Quiet Alternatives to Munnar, Kerala

Erin — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:00:26 +0000

The most visited destinations in Kerala, such as Cochin, Alleppey, Kovalam and Munnar are popular for a reason, but they do get crowded with other tourists. If you are feeling adventurous and would like to see another side of Kerala, this new series Quiet Alternatives highlights off the beaten track places to visit in Kerala. The first in the series looks at alternatives to Munnar, Kerala a beautiful but often crowded hill station.

Although you won’t compromise on amazing views or experiences, these alternative places may be more difficult to reach and the standard of accommodation lower. It’ll be worth it though when you have the place to yourself.

Nelliampathy

Nelliampathy Mountains. Photo by Kjrajesh

Nelliampathy is a much quieter alternative to the hill station Munnar. It sees far fewer tourists but still has amazing views of the lush green hills, a cool climate, tea and spice plantations to visit, beautiful waterfalls and great hiking. The winding mountain road to get here is one of the most scenic journies in Kerala. Although there isn’t a huge range of accommodation, there are some lovely homestays and prices are much lower than in Munnar.

How to get here: Nelliampathy is located 75km south of Palakkad from where you can get a bus via Nemmara. From Cochin you can take a bus to Thrissur and onwards to Nemmara. If you have limited time consider hiring a car and driver.

Where to stay: Options include Ciscilia Heritage with simple rooms in a beautiful, secluded plantation setting; or the more upmarket Whistling Thrush Bungalow. You can also ask at the NTPC tourist office in the town for details of homestays.

Here’s a detailed trip report from a visitor to Nelliampathy on India Mike.

Wayanad

Wayanad Tea Plantations. Photo by aztonyx

The hill district of Wayanad is one of the most beautiful regions of Kerala. The area is spread over an altitude of 750m – 2100m with varied landscapes including rice paddies, grasslands, spice and tea plantations, and jungle-covered mountains. The main attraction of Wayanad is the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary but it’s also a great destination for travellers looking for a peaceful hill retreat to enjoy magnificient views and hikes, without Munnar’s crowds.

You can base yourself in the main town Kalpetta, or the even quieter hill stations Vythiri or Lakkidi. Sights to visit include plantations, waterfalls, prehistoric caves, a hike up 2100m Chembra Peak or plenty of gentler hikes.

How to get here: Kalpetta is a 70km two hour bus ride east of Kozhikode (Calicut) in Northern Kerala. You can also reach here from Kannur, Ooty or Mysore.

Where to stay: There are plenty of upmarket resorts and quality homestays in the area, often in quite isolated areas. Two good choices are Ente Veedu a small homestay on a spectacular plantation and Stream Valley Cottages, a peaceful resort with secluded cottages in a beautiful setting.

The next in the Quiet Alternatives Series looks at off the beaten track alternatives to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Subscribe for free updates by RSS , email or facebook so you don’t miss any future posts.

A Guide to Munnar, Kerala

Erin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 15:00:51 +0000

Top Station, Munnar Kerala. Photo by kcbimal

Munnar, Kerala is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to the state, with both Indian honeymooners and foreign tourists. People don’t visit Munnar for the small scruffy town, but for the stunning green hills that surround it, and most of all for the tea. Munnar is the centre of Kerala tea production, and visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views of the tea plantation covered mountains, as well as sample the quality tea itself.

The climate in Munnar at 1600m is much cooler than other parts of Kerala, with temperatures falling to 10 degrees celsius during the winter months. This makes it an ideal place for hiking, with plenty of beautiful walks to explore.It’s always a good idea to take warm clothes and rain gear.

What to do

Take a Tour – You’ll need transportation to visit the tea planations and hills surrounding Munnar. Your hotel, any rickshaw driver or the Tourist Information Service (run by legendary Munnar-expert Joseph Iype) will be able to arrange a days sightseeing for you.

Tata Tea Museum – The museum shows the basic process of making tea as well as old photos and machinery from the tea growing colonial era.

Trek – Walking is the best way to explore the tea plantations and hills up close. The Tourist Information Service can advise on routes, and the Green View Guesthouse runs a team of guides.

Waterfalls – There are many beautiful waterfalls around Munnar. Attukal is one of the the most spectacular amongst jungle and hills.

Top Station – This is the most popular excursion from Munnar. Top Station has spectacular views of the highest tea estates in India (see photo above). For the best views visit early in the morning before the mist builds ups.

Kolukkumulai Estate – Top Station can get crowded with tourists so Kolukkumlai is a great alternative with even more incredible scenery. It is officially India’s highest tea plantation at 2400m, and can only be reached by jeep.

Where to stay

It’s best to stay outside of Munnar town in the beautiful hills, although prices are higher and you’ll spend more on transport. Here are some good options:

Budget: Kappallil Resort has a range of rooms on offer, close to Munnar town but set in lovely gardens away from the hustle and bustle.

Midrange: Rose Gardens Homestay is set in a peaceful cardamon plantation 10km from Munnar. The friendly family can arrange treks and cooking lessons.

Luxury: Windermere Estate is a boutique country retreat set amongst cardamon and coffee plantations 4km outside of Munnar. The cottages are huge with spectacular views from the picture windows.

For more options read our How to Find Great Kerala Accommodation post.

How to get here

Munnar can be reached by bus or car from Kochi (5.5 hours), Kottayam (5 hours) and Kumily (4.5 hours). If you are coming from Alleppey you can change buses in Kottayam. These times are for buses, but you should always allow extra time as there can be delays on the winding mountain roads. The views on the way are beautiful though. If you hire a car and driver the journey time can be reduced, and you can stop to take photos along the way.

You can also reach Munnar by bus from Madurai (6 hours) or Coimbatore (6 hours) in Tamil Nadu. The journeys can be long but the views are stunning.

The next Kerala India Travel post looks at quiet alternatives to Munnar, where you can enjoy hill station scenery without the crowds. It is part of a new series looking at off the beaten track places to visit in Kerala.