Skip to main content

An outing to Mankulam -Munnar

Keep close to nature's heart, break clear away once in a while and wash your spirit clean!

I’m not a writer, but just thought of writing a few lines with some pictures taken using my old phone of a trip that I had to Mankulam, near Munnar. It was the best trip that I had ever.

This essay does not even provide 1% of the fun, enjoyment & blast we had in this trip but is merely the details of the trip.



We were a team of about 35 members. The route was Trivandrum – Pattanamthitta – Pala – Thodupuzha -Mankulam. The destination was bout 285 kms from Trivandrum. Mankulam is a renowned organic village. On the northern side picturesque tea gardens wait for visitors.





We reached SNOW LAVENDER RESORT at 6am. After having breakfast, we were ready to spend a good, long part of the day in exploring the forest and the caves and soaking in the best of what the nature has to offer.







Our team hired a few Jeeps for trekking and we set off into the forest. We started climbing through the coffee plantations. 




At Nakshathrakuthu Waterfalls, there were hidden caves and there is no legend associated with these caves. This is a naturally formed cave system. 






These caves are set amidst dense evergreen forests of the Western Ghats and cascading waterfalls. Continuous chirping of birds and the sound of the wind echoing in the forest is constant music to the ears.  We had to cross a small stream though a hanging bridge.







The water is chilling but at the same time refreshing. The sound of the waterfall that is constant music to the ears and cool breeze that started blowing, lulled me into deep love with nature.





The nature treats with the purest air of surrounding forest, to be quenched with purest water from natural springs and to taste the organic spices and food.

We crossed a waterfall to our way to Anakulam. From the top you will get a picture-perfect backdrop of Mankulam village. 





We rested here for some time and every one was busy taking photos and selfies and they tried to get as close to the edge as much as possible.




We headed to Kainagiri waterfalls, our Jeep driver was telling the people over here earlier generate their own electricity using the waterfalls and sell it to the Electricity board of Kerala.

















And finally, we thought of going to Anakulam, a border village to the forest where there are a few road tracks through the forest. On the way to Anakulam, we stepped into a deep natural swimming pool.







The nature herself cleanse this stream miraculously. Afternoons are reserved for wild elephants at Anakulam. They come in flocks to Anakulam river to drink water. But we were unlucky they didn’t come on the day that we visited. Some boys were playing volleyball near the stream.



On the second day after breakfast we headed to Kundala dam. Situated in the laps of the lush jungle is Kundala Dam offers a spellbinding panoramic view of the natural greens, along with a glittering lake dotted with boats from boating facilities.











Adjoining to this magnificent dam is the beautiful lake where visitors can enjoy a boat ride. There are pedal boats, Kashmiri boats and row boats available on rent. The operator will give you a tour around the dam. There are plenty of outlets that sell food and local tea bags. Ideal place to carry your own picnic basket and have a great time with friends and family. 













The areas surrounding the lake are carpeted with luxurious green tea estates. You can watch all this from the narrow paths above the dam and the adjoining areas. 



The serene lake backdrop and an imposing dam makes for an ideal place to click pictures.




It was the best ever trip that I had in my life!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

KSRTC Budget Tourism Pilgrimage: A Journey Through the Life of Lord Ayyappa

KSRTC Budget Tourism Cell invites devotees on a unique pilgrimage, tracing the sacred sites tied to the life of Lord Ayyappa. This special journey takes pilgrims through significant temples, each representing different stages of Ayyappa’s life, culminating in the royal temple of Pandalam, where he is believed to have spent his childhood. The pilgrimage includes visits to: Kulathupuzha Sree Dharmasastha Temple – where Ayyappa is worshiped as a child. Aryankavu Sree Dharmasastha Temple – honoring Ayyappa in his youthful form. Achankovil Sree Dharmasastha Temple – where Ayyappa is revered in his role as a householder. Pandalam Valiyakoikkal Temple – a site deeply connected to Ayyappa’s childhood and his guardians. The route passes through the scenic eastern part of Kollam district, within the majestic Sahyadri mountains, and offers devotees an opportunity to connect with the divine and nature. This sacred journey is now open for bookings! For more information or to reserve your seat,

