In this series of "Photographer's Quick Guide", I offer my learnings from shooting a place from a travel photographer's perspective.
In here I brief about planning, photo hot spots (and unique ones too), timings and tips about shooting at these destinations in a bid to help the travel photography community.
This one features - Munnar, the tea countryside of Kerala.
NOTE :
1. Click on the images to open them completely and in full screen.
2. Want to join me on my upcoming photo workshops pan India ?
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1. Lakkam Falls, Marayoor
Reason to visit :
Ease of access right at the start of ghat roads to Munnar.
Best Time :
Early mornings or late evenings (before 5 pm) to beat the crowd rush.
Photo Tips :
‑ Keep a polarizer handy to cut the haze and bring out under water features
‑ ND (at least a 3 stop) filters to slow the shutter speed.
2. Talayar Estate
Reason to visit :
Beautiful vista view of the scenic Talayar village and the tea factory.
Best Time :
Early mornings or late evenings to capture the scene in golden light or twilight.
Photo Tips :
‑ Keep a long lens (200mm) handy to close in on the far scenes.
‑ Multiple abstract frames possible too.
‑ The village can be seen from different bends of the ghat roads for a good 30 minutes stretch. Different compositions available from these vantage points.
3. Anamudi Peak View Point (9th Mile)
Reason to visit :
The literal entry point of the magical tea valley. Especially the first view after the bend, on the way from Marayoor.
A transfixing 180 degrees scene of the sprawling tea estates and the highest peak in the western ghats.
Best Time :
Early mornings or late evenings to capture the scene in golden light or twilight.
Photo Tips :
‑ Keep a both a long lens (200mm) and a wide angle handy.
‑ Multiple compositions possible too.
‑ Try out the panorama shots as well.
4. Devikulam Area View Points
Reason to visit :
One of the most majestic views. On the road that connects to Kokukkamalai peak.
Best Time :
Early mornings or late evenings to capture the scene in golden light or twilight.
Photo Tips :
‑ Wide angle lenses to capture vistas
‑ Try and leverage shadows, light beams and fog to capture moody stories
‑ Don't miss panoramic frames too
5. Chithirapuram View Point
Reason to visit :
Endless vistas and layers. Dotted with village settlements and bending roads.
Best Time :
Early mornings or late evenings to capture the scene in golden light or twilight.
Photo Tips :
‑ Long lens to capture minimal abstract frames
‑ Try and leverage shadows, light beams and fog to capture moody stories
‑ Monochrome conversions of images would work fine too
‑ Don't miss panoramic frames too
6. Kundala Lake
A serene getaway from the hustle bustle of the town. Ensure to be there by sunset and shoot into late twilight.
7. Karadipara View Point
Reason to visit :
Endless panoramic vistas of hill ranges and layers galore.
Best Time :
Early mornings or late evenings to capture the scene in golden light or twilight.
Photo Tips :
‑ Long lens to capture minimal abstract frames
‑ Try and leverage shadows, light beams and fog to capture moody stories
‑ Monochrome conversions of images would work fine too
‑ Don't miss panoramic frames too
8. Idli Hills View Point
Right outside the town, by the road - the place to be at during morning twilight.
9. Camping at Kokukkamalai Peak
One of the best things to do while in Munnar.
Take the jeep ride up the estates to camp site. Sleep and shoot under the stars.
(prior bookings and thermal wear recommended)
10. Kolukkamalai Sunrise
Hike up the peak next morning for sunrise and find magical twilight full of fog, color and clouds.
Photo Tips :
‑ Start early and recce for vantage points.
‑ Minimal frames with long lens.
‑ Tripod for stable shots in low light.
Want to join me on my upcoming photo workshops to Munnar this October ?
Checkout : https://www.viscapades.in/munnar
Do Follow the handle and stay updated :
https://www.instagram.com/viscapades/