Munnar Diaries: Mist, Mountains, and Good Company

Welcome to the first chapter of our Kerala Adventure on Ink n Imagination.

There is something undeniably magical about Kerala. They call it God’s Own Country, and the moment you step off the train, the air just feels different—heavier with moisture, sweeter with the scent of greenery.

This trip was special. It wasn’t just a getaway for me and my wife; we were joined by our close friends, another couple who share our love for travel. The plan? To escape the city noise and lose ourselves in the hills of Munnar.

The Warm Welcome at Ernakulam

Our journey began at the Ernakulam Railway Station. Stepping out into the bustling energy of the city, we were immediately greeted by our designated driver for the trip, Mr. Rafeeq Mohammad.

Sometimes, the person behind the wheel makes all the difference in a road trip. Rafeeq was an absolute gentleman—polite, punctual, and possessing that calm confidence you want when navigating winding hill roads. We loaded our luggage into the car, settled into our seats, and let the urban sprawl fade away as we turned towards the mountains.

The Road to Munnar

The drive from Ernakulam to Munnar is an experience in itself. As we ascended, the temperature dropped, and the concrete jungle was replaced by endless carpets of tea plantations and mist-covered peaks.

We made sure to stop along the way, stretching our legs and taking in the breathtaking views. The route is dotted with cascading waterfalls, cutting through the rocks and greenery. We spent some time just standing there, letting the spray of the water hit our faces—a perfect refresher after the train ride.

A Stop at Flora & Fauna

One of the highlights of the drive was a stop at a unique spot called Flora n Fauna. This isn't your typical rest stop; it’s a vibrant pet station!

If you are an animal lover, this place is a joy. We saw an impressive variety of birds and animals, well-cared-for and beautiful. It was a delightful interlude to interact with the creatures there, adding a touch of childlike wonder to our afternoon before we got back on the road.

Settling in at The Arbour Resort

By evening, we reached our destination: The Arbour Resort in Munnar.

Nestled amidst nature, the resort was exactly what we needed. The vibe was serene, blending luxury with the rustic charm of the hills. After checking in and freshening up, we gathered for dinner.

There is nothing quite like sharing a meal with your favorite people after a long day of travel. We laughed, recounted the funny moments of the drive, and enjoyed a delicious dinner at the resort, surrounded by the cool night air of Munnar.

Day 1 was a perfect start to our Kerala diaries. If the journey was this beautiful, we couldn't wait to see what the destination had in store for tomorrow.

Stay tuned to Ink n Imagination for Day 2 of our Kerala trip!