A day at Munnar - Confluence of three river

Our Second day in Kerala Trip was planned for Munnar. Initially we thought of booking a hotel at Munnar so that we can enjoy the scenic view of the place in evening as well as during nights. As lot more places are stored in our other day plans we chose to visit Munnar for a day only. We had again hired a cab for the whole day and started from Cochin at 0700 hrs.
After an hour or so we reached at our Friend Parent’s house at Kothamangalam (Town in the foothills of Western Ghat mountain range) where we were warmly welcomed by her family. We were offered the wonderful , delicious mouth-watering Kerala Breakfast Appam (Pancake made of Rice and Coconut) and Stew ( a dish made with potatoes, onions, vegetables & coconut milk).After finishing our breakfast we had again started our onwards journey towards the Tea plantation estate Munnar.

appam and stew

On our way to Munnar

On our way to Munnar

Munnar is a hill station on the Western Ghats, a range of mountains situated in the Idukki district of the Indian state of Kerala. Munnar is a beautiful hill station, and was the summer resort of the British. Tourists come here to see the vast tea plantations of the area.
The name Munnar is believed to mean “three rivers”, referring to the town’s strategic location at the confluence of the Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers.
Between Kothamangalam and next town “Adimali”, one can experience a beautiful cool drive through a natural forest. Alongside, we can see many refreshing waterfalls. Around 22 km from Adimali, we can start seeing the tea plantations on both sides of the road and a panoramic view of the Western Ghats.

Tourists enjoying waterfalls

Waterfall on our way

On our way to Munnar

In between we stopped at one of the tea shop located on a very picturesque location. We had also purchased a box of handmade chocolates from the shop. In places like Munnar, Kodaikanal, Ooty one can find market full of varieties of handmade chocolates, dry fruits and spices.

Scenic view near tea shop

Munnar view

As soon as we entered Munnar we first headed towards the famous Flower Garden (Floriculture Centre).
Floriculture Centre – The Floriculture centre is located around 2 kms outside Munnar town. The Kerala forest division maintained garden is on the slope of a hill. It is the main attraction for its beautiful and different varieties of flowers, plants and cactus. If you like to click flower photographs then this is the best place to visit.

Entry fee: Rs 10 per person
Still camera: Rs 20
Video camera: Rs 50

This garden is a complete delight to the eye.

At Flower Garden

Flower Garden

Flower Garden

Flower Garden

We then headed to our next point Mattupetty Dam
b) Mattupetty Dam: Situated at the height of 1700 Mtr above sea level, Mattupetty is located at 13 Km away from Munnar on the way to Top Station. One of the main attractions in Mattupetty is the beautiful lake, and the Mattupetty Dam, which are ideal picnic spots. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Idukki provides boating facilities in the Mattupetty Dam. Speed launch, slow speedboat and motorboats are available on hire. However due to lack of time we did not enjoy the boating here. Also one incident happened with us here because of which we all got scared and returned quickly. When we were walking on the dam (Thinking it as a road) a vehicle came and there was very less space left between us and the vehicle, three of us quickly jumped and sat on the parapet wall just to save ourselves from the Truck. When truck crossed that road we just saw down and realised what a horrible mistake we did. One slip and we all were down, thanks to GOD for saving us. All of you can only understand our situation at that time by seeing below picture taken from Dam parapet.

Mattupetty Dam

View around Dam

Mattupetty Lake

The next point we approached was Elephant Lake.
c) Elephant Lake - The Elephant Lake is a picturesque location surrounded by tea plantations, evergreen forests, rolling grasslands and hillocks. Tourists interested in photography can capture the panoramic view of the calm waters of the reservoir with the backdrop of dense Tata tea estates and clouds.

The Elephant Lake or Anayirangal is named so since herds of wild elephants arrive here from the dense forests of Munnar to drink water. It is very common to spot a herd of elephants by the waters of Elephant Lake. Tourists maintain a safe distance from the elephants as it is very dangerous to disturb them.

