Around Kerala in 7 Days - In a Caravan - Munnar

   

We passed a lot of fruit plantations on our way from Kochi to Munnar. You could see tiny pineapples, bananas and guavas peeking out from under the trees. A delightful sight which you wouldn't come across in normal life. Bananas in all colours were being sold on the roadsides. I even saw some fruit I did not recognise, looked a lot like custard apples. 

On the way to Munnar

Being the rainy season, there were waterfalls of all sizes that had sprung up on hill sides, adding charm to the already breathtaking scenery. We stopped at a big one to take pictures. Greenery surrounded us. We passed through some thick forests and could feel a dip in temperature. Our driver suggested we stop at a Spice Garden to pick up fresh spices. It was a well laid out nursery with medicinal herbs, herbal plants, flower plants and spice plants. The owner gave us a tour of the nursery; while sharing valuable information about the healing properties of various plants. My friend picked up a herbal face creme. I picked up a lot of fresh spices for home.

                        

We reached our guest house late evening. It had a beautiful garden and a fantastic view of the unending tea plantations. The next day, after breakfast, we set out to explore Munnar. It was a lovely, sunny day. The air was cool and crisp. We went to Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr as well as several species of rare animals, birds and butterflies. We were enveloped by the mist once we reached the park entrance. We walked about 500 mts to catch a glimpse of the  very unique looking - Nilgiri Tahr and took a few pictures. 

View from the hotel

Mist everywhere

Nilgiri Tahr

After this, we went to the Tata Tea Museum & Gardens for a stroll and got some lovely shots of us. In the evening, we treated ourselves to an authentic Shirodhara Ayurvedic massage in a blink-and-you-will-miss-it massage parlour, recommended by a local. It was definitely the strangest massage experience I have ever had. I was made to lay on a wooden bed, which wasn't comfortable for obvious reasons. I couldn't switch off and enjoy the experience as I was very aware of my surroundings. This was also the first time I left a massage parlour with oil all over my body. I would still recommend it though :p

Later,we got some funny, oily pictures out of it. 

Tea Gardens everywhere

Thekaddy, Periyar National Park, was our next stop. 

A Hidden Himalayan Jewel

Tucked away in the panoramic Himalayan valley, on the banks of the Sutlej, lies Tattapani, one of India’s lesser known natural wonders, blessed with natural hot sulphur springs. Tattapani which means Hot Water in English will warm its way into your heart with the snug hospitality of its people and sublime natural beauty. According to local folklore, a dip in Tattapani’s hot springs can cure you off any joint pain, stress, fatigue or any skin disease, leaving you completely refreshed. My crick in the neck disappeared completely after a dip in the hot springs, leaving me calm and relaxed after a long journey. The months’ of January & February are considered auspicious, when a dip is believed to cleanse you off your sins. 

The quaint village of Tattapani is located 51 kms from Shimla and 29 kms from Naldhera, at an elevation of 655 metres above sea level. The 6 hour drive from Chandigarh is delightful; offering scenic views of Kasauli, Shimla and Naldhera along the way. 

EXPLORE

REJUVENATE Start your day with yoga, taking in fresh mountain air and watching the picturesque valley spring to life with the first ray of sunlight softly caressing the majestic mountains, adding various hues of orange to the surrounding green meadows and forest. After greeting the sun with a Surya Namaskar, treat yourself to a hot, relaxing thermal bath followed by a healthy breakfast. Later in the day, book yourself for an Ayurvedic Shirodhara massage to revitalize your senses. Tattapani is the perfect place to unwind leisurely in the lap of nature, without burning a hole in the pocket. Hotels here offer a variety of Ayurvedic and beauty therapies to choose from, from Mud Therapy to Reflexology, in the price range of Rs 500 – Rs 1750. So, take your pick. 

