Fresh out of college, quit my first job because, why not? A wanderlusting girl bored of the same old bustling city life took a map and decided to head out. Just another 20something looking forward to waking up to mountain view breakfasts, beach walks, sunsets, clicking unlimited pictures and living the moment. Where else than the lands sprawling tea estates, lakes and the bluest beaches? This trip was just about that- nested away in a tranquil place enjoying new views and far far away from the crowds, expectations and responsibilities. A couple of days to just set out and do what you like, no questions asked. This blog is for anybody who loves more pictures and less text because I believe it's in those colours that the answer to this beautiful and apt caption lies- God's Own Country. Words will always fall short, you need to see it to believe it.
Easily one of the most scenic routes to wake up to. The bus went straight through the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary giving a great view of Thoovam Falls along the way.
We stopped for breakfast on the way and then the bus took us through Marayoor limits and up into the Kannan Devan Hills. This was my favourite part of the bus journey! What a view, coupled with absolutely splendid weather. There was a good amount of fog adding to the beauty of the place and around 11am we reached the town bus stand.
Our hotel was 15mins away from town in a place called 2nd mile Pallivasal.
We stayed at Green Mansion Resort a small hotel tucked in on a hill top. We bought a map to figure out the routes and more importantly to ensure we do not miss out on places. After resting and freshening up we went back to the town to hire a vehicle. We headed to the Eravikulam/ Rajamalai National Park first because it was the last day after which it remains closed for 3 months.
The park is home to the endangered Nilgiri Thar and the famous Neelakurinji Flowers that bloom once in 12 years. The tallest peak in the Western ghats- Anamudi is also within the park limits. After the nature trails we had tea at Pothamedu View Point, then rode down to Devikulam- a small village in Munnar before heading back to base.
A post dinner stroll enjoying the absolute peace of the Queen of Hills coupled with great weather and views of the valleys dotted with tiny lights from different resorts before we called it a night.
After breakfast, around 11am we left the main town and decided to cover all the places along the way upto Top Station. Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, Rose gardens and view points gave us spectacular valley sights all the way to the top.
Top Station gets it's name as it was the historic transshippment location for Kannan Devan tea delivered up here from Munnar by rail.
Absolutely dreamy location! The roads; the views; the weather; everything was beyond perfect. Lunching with a view, an absolute delight! Kerala parathas, appams and stew, YUM!
After breakfast we headed to town to catch a bus to Thekkady. It was roughly a 5 hour journey. We stayed at Jungle Paradiso which was a forest facing apartment away from the crowds. Not a very fancy place but the silence and the temperatures at night was worth everything. Just sitting in the balcony- pizza in hand and stargazing amidst the silence of the jungle; unmatched.
Woke up early to catch the first boat ride through the Periyar Wildlife Reserve. Didn't particularly get to see too many animals but the 90 minute boat ride was definitely a beautiful experience. We had breakfast after the ride, rested for a while and were back in the bus towards Varkala. A 6 hour bus journey to Kollam and a 15 minute train to Varkala from there. We reached just in time for dinner. Stayed in a beach facing cottage at Bamboo Village and had a lovely candlelight dinner at a shack to kick start Varkala.
A location like the ones you see in movies- exotic holidays, foreigners thronging and everyone just merry. It's only the cliff that's commercialised, and there is a striking difference between this part and the rest of the town. Flocked with different touristy shops and shacks on one side and the clear blue Arabian Sea view on the other.
A relaxed brunch was just what we needed after all the travelling after which we decided to head to the beach. Walked on the Varkala-Papanasanam beach stretch along the endless blue waters. It's true, beach therapy is the only therapy anybody needs. Finding your calm amongst the waves and just aimlessly walking on the sands can be quite the happy pill. We headed back to the room to beat the afternoon heat and we back at a shack for a late lunch accompanied by an absolutely beautiful sunset. We walked till the end of the cliff, caught the last rays of the sun at the helipad then walked further down to the town and back. A nice cozy dinner and we retired for the night.
Our last day here so we decided to visit the ancient Janardhana Swamy temple and the Black beach that I'd heard a lot about. After a nice relaxing breakfast, we decided to go to Black Beach which is right off the south end of the cliff. Lives up to its name- the shore was a glistening black and almost deserted. So peaceful that we decided to spend the rest of the afternoon lying on the lawns by the beach. In the evening we went to the 2000 year old Janardhana temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The premises gives a sense of complete satisfaction and a calmness within.
Alas, goodbyes indeed are the hardest. With this, the trip was coming to an end. A train from Varkala to Kollam from where we boarded the bus back to Bangalore.
WHAT'S YOUR CALLING?
If you are someone that loves to travel, explore like a local, head to the less touristy areas and discover serene pockets; Read more about my escapades on my blog and get going! If you need any help planning, just drop in a mail and I'd be happy to help :)
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