Elephant Lake

At Elephant Lake

There are many food stalls available here which serves snacks, cold drinks, juice, Chips and water.
After finishing at this point we moved towards Mayaroor.
d) Marayoor - This is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood trees. It is 40 kms from Munnar. It is a beautiful place to see Sandalwood trees and other attractions available here. But honestly speaking we regretted on our decision to see this place. As it was far off and we did not find anything of our interest. By the time we reached there we all had taken our share of nap and were hungry. There was a market nearby from where we had our Lunch and returned back without seeing any points.

Marayoor

The next and last point of our one day trip was Rajamalai National park. In the morning while coming towards Munnar we were greeted with very pleasant weather, but by evening the weather turned little dangerous and the park got closed before time. So we missed on this must visit place of Munnar.
One thing worth to mention about Munnar, whether you will be able to see all points or not, but the place itself is so beautiful that you will almost fall in love with the place. It is a cool green paradise in a sunny Tropical Kerala, away from heat and dust where cloud turns into mist.

Tea Plantation

Beautiful Munnar

Beautiful Munnar

Beautiful Munnar

This finishes our day tour at Munnar and we started at 1800 hrs to return back home. On our way back we again had fantastic Kerala style dinner on Banana leaf at friend’s place. I would really like to thanks to her family members for such a warm welcome and hospitality.

Kerala style food (Courtesy www.tourismofkerala.com)

The untouched beauty of Kerala - Athirapally and Vazahal waterfall

Kerala- God’s own country. It is really God’s country, so we got this opportunity in the month of May 2010. We made plan to visit one of my friend house at Aluva ,Cochin. So after planning and deciding how to visit we thought of taking train from Chennai on Wednesday so that we can enjoy Cochin in 04 days i.e. Thursday to Sunday. On Friday we had planned to visit Athirapally and Vazahal waterfall. So for going to see these falls we had hired a cab. The cab person arrived at our place at sharp 0900 hrs and we started our trip to the lush green forest of Kerala.

On our way

As we are moving further slowly ,slowly we were crossing the city area and were going towards Forest side. As we crossed the city area we found ourselves in the midst of dense Rubber plantation. As per official records 92% of rubber comes from the State of Kerala. And I was actually witnessing it. Both sides of our road were full of rubber plants with a half cut Coconut shell hanging at the middle of the tree for collection of rubber. The land area was so optimal used .There were three plantations on single piece of land viz.coconut, rubber and pineapple. So altogether it was very good experience travelling in the midst of lush green area with birds chirping, clean air and no noise and air pollution.

Rubber Plantation

On our way

We were enjoying our car ride on this wonderful route. Then after one hour or so our driver took a turn and we reached at one beautiful place. The place has beautiful landscape, water bodies, small reservoir and a small tea shop and Restroom. (What I remember the place name as Nature’s Resort (but unfortunately I am unable to find this place on internet). It’s a picturesque spot and one can actually enjoy by going into water as water level is very low here.

Nature’s resort

After enjoying this beautiful place we moved further and after half an hour we reached at Vazahal Waterfall. At Vazahal the car parking arrangement was available. So we had parked our car at the parking and started walking down towards waterfall area.
a. Vazahal Waterfall – Waterfall area (Vazahal Garden) near Vazahal waterfall is secured by railings so that people do not enter in the waterfall area. There is a small garden with sitting arrangement s, small herbal garden inside the garden and was full of Monkeys. All these are monitored and administered by Vazahal Forest Department. From this garden we can actually view the waterfall. Now a little about Vazahal Waterfall as mentioned in Wikipedia,
“Vazhahal Falls is a rushing watercourse in the Chalakkudy River in the Thrissur district of Kerala, South India. It is located 36 km from Chalakkudy and 5 km from Athirapally Falls. The riparian forests of the Chalakudy River have revealed the existence of a thick riparian vegetation of more than 10 metres width for a distance of 10.5 km downstream from Peringalkuth, covering an area of 58.5 hectares. Out of this, 26.4 hectares lie within the Vazahal area, including three large islands densely covered by riparian forests. Classified as one of the finest waterfalls in India, Vazhahal Waterfall cascades on the edge of the Sholayar forest range in Kerala. Gurgling down with a great speed, the view of this waterfall is just splendid. The nearby Vazhahal Forest is a good place for enjoying the flora and the fauna of the surrounding. Besides, enjoying the waterfall one can also visit the nearby garden that is flooded with colourful flowers. The view of the waterfall amidst the effervescent flowers is truly splendid. The best time to come to Vazhachal falls is during the months from June to October, when the monsoon is in its full swing. To reach here one can either hire a private taxi or avail a bus from the Chalakudy bus station.
Since few accidents happened in past, thus direct entry to falls are now restricted and a railing is fixed between garden boundary and river.

