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Munnar Tea
From high in a hill station in the Western Ghats, I have views over the extensive tea plantations, and down to the three rivers that give the town of Munnar, in India’s Kerala Province, its name.
Finally!
The day dawned clear, and while the mists cloaked the distant mountains, the extensive green hills covered in tea bushes and silver oak trees that surrounded my ‘resort’ had at long-last come into view.
I had booked myself in for a week’s stay above Munnar, a town in the Western Ghats in India’s southern state of Kerala (see: In the Green Tea Plantations of Munnar). This hill station was once a resort for the British Raj elite; today it is surrounded by tea plantations first established in the late 19th century. It is clearly a popular holiday destination for local families: I seemed to be the only ‘foreigner’ in the district.
But, the rain had finally stopped! My driver wasn’t due to return from Kochi until the afternoon, so I took my cameras for a walk to a local waterfall.
The Periya Canal Waterfall is an overflow from a man-made canal, and even though it was a Sunday, the roadside was busy with people washing their cars and trucks with the ‘free’ water. It was a pleasant short walk, and it was good to get out of my room.
Join me for a stroll:
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Malabar Flameback Woodpecker – Chrysocolaptes Socialis
Endemic to this region of southwestern India with its foothill forests and wet lowlands, this beautiful bird was outside my room when I woke in the morning.
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The Winding Road Below
I’m not a tea drinker. As this is India, I could not get a decent cup of coffee in the breakfast room. I could – at least – look over the patterns made by the tidy evergreen tea plants (Camellia sinensis) below. Against the hill, silver oak trees (Grevillea robusta), native to Australia, provide shelter from strong winds and shade from the sun.
Red-Whiskered Bulbul – Pycnonotus Jocosus
On of the things that always amazes me about India – especially given its enormous population – is the wildlife everywhere. After breakfast, a melodious warble attracts my attention to a native bulbul on a sign along the road.
Deliveries on a Bike
Bikes are a cheap and popular mode of transport; riders are often laden with goods as they make their way around the potholes.
Pots and Pans and Potholes
Over Munnar
I continue to get views over the tea and down to the river confluence as I walk along the dusty road.
Tea Leaves
Fresh buds of tea leaves rise from the neatly trimmed bushes.
Into the Distance
Up the road, rocky bluffs rise above the tea.
Pedestrian with a Load
I am not the only pedestrian on the road: everywhere you go in India, you will see people walking with loads on their heads.
Bird on a Wire
According to Google, this is a western yellow wagtail (Motacilla flava). To me, it is a reminder of Leonard Cohen.
Periya Canal Waterfall
It turns out that this little waterfall is an overflow from a canal.
Washing the Car
The waterfall’s location – next to the road – makes it a popular car-wash spot.
Corn-Seller
The spot’s popularity means that the vendors are out with their wares.
Washing the TukTuk
All manner of vehicles are being washed in turn.
Tea on the Hill
A Colourful Fence
Local buildings are wildly colourful. Apparently, this is a temple to a popular Indian Hindu goddess.
Sales Kiosk
Little stalls with sweets, tobacco, and soft drink are everywhere.
Tea and a Bluff
Green
After days of rain, the tea bushes are green and fresh.
Chestnut-Headed Bee-Eater – Merops Leschenaulti
My lenses don’t have the range and I don’t have the patience … but I spent ages watching these fast-moving little guys darting around the bushes.
Tea Sales
Later that day, I visited an outlet – and bought some tea I would never drink.
The best part of being a lone foreigner in a strange (but safe) environment is getting a glimpse into ordinary life.
Buying a few packs of tea I would never drink is a small price to pay!
Happy Travels!
Pictures: 05February2023
