Eravikulam National Park

This is a must visit place in Munnar for all animal and nature lovers. The park is situated around 8KMs from the munnar town. You can drive down to the base of the park in your vehicle or one of the autos(you have to see them climbing the steepy hills!!). From here you will have to go to the top of the hill where the Eravikulan National park is situated on one of the buses provided by the park.

buses to take visitors till the entrance of the national park

Private vehicles are not allowed inside the park area. The buses will leave you at the entrance of the park and then you will have to trek for another 1-2KMs to catch a glimpse of the beautiful tea plantations and ofcourse the endangered wildlife this park strives to protect.

is it not beautiful ?

The park is home to the Nilgiri tahr - an endangered goat species. At the start of the 20th centuary only 100 of these beautiful animals were left after being almost destroyed by hunting and poaching. Since then the nilgiri Tahr has been included in the list of endangered species. Efforts are being made to prevent the extinction of this wild goat like many other endangered species. With the efforts of the park officials and others involved in saving the Nilgiri Tahr the population has increased to above 1600 and around 700 of them reside in this park. The park is spread across 100 sq KMs and is claimed to be one of the cleanest national parks in India.

The entry tickets to the park cost Rs 35/- for Indians and Rs 200/- for foreign nationals. Incase you are carrying a camera you would have to shell out Rs 25/- for a still camera and Rs 200/- for a Video camera.

view from the ervaikulam national park

During the calving season of the nilgiri Tahr, the Eravikulam National Park is closed for 45 days from February 1st onwards.

For more pictures click here
Eravikulam national Park

munnar mela

Munnar mela started as a cultural and social celebration in 1982 and then onwards happens every year in the month of April. Over time the celebration has now become a part of Munnar's annula celebrations to bring in the new year. This year it was held from 6th of April till 13th April.

revelry @ munnar mela

The people of munnar eagerly wait for the arrival of this festival that fills munnar with all colors of the universe. These eight days make Munnar a joyous and memorable place for everyone who is fortunate to visit Munnar during this time.

I luckily happened to be in Munnar this year in april and visited the Munnar Mela that was organized in the Tata Tea Sports ground. The ground was colorfully lit and and there were stalls ranging from electronics, food items to even plants! For children it was a paradise with a variety of rides and games.

Immediately the shopper within me urged me to start purchasing some memorable items from this beautiful fare. I bought a strawberry conserve prepared in the Tata tea estates and a Kerela hat made of coconut tree bark! I also tried fresh ice tea that was being prepared(by crushing the tea leaves and taking out the juice) and served chilled in one of the stalls. It was one of the most refreshing cup of teas that I have ever had.

Being a chocoholic I also bought delicious home made chocolates and they were much better than what I had got from Ooty and Bangalore and at half the price too! :)

For more pictures of munnar mela click here

- munnar

- thekaddy (periyar)

bangalore munnar thekkady bangalore

Recently, I went for a Bangalore - Munnar - Thekkady trip. In this post you will find everything you wanted to know before you plan your trip to these beautiful places. Bangalore Munnar and Bangalore Thekkady are two routes that are least frequented by travellers from Bangalore, but believe me these two are among the best of places I have visited around Bangalore. The Bangalore Munnar road through Tamil Nadu is really good and the total distance can be covered in 8 hours. I took a different route as I wanted to do the uphill drive during day time so that I don't miss the beautiful scenery on the way to Munnar. In this post you will find

- My trip meter readings at major points on the Bangalore Munnar route via Coimbatore and Thekkady Bangalore route. Along with that I have put the time at which I passed through or reached these places.

- Places to see in Munnar

- Activities in Thekkady (Periyar)
- Munnar Map

Places to see in Munnar

- Eravikulam

This is a must visit place in Munnar for all animal and nature lovers. The park is situated around 8KMs from the munnar town. You can drive down to the base of the park in your vehicle or one of the autos(you have to see them climbing the steepy hills!!). From here you will have to go to the top of the hill where the Eravikulam National park is situated on one of the buses provided by the park.

buses to take visitors till the entrance of the national park

Private vehicles are not allowed inside the park area. The buses will leave you at the entrance of the park and then you will have to trek for another 1-2KMs to catch a glimpse of the beautiful tea plantations and ofcourse the endangered wildlife this park strives to protect.

is it not beautiful ?

