Quote:
Originally Posted by dextor Lovely post & photos covering all the details.
I have plans to go to Munnar from BLR next week. I have similar itinerary - break in Vivera Grande & stay in Club Mahindra.
It would be helpful if you can share some more details -
1. How much time it takes from Vivera Grande to Club Mahindra. You mentioned the roads are in good condition.
2. Between BLR & destination, any good places for food.
3. Any police checks in middle for speed or paper check? Or if we need to be careful in some route.
3. Any good eateries in the vicinity of Club Mahindra?
4. How is the track to Sita lake - distance & if its a steep climb or forest walk? Asking this to check if I can go there with kids.
5. As you have done quite some research regarding places & restaurants - any particular spots in Munnar which one should definitely cover. |
I will give reply to your queries chronically :
1. It takes around 3-4 hours which include the fuel/toilet breaks, pics stop and yes the journey through some scenic locales will keep you happy.
2. Yes there are plenty of options available on this stretch, with A2B having their branches all the way up to Karur and many other prominent restaurants like Thalappakatti and Nanadna Palace(I had lunch there). So depending upon the time of your start from BLR you can decide on the restaurant to stop at.
3. I didn't noticed any speed traps but even otherwise the traffic up to Salem doesn't allow you to speed up
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/tongue.png)
Only time I was stopped by the cops was at the Chattam Ummar Check post near Munnar and they only enquired about my origin and destination, didn't even checked the documents.
4. Club Mahindra is around 2.5 kms inside from main road and has limited food options nearby. However if you like veg, you can have a meal at the small vegetarian Rajasthani restaurant Shri Mahaveer Bhojnayala, on the left right after crossing Sterling Resorts. Their food was good. Also from morning 7 am, you have a food truck parked near the entrance of CM, which serves great idlis/vadas and hot dosas in case you want to try.
5. If you are staying at CM, you must visit Sita Lake. They organize the hiking trip as well which we used and then went on our own and you can also do that. However there are two CM properties on the same route so if you are staying at the lower property (CM Lake View) you need to ride 2 kms up and reach CM, Mount Serene where you can park the vehicle and take the hike. It's not very steep or difficult except for a small stretch where you reach the waterfall and have to climb up the small section of stones to reach the lake. I'm sure kids will enjoy it as you have wild lemon grass fields and to pick a blade and smell the fresh oil rejuvenates you.
6. My family loves to eat and try all types of cuisines so we did tried out several places in and around Munnar. I would definitely recommend Tea Tales Cafe and Gurubhavan(stick to their specialty and don't try any North Indian dishes). I still had 2 restaurants on my wish list but could not visit, Noor Giri and Hornbill which have a great views too, maybe you can try them out and post your experience for all of us
![Love It](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/loveit.png)
On the places to see, Please do visit the top point, not only for the destination but the ride again passes through some beautiful locales and you can see wild life like elephants enroute. On your return journey do stop at Ripple Tea Grahamlands outlet and you can shop for essentil oils, masaas and partake some great tea combos and light snacks.
Also close to CM is a beautiful lake with all types of boats available. Don't miss the speedboat and kayaking experience there, kids will love it. Place name is Elephant Abode Boating Centre, Anayirankal and is run by Karnataka Hydel Tourism Centre. Eravikulam Park would now be open and I have been there earlier, seeing Nilgiri Thar is another great experience as this is the only place you can see them so not to be missed.
![A leisurely trip from Hyderabad to Munnar & back-img_5466.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/travelogues/2447972d1687261971t-leisurely-trip-hyderabad-munnar-back-img_5466.jpg)
Hope I am able to help, feel free to ask if you need more clarifications.