Are you more of a mountain person than a beach one? Does waking up in the middle of nowhere to the breathtaking view of a golden sunrise entice you? Then this 7,200 feet high peak in Kerala would be your dream destination.
One of the highest peaks in Munnar, Chokramudi awaits visitors with misty tea gardens, cool breeze, gentle drizzle, and the view of Anamudi peak and Idukki dam.
The peak is located under the premises of Iravikulam National Park. You can find evergreen Shola forests here. Chokramudi is home to some of the rarest flora and fauna of the Nilgiris, including tahrs. Many tourists who reach Munnar often opt for trekking to experience the raw natural beauty of Chokramudi. However, as it is a national park, one has to follow the instructions of the forest department before trekking.
All it takes is a day to complete the trek to Chokramudi Peak. This is a relatively easy trail. The distance of about 10 km can be covered in 3-5 hours. This trekking spot at Chokramudi is an ideal destination for amateur trekkers.
The trek starts from Pothamedu, which is about an hour's drive from Munnar. There will be forest department officials who will give you instructions on what to do and what not to do during the trek. Guides are also available for amateur trekkers if needed. It is best to start the trek early in the morning. You should make arrangements for your lunch, water, and other snacks while trekking.
What to see
The trek starts from the tea gardens. The view of the Annamalai Hills in the distance is breathtaking. Trekking through steep cliffs can be difficult initially. But the best part will be the scenery and you can spot a lot of rare flora and fauna. The view of the tea plantations and cardamom orchards that cover the entire hill is breathtaking. Once you reach the peak of Chokramudi, you can relax for a while and enjoy the view of the surroundings. You can continue your return journey after some food and rest and will take about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete.
You can also camp at Chokramudi. The Chokramudi Trekking Package is run by the District Tourism Promotion Council and licensed private tour operators. Before planning your trip do check for details.
Winter is the best time to visit Chokramudi. By December, the valleys and mountains will be covered in a blanket of fog. From December to February, the place is prone to foggy weather and cold winds. Neelakurinji flowers, the pride of Munnar, also bloom here. When you come here during the season, you can also see Kurinji flowers spread out like the blue sea.