Unveil the hidden charm of Pooppara, Munnar's serene offbeat alternative. Explore this hidden gem in the Western Ghats and escape into nature's embrace.
There's a certain magic to hill stations, a promise of cool mists, emerald carpets of vegetation, and a break from the relentless whir of city life. Munnar, nestled amidst the Western Ghats in Kerala, has always been the undisputed king of this verdant domain. But what if I told you there's an offbeat alternative, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, just a stone's throw away?
In the heart of the Western Ghats, where mist-laden hills cradle the beauty of untouched landscapes, a hidden haven awaits those willing to venture off the beaten path. We embark on a journey from the bustling city of Kochi, choosing an offbeat alternative to the famous hill station of Munnar. A mere 30 KM away lies a destination obscured by the shadow of its more renowned neighbour, yet promising an equally enchanting experience. Join us in uncovering the secret charm of this lesser-known gem, known locally as Pooppara.
The Scenic Drive from Kochi to Pooppara
The first rays of dawn kissed Fort Kochi awake, painting the graffiti-strewn streets in a fiery glow. Leaving the chaotic charm of the seaside town behind, I surrendered to the open road, my rented car humming a lullaby of anticipation. My destination wasn't the oft-sung Munnar, but its whispered secret – Pooppara, a haven of untamed beauty nestled amidst the embrace of the Western Ghats.
Escaping the urban labyrinth, I found myself hurtling towards Kothamangalam. We made a delightful pitstop at Sree Saravana Bhavan in Kothamangalam, indulging in a sumptuous dosa breakfast that serves as the perfect fuel for the road ahead. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the crunch of a perfectly cooked dosa linger as we continue towards our hidden destination.
Beyond Kothamangalam, the air shimmered with an ethereal mist, the sun a shy spectator peeking through the veil. The road, a thread woven through the verdurous fabric, snaked around hairpin bends, sending my heart on a joyful roller coaster ride.
Look at the rocky hill on the right of the image above – a huge rock basking in the sun, with slopes covered in moss and fiery Indian blanket flowers. The weather has sculpted this sentinel over time, and now it invites you to take in the sweet scent of wildflowers and escape the everyday routine.
Towering waterfalls, draped in rainbows born from sunlight and spray, erupted from the cliffs, casting fleeting jewels onto the verdant carpet below. With each bend, the symphony of nature intensified, the chirping of unseen birds and the gurgling of unseen streams forming the soundtrack to my escape.
Pooppara: Munnar's Serene Offbeat Alternative
Pooppara was a breath of fresh air. Unlike its renowned cousin, no souvenir shops were overflowing with trinkets, and no selfie-stick armies posing for overpriced chai. Instead, silence reigned, broken only by the whispering wind and the occasional birdcall. Lush hills, carpeted with tea bushes, rolled like gentle waves towards the horizon, their crests crowned by wispy pines that etched delicate silhouettes against the cerulean sky.
The Windy Mist Resort Pooppara: A Haven in the Clouds
My home for the next few days was The Windy Mist Resort Pooppara, a haven perched atop a hill, overlooking the valley below. The moment I stepped onto the wooden porch, the breathtaking view took my breath away. Rolling hills, like green waves, stretched as far as the eye could see, dotted with quaint villages and the occasional tea plantation. The mist, playing hide-and-seek with the peaks, added an air of ethereal beauty.
The resort offered two types of rooms - the Junior Suite with Balcony (shown in the image) and the Premium Room with Balcony. I opted for the latter one. The balcony of the Premium Room offered an awesome view of the valley.
Step onto your private balcony and take in the stunning view. The jade valleys below are dotted with tiny tea plantations, while misty peaks frame the azure sky in the distance. The hillside rolls down to meet your balcony, woven with wildflowers in shades of sunshine and fire. Breathe in the heady scent of pine and earth, listen to the wind whispering secrets through the trees, and feel the warm sun on your face. This is the magic of Pooppara, a secret symphony of nature waiting to be discovered, one breathtaking panorama at a time.
Pooppara Tea Plantations: A Verdant Tapestry
Exploring Pooppara, I discovered its pristine tea plantations, reminiscent of Munnar but with a distinctive charm. Unlike the commercialised plantations of its neighbour, Pooppara's tea estates retain an unspoiled allure. Strolling through the neatly arranged rows of tea bushes, the only sounds are the rustling leaves and the occasional bird call, creating a serene escape into nature.
Pooppara Tourist Places
Situated just 30 KM from Munnar, Pooppara offers convenient access to all the renowned tourist spots in the Munnar region. However, during my November 2023 visit amidst the peak tourist season, I opted to bypass the usual attractions. Instead, I focused on discovering offbeat destinations, away from the typical tourist hustle, and immersed in the tranquil lap of nature.
Anayirankal Dam
Located just seven kilometres from my Pooppara abode, the Anayirankal Dam is one of the oldest and largest earthen dams of Kerala, inaugurated in 1965. Surrounded by lush green forests and scenic tea plantations, the dam's landscape is a masterpiece of undulating beauty. The gentle slopes of the terrain create a mesmerizing wave-like appearance, making it a visual symphony for all observers. This region is a dream come true for landscape photographers.