GEAR UP FOR SOME ADVENTURE A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts - rappelling, kayaking, rafting and mountain biking are some of the activities that Tattapani has to offer. White water rafting is an all time favourite here, choose between the 6km and 12 km stretch. Opt for a Mountain biking expedition and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains, villages and wildlife. For experienced riders, there are trails leading all the way up to Chindi at 1950 metres, 30 kms from Tattapani, passing through lovely apple orchards, temples and scenic meadows. Bookings for these activities can be easily made at the hotel. 

TREAD ALONGSIDE MISTY MOUNTAINS There are many trekking routes in this beautiful Himalayan valley, offering ample opportunities for bird watching and photography. A short 6 km trek to Shiva Caves, open all year long, is quite popular. You also have the option of taking your car till there and walking up 450 stairs to the holy cave. Experienced trekkers have a bounty of options to choose from, the Shikari Devi Peak trek is well recommended. A 6 -7 hour trek from the nearby picturesque village of Chindi, through thick woods of pine and deodar and myriad apple orchards, takes you to the highest mountain peak in Mandi district, Shikari Devi at a height of 3360 metres. There is an ancient, roofless temple there dating back to the times of Mahabharata. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Greater Himalayas.

HOOK UP A CATCH Tattapani offers some great fishing spots for Trout (Rainbow and Brown) as well as Mahseer. Bask away in the sun, waiting for the perfect catch and if you get lucky, you can enjoy devouring into your fish, specially cooked by the hotel chef. Fishing is a great option for those looking to enjoy the outdoors without doing any strenuous activity.Trout fishing season begins in April and ends in October. Mahseer fishing season is during winter months, from November to February. Fishing equipment is available to rent from the hotel you are staying at.

3 Travel Resolutions in 2015

We are 4 days into the New Year; some of us are still recovering from the mayhem that was 31st night. A lot of people have made resolutions regarding their personal and professional lives, where Travel seems to be gaining importance. There are 3 Travel Resolutions every traveller should follow this year.

1. Travel Solo

A lot of people I know want to travel, have adequate finances and time to do so but yet never end up taking that dream trip to Europe or Machhu Pichu. For lack of a travel companion(s). Year after year, they defer their travel plans in the hope that they will find someone to go with. If you are one of those people, I urge you to drop the fear and book yourself a ticket to your dream destination. It can be nerve wrecking, wondering about what to expect and how to get around a new place. Make preparations in advance and you will be fine. You will meet people there who will be happy to guide you; whether it’s your hotel, a café or a shop owner, or a fellow traveler you come across on a busy street. Who knows it might also be the start of a great friendship or a love affair! 

I was very nervous myself on my first solo trip, but it just lasted for the first hour or so, after which I was busy exploring the city, with a map in hand. 

2. Go to little known places

There is nothing more charming than staying at a quaint little cottage by the river in a remote New Zealand town or watching the sunrise over majestic Himalayas in a little known village, away from the crowds. There are way too many places that are waiting to be discovered, the world over. Websites like awayfromthecrowds.com in Spain, theroadlesstraveled.com in USA or indiauntravelled.com in India offer custom made packages to discover lesser known domestic and international destinations, helping you embrace and discover the vibrant culture of places you visit. So, bunk the crowds, make your own path and take the roads less travelled by.

3. Plan and check

Make sure to book flights, trains in advance as you are likely to get a much lower fare and guarantees your place, especially useful during the busy tourist season. Check with the airline at least a week in advance about any change in flight schedule. There are too many stories of people who have missed flights and had to dish out a huge sum for an alternative flight because they were unaware of the change in flight timings. Recently, a family of ten had a miraculous escape from the ill fated crash of Flight 8501 as they had missed the airline’s communication about change in flight schedule. 

Travel Insurance is very important for international trips. All Schengen countries in Europe have a mandatory requirement for valid Travel Insurance, whenever applying for a visa. Make sure to get into the habit of purchasing adequate travel insurance for your trips as a lapse on your part can cost you a fortune in medical expenses abroad, should the need arise.

“Travel brings power and love back into your life.”
― Rumi