The 3½ hour drive to Munnar was once again dominated by narrow roads that wound itself up and through the highlands. Our Kerala driver deftly handled the hairpin (and tighter) curves and registered no anger when others took great risks to pass. Churches dotted the hilly landscape and various political parties made their presence seen and heard. Due to the dry season, many of the area’s waterfalls were slowed to a trickle. Bridges took us over rather barren riverbeds, whose markings indicated fast flows when it rained. Lush, green dense forests framed one or both sides of the road. Nearing Munnar, tea plantations carpeted the steep land. Bright patches of color dotted the plantations, indications of female tea pickers. In contrast to the emerald green tea bushes, some fields were brown, indicating freshly trimmed bushes. Cows ambled on or alongside the road, seemingly unconcerned about its safety. For the next two nights, we made a cottage up an incredibly steep road (or really a path) our base.
From there, we made day trips around the area, visiting the Eravikulam National park where we got up close to its endangered Nilgiri Tahr (a rare horned animal related to sheep), several lakes and dams, a tea plantation factory, and even a Kathakali (Kerala’s classical dance-drama). The climate in Munnar was quite pleasant and even a bit chilly in the foggy morning, a feeling I knew would be short-lived.
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