After a long day of exhausting travel caused by an overbooking fiasco, we finally found solace at our hotel, nestled deep in the heart of nature. Waking up to the first rays of sunlight streaming through our window at 6:30 AM felt like a blessing. From our bed, we could catch glimpses of monkeys swinging gracefully from tree to tree, a vivid reminder that we were in the middle of a lush jungle. The hotel even had a cheeky “Beware of Monkeys” sign on our window—further proof that we were truly surrounded by wildlife.
Adding to the charm was the aroma of breakfast wafting into our room from the nearby dining area. The breakfast spread was an introduction to South India’s rich culinary tradition: crispy dosa, soft and fluffy idli, and a variety of flavorful curries accompanied by fresh tropical fruits. Of course, no South Indian breakfast is complete without a steaming cup of chai, served here from a massive container, a testament to how much this spiced tea is cherished locally. Sitting amidst a jungle-like setting and enjoying these delicacies was an invigorating start to the day.
Today’s itinerary was an exciting one: a visit to the famed tea gardens of Munnar. But first, we took precautions, generously applying insect repellent—an essential lesson learned after multiple mosquito bites during our previous stops in Sri Lanka.
Our first destination was Blossom Hydel Park, a serene oasis located just 3.2 kilometers from Munnar. Spanning 16 acres, the park offered vibrant flower gardens, lush greenery, and picturesque views. Perfect for families and nature lovers, it served as a peaceful escape from the rush of daily life. At the ticket counter, we encountered a classic local quirk: not having exact change meant we ended up paying extra for our tickets, with a promise of a refund later. Whether or not we’d actually get our change back added a touch of suspense to our visit.
Inside the park, we marveled at plants and flowers we’d never seen before, while families enjoyed zip-lining and other activities. To ensure we didn’t leave empty-handed (or without our refund), we explored the park’s shop. There, we succumbed to the charm of locally made chocolate tea—a unique combination we’d never encountered before—and purchased it as a souvenir.
Munnar’s tea gardens were everything we imagined: vast expanses of lush green plantations that stretched as far as the eye could see. Guided by our driver, we stopped at some of the best photo spots, capturing memories against this stunning backdrop. He explained that much of the tea here is produced by Tata under the CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) method, which makes it ideal for chai preparation. It’s no wonder the chai we had earlier was so exquisite—it’s the result of generations of refinement and research.
Following the tea gardens, we visited a shop selling Kerala’s famed banana chips. With multiple varieties—salty, masala-spiced, and sweet—we opted for the savory and spiced versions, which promised an interesting snack for later.
Next came a thrilling first for us: a hot air balloon ride. Popular among Indian tourists, we waited in line for about 30 minutes before boarding. Rising to 200 feet, we were treated to panoramic views of Munnar’s tea estates, jungles, and small towns. While we had envisioned a serene, photo-perfect experience, the reality was far more thrilling—unexpected turbulence made the ride feel more like an adventurous roller coaster than a gentle float.
As we continued our journey, we made a stop at a shop selling traditional Indian garments and perfumes. Although the silk attire wasn’t practical for our needs, my husband was drawn to the scents of Kerala’s locally crafted perfumes. After a bit of negotiation—something we’re clearly not experts at—we purchased two bottles, “Jordan” and “Woody,” which seemed to perfectly capture the region’s essence.
Lunch was a vibrant affair at a bustling local restaurant. We indulged in pepper paneer (a delicious cottage cheese dish), parotta (flaky flatbread), and pothu pepper roast (a spiced beef dish), among others. While most of the dishes were delightful, the richness of the ghee was a bit heavy for us, but the authentic flavors were well worth it.
Our final daytime adventure was a visit to a spice garden. Here, we learned about the medicinal and culinary uses of various spices. It was fascinating to discover how everyday ingredients like turmeric and cardamom have potent healing properties. Despite the persuasive sales pitch for herbal products, we resisted making any purchases—youth has its perks!
The day wrapped up with a stop at Cheeyappara Waterfalls. Though crowded with tourists, the cascading water was a sight to behold. Stalls nearby offered a variety of snacks and trinkets, adding a festive vibe to the area.
As we returned to Kochi, we stopped at a local supermarket to stock up on more banana chips and other quirky snacks. The Christmas decorations in the store—a nativity scene and a tree—reminded us of how unique this season feels in South India.
Our evening ended at the Four Points by Sheraton Kochi Infopark. The hotel exuded luxury, with a subtle fragrance that instantly made us feel relaxed. For dinner, we walked to a highly rated restaurant, Thaal Kitchen, only to discover that the banana leaf dishes we had hoped to try were only available for breakfast or lunch. Nevertheless, the biryani and parotta we ordered did not disappoint, and we left satisfied.
Back at the hotel, we capped off the night with plum cake—a spiced delicacy that tasted more like cardamom than plum—and a curious herbal drink we’d picked up earlier. The cake was surprisingly refreshing, and though the drink had a peculiar flavor, it added an adventurous touch to our Christmas celebration.
Tomorrow promises a more leisurely exploration of Kochi. For now, it’s time to rest and dream of the vibrant adventures that await. Goodnight!
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