scene was really mind blowing, as it is not something that one usually sees and for me it was like a dream come true.
When I reached Vattavada, I saw a vast area of farms. Vattavada is well known for its Bowl of Strawberries and the methods of organic farming. The entire architectural style of the place was different from those in the Munnar town. The placed resembled like a place in Tamil nadu. Unaware of the modern technological innovations, the people of Vattavada lead a peaceful life with their tradition style of living. Another wonder of Munnar is the Kolukkumalai, which is known as the highest tea plantation in the Country. The combined experience of off-roading and trekking added an adventure to the journey.
Anamudi, Suryanelli, Meesapulimala etc. are also the places of attractions nearby. I hope you all can enjoy a nice short and relaxing weekend over this valley – peacefully.