The park is home to the Nilgiri tahr - an endangered goat species. At the start of the 20th centuary only 100 of these beautiful animals were left after being almost destroyed by hunting and poaching. Since then the nilgiri Tahr has been included in the list of endangered species. Efforts are being made to prevent the extinction of this wild goat like many other endangered species. With the efforts of the park officials and others involved in saving the Nilgiri Tahr the population has increased to above 1600 and around 700 of them reside in this park. The park is spread across 100 sq KMs and is claimed to be one of the cleanest national parks in India. The entry tickets to the park cost Rs 35/- for Indians and Rs 200/- for foreign nationals. Incase you are carrying a camera you would have to shell out Rs 25/- for a still camera and Rs 200/- for a Video camera.

view from the ervaikulam national park

During the calving season of the nilgiri Tahr, the Eravikulam National Park is closed for 45 days from February 1st onwards.

Munnar Thekkady details Top of Munnar Thekkady Post

- Munnar Mela

Munnar mela started as a cultural and social celebration in 1982 and then onwards happens every year in the month of April. Over time the celebration has now become a part of Munnar's annula celebrations to bring in the new year. This year it was held from 6th of April till 13th April.

revelry @ munnar mela

The people of munnar eagerly wait for the arrival of this festival that fills munnar with all colors of the universe. These eight days make Munnar a joyous and memorable place for everyone who is fortunate to visit Munnar during this time. I luckily happened to be in Munnar this year in april and visited the Munnar Mela that was organized in the Tata Tea Sports ground. The ground was colorfully lit and and there were stalls ranging from electronics, food items to even plants! For children it was a paradise with a variety of rides and games. Immediately the shopper within me urged me to start purchasing some memorable items from this beautiful fare. I bought a strawberry conserve prepared in the Tata tea estates and a Kerela hat made of coconut tree bark! I also tried fresh ice tea that was being prepared(by crushing the tea leaves and taking out the juice) and served chilled in one of the stalls. It was one of the most refreshing cup of teas that I have ever had. Being a chocoholic I also bought delicious home made chocolates and they were much better than what I had got from Ooty and Bangalore and at half the price too! :)

Munnar Thekkady details Top of Munnar Thekkady Post

- Mattupetty

14 KMs from the Munnar Town, at a height of 1700m, is situated Mattupetty. It is known for its highly specialized dairy farm - Indo Swiss LiveStock project. Mattupetty lake and dam are just a KM from this farm. One can do boat riding and speed boating. I suggest trying out speed boat.
It is really thrilling to ride the speed boat on the waves created by another speed boat. There is an option to hire a speed boat that can accommodate 4-6 people or hire one for a couple only. The boat ride will be only for 15 Minutes but the adrenalin rush during those 15 minutes is amazing. You will scream and shout and after those 15 minutes you will feel really relaxed in beauty of the lake and tea gardens around it.

Visit Time : 0900 - 1100 hrs and 1400 - 1530 hrs.

it became dark and rained at Mattupetty

Munnar Thekkady details Top of Munnar Thekkady Post

- Top Station

Though most of the websites refer this place as the most scenic of all the places in Munnar, I think otherwise. This place is indeed beautiful but not the most amazing place in Munnar. I found the tea gardens and the greenery on the way to Top Station much better. First of all this place is in Tamil Nadu and the 1 KM of stretch that lies in Tamil Nadu is in really bad shape that gives a real pounding to the tires and suspension. I hate it

Top Station is nearly 34 Kms from Munnar Town and 33KMs of this is a real good road. This place offers a "panoramic view" of the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu but remains covered with mist most of the time.

Munnar Thekkady details Top of Munnar Thekkady Post

- Devikulam

its work time

Around 7 KMs from Munnar Town is situated a charmingly simple and serene place, Devikulam. It is covered with Tea Plantation and provides a load of opputunity for photographers. The Sita Devi Lake in Devikulam is a good picnic spot and ideal for fishing.

