Part 3:
Discovering Munnar’s Magic from Chocolaty Treasures and Hilltop Dreams!
Day 3 in Kerala: From Thekkady to Munnar’s Spice & Shopping Delights.
Day 3 unfolded with a scenic journey from Thekkady to Munnar. Upon arrival at the Grand Plaza Munnar Hotel, we settled into our haven, eager to explore the surrounding charm.
Grand Plaza Munnar is a family-friendly hotel in Devikolam, Munnar, Kerala. It’s located 1.5 km from Munnar town and 15 km from Eravikulam National Park. It has 39 spacious rooms, each with a flat-screen TV, minibar, and free Wi-Fi. The rooms are designed individually and have views of tea plantations. The rooms are clean, well-maintained, and have great views. The hotel also had a spa, 24-hour health club. It was a great stay at grand plaza.
The afternoon unfolded with a delightful exploration of the local market. Here, a sensory tapestry awaited – vibrant spices filling the air at Krishna Spice, where I stocked up on aromatic treasures, and brought many home.
Right next door, Krishna Home Made Chocolates tantalized your sweet tooth with 36 varieties of chocolates. They have a wide range of dry fruits, special Munnar Strawberry Jam and other bakery items like banana chips, biscuits, cake etc.
Also, they had a very unique chocolate which includes chilly flakes in it. I bought a lot of chocolates from here, which tasted really delicious.
From sarees and clothing to accessories and home decor, the market offered a plethora of souvenirs to capture the essence of Kerala.
Lastly,Patel Restaurant provided the perfect setting for a delicious dinner, rounding off our day with local north Indian flavors. Returning to your hotel, I carried the day’s experiences – the spice trail, the chocolate indulgence, and the vibrant market finds, tucked away in our memories.
Day 4: Embracing Munnar’s Enchanting Symphony, from Sunrise to Gentle Giants
Day 4 of our Munnar adventure beckoned with misty promises. Sun Moon Valley Boating Centre awaited, its tranquil waters reflecting the first rays of light, promising a serene start to the day. We embarked on a gentle rowboat, the cool morning air nipping at our cheeks as we glided across the glassy surface.
Leaving the serenity of the lake behind, we set off towards Echo Point. As we reached Echo Point, the vastness of the valley sprawled before us, carpeted in a patchwork of lush greenery. We shouted into the valley, our voices bouncing back playfully, marveling at the natural phenomenon. The breathtaking panoramic views of the valley below left us speechless, capturing the essence of Munnar’s beauty.
Our next stop was Kundala Dam, a majestic structure nestled amidst rolling hills. We strolled along the dam, mesmerized by the power and beauty of the cascading water. The vibrant blue of the reservoir contrasted dramatically with the verdant landscape, creating a picture-perfect postcard moment. We strolled by the dam, admiring the engineering marvel and the picturesque landscape stretching before us.
Our quest for breathtaking vistas continued at Top Station, the highest point in Munnar. Lush tea gardens carpeted the hillsides as far as the eye could see, creating a mesmerizing blanket. The panoramic views filled our hearts with awe.
On our way back, we made a stop at Carmelgiri, where a gentle giant awaited us – an elephant! We took a short, ethical ride on its back, experiencing the unique perspective of this magnificent creature. The thrill of the ride and the opportunity to click memorable pictures added another layer of excitement to our day.
Returning to the hotel with hearts brimming with memories and cameras bursting with pictures, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the incredible experiences Day 4 had offered. It was a day etched forever in our memories.
Day 5: Unveiling the Secrets of Tea: A Journey Through Munnar’s Museums.
Day 5 of your Munnar adventure unfolded with a delve into the rich history and fascinating world of tea. Our journey began at the Tata Tea Museum, nestled amidst the sprawling Nallathanni Estate. As we stepped inside, the aroma of freshly brewed tea transported us to a timeless world. Old machineries whispered stories of early processing methods, that exhibits and showcase the evolution of tea cultivation and production in Kerala.
At the Tata Tea Museum, I witnessed live demonstrations of the traditional tea-rolling process, the rhythmic clatter of the machinery adding to the ambiance. You can also witness the transition from manual plucking to modern technology,
gaining a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind your daily cuppa.
Next, we embarked on a captivating journey to the Mattupetty Tea Museum, nestled beside the picturesque Mattupetty Dam. This museum, housed in a charming colonial bungalow, offered a different perspective on the tea industry. We saw Vintage photographs adorned the walls, depicting the lives of early tea planters and laborers.
Also, I explored various types of tea leaves, learned about their unique characteristics, and even participated in an engaging tea-tasting session, discovering the subtle nuances of different flavors.
So, pack your bags, with sense of adventure, and curiosity for the magic of Munnar.
Are you ready? Let’s go!
@TravellerG @TusharSuradkar @NareshDarji @FalguniP @Tejal @Mukund_hirpara @Rushabh_Sindhav @Shrut19 @Rohan10 @AjitThite
Other tips/ Recommendations:
- At the Grand Plaza Munnar! Indulge in their renowned traditional spa experience - it’s pure bliss!
- You can also visit Eravikulam National Park, if you like wildlife.
- There are lot of north Indian restaurants in Munnar like Annapoorna Restaurant (tried food over here), Munnar Tea County Restaurant, Guru’s Restaurant & Spices, Copper Castle Restaurant, Saravana Bhavan( tried food over here
). - You can buy spices from krishna super spices store without going kerala through their online website/ store: https://elephantrunk.in/pages/about-us
- You need to buy tickets at the tea museum which are easily available on arrival. Every tea museum is almost the same and therefore, you can plan and visit anyone museum and save time on your travel.
Google maps location link:
- Grand Plaza Munnar: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ajHSe1wnm9JHouAU6
- Krishna super spices: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vdMVtAYRNLso8Tb8A
- Krishna homemade chocolates:https://maps.app.goo.gl/QuyEThActanAvp4S6
- Patel restaurant: https://maps.app.goo.gl/smaTXYESNdx2LJa6A (specially if you are looking for Gujarati/Thali food).
- Sun Moon Valley Boating Centre:https://maps.app.goo.gl/VputNcyspD68V2aR6
- Echo Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/f4HBhJFe9rPKXxLG6
- Kundala Dam: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8aic7bB2LB3e4h5h6
- Top Station: https://maps.app.goo.gl/famt4xLZB8QzrhD19
- Carmelagiri Elephant park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/v83KTUxFwDXrJUhKA
- Tata Tea Museum: https://maps.app.goo.gl/L7dgbYcDvvav5tNCA
- Mattupetty Tea Museum/ factory: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WZz2h1PJAHgWZSeUA
- Patel restaurant:https://maps.app.goo.gl/smaTXYESNdx2LJa6A