Trip to Kodaikanal – The Queen of Hill stations

Trip to Kodaikanal – Queen of Hill stations This post is about our travel to Kodaikanal -The princess of Hill stations Hills and mountains always keep mesmerizing to me. So, we always keep looking for a chance to travel to hill stations and spend some time in the lap of nature, away from the hustle and bustle of city. I’ve of course travelled some of the hill stations (like Munnar, Ooty, Ponmudi etc) but Kodaikanal is the best I would say of all the hill-stations.  Just sharing my travel experience to Kodaikanal -in the lap of mother nature. Kodaiknal is the city in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. The nearby hill stations like Ooty and Munnar have been highly commercialized, but Kodaikanal still enjoys the advantage of being a picturesque hill-station.  Kodaikanal mostly encompass of a close community and other basic infrastructure. There are some beautiful visiting spots and the economy is mostly driven by the ho

KSRTC Budget Tourism Pilgrimage Trip to Velankanni

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Budget Tourism division is organizing special pilgrimage trips to Velankanni. This initiative is designed to offer a convenient and affordable journey for devotees across Kerala, allowing them to partake in a meaningful pilgrimage to this renowned destination. These tours depart from various KSRTC units across Kerala, with routes specifically planned to include visits to notable churches along the way. This thoughtful arrangement allows travelers to immerse themselves in the spiritual journey, visiting sacred sites and enjoying the serene beauty of each location on the route to Velankanni. Ticket booking for the pilgrimage has already begun. Those interested in joining these spiritual and scenic tours can reserve seats early to ensure a spot on their preferred dates. For more information about these pilgrimage trips or to book seats, travelers are encouraged to contact the district coordinators of KSRTC Budget Tourism, who can provide

KSRTC Swift's deluxe air bus service from Kannur to Bangalore, starting at 21:30 from Kannur

 The KSRTC Swift's deluxe air bus service from Kannur to Bangalore, starting at 21:30 from Kannur, reaches Talassery, Iritty, Mysore, and then Bangalore at 06:00 the next day. Similarly, the service from Bangalore starts at 21:30 and arrives in Kannur at 05:45. The schedule is as follows: Kannur to Bangalore: Kannur: 21:30 Talassery: 22:00 Iritty: 23:00 Mysore: 03:30 Bangalore: 06:00 Bangalore to Kannur: Bangalore: 21:30 Mysore: 00:20 Talassery: 05:25 Kannur: 05:45 Tickets can be booked online at www.online.keralartc.com and www.onlineksrtcswift.com or through mobile apps like "enteksrtc" and "ente ksrtc neo oprs." For more information related to KSRTC, you can contact: KSRTC: Kannur Phone: 0497 2705960 Email: knr@kerala.gov.in KSRTC Control Room (24x7): Mobile: 9447071021 Landline: 0471-2463799 Toll-Free: 18005994011 For social media inquiries, you can contact KSRTC's Social Media Cell at +919497722205

Explore Nature’s Hidden Gems with KSRTC Budget Tourism: Adavi, Gavi, and Parunthumpara

KSRTC Budget Tourism Cell is organizing an enchanting eco-tour that takes travelers to some of Kerala’s most scenic spots, including Adavi’s bamboo rafting, the breathtaking vistas of Gavi, and the panoramic beauty of Parunthumpara. Departing from various districts in Kerala, this tour is perfect for nature lovers seeking tranquility and awe-inspiring landscapes. Adavi – The Charm of Bamboo Rafting Located on the banks of the Kallar River in Konni, Adavi is a popular eco-tourism destination that offers visitors an escape into nature’s quiet beauty. The star attraction here is the bamboo rafting (kuttavanchi) experience on the Kallar River. Floating along the river amidst the dense forests of the Western Ghats, visitors can relax and soak in the lush green surroundings of Konni-Adavi Eco-Tourism. Gavi – A Hidden Paradise in the Western Ghats Gavi, nestled over 3,000 feet above sea level, is known for its cool, evergreen forests, making it a refreshing retreat even during Kerala’s summe

