This summer, I, along with my family, went to Munnar. We took the route through Tamil Nadu as it is the shortest one from Palakkad. En route, we saw wild elephants in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. One of them even approached our vehicle with its calf in tow.
We reached the resort in Chinnakanal while enjoying the greenery and the cool weather.
Next day, we went to see the waterfalls known as the Power House Waterfalls cascade down a steep rock. The spot is blessed with a scenic view of the Western Ghats. Seven kilometres from here is Anayirangal dam, surrounded by tea plantations and evergreen trees. A walk along the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience.
Another place of interest is Mattupetty with its beautiful lake and dam. One can go on boat rides and enjoy the surrounding hills and landscape. It is an ideal place for trekking as well. We also went to Anamudi, the highest peak in the Western Ghats, Top station, which is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road, and Eravikulam National Park that is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. It is the place to be during the Neelakurinji blooming season. It blooms only once in 12 years! The hills would seem as if they have been covered by a blue shroud.
At the end of the day, we were really tired and retired to our room.
Next day, on our journey back home, we stopped every now and then to enjoy the beauty of nature and also took many photographs. We were also lucky to have travelled along the Marayoor Sandalwood Forest and the scintillating smell of sandalwood.
We reached home that evening, though I wish that we could have spent a little more time there. My only disappointment is that I could not see the Kurinji flowers as it had bloomed in 2006, but I sure would like to go in 2018 just for that.
Vishnu K.S.,IX B, KV Kanjikode, Palakkad
