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Near to the famous hill station Munnar in Kerala is a lesser known destination called Meesappulimala - a destination for the highly adventurous. The second highest peak in the Western Ghats, here you can have a memorable trekking experience with clouds in company. This mesmerizing paradise of nature is slowly getting popular among ardent trekkers.
Travel a distance of 24 km from Munnar via Mattupetty through Aruvikkad estate and you will reach the base camp of Meesappulimala. The journey to the base camp is difficult, yet exciting. En route you can see the Pandava cave. The villagers believe that the Pandavas, the heroes of the Indian epic Mahabharata, stayed in this cave during their twelve years of exile in the forest. This beautiful cave also shelters countless small and chirpy birds.
The Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) will arrange all the facilities for trekking and camping. You will be accompanied by an expert guide provided by the KFDC. 4 km from the base camp is the Rhodo Valley, the last point accessible by any four wheelers. Tents are available at Rhodo Valley for those who want to enjoy a stay at this beautiful place. The walk way to the Rhodo Valley is bedecked with pine trees. The check dam here provides crystal clear ice-cold water for the weary travellers. Nature is clad in her best attire here, which will ease the weariness of the physically demanding climb. The crisscrossing streams make the trip all the more interesting.
Keep your eyes and ears open, if you are lucky you will even get a chance to come across elephants, gaur and Nilgiri tahrs, that too, in their natural habitat. If you start early in the morning, you will reach the top of the peak by noon, where you will be at an altitude of 8,661 feet from the sea level. From the top you will get a panoramic view of Anamudi, the highest peak in the Western Ghats the Mattupetty and Anayirangal reservoirs, and parts of Tamil Nadu. You can also relish the spectacular view of the surrounding waterfalls including the gorgeous Kurinji waterfall. At this height you can even have a tête-à-tête with the drifting clouds. Surely, Meesappulimala would be an experience that will linger on your mind forever.
Contact details:
Kerala Forest Development Corporation
Munnar Office
Ph: +91 4865 230332
Getting there:
Munnar is well connected to all major cities in south India. From Munnar you can take a jeep to the base camp, via Aruvikkad estate.
Nearest railway stations: Theni (in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu), about 60 km away; Aluva about 110 km away.
Nearest airports: Cochin International Airport, about 125 km away; Madurai (in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu), about 140 km away.