THIRUVALLA -IDUKKI -THOMMANKUTTU BUDGET TOUR PACKAGE BY KSRTC

  തിരുവല്ല യുണിറ്റിൽ നിന്ന് തൊമ്മൻ കുത്ത് ഉല്ലാസ യാത്ര തിരുവല്ലയിൽ നിന്നും ഇടുക്കിയിലേക്കുള്ള ട്രിപ്പ് 17/07/2022 ഞായറാഴ്ച രാവിലെ 5.30ന് പുറപ്പെട്ട് രാത്രി 9.00ന് തിരിച്ചെത്തുന്ന തരത്തിലാണ് ഉല്ലാസയാത്ര നിലവിൽ ക്രമീകരിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നത്. ഇടുക്കിജില്ലയിലെ തൊടുപുഴയ്ക്കു സമീപമുള്ള ഒരു വെള്ളച്ചാട്ടമാണ് തൊമ്മൻകുത്ത് ഇതിനുപുറമേ, ആനച്ചാടികുത്ത് എന്ന മറ്റൊരു വെള്ളച്ചാട്ടം കൂടി സമീപപ്രദേശത്തു തന്നെയുണ്ട്. ഇവയ്ക്കിടയിലുള്ള പ്രവാഹപാതയിൽ പല തട്ടുകളായി ചെറു തടാകങ്ങളുമുണ്ട്. ഇവിടെ മുകളിലായുള്ള പരന്ന പാറപ്പുറത്തിരുന്നാൽ സ്വസ്ഥമായി വെള്ളച്ചാട്ടം കാണാം. വേനൽക്കാലത്ത് ഇവിടം ട്രക്കിങ്ങ് നടത്തുന്നതിന് വളരെ അനുയോജ്യമാണ്. മഴക്കാലത്ത് അപകടസാധ്യത കൂടുതലാണ്. പ്രക്യതിയുടെ വശ്യത നിറഞ്ഞ ഈ സുന്ദര ഭൂമി കാണാൻ ആരും കൊതിക്കും. പ്രകൃതി രമണീയമായ വനപ്രദേശങ്ങളിലൂടെയും ,അണക്കെട്ടുകളും , വെള്ളച്ചാട്ടങ്ങളും കണ്ടുള്ള ഈയാത്ര എന്നും ഓർമ്മയിൽ സൂക്ഷിക്കുവാൻ പറ്റുന്ന ഒന്നാണ്. പോകുന്ന സ്ഥലങ്ങൾ തൊടുപുഴ തൊമ്മൻ കുത്ത് ആനച്ചാടി കുത്ത് ചെറുതോണി ഉപ്പുകുന്ന് വ്യം പോയിന്റ് ഇടുക്കി ആർച്ച് ഡാം കെ എസ് ആർ ടി സി കട്ടപ്പന നിന്നും നിന്ന

Pathanamthitta-Bangalore AC Center Schedule by KSRTC

 Pathanamthitta-Bangalore AC Center Schedule 🌈 (Route: Kottayam-Thrissur-Palakkad-Koyambedu-Thiruvalla-Salem-Hosur) 05:30 PM: Pathanamthitta 07:00 PM: Kottayam 09:30 PM: Thrissur 11:00 PM: Palakkad 12:35 AM: Koyambedu 03:15 AM: Salem 05:50 AM: Hosur 07:00 AM: Bangalore Bangalore-Pathanamthitta AC Center Schedule 🌈 (Route: Hosur-Salem-Koyambedu-Palakkad-Thrissur-Kottayam) 08:30 PM: Bangalore 09:30 PM: Hosur 11:30 PM: Salem 02:45 AM: Koyambedu 04:00 AM: Palakkad 05:30 AM: Thrissur 08:30 AM: Kottayam 10:15 AM: Pathanamthitta For more information regarding the KSRTC services associated with K.S.R.T.C, you can contact: Pathanamthitta: 0468-2222366/2229213 Control Room (24x7): 9447071021 Landline: 0471-2463799 Toll-Free Number: 18005994011 Social Media Cell, KSRTC (24x7) WhatsApp: +919497722205 Feel free to reach out for further assistance.

Chenkal Maheswaram Sri Sivaparvathi Temple – The temple with world’s largest Sivalingam!

With the amazing, beautiful and ancient temples, hill stations, sanctuaries etc, make the tourists flooded to Kerala every year, the GOD’s OWN COUNTRY.  The temples in Kerala is known for its architectural beauties and engineering marvels. A lot of popular temples are also located in Kerala like Padmanabhaswamy Temple which is the wealthiest and mysterious temple in the world. In the list, again Kerala now became the home to the tallest Shivalingam in the World. The Shivalingam of Chenkal Maheswaram Sri Sivaparvathi Temple measuring the world record height of 111 feet. The Sivalingam with 111 feet height covers 65 sq feet and 7 storeys. The temple is renovated recently and is opened during Maha Sivaratri celebrations. The construction of Shivalingam began long back in 2012 and it took almost 6-7 years to complete.  Many millions of money and man effort contributed in construction and finally their efforts paid OFF. It was not much easier to accumulate the construction ma