Way to Vazahal fall

Vazahal Fall

Vazahal Fall

Vazahal Fall

Vazahal Fall

Lush green forest surrounding Vazahal

Herbal Garden inside Vazahal garden

So after relaxing at the Vazahal Garden we moved to our next point Athirapally Waterfall.
b. Athirapally Waterfall – Athirapally Falls is situated in Athirapally panchayath in Thrissur district of Kerala, on the southwest coast of India. Located on the west-flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and the Sholayar ranges, this 24-metre (80 ft) waterfall and the nearby Vazhachal Falls are popular tourist destinations. It is nicknamed “The Niagara of India”. The nearest railway station to Athirapally falls is Chalakudy Railway station and is at 30 km to the west and the nearest airport is Kochi International Airport about 55 Km from the waterfall.
The journey to the Athirapally falls passes through a landscape of winding roads, small villages and lush green trees. Athirapally is situated amidst thick forest, thus night riding should be avoided. To reach at top of the Athirapally waterfall we can reach via a paved path that leads through thick bamboo clusters. A steep narrow path also leads to the bottom of the falls. We went to the bottom of the fall. About 7 million tourists visit the falls and vazahal picnic spot every year, still the place is well maintained, greenery restored and cleanliness has been taken care of.

Athirapally waterfall

On our way to Athirapally waterfall

Athirapally waterfall bottom

Enjoying near the waterfall

Luckily the day we went it was very pleasant weather and we enjoyed the view, the place, water and overall spot a lot .We also luckily got the opportunity to see Malyalam movie shooting at the fall. But seeing the shooting we also realised how much hard word the side dancers also put for the successful completion of songs. Many Malyalam, Tamil and Hindi movies shooting were done here. Movies like Dil se, Guru and Raavan etc songs were choreograph at this place.

Shooting in progress

At around 1500 hrs we returned from Athirapally falls and reached to our next point at around 1600 hrs.

c) Kodanad Elephant training centre – This place is located at 45 Kms north east of Kochi and at around 30 kms from Aluva where we stayed. It is one of the largest elephant training centres of South India. Kodanad is known for the Elephant Kraal; i.e. the place where the newly captured elephants are kept till they are properly trained and disciplined for riding and to do heavy works etc. The old Kraal is consists of wooden compartments which can accommodate as many as four elephants. As I am fond of Elephant and love to watch them, this place is an excellent place to watch baby elephants. As many as four to six baby elephants are brought in and trained in Kodanad every year .Kodanad also offers Elephant safari to visitors. Elephants are made ready with a specially constructed wooden saddle on top, designed to make riding comfortable and safe.

Elephant Kraal

Elephants at training centre

Baby Elephant

Elephant ride

There is also a mini zoo sheltering wild animals which are unfit for survival in the forest. It is open from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm on all days except Mondays. In order to preserve the beauty of Kodanad in its natural state, the Government of India has included this place in the list of Ecotourism destinations. The zoo is not at all maintained and it was in a very filthy condition.

Zoo

Zoo

Zoo

Zoo

This finishes our day excursion around Kochi and we reached back at around 1830 hrs