Munnar Thekkady details Top of Munnar Thekkady Post

- Bangalore munnar route

- Bangalore Thekkady route

11/04/2008

Bangalore Coimbatore route

1630 - Bangalore - Whitefield

1807 - Stop at A1 Plaza for a cup of tea. This place is after Hosur
60 KMs

1835 - Krishnagiri checkpost
95KMs

1942 - Dharmapuri
144KMs

2030 - Thoppur ( Took a right turn from here to bypass Salem. This route saves around 20KMs)
172KMs

2230 - Bhavani ( Had an awesome dosa and parota with Sambar and coconut chutney )
250KMs

12/04/2008

Coimbatore Munnar route

0030 - Coimbatore
355KMs

Decided to stop at Coimbatore for night. I wanted to cover the ghat section in the day time.

1000 - Started to Munnar from Coimbatore
1030 - Stop for fuel and temporary fix for my iPOD and stereo connection

1100 - Pollachi
399KMs

1150 - Udemalapetai
428KMs

1330 - Marayoor.
475KMs
Had lunch here. On the way to this place from Udemalapetai there are 4 forest check posts and all of them I was asked for gifts. I had to give 10 or 20 bucks everytime.

1530 - Devikulam. It is near munnar, on the way to Thekkady from Munnar.
523KMs

I was in Munnar for 3 nights and went around most of the places.

Munnar Thekkady Route

1000 - From Las Palmas Munnar (Devikulam ) To Thekkady
680KMs

1300 - At Taj Thekkady
785KMs

I spent 2 nights in Thekkady.

17/04/2008

Munnar Thekkady details Top of Munnar Thekkady Post

Thekkady Bangalore route

1110 - To Bangalore
800.5KMs

1145 - Kambam
826KMs

1227 - Theni
864KMs

1349 - Dindigul bypass. Stopped for Nariyal pani ( Coconut water )
936KMs

1551 - Karur. Re-fueling on the way to Karur and lunch.
1016KMs

1730 - Salem
1108.7 KMs

1953 - Dharmapuri
1198 KMs

2212 - Bangalore
1307.2 KMs


I missed the road that goes to the toll road and instead took the road that goes into the Hosur town but I think it took almost the same amount of time.

Munnar Thekkady details Top of Munnar Thekkady Post

periyar lake

Activities in Thekkady

From Munnar, Thekkady is 110Kms. The road is pretty good for the first 85 Kms but quite narrow. The last 25Kms are in bad shape and you can't drive at more than 20-30KMpH. I stayed in Thekkady for 3 days and 2 nights. To enjoy all the activities in Thekkady you must have minimum 4 complete days.

Thekkady (Periyar)

All you wanted to know about Thekkady and Periyar. The Periyar Tiger Reserve named after the Periyar River is one of the most popular and beautiful wild life reserve on the Western Ghats. The Periyar Lake surrounds the sanctuary was created by building a dam across the Periyar River to divert the water for irrigation. The first step towards conservation was taken by the Maharaja of Travancore by appointing Mr. Robinson as the first game warden in 1899.Based on his recommendations, the forests around the lake was turned into a sanctuary called Nellikkampetty Sanctuary in 1934.The sanctuary was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under the Project Tiger Scheme. In 1982, the core area of the Sanctuary (350sq.kms) was notified as a National Park. The Periyar Tiger Reserve & Sanctuary covering an area of 777 sq. kms is a renowned destination for wildlife tourists & nature enthusiasts. The vistas of Periyar with its creeks, islets & peninsulas provide an ideal habitat for a wide variety of wild life. The altitude varies from 900mtrs to 2019mtrs. Topography is uneven & encompasses forests, grasslands & the lake. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where one can have the unique experience of viewing wild life at close quarters from the safety of a boat in the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however, is the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Besides the Tiger, the sanctuary is also home to Gaur (Indian Bison), Sambar Deer, Wild Boar & a varied species of monkeys including the Nilgiri Languor & the Lion Tailed Macaque. There is also a variety of bird life of which Snake birds (Darters), Cormorants, Kingfishers & Grey Heron are commonly sighted. Boating and Trekking are the common means of sighting wild life in the Sanctuary. Presenting a panorama of majestic mountains and verdant valleys draped in stunning green, Thekkady is the ultimate gateway for the traveler looking for a tranquil holiday in the lap of nature. The vast stretches of plantations and the luxuriant forest cover offering great trails, make Thekkady a trekker’s delight. The locality is also famous for spice cultivation, Kumily; the nearest town is renowned as a Spice trading center. The town is surrounded by plantations of Cardamom, Pepper, Ginger, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Clove, All Spice, Vanilla & also of Tea & Coffee There are varieties of activities, like Nature Walk, Jungle Patrol, Gavi, Trip to Mount, Bamboo Rafting, Boat Ride, View Point, Spice Plantation Tour, Tea Plantation Tour, Elephant Junction, & Ayurveda.

