Flew down to Kochi Airport from Ahmedabad. Stopped by to have lunch at some food court right outside the airport.
Had pre booked a car who would be with us for all days of the trip for 500kms which is helpful for a rocky terrain like Munnar.
Picked up our alcohol from the nearest wine shop in Kochi and headed straight for the Athirapilly Falls.
The falls have restricted entry but the walk and trek to the falls shall definitely tire you out. The view is great and the flow shall definitely enchant you !
Almost walking uphill/downhill for 2 KMS from the gate to the falls, it's exhausting but exhilarating.
Drove back to Kochi to go to our hotel in Munnar.
It's almost a good 5 hours drive from the falls to Munnar.
Started our day by visiting a tea estate since Munnar is quite known for its tea.
Went to Lockhart Tea Estate to understand the processing of tea.
Then to Mattupetty Dam to enjoy the view and eat some spicy Maggi.
Next stop was Kundala Dam which has a lake and you could ride a coracle or drive a paddle boat to spend your time in between the serene mountains. There are those long trees in Kundala whose foliage gives a respite from the direct sun.
Then drive to Echo Point where you can scream at trees and they'd get back at you. Eat fresh mangoes and pineapple with spicy chilli powder and coconuts there. An active market of stalls is right outside the lane to help you buy all your knick knacks.
Stopped by a Rose Garden on the way, which is a really tiny nursery/botanical park which could totally be skipped. The entry fees are about Rs 50-100 per person and extra for your camera. Not worth it!
Munnar is a hill station and so treks would be the ideal way to explore the place.
We went to trek to a hidden lake called Sita LuvKush where it's rumoured that Sita Devi used to come to bathe.
It gives you a feel like a scene from BirdBox. The lake then has small falls where you can sit and relax. Beautiful nature all across the lake and no hustle bustle of humans gives you the peace to stay there forever.
Food in general has been mostly hotel meals.
Club Mahindra has a great breakfast buffet and BBQ dinner option.
For a la carte, Sterling Hotels gave a decent variety. They have a great price for the quality and quantity they served.
Alcohol is best bought from the local wine shop, Munnar has 2 such shops to what I remember. So but your drinks and chill in your hotel rooms each night and binge on room service.
There are local shops in the main Munnar town which you could walk in and eat. Sarvana Bhavan, Sangeetha, Waffle Shop, etc are the few stops to make for meals.
It's beautiful to see sunrises in between such landscapes. Don't miss it.
Walk a few kms to find a good spot to see it from the hills. Shall make your trip worthwhile.
There is a Tata Tea Museum which is 10-15 mins worth of time and there is a ton of types of tea to purchase after that. From black to green to oolong to regular tea, with chai Patti and ground tea - you name it, you could buy it.
Try hiring a cycle to explore the place.
Drove back to Kochi and flew to Ahmedabad inhaling all the tea.
