Munnar Winter Trek, 3rd and 4th December

- December 05, 2016

"Wandering one gathers honey"

Youth Hostel Association of India organized a two-day trekking program at Munnar on 3rd and 4th of December. About 50 trekkers and 10 guides participated in this program. Apart from Kerala, there were trekkers from Pondicherry, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Bangalore. I was fortunate enough to be a part of this experience. We explored shola forests, grasslands, and tea gardens. Climbing the steep hills were adventurous as well as rejuvenating. It was also a platform to get to know each other and share our experiences. Getting to know seasoned national trekkers like Shaju Nellikkat and others were both educational and fun.

Day 1

We were asked to report at Track Finders, Old Munnar bus stand at 11 AM on 3rd December 2016.

Trekking instructions were given by Mr. Mohan, director of Track Finders.

Walking through tea gardens, listening to the guides explaining about the flora, fauna, and history of the place.

According to our guides, this tree was introduced here by the British to keep Malaria at bay. It destroys larva of mosquitoes.

Slowly climbing up the grasslands

This is the seal of Poonjar King, marking the boundary of land given to Kannandevan.

These stone structures mark the direction through which the tunnel to the reservoir passes.

We had lunch on this hill. We were surrounded by mist all of a sudden and visibility became very poor.

With Mr. Shaju Nellikatt at 'Seven mala'

Climbing down the hill

Our accommodation for the night was at National Adventure Academy, Devikulam.

We had supper at the academy. All of us shared our experiences, sang some nostalgic songs and danced. The academy provided beds and woolen blankets. We retired for the night.

Day 2

Some of us sneaked out of the academy in the morning and got to see this