In search of my Kurinji: The Tale of a Land across Time

At the foothills of Western Ghats – Adimali 

Adimali Town 

 In another half an hour I drove into the bustling Adimali town on the foothills of the Western Ghats. I settled for an early lunch in one of the smaller hotels for a simple fare of fish curry meals. The food in these wayside restaurants are much cheaper and fresher than the more exotic fare found in the bigger hotels, and therefore when I travel I prefer to eat in the smaller dhabas . Moreover, it also contributes to a more equitable and responsible tourism development were the ordinary men and women tend to benefit from the inflow of tourists into a particular region. After tucking in the delicious aviyal (a mixed vegetable dish in a ground coconut base and a signature fare of the traditional Kerala meal) and the crisply fried Mackeral and the other regular dishes, I resumed my journey. The drive now had become exhilarating as the terrain changed to hilly areas with cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations. The characteristic spice-scented air of the High Ranges of Kerala made me feel all fresh and buoyant.

The Jacaranda trees in full bloom and the tea plantations... on the way to Munnar

The breeze was cooler and the uphill drive exhilarating. Soon tea gardens started appearing, and the hills became decked in a velvety carpet of luscious green. The road became narrower as it crested wave after wave of green. I had booked into a resort at Pothamedu which is just before Munnar town. One has to cross a narrow bridge to the right and then ascent up narrow winding roads. I wondered whether the low ground clearance of my Honda City would make it on these roads which were getting rough and tumble by the minute.

Floated by clouds, you can see Munnar town from Pothenmedu viewpoint

Turning a corner I saw up ahead the Pothamedu Viewpoint. This point offers one of the most delightful views from Munnar. It was a bright day but wisps of clouds floated by and I felt I could touch them. It was too early for a sunset but when the sun hid behind the clouds the entire valley became a portrait etched in serenity. 
 

Focus of 2018 Kurinji

Responsible Kurinji tourism

How we are going to control this year’s kurinji is a major challenge for the entire people. . more

The Changeover is not positive

Balan Madhavan says he has travelled extensively between 1988 and 2018 in this region.more