If the thought of arrowing through narrow leafy off-track roads amuses you, this safari in Munnar would aptly suffice. This iron-rich soil is reddish brown and contrasts so well against the green tea plantations, coconut trees, and groves of bananas that you might as well live in the moment—there is no way your camera is ever capturing that vividness! Our driver, Mr. Shaji, was a wise old man when he pointed to broken bridges from past floods and wear, and also a smart youthful soul as he wildly plunged us down steep hill tracks, all the while explaining how Munnar grows and exports a bunch of spices like black pepper, which we saw drying under the bright sun, and rubber trees dripping gum into buckets and bags.
Our first stop in this safari happened at the hanging bridge, which offers a lush green view of the Western Ghat mountain range. Along with a slight swaying of the suspended bridge, you also hear the continuous roar of the Panniyar River below. Since it is a popular tourist location, there is no dearth of fruit snacks and adventure sports like ziplining and darts around this spot. What is worth mentioning is that no vehicle actually crosses the bridge, so you can truly take in the view without fear of much traffic.
Ponmudi Dam is well known for bird watching, picnic spots, and an echo point, which we eventually did check out, but most of all, the calm and serene nature that surrounds it. As we drove further up towards Nadukani View Point, we were cheekily surprised by parakeets and an enormous range of wild flowers like lilies, petunias, and wild berry blooms along the hill surface. We, of course, ensured to enjoy that moment with a hot bowl of Maggi—why? Well, it's more of an "if you know, you know" thing; hills and Maggi go hand in hand, and I, as a pahadi, can say that for a fact.
And just like all good things, before you know it, the ride is over, but I relish the fact that all those off-track roads now remain embedded in my mind—I am sure Mr. Shaji would appreciate that.
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