Remarkably, despite its breathtaking allure, Anayirankal Dam has managed to evade the rapid commercialization witnessed just 27 KM away in bustling Munnar. Here, amidst the serene embrace of nature, the dam remains a pristine haven, offering a tranquil escape untouched by the hands of time.
Elephant Abode Boating Centre: Gateway to Anayirankal's Enchanting Beauty
The reservoir surrounding the Anayirankal Dam has been transformed into a picturesque landscape park by the Kerala State Electricity Board. At the heart of this oasis lies a vast lake, embraced by mystical hills often cloaked in misty clouds. Aptly named the Elephant Abode Boating Centre, this is the ideal starting point for your Anayirankal Dam exploration.
A well-paved road traverses the park, inviting you to drive along a path bordered by lush tea plantations on one side and the expansive lake on the other. While the boating activity was temporarily closed during my visit, the honesty of the ticket counter staff in informing visitors added a silver lining - fewer crowds.
Open daily from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, the entrance fee is INR 40 per person, with a parking fee of INR 30 and a camera fee of INR 150. With its breathtaking beauty, one can lose track of time, spending four to five enchanting hours in this picturesque haven.
Scenic Marvels on NH85: Exploring Pooppara to Devikulam
Pooppara offers a range of picturesque routes, each with its unique charm. The stretch towards Devikulam on National Highway 85 is particularly stunning, with lush tea plantations as a constant companion.
As we continued, the road revealed touristy attractions, including tea factories offering insightful tours into the tea-making process. Opting to immerse in Kerala's natural beauty, our local guide and 4X4 chauffeur agreed to explore open spaces.
A spontaneous tea break became the highlight of the day at a roadside makeshift shop. Overlooking a stunning valley, the view showcased tea plantations sprawling at the valley's bottom, embraced by the winding Anayirankal Dam backwaters. Beyond, lush green mountains cascaded, creating a breathtaking panorama.
Hill weather is unpredictable, and a sudden drizzle transformed the atmosphere. Mist shrouded the landscape, creating an enchanting ambience. Amidst this, savouring hot corn became a must, accompanied by an Instagram-worthy snapshot.
Passing by scenic points like waterfalls and massive rocks on the Gap Road, we made a quick stop for another breathtaking view of tea plantations along the highway. The journey from Pooppara to Devikulam emerged not as a drive but as a visual narrative of Kerala's untouched beauty.
Lockhart Tea Plantations: A Walk Amidst Verdant Beauty
While the tea plantations glimpsed earlier were stunning, their location deep into the valley limited a close-up experience. Enter Lockhart Tea Plantation, a sprawling expanse almost level with the highway. For a nominal INR 50 entry fee, this site offers an opportunity to explore the world of tiny tea plants.
Lockhart stands out for its unique feature of allowing visitors to walk through winding paths spanning two to five kilometres amidst the tea estates. This stroll is a paradise for photographers, offering plenty of opportunities to capture the essence of the plantations.
During the walk, you can witness the plantation workers gracefully engaged in their daily routine of picking tea leaves along the lush slopes. While the workers are generally welcoming to photo enthusiasts, it's crucial to respect their workplace. Capture the beauty, but do so with an understanding that you are stepping into someone else's daily grind.
Anayirankal Dam: Chasing Cloud-Kissed Views
Satisfied yet somewhat fatigued from the day's adventures, my driver friend, sensing our early wrap-up, proposed a visit to a spectacular viewpoint offering unparalleled vistas of the dam reservoir. With a cloud-draped sky overhead, my expectations were tempered. The journey to this spot was a thrilling offroad expedition, winding through the elevated slopes of tea plantations.
Upon arriving at the final destination, the cloud cover intensified, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. However, the view of several verdant islands floating in the reservoir and a colossal mountainous background surpassed all expectations - a stunning sight that felt like a visual feast.
Getting to Pooppara: Navigating Nature's Gateway
By Road:
Pooppara sits gracefully on National Highway 85, approximately 135 KM from Kerala's bustling commercial capital, Kochi. Traverse the scenic route via Kothamangalam - Rajakkad for an enchanting journey.
By Bus/Public Transport:
While Pooppara lacks direct connectivity, opting for a bus (Kerala State Transport/private) to well-connected Munnar is an excellent choice. From Munnar, the 30 KM journey to Pooppara is easily covered by local buses and shared taxis. Tamil Nadu State Transport buses from Munnar to Theni/Madurai also pass by Pooppara.
By Train:
Pooppara does not have a railway station. The closest major railway station with nationwide connectivity is Ernakulam Junction (IRCTC Station Code: ERS), which is located 135 KM away. Another major railway hub, Madurai Junction (IRCTC Station Code: MDU), is located 131 KM away in Tamil Nadu.
By Air:
Air travellers can land at Cochin International Airport (IATA: COK), a mere 117 KM from Pooppara. Alternatively, Madurai International Airport (IATA: IXM) in Tamil Nadu stands at a distance of 143 KM.
As Pooppara slowly emerges from obscurity, resorts and luxury lodgings are transforming its landscape. While promising economic benefits, there's a concern about disrupting the delicate balance of nature.
Pooppara is a serene and unexplored destination. Escape the crowds in Munnar and find peace in this offbeat paradise. Follow the mist and discover a lingering beauty.
Remember, Pooppara is a secret awaiting revelation. Like all secrets, its charm is best savoured when shared with those who appreciate its delicate allure.