Day 38 Munnar to Thekkady 20 February 3026 скачать в хорошем качестве

Day 38 Munnar to Thekkady 20 February 3026

Discovering Kerala’s Hill Country - Spice, Faith, Forests, and Fire When I first decided to visit Kerala, I imagined beaches, palm trees, and lazy days by the sea. Little did I know that Kerala is far more than its coastline. That’s the beauty of travelling - you learn as you go, and the surprises are often the best part. From the coastal warmth of Cochin, I travelled inland to the cool tea country of Munnar, and today I continued deeper into the hills toward Thekkady. This region, Kerala’s eastern highlands, is breathtaking: rolling mountains, deep valleys, mist‑covered forests, and some of the richest biodiversity on the planet. It’s not just a place; it’s an entire ecosystem shaped by the mighty Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri, run parallel to India’s western coast and form a colossal climatic barrier. They intercept the monsoon winds, creating a land of high rainfall, lush forests, and extraordinary plant and animal life. Geologically ancient, these mountains were formed millions of years ago and rise dramatically from the plains. Altitude begins around 750 metres and climbs steeply The highest peak, Anamudi (2,695 m), lies near Munnar - the tallest mountain in India outside the Himalayas The famous Palakkad Gap breaks the range, creating a natural corridor between Kerala and Tamil Nadu The hills are a powerhouse of cash crops: tea, cardamom, pepper, coffee, cocoa, and rubber. The air itself seems scented with spice. This region is also one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity, home to at least 325 globally threatened species. Nearby lie the Periyar Tiger Reserve and Eravikulam National Park, sanctuaries for elephants, lion‑tailed macaques, Nilgiri tahrs, and countless birds. Now I understand why Kerala is called “God’s Own Country.” The drive from Munnar to Thekkady is considered one of the most scenic in India. It even won India Today’s “Most Scenic Road” award in 2025. It’s a journey through shifting landscapes: misty tea gardens, dense forests, spice plantations, and tiny villages tucked into the hills. We left at 9 am, and the road wound sharply with hairpin bends and steep climbs. Jayan stopped at several beautiful churches so I could take photos. Kerala’s churches are striking, whitewashed, elegant, and crowned with tall, ornate flagpoles called Kodimaram or Dwaja Sthambam. These flagpoles are unique to Kerala’s Christian tradition and reflect centuries of cultural adaptation. Their design mirrors the flagpoles of Hindu temples, symbolising how Christianity here embraced local customs. They are often made of brass or metal, richly carved They mark the start of a church’s annual Perunnal (feast) A flag bearing the patron saint is hoisted to announce the celebrations They stand as permanent symbols of faith and community I found them fascinating, a perfect example of Kerala’s harmonious blending of cultures.