Meesapulimala- one of the most beautiful and adventurous place in southern Kerala.This beautiful hilly area, surrounded by the thick forest and thick shrubs is well-known for the adventurous trekking and its own wildlife.
This place is very near to
Munnar, and is one of the best place in Munnar for trekking lovers. Actually the trekking starts from a base camp known as
Rhodo(Rodo) Valley. This place is around 15Kms away from Munnar Town, and is better to take Jeep to reach that place.the trekking includes mainly 9 hills and the very last one or the ninth one is the Meesapulimala.
The name Rodo Valley is derived from the name of a tree which is spotted widely in this area with deep red flowers and the name is Rhododendron Trees.
As the trekking starts through the hilly area to the first two hills, it will be little bit tough. After reaching the second hill, one will get a perfect view of Suryanelli town, and the
Anayirankal lake. It is picturesque place where you can spot clouds behind and very near to you, with a breeze. If you are very lucky, you can enjoy the the beauty of blue hill made by
Neelakkurinji Flowers, which will blossom only once in 12 years...!
After these 8 hills, now its the time to climb the Meesapulimala, the name comes, because, according to the local people there, the far view of this hill resembles the face of Tiger, and if you carefully looks, you also can feel the same. the Meesapulimala trekking is little bit a more tough task than the other hills, being it is considered as the second tallest peak in south India after
Anamudi.
Also the top of the hill is situated in Kerala, and the border of Tamil Nadu is also at the top. One can spot Anamudi from here. Also if the mist allowes one will get a view of Kodiakanal Hills too...! Imagine at what height level, you are now...?
In the middle of trekking one can see some tea estates, just like a green grass land under blue sky, surrounded by or touched by the white clouds... and is mainly known as the
Kolukkumala, and is the highest tea estates situated at 2175m above sea level, in Asia.
Next to go is Anayirankal lake, one of the beautiful lake situated in the valley of Meesappulimala.
Take care about what...?
As said already Meesappulimala is blessed with heavy vegetation, and is simply covered with forests, tall trees, and then grass lands, shrubs (always expect these shrubs which have a height more than you...!) and animals.
If you are very lucky you can spot Elephant groups on the way. According to the local people, elephants came always in the evening time. So have to make good courage while trekking. If you spot one, take the guidance from your guide, being he is the most experienced one in those forests, and he know the animals very well. don't try to take decisions your own at this time.
Also, chances of spotting
Neelgiri Thars and small small wildlife, if you are lucky.
Also, one have to expect sudden rains on the way, and expect a cold at below 10 degrees always. As per the local guides there the warm night temperature at Rodovalley is always below 5 degrees...!
Also, it is better to plan a trekking with some travel agencies in Munnar. Because they will provide good food and accommodation facilities at the time of stay in the night.
How to reach there:
Cochin is the nearest ariport and NH49 binds cochin and munnar
By train, the nearest railway station to airport is Aluva
After munnar,
kerala forest development corporation (
K.F.D.C)Jeeps are available, and they will take you to Rodo Valley at a rate of
750Rs for one day.
1500 Rs for two days
2000 Rs for three days
Phone number:04865230332 ( K.F.D.C munnar)
:0486230567 (hotel hill view)
Morning
dew
Together is beautiful
Life is to
survive
Cherai 
