Freedom trip to hill stations
A bike trip to Munnar had been a long-time dream of ours. We wanted at least five days for it, but the old bike and the need for single driving delayed our plans. When I got a new bike, my son eagerly took up the idea again.
Freedom Trip to Hill Stations
Five Days | 1553 Kilometers | Three States | 14 Districts
A bike trip to Munnar had been a long-time dream of ours. We wanted at least five days for it, but the old bike and the need for single driving delayed our plans. When I got a new bike, my son eagerly took up the idea again.
When my son got a five-day holiday starting Saturday, I decided to take three days off and join him.
On Saturday morning, I began the journey at 4 AM on my bike, heading to Kozhikode for a review meeting at the head office. Exhausted from work and responsibilities, I longed for a break and a long journey. The trip felt like a therapy, a way to reconnect with nature.
Traveling on NH 66 was a challenge due to ongoing roadwork, but it was unavoidable. Despite this, I reached Kozhikode earlier than expected. After the meeting and securing my leave, our journey to Munnar officially began around 5 PM. Initially, the plan was to stay in Pollachi that night, but due to delays and Kozhikode's evening traffic, we decided to stop at Palakkad instead.
We booked a room at the Kottayi PWD Rest House for ₹400 online. Upon arrival, we found other rooms vacant despite seeing only one available online.
Day 2: Palakkad to Munnar
The morning offered stunning views of rural and agricultural Palakkad. After breakfast near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, we resumed our journey through Pollachi and along the scenic national highway. The greenery and picturesque countryside made the ride through Udumalpet and the Anamalai Tiger Reserve toward Munnar truly memorable.
Crossing the Anamalai Reserve and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, we spotted some wildlife. A bike ride through such untouched wilderness is an unparalleled experience.
By noon, we reached Marayoor, famous for its jaggery and sandalwood. We bought some jaggery and fruits, including delicious white passion fruit and custard apples. The ride from Marayoor to Kanthalloor was enchanting, with vibrant agricultural landscapes.
Kanthalloor, a charming village in Idukki district, boasts pleasant weather, scenic terrain, and diverse crops. The winding roads to Munnar required attention but rewarded us with the lush green vistas of tea estates, misty surroundings, and cascading waterfalls.
As we neared Munnar, the chill seeped into our bones, and light rain began. We bought plastic raincoats for ₹100 and warmed ourselves with tea and omelets before continuing. The worsening weather and red alert warnings on TV made us adjust our plans.
Instead of venturing further into Kerala, we decided to head to Marayoor early Monday morning, bypassing destinations like Top Station and Mattupetty Dam due to the rain.
Day 3: Munnar to Ooty
Our next destination was Ooty, guided by my son's interest. We traveled through Udumalpet, Tiruppur, Annur, and Mettupalayam. After refueling at Mettupalayam, we chose the scenic Kotagiri route over the usual Coonoor path. The winding roads and misty landscapes added to the allure.
By evening, we reached Ooty amidst light drizzle and cold weather. Being off-season, we secured a fantastic homestay (ARS Home Stay) for just ₹500.
Day 4: Exploring Ooty
We enjoyed Ooty's charm before heading toward Gudalur. Despite visiting Ooty several times, I had never explored Shooting Point. The breathtaking view there was worth the visit.
Returning from Shooting Point, we found a group of mischievous monkeys raiding my bike, snatching away juice and fruits bought from Munnar. It was a humorous encounter with the local wildlife.
The tea estates and sky views were a visual feast. People often ask why we repeatedly visit places like Ooty, Bandipur, and Mudumalai. For bikers, such trips never lose their magic.
From Gudalur, we passed through Mudumalai and Bandipur, where we glimpsed wildlife and sunflower blooms. We continued toward Mysore, enjoying sights like the Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, Mysore Palace, and St. Philomena's Church before heading to Hassan.
Day 5: Hassan to Home
The Hassan-Mysore route was exceptionally scenic, especially the Sagarakatte Bridge, the longest I've ever seen. Unfortunately, it was dark, so we couldn't fully appreciate the views.
At Hassan, we marveled at the beautifully lit courthouse, mistaking it for a resort. By night, we reached Belur and ended the day's journey near the Chennakeshava Temple.
The next morning, we traveled to Chikkamagaluru, visiting Baba Budan Giri and Mullayanagiri. The ride to Baba Budan Giri, amidst dense fog, was the most beautiful part of this trip. Snow dusted my hair and jacket, a rare experience in southern India.
After enjoying the serene Mullayanagiri Peak, Karnataka's highest point at 1930 meters, we skipped Devaramane due to time constraints. We concluded our trip through Charmadi Ghats, finally reaching home after covering 1553 kilometers across 14 districts in three states.
This journey was filled with unforgettable moments, scenic wonders, and the pure joy of riding.