Travel

Idduki, Kerala

Nestled amidst the majestic Western Ghats in the state of Kerala, India, lies the picturesque district of Idukki. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and serene atmosphere, Idukki is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Among its many treasures, three standout attractions are Munnar, Bison Valley, and the sprawling tea and spice plantations that dot the region. At the heart of Idukki, Munnar captivates visitors with its stunning vistas of rolling hills, lush tea gardens, and mist-laden valleys. Known as the “Kashmir of South India,” Munnar’s pristine beauty is unrivalled. Traveler’s are greeted by vast stretches of tea plantations that carpet the slopes, creating a verdant panorama that soothes the soul. The tea estates in Munnar offer guided tours where one can learn about the intricacies of tea production, from plucking the leaves to the process of making the perfect cup of tea. The pleasant climate of Munnar, with cool temperatures and refreshing breezes, adds to the overall charm of the place. Just a short distance away from Munnar lies the hidden gem of Bison Valley. Tucked away in the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Bison Valley is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Here, visitors can spot a variety of fauna, including the Indian bison, elephants, deer, and an array of exotic bird species. Trekking enthusiasts can explore the undulating trails that lead through dense forests, revealing cascading waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints along the way. The untouched beauty of Bison Valley offers a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the tranquility of nature. Idukki is also famous for its vast tea and spice plantations that add a dash of flavor to the region’s natural charm. As you journey through the winding roads, you’ll encounter sprawling tea estates where the air is fragrant with the aroma of freshly brewed tea. Many plantations open their doors to visitors, allowing them to witness firsthand the intricate processes involved in tea production. From plucking the tea leaves to their processing and packaging, it’s an enlightening experience that highlights the dedication and skill of the workers involved. Moreover, the region is also home to spice plantations that cultivate an array of aromatic spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Exploring these spice plantations offers an opportunity to discover the secrets behind Kerala’s famed culinary heritage. In addition to its natural wonders, Idukki also boasts other attractions like the Idukki Arch Dam, Asia’s first arch dam and a marvel of engineering. The district is also blessed with numerous waterfalls, including the stunning Keezharkuthu Falls and the enchanting Thommankuthu Falls. For those seeking a spiritual experience, the hilltop temples of the region, such as the Mangala Devi Temple and the Pattumala Matha Church, provide a serene environment for reflection and devotion. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a connoisseur of tea and spices, Idukki has something for everyone. Its scenic landscapes, tea gardens, spice plantations, and captivating wildlife make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Kerala. Prepare to be mesmerized by the enchanting beauty of Idukki, a land that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul. Checkout the blog of my backpack exploration of Idduki here : sunnybhan-wanderfile EmailContributor : Sunny Bhan

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Temples Travel

Tungnath Chandrashila – The highest temple of Shiva

Nestled in the quaint village of Chopta, 30 kilometers from Ukimath in Uttarakhand, lies the majestic Chandrashila Peak. I first heard about this trek while reading Ruskin Bond’s book, ‘All the roads lead to Ganga’. The description of the place, combined with a quick Google search, was enough to make me determined to explore it. Tungnath Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the Panch Kedar temples and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, the temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas, the legendary figures from the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. Shankaracharya, also known as Adi Shankaracharya, was a revered Hindu philosopher and theologian who lived in the 8th century CE. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest thinkers in the history of Indian philosophy and is credited with reviving and promoting the Advaita Vedanta school of philosophy. Shankaracharya temple located in Srinagar was also built by Adi Shankaracharya during his visit to Kashmir in the early 9th century. The Trek to Shiva’s abode –Our day started with a hearty breakfast before we set out for the trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila Peak. The starting point was marked by a small stone gate with a temple bell, beckoning us to begin our ascent. The path was steep right from the beginning, and as we hiked, we found that the snow was everywhere, making it difficult to walk. We were surprised to see the whole mountain engulfed in snow, which made us realize that we were underdressed for this trek. It took us two hours to reach the Tungnath temple, and we quickly realized that we had to hurry if we wanted to reach Chandrashila, which was another hour’s hike. The whole mountain was covered in snow, and the steep gradient made it very slippery. We didn’t have cramp-ons or spikes, which made the climb even more difficult. After taking a break and clicking some photos, we started the climb to Chandrashila. It was an arduous climb, and the snow was hardened, making it very slippery. As the sun reached the top in the afternoon, the snow melted rapidly, making the patch of soil muddy and even more slippery. It took us one and a half hours to reach the summit, and the view of Kedarnath and Badrinath peaks was breathtaking. We spent some time contemplating the beauty and bowed to the goddess Chandrshila for divine blessings. We were tired and hungry, but we still had to climb down, which would take at least three hours. Since it was all snow till Tungnath, we decided to sledge our way down, which was both scary and fun. It took us around three hours to descend to Chopta, and we were back by 5:30 pm, just in time to watch the sunset over the mountains. Our trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila was a challenging yet fulfilling experience, and it taught us the importance of going on in life no matter what challenges we face. You can checkout the detailed trek experience here : https://sunnybhan-wanderfile.blogspot.com/2022/03/tungnath-chandrashila-trek-uttarakhand.html EmailContributor : Sunny Bhan

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