Kodai-Munnar travelogue

Writing travelogues is not my cup of tea.
So there's every chance that following text might get boring. Just have a feeling that it might be useful for any future travellers to the same place (Kodai, Munnar). Thats why this pale attempt. Read on at your own peril.

My parents and my sis had come to Blore for the first time after I came here for job (they had been here some yrs back).
We started the very second day after they landed here. We had hired an Indicab. Whole of our tour we never had any problem with the car or with the driver - Gaurish (APM Travels, contact no : 9448000965 / 9342836823). I am really thankful to Sameer for suggesting this guy. Its always very important to have a good driver for such arduous travels in hilly areas. We can then enjoy the travel without getting bogged down by un-necessary worries. Gaurish never gave a chance to complain.

We started late evening and reached Kodaikanal next day morning. The route we took was : Bangalore - Hosur - Krishnagiri - Salem - Dindigul - Palami - Kodaikanal. Total distance around 500 KM. The road (NH-7) is simply fabulous by any standards (had a nice sleep whole night).
My initial reaction was a hugh disappointment to see a large populace habitated in concrete houses spread all over the mountain top. But as they say, appearances are deceptive. We had a wonderful time. This scenic place has all the trappings to keep one enchanted. Definitely a better place than the crowded Ooty.
Accomodation here is very cheap. We stayed at Hotel Ruby Int'l (contact no : 04542-246485). No problems in getting North Indian food.
Important sight-seeing points:

• Kodai Lake
• Coaker's walk
• Bryant park
• Kurinji Andavar temple

After one and half days at Kodai, we started for Munnar. Reached quite late at night. After looking at 3-4 hotels, settled for High Range Inn (contact no : 04865-230483), a newly built hotel. Though the tariff's a lil' on higher side, its a nice little hotel. Recommended.
Next two days at Munnar were absolutely amazing. It proved to be the best tourist place i've ever visited. The lush green tea-plantations, wonderful waterfalls, serene lakes and to add to it all - unexpected showers. That heavy downpour of 30 min freshened it all. Munnar : Highly highly recommended. Definitely God's own country.

Important sight-seeing points:

• Tea Plantations(everywhere at Munnar)
• Kundal lake
• Devikulam
• Anamudi view (we couldn't visit this!)
  

We started for Madurai late morning and before sunset we were there. Just visited the magnanimous Meenakshi Temple. Its spectacular. Started back and next morning we were back in Bangalore!
Tired by the long travel, but invigorated by the awesome experience!

i remain.