Tom On Day 9 of our India Travel Itinerary, we finally arrived at Kochi! More specifically, the state of Kerala. Before our visit, we were told by our Indian friends (both Singaporean and from India) that the natural scenery of Kerala are not to be missed. The only concern we had was about the floods that hit Kerala in late 2018. Thankfully, the floods have pretty much cleared up and because of the grit and determination of the locals, Kerala is back in business! #KeralaIsOpen
Flying from Delhi to Kochi and Driving to Munnar
After spending the night at Delhi airport, we took the 5:35am flight from Delhi and arrived at Kochi at 8:50am via an Indigo airlines flight. Upon arrival, our driver Sajit (from Travel Exotica) was on site to pick us up and we headed straight to the hill stations of Munnar. The journey from Kochi to Munnar took about 4 hours.
Eravikulam National Park to see Neelakurinji Flower that Blooms once every 12 Years
Along the way from Kochi to Munnar, we passed by the tea plantation, water pipes and several waterfalls. We did not stop because Sajit told us that we would be covering these attractions on the way back. Speeding along, we arrived at Eravikulam National Park within 3.5 hours at about 1230pm, slightly earlier than the expected 1pm.
Eravikulam National Park opens from 7:30am to 4pm. Entrance fee costs 400 rupees (~$8SGD per person) and there’s a camera fee of 40 rupees (~$1SGD) as well. One of the main reasons why we were visiting Eravikulam National Park was because of the blooming of the purplish coloured flower called Neelakurinji. The Neelakurinji blooms only once every 12 years! Although we knew we were late, there’s still no harm trying right? Afterall, the next bloom is scheduled in 2030.
After getting our tickets, we boarded the bus that took us up the national park. The bus ride took about 15 minutes and we were treated to beautiful views of the slopes of the tea plantation within Eravikulam National Park!
Our first stop at the top of Eravikulam National Park was an exhibit called “Story of the Park”
The little exhibit shows the flora and fauna that can be found in Eravikulam National Park. Besides the obvious attraction of Neelakurinji flowers in full bloom, the other attraction of Eravikulam National Park is the Nalgiri Tahr. The Nalgiri Tahr is from the Ibex family – wild mountain goats usually found 3000 metres above sea level. Unfortunately, we did not see any during this trip. However, we did some remnants of the Neelakurinji flower!
Although we did not see the full bloom of Neelakurinji at Eravikulam National Park, we did see some Neelakurinji still in bloom. To be frank, we’re not entirely sure because apparently, the Neelakurinji is part of the Kurinji family and some Kurinji flowers do bloom throughout the year. Having missed the blooming of the Neelakurinji in 2018, we will have to wait till 2030 to see the next bloom of the Neelakurinji in Eravikulam National Park, Munnar, Kerala. 😅
Although we were not able to catch the full bloom of the Neelakurinji, we were nonetheless able to taste some local Ripple Milk Tea. For only 20 rupees (40 cents?! :O), a warm cup of milk tea did warm us up, especially during the light showers that we experienced towards the end of our visit. Before we left for our hotel stay at The Leaf Munnar, we took some scenic shots of the slopes of Eravikulam National Park…
Checking out the facilities and food of The Leaf Munnar Hotel
Enroute to the Leaf Munnar Hotel, we stopped by the Tea Plantation Munnar. There, we met Uncle Sunil who has taken many tour groups around the premise of the tea plantation. This time, he told us of the benefits of green tea and how to ensure good bowel movements in the morning. He believes that because we’re unable to excrete freely (like wild animals), there’s built up of toxins within the body which is not good at all. Hence, he recommends drinking a warm cup of water in the morning when you wake up. Thereafter, place your right foot on a high step and place your right fist (clenched) on the right side of the tummy. Then do a squat. This movement, according to Uncle Sunil, facilitates the movement of excretion along the intestines. 😅
Here, we also learnt about the preparation of black tea/green tea as well as the processing of the teas. We bought a small tin of green tea on the way out as well…
The ride to The Leaf Munnar took about 1 hour. It was especially bumpy as we got closer to the hotel because of the unpaved mountainous roads that led to the hotel. However, it was all well worth it when we reached the hotel…
The check in process was relatively smooth and we were personally led to our room as well. The Leaf Munnar has many 2-storey terraced houses. Our room was on the second level. Though there were not much views afforded from the room, the room was very clean and inviting…
As it was a long day of travel, we decided to wash up and chill a little before dinner. Cable TV was decent and we watched Leepu and Pitbull (car makeover show) on History channel before checking out the rest of the facilities of the Leaf Munnar Hotel…
The swimming pool of The Leaf Munnar with views of the hills of Munnar, was amazing! Unfortunately, the water was a little too cold. Otherwise, we would have gone for a dip to enjoy the stunning views from the swimming pool. Sort of reminded us of the infinity pool of Peacock Hotel in Bohol as well.
Dinner at Bouquet Garni The Leaf Munnar Hotel
After checking out the facilities of the Leaf Munnar, it was time for dinner at the in-house restaurant – Bouquet Garni…
At the restaurant, we found out that due to the off-peak season, buffet was not served. Tom was extremely disappointed at this terrible news. However, the staff then said that because of that, we were able to order ANYTHING from the menu! Suddenly, Tom perked up and ordered away!
This time, we ordered the Signature Tandoori Platter, High Range Vegetable, Fried Rice, Cheese Naan and drinks (Coke/7-Up)…
Firstly, we have to say that the portion of the Signature Tandoori Platter WAS HUGE! There were 3 types of tandoori chicken as well as tandoori prawns, fish, paneer and vegetable. Not only was the presentation beautiful, the slightly charred tandoor taste also stood out for us…we’re drooling as we speak! Surprisingly, the fried rice was excellent as well. Just like what we have back home in Singapore. Was wondering if there’s an Southeast Asian chef in the kitchen afterall…
Overall, it was an excellent meal at Bouquet Garni, The Leaf Munnar. Hopefully when you visit, it would be off-peak and they’d allow you to order from the menu as well! Yummilicious!
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Check out over video coverage of the Top Things to do and Attractions in Munnar as well!
Stay tuned as we head back to Kochi to embark on another attraction of Kerala – Alleppey Backwater Cruise!
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You have just completed a post from our 13 days travel in India. Find out more about this trip from our posts below!
India Travel Itinerary Day 1: Singapore to Chennai to Jaipur (Hotel Pearl Palace) via Indigo
India Travel Itinerary Day 4: Train from Jaipur to Agra – Our first views of the Taj Mahal
India Travel Itinerary Day 11: Arriving in Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty after Kerala Boat Cruise
Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Review: Simply the Best Luxury Hotel in Kochi
Thai Soul Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Review: The Most Authentic Thai Flavours in Kochi India!
Colony Clubhouse & Grill Grand Hyatt Kochi Review: Fine Cuisine in a Modern & Casual Setting
Malabar Cafe @ Grand Hyatt Kochi: Kerala Cuisine at its best!
Top 4 Attractions and Things to do in Munnar
Top 6 Things to do and Attractions in Leh Ladakh India
Top 4 Things to do and attractions in Agra India
Top 8 Jaipur Attractions and Things to do in Pink City
Top 6 Attractions and Things to do of Kochi Kerala
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