Munnar Hotels
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Munnar - Gorgeous Tea Plantations
Entry 15 of 23 | show all | print this entry |
Oh, sweet, beautiful, crisp, green, manicured, friendly Munnar. THis is possibly my favorite part of the trip noting all parts are pretty stellar.
After a few days in Cochin, I was planning to head to Munnar, a little tea plantation town about 5 hours or so by bus (I thought) from Cochin. I had met a woman in Ooty was writing for Rough Guide about the location and she raved about it. So, why not? Ridwan was heading the same way, so I had a new travel buddy. We headed off later than planned, that seemed to be the theme of our traveling together (somehow by the time you get food, shop, internet, chat, etc.. it is 2pm and you planned to leave at 10am!) on what turned out to be a avery long, windy, roller coaster bus ride up the mountain to Munnar.
We arrived Munnar about 8pm and were greeted by many "touts" as they are usually called who rush up to tourists to sell them on where to stay. Most cities/countries I avoid them, but I must admit, here they seem to be more helpful and honest than other places where they are often trying to rip you off. So after seeing a few full places, finally landed in an adorable, friendly, friendly homestay.
The next day was without a plan, but we ended up having a most wonderful day visiting the Tata Tea Factory and taking a tour which was actually quite interesting. The plantations were so beautiful. The ...
ooops, flight to Male, Maldives is boarding, more when I can. Okay, back.
Although our day was totally unplanned, we ended up on a tour of so many gorgeous places including a set of waterfalls that were tucked away down the windy roads of a huge tea plantation. The autorickshaw drivers double as tour guides and for about $10 we had a sweet guy take us all over the entire region for about 5 hours. After wrapping down the windy roads in the little auto looking out to the perfectly manicured tea trees and gorgeous flowers covering the mountains, we hopped out at the waterfall. After scrambling down and up some rocks I found a nice spot to just lay in the sun and feel a light spray from the small falls (this time of year) that kept me cool enough to enjoy the heat. AT this higher elevation it was just perfect weather with blue skies and the most picturesque beauty all around.
Realising the rickshaw guy was likely ready to leave, we headed back, but en route a woman started chatting to me and then a woman at the one home near the waterfall invited me to her - waving me over. It was this little concrete square house and her chair was just in front of it. I walked over said hello, and in broken communication we shared names, hers was Jaya and she was about 45 years old I would guess and she insisted I sit with her. So, this petite, beautiful woman scooted over and grabbed my hand as I shared a corner of her seat. She wanted our picture taken so Ridwan obliged. Then, she wanted to introduce me to her husband. When she asked wehre I was from and heard me say "America" her eyes were like a giddy schoolgirls and she was so thrilled. Her husband was working in the field/garden just next to the house and right next to the waterfalls. Note, they have the most, most gorgeous spot to ever have a home! After sharing smiles and noting that she still had a firm loving grip of my hand, she invited into her home.
The home looked like it was still under construction and they were so proud to show it to us. Ridwan and I both were just following as they showed us the two little rooms, the little kitchen where Jaya graciously offered us food although she likely had not a drop extra to share, and then they showed us their garden. It was so sweet. We all smiled and giggled a lot as you do when language barriers are abound. The husband kept pointing out the trees he had and his pretty view from the huge rock where his clothes were drying. After a bit, we slowly headed out and she so did not want to let go of me. Her hand was like a hug and her smile was just pure joy in sharing with someone new from a new land (or, maybe she thought I was Reece Witherspoon or something! ha.). Really though, we left with our hearts absolutely warmed by the friendliness of total strangers. I am continually overwhelmed by the love Indians have for each other and for those new to their lives. It is hard to express, but walking away, waving goodbye, vaguely understanding an invitation when we come back next year, I had tears in my eyes. I wonder if she woudl remember me if I showed up next year.... such a beautiful spirit in such a beautiful landscape.
After that heartwarming experience, we hopped back in the auto, swayed back and forth as the auto in its little 1st gear style does and climbed back out of the valley. We sorted accomodation for the evening (while the sweet auto driver waited), picked up bags from the adorable, very Christian homestay the night before, and headed off to the top view peak in Munnar. It was chilly so far up, but a gorgeous view. Granted, as I was standing there inhaling some yummy pineapple off the core, I realise a group of guys are standing around. I am in my relatively, I think, conservate salwar cummis (still can't spell it) outfit and am wondering what the deal is. I think they asked Ridwan if they could take a picture of me or something. Anyways, it was the classic scenario fo the trip I still don't fully understand. I can't remember if I obliged, but I think I did for one as the level of enthusiasm is intense. I like to take locals pictures but I don't jump up and down. Even as they drove off, this group of grown up men, they wave with big smiles. Maybe I am on the equivalent of Big Brother and have become a superstar but I just don't know it yet! :)
Munnar is a gorgeous little town and I highly, highly recommend a visit. Now, it was off to Kumily also near Thekkady which borders the Periyar Wildlife Park.
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| 15. | Munnar - Gorgeous Tea Plantations - Munnar, India Feb 16, 2007 |
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