The winding high range road from Munnar takes you to this misty valley. As you move up, the crisp air carries a whiff of tea and cloves. We decide to step down from our vehicle to take a close look at the tea gardens. Dew drops on tea leaves sparkle in the morning sun as we take a stroll along the winding walkway through the garden.
Gurgling streams and a cool breeze makes it a pleasant walk. The abundant greenery and the blue sky provided a picturesque backdrop. The nearby Mattupetty lake looks inviting. We decide to go boating. As the lake borders a forest, we could hear wild animals in the distance.
"If you are lucky you can spot a herd of elephants or a pack of jungle dogs," says the boatman.
If you want to see cattle leading a life of luxury, visit the Indo-Swiss livestock project farm. But it is not easy to secure permission. `Not a tourist spot', says the board right at the entrance of the farm. This is to avoid probable infection that may pass on to the livestock from visitors.
Armed with a special permission, we enter the farm to see the place. From a two-day-old calf to fully-grown oxen, all graze on the rolling grass carpet here.
The scene reminds you of pictures of the Swiss countryside.
Twenty kilometres from Mattupetty is Top Station where one can see the distant Bodinaykkannur town located on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. On the way to Top Station is Kundala where sprawling tea gardens greet you. The spectacular Aruvikkad waterfalls is a must see too.
For those who seek the fast track, Mattupetty is not the place to be. It is for those who want a break from the hustle and bustle of life, enjoy the scenic beauty and just be.
How to reach there
Mattupetty is 10 kilometres from Munnar. Drive 140 kilometres from Ernakulam through the Kothamangalam-Adimali route to reach Munnar. Buses operate frequently from Munnar town to Mattupetty. To enjoy nature and for Kodak moments it's best to hire a taxi. That way you can stop for that snap. However if you are ready for a long bus journey, board the KSRTC Super Fast from Thiruvananthapuram to Mattupetty via Munnar. This bus departs at around 11 p.m. from Thiruvananthapuram.
S. BINU RAJ
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