Munnar Thekkady details Top of Munnar Thekkady Post

Nature Walk at Thekkady ( Periyar)

Different nature trails traversing diverse habitats form the trekking routes, generally 4 to 5 Km. in length. This program offers excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The trails pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. A maximum of 5 persons can go for trekking at a time along each nature trail, accompanied by a trained tribal guide. The nature walk is the right program to feel nature, her whispers and smell her flowers.

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Jungle Patrol at Thekkady (Periyar)

This is part of the regular night patrolling in the fringe eco development zone of the tiger reserve. The trekking is done between 7 PM. And 4 AM and it should be taken by person having proper physical and mental fitness to trek through the wilderness in the night. The maximum duration for a slot is 3 hours and the maximum capacity of one slot is limited to 8 visitors (to move in two separate teams). They will accompany two protection watchers and one-armed forest guard! Try the limits of your senses-sight, hearing and smell and take in the totally different world of nocturnal jungle life. A must for a true wildlife lover.

Munnar Thekkady details Top of Munnar Thekkady Post

Visit to Gavi

Gavi, a picturesque land is a one of the most off-the-track destinations ideal for a wilderness retreat replete with trekking, canoeing and facilities for boarding. There are hills and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands, shoals, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantations. Endangered species including the Elephant, Nilgiri Thar, and Lion-Tailed Macaques are often sighted at the outskirts of Gavi. There are two programs run by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation and Eco Development Committees, one where three families could stay in the Eco Lodge at Gavi and the other where 15 persons can go for a days visit of the area. The programs starts at 05:30 am where you leave Thekkady in an open Jeep, a 40 Km drive through the hills and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands, sholas, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantations and then you reach GAVI.

Hosted and accompanied by trained local people, the visitors can go for trekking and bird watching in the many trails around, paddle in still waters to cool off or perhaps settle down for watching in this oasis of peace and tranquility. Native vegetarian food and snacks will be provided to the visitors.

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munnar map

I strongly recommend to visit both the places, Munnar and Thekkady, at one go. Since the distance is around 500KMs from Bangalore one should try to visit Munnar and Thekkady in a single vacation. You will have the fun of the hill station and the wildlife as well.

Munnar Thekkady details Top of Munnar Thekkady Post

Ranganthetu or Ranganthitu

Slow flowing cauvery river has created an island near Srirangapatna and it is a famous nesting and breeding place for various migratory birds from all over the world. Noted ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali advocated the conversion of this place into the status of bird sanctuary in 1940. Some of the famous birds that can be found inside the sanctuary are Spoonbills, Open bill storks, Painted storks, White Ibis, Egret and Grey Heron. Kingfisher, peacock and bats can also be seen. One can also spot Crocodiles inside the lake.

Cormorant

Best season to visit is from December till April. This is the time when migratory birds come to this place to avoid the extreme winters of the Siberia.

Crocodile

Bangalore ranganthitu ( or ranganthetu ) route :-

the ranganthitu ( or ranganthetu ) bird sanctuary is around 130Kms from bangalore. it is on the bangalore-mysore highway. on this highway you will have to take a right after u reach a bridge ar srirangapattanam. there is a petrol bunk on the left, just opposite of the road leading to the ranganthitu ( or ranganthetu ) bird sanctuary. once you enter this road if you hit a manned railway crossing, be sure that you are on the right road. you will have to take a right from this road and that road will directly lead to the ranganthitu ( or ranganthetu ) bird sanctuary.

What to do when inside the sanctuary :-
You can walk and relax around the lake and of course photography. You can also take boat ride and visit islets and look at these birds closely. Oarsmen are very knowledgeable and will be able to recognize almost every bird for you. Best time to take the ride is early in the morning or in evening. It tends to be very hot during noon time.

spoon bill

Charges :- Rs 15/ Per person ( for Indians) and I think Rs. 100/per person for foreign nationals.
Still camera fees is around Rs.20/- and video camera fees is around Rs. 100/- .
If you are taking your vehicle you will have to pay another 40 bucks. There are extra charges for taking boat ride. If you are going in a group it would be wise to hire your own boat and pay the boat guy little tip and he will take you little bit more inside the lake/river :).

Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala

ooty - kotagiri- connoor

About Ooty, Kotagiri and Connoor ( Conoor) and how to reach these places :-
There are three most popular hill-stations in the Nilgiris - Ooty, Kotagiri and Coonoor. All three are located close to each other in the state of Tamil Nadu. The least known among these probably the best is Kotagiri. Drive from Bangalore to Ooty takes 5-6 hours and the Bangalore Ooty route is very good but for 20KMs after Gundlepet. The total distance from Bangalore to Ooty ranges from 250-290 Kms depending on the route taken. The route to Ooty from Bangalore is through Mysore. Though you can take the outer-ring road to bypass Mysore, you will end up driving around 20kms more. Both the roads are good but the route through Mysore city will have much more traffic. To take the bypass road you will have to take a right turn at the traffic signal just after the town of Sirangapatna, famous for the Ranganatha Temple. if you miss this turn you can go straight & you will enter Mysore and can take the route through Mysore city.

wellington railway station - it is near connoor

golf club @ wellington

tea gardens @ ooty

mysore --40-- nanjungad --30-- gundelpet --20-- bandipur forest

The road from Mysore till Gundelpet is decent and you can easily average around 60Kmph. However, from Gundlupet till Bandipur (distance of around 20km) the road is full of pot-holes. Though the construction of the road is on going but will easily take another year unless an MLA is selected from that region ;-)

animals at bandipur forest

Toque Macaque

Spotted dear

langur

Once you are inside the forest don't honk and drive slowly so that you do not disturb the wildlife. You can find deer, wild boars, monkeys and Langurs and if you are lucky you can even spot elephants. I have not seen a single one in my two trips to Ooty.

Once the Bandipur Forest boundary ends you will enter into the Madumalai forest. It is actually the same forest but falls in Tamil Nadu. There is an entry fees of around 20 rupees. After Madumalai there are two roads that lead to Ooty (I think the place is called Masinagudi), one with 36 hair pin bends and the other one is the older route that buses normally take. In the former route buses and heavy vehicles are not allowed and is around 30Km shorter than the latter one. I have never taken the older route as it is in a really bad condition. The shorter route with 36 hairpin bends is amazing and anyone passionate about driving will love it. You would however need to have a vehicle with good pickup. These routes meet around 8 Kms before Ooty and there is a police check post there. You might have to show your vehicle papers etc. They do not ask everyone to stop :).
While in Ooty relax and soak in the scenic beauty of this queen of hills. If you have gone in the summer months all the tourist places like the lake, gardens, famous peaks would be extremely crowded. During winters it is less crowded but very cold. Winter season in ooty is much better than the summers (my preference) but do take woolens as it tends to be quite cold at night. There are a lot of hotels to choose from for your stay. The concept of home stays is also quickly catching up here. Government guest houses like Ratan Tata's guest house (it is near lake) can also be booked if you know someone associated with it. I have stayed in Sinclair hotel and Ratan Tata's guest house on my two trips to Ooty. Sinclair is a decent hotel although the rooms were musty and not very clean. It has a very good view of the valley and the food is something to rave about. The Ratan Tata guest house is quite cheap but don't expect a lot of luxuries as it is built in the old style.

Few more pictures from Ooty and Conoor

pykara lake

rose at Ooty rose garden - best time to visit is summers

tea gardens - on the way to dolphins nose

Kotagiri falls on one of the routes from Ooty to Coonoor ( Conoor). This route from ooty to connoor through kotagiri road is one of the most scenic routes I have ever driven on. Most importantly the road is in a really good condition and much better than the regular Ooty - Connoor route. Those who want to take the kotagiri route from Ooty to Connoor should ask for route to Dodabetta peak and instead of taking the right turn from the main road to go towards the peak, keep moving on the same road. This route will lead to connoor.

ooty---7----take right (3Km ) for Dodabetta peak -----------30--------connoor

Planing a trip to Ooty Read this

P.S. don't buy tea from the tea factory (near Sinclair hotel) in Ooty. These guy cheat people. The sample tea that you will drink will be totally different from the one they will sell. Ooty tea otherwise is not very great (what is sold in market) and is the same as what we get anywhere in India and costs almost the same.