On our second day in Munnar we headed to Chinnakannal, 21 km away. On our way at Marayoor and Kanthalloor we bumped into 'the land of apples'. When I recount to people that two hours from Munnar was countryside full of apples, they don't believe me!
First of all the Munnar-Marayoor drive is fantastic. It has some of the best tea garden views! We encountered occasional showers along the way. The roads were in comparatively good shape and there was not much traffic.
Marayoor is famous for its sandalwood trees. You can spot sandalwood trees even before you reach Marayoor. A Marayoor local advised us: to enjoy
the beauty of the mountains and go to Kanthalloor. Or else go to Chinnar.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is just 19 km from Marayoor. There is no guarantee you will spot any animals. If you are lucky you might bump into monkeys, peacocks and occasionally an elephant on your way through on the main road. Otherwise you need to plan a trek into the sanctuary.
But we were determined to see apples and continued our journey to Kanthalloor. Our initial ride was disappointing as we thought it was not a scenic mountain ride. But it soon turned out otherwise. Ten km of the 15 km ride was through the ghats. Within minutes we found ourselves at the top of the mountains.
Photograph: Rediff Archives
Also read: Mist in my room: Munnar diary
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