SPLENDOURS OF MUNNAR
A cool tea estate
We – myself and my better half – fell for the temptations of Munnar, the stunningly scenic hill station of Kerala. We were there on a holiday from May 8 to 13, 2013. Our stay at Sterling Terrace Greens, nestled in verdant surroundings, was gratifying. It was an enchanting and cool experience, when my home city Chennai reeled under the scorching sun.
Munnar, meaning three brooks, is at the confluence of three mountain streams. Situated at 6,000 feet above sea level, it offered everything one would look for in summer – divine greenery all around, gently caressing breeze, occasional mild showers and mist-covered undulating hillocks in the background. In particular, the tea estates on rolling slopes peppered with white oak trees, shola forests (thickets), varied spice plantations and exotic gardens were a visual treat. The nature’s beauty was at its bountiful best and it could be savoured even while driving up the relentlessly winding ghat road to Munnar.
Taking a leisurely stroll on a well-mowed lawn with neatly tended flower plants on the edges just in front of the reception block of the resort was blissful. Lazing away the time sitting on swings or cane chairs placed at cleverly-chosen points on the lawn was indeed delightfully de-stressing. Visits to sight-seeing places around the town, including a dam, tea factory, flower show, park and spice garden provided the staple tourist fare.
Here are some photos of our Munnar visit:
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| A tea plantation |
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| A scenic spot |
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| A landscape with oak trees |
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At Sterling Terrace Greens an elephant sculpture
greets guests |
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The Reception Block -- a mist-covered hillock in the
background |
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| In front of the Reception Block |
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| Relaxing on a swing |
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This is not a watch tower but a high-rise platform
for guests to climb up and look around |
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| A buggy to transfer guests to somewhat distant cottages |
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At the Tea Museum--the green leaves commencing
their journey to get processed |
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Tea leaves passing through successive
machines to get cut and turn into powder |
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| At a horticultural show -- attractive flower beds |
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| Amidst colourful blossoms |
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| A wide variety of flowers in full bloom |
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| The sun flower at its majestic best |
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At a spice garden--this is not a pineapple but a fruit-like
shoot used in decorations |
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| A sharp-edged exotic flower |
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The reservoir of the Mattupetty dam--its waters are
used to generate hydro electricity |
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| A boating site near the dam |
