Munnar never cloys. With nature’s beauty and wildness unleashed, the hill station has something to offer tourists at every turn. It’s an adventure of sorts to leave the town and trek the forests and paths less trodden to reach small, serene hamlets and wildlife stations along this stretch of the Western Ghats.
One such trip through the old Munnar-Kodaikanal Road will take one to Vattavada, a tiny village about 45 km east of Munnar. The mist-covered hill is 6,500 ft above sea level and is a tourist’s paradise with its terraced slopes and deep valleys. Perched atop the hill, one of the foothills of Bandar Mala (mountain), are the two log houses maintained by the Munnar Wildlife Division, which offers National Geographic like 'out in the wild' experience! .
Beyond Mattupetty and Kundala, to Vattavada
Drive out of Munnar town and cross Mattupetty, in comes Kundala Dam with a picturesque viewpoint - the Top Station, which offers one of the best sunrise views in Munnar. It was from this point that the British operated the rope-way to transport tea across the valley to Tamil Nadu. The remnants of the rope-way would remind the visitors of it's busy past as a commercial hub.
Even if one misses the sunrise, the view of mist snaking their way over the Shola forests would be a spectacular sight.
Once done with the Top Station, head straight to Pampadum Shola National Park, the name Pampadumchola in its literal sense means a shola where snakes meet and mate. This is the smallest eco-tourism park in Kerala. From here starts the road to Vattavada. Despite the good condition of the road, the vehicle speed is limited to 30km for the safety of jaywalking animals. Most of the times visitors will be forced to keep the speed lower than the limit as the stretch remains dark and brooding despite the bright daylight outside.
Of particular interest here is the Nilgiri marten, the only species of marten found in southern India. It’s a slender, agile and graceful animal. To see the arboreal being in flesh and blood is not easy. But in the Shola forests, they roam around freely. Tigers, leopards and bison inhabit the place.
Quite often tourists are treated to the sight of bison grazing on the lush green grasslands seen in patches inside the forest. The bison seldom attacks. But it’s unsettling to see it watching human activity and movement. An attack ensues only when the animal feels threatened.
Kuttikad Log House
Beyond a small stretch of the eucalyptus trees and patches of grass lands, comes the forest offices and quarters. Continue on the road, as the mist parts, comes into sight the Bandar mountain. And on its lap the 'Kuttikad' Log House (log house among the shrubs) aka Bison Log House. The log house is at a walkable distance. The trek offers an enriching experience – the whirr of crickets and chirp of the birds will open a sense of being watched silently by the wild animals.
The log houses offer a comfortable stay and the Munnar Wildlife Division offers a guide to accompany the visitors.
Caution: Carry some rock salt or a bottle of tobacco leaf socked water to keep leeches off your body.
The log house has just a set of two rooms. But it’s the best place to stay if you are taking the forest road and are bent on exploring the place. Just below the log house stand two mud houses where cooking is done.
Surrounded by Shola forests all around, the log house is the ideal set-up for a weekend or holiday getaway. But it’s not for the faint-hearted - the darkness of the place becomes denser after noon and with practically only the forest for company, one must truly be charged by the spirit of adventure to take in the wild beauty of the place.
• For Booking
Bison Log House 1 – Click here
Bison Log House 2 – Click here
Munnar Wildlife Division - Phone: 8301024187
• Must see places nearby
•5 things to buy
Flavored Tea - On return trip, remember to check the company outlets of tea plantations - they offer varieties of flavored tea powder, which are not available in the open market.
Tea leaves – They also offer tea leaves
*Essential oils, spices, herbs in bottle, and honey
*Homemade chocolates
Wooden spatulas and ladles, memorabilia and toys
(*Buy from government's direct or reputed shops to avoid picking up spurious items)
• Food to try and avoid
Various vegetables brined - You can buy them from the smallest wayside shops
Vegetable stews and curries – The vegetables used will be garden fresh
Meat items – Kerala parotta and beef/chicken/duck is a must try combination for non-vegetarians.
If someone offers to get you meat of wild animals, say 'No thanks' as it is illegal.
Avoid seafood - they might not be fresh. However, some resorts offer option to fish from the freshwater lakes or from their temporary farms.
Tea and coffee – the best option is to taste the tea from outlets of tea plantations before ordering for the flavor.
• 5 things to try
Photowalks & trekking, Boating, Paragliding, Rock climbing, Camping