🛬 Arrival

The first thing I felt when I reached Munnar was… relief. After hours of twisting roads and that one bus ride that felt like a rollercoaster, the cool breeze hit me like a hug. I stepped down and instantly smelled cardamom and wet earth. It felt like the world had slowed down — in a good way.

Photo by Neww S on Unsplash

I wasn’t sure if it was the mountains or the silence, but something told me, “You’re going to like it here.”

📍 Places Visited

Tea Plantations: Obviously! I took a small walk through the green, terraced plantations. They looked like nature had arranged its own soft blanket. I even tried plucking a leaf or two (don’t tell anyone).

Photo by Nilotpal Kalita on Unsplash

2. Top Station: The view here is pure magic. Clouds below you, sun above you. I couldn’t believe it was real.

3. Kundala Lake: Rented a pedal boat. Worst idea. My legs gave up after 15 minutes. But hey, the view was worth it.

4. Echo Point: I screamed my name, and Munnar screamed back. I felt like a kid. Laughed so much.

5. Eravikulam National Park: Saw the Nilgiri Tahr — a rare mountain goat. Honestly, it looked like it didn’t care we were there.

6. Blossom Park: Calm, pretty, and perfect for a snack break.

🍲 What I Ate

Munnar’s food surprised me. I thought it’d just be rice and curry, but oh no — there was flavour, variety, and fire!

Kerala Sadhya — A thali with 10+ items served on banana leaf. I had to Google half of them, but loved all of them.

Puttu & Kadala curry — Soft rice cylinders with black chickpea curry. Strange but delicious.

Banana Chips — I bought a full bag. Ate it before I got back to my room.

Beef Fry — Spicy, crispy, and amazing with parotta.

Cardamom Tea — Better than any cappuccino I’ve ever had.

Also had Maggie at Top Station. Cold wind + hot Maggie = unmatched joy.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Local Culture

The people in Munnar are quiet, warm, and very chill. I met a tea vendor who spoke five languages and a woman running a homestay who told me stories of when she met A.R. Rahman (no proof, but I believe her).

Everyone walks slowly, smiles quickly, and helps genuinely.

They love their land, tea, and rain — and once you’re there, you will too.

😂 Funny Moments

Thought I could hike with sports shoes. It rained. Shoes = soggy bread.

Said “Nanni” (thank you) to a monkey by mistake (meant for the vendor).

Tried to sit on a wet bench. Slid down slowly and dramatically. Locals laughed with me, not at me (I think).

🏨 Where I Stayed — And How CheQin.ai Helped

I had no hotel booked before reaching Munnar. I didn’t want to over-plan. Once I reached, I searched on CheQin.ai — the app was super simple.

I entered:

“Need stay near tea garden, peaceful view, under ₹1500, breakfast included.”

In a while I got the notification and it showed me 5 real-time hotel options. I picked a family-run guesthouse with a mountain view and homemade breakfast.

Best part? No hidden charges. I paid what I saw. The aunty even packed me some coconut chutney for my journey back.

That’s why I liked CheQin.ai — it didn’t act like a fancy app. It felt more like a local helping me.

💬 Final Thoughts

Munnar gave me peace. It didn’t try too hard. It just quietly shared its views, air, tea, and people with me.

I didn’t do anything crazy. Just walked, ate, laughed, and rested. And sometimes, that’s exactly the kind of trip we need.

Thanks to CheQin.ai, I didn’t waste time on bookings. I spent that time watching the rain, sipping tea, and listening to nothing but nature.

If you’re looking for a calm escape, a bit of fun, and some soul-healing — Munnar is calling.

Just go. Pack light, smile often, and let the mountains do their thing.

From Banana Chips to Tea Trails: My Experience in Munnar