Luxebook July 2022

sea, is a short 3-kilometre hike, providing the best views of Kodaikanal’s landscapes, foggy clouds, rugged terrain, and plunging valleys. For a more challenging climb, visitors can try the Pillar Rocks, a 7km climb to the top. One of the exciting things about this spot is that it is made up of three vertical granite boulders packed together with dense forests and overlooking the dangerously stunning valley. Aside from these, Perumal Peak and Silent Valley also have some of the best views of the town. Munnar The misty hills of Munnar are a majestic sight to behold. Sprawling hills, verdant plantations, mist and waterfalls, Munnar is paradise on earth during the monsoon season. The name translates to ‘three rivers’ in Malayalam. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, hence the name. Located in the Kannan Devan Hills of the Western Ghats 1500m above sea, Munnar’s tea plantations and waterfalls are its biggest attraction. Shillong. The Elephant waterfall and Bishop & Beadon waterfalls are a hotspot while, the Nohkalikai Falls plunges from a height of 1,100 ft. The Spread Eagle Falls resembles an eagle spreading its wings. Living Root Bridges is an adventure out of a movie. A natural wonder preserved by the Khasi tribesmen; the bridge is made of the roots of ancient rubber trees. ThetangledmessoftherootswerecreatedbytheKhasi tribesmen who trained the roots to grow that way, later intertwinedtoformsingleanddouble-deckerrootbridges. For the best view of the city, trek to Shillong Peak, the highest point in the city perched at a height of 1970m. You can dress up in the Khasi Tribe attire and take pictures with the locals. The Mawphlang Sacred Forest is a popular tourist attraction about 25km from Shillong. Regarded as nature’s own museum, it houses some of the rarest species of plants, trees, and butterflies. Shillong’s popular marketplace, the Police Bazar is where you can find a piece of Shillong to take back home. You can shop for exquisite handicrafts, traditional items and food. The Chandys Windy Woods resort has the best view of the hills and plantations, from every angle of the hotel. Although it is popular for couples and honeymooners, Munnar is also great for solo travellers. The first thing to do when you’re in Munnar is to visit the waterfalls. Atukkad Waterfalls, Lakkam Waterfalls, and Nayamakad Waterfalls are the most visited waterfalls in Munnar, beings safe, clean and simply pristine. The tea plantations are another must-do, especially the Tata Tea Museum also known as Nalluthanni Estate. Another popular plantation is Chithirapuram, a charming plantation characterized by old bungalows and cottages. There’s plenty to see in Munnar like Top Station, a scenic destination elevated at a height of 1800m. The experience here is described as walking through the clouds. Take a walk through the Eravikulam National Park which is home to almost 750 different species, like tiger, leopard, Nilgiri tahr, gaur, sambar deer, golden jackal, wild dog and dhole. The Mattupetty Dam is one of the famous picnic spots in Munnar and is great for boating. End your holiday with a trip to Marayoor, one of the most famous spots in Kerala. The region is famous for its Neolithic-era rock paintings which are said to be painted by the Pandavas during their exile. It is also home to Kerala’s only natural sandalwood forests and is quite a serene place to spend the day. Shillong Shillong is another city that does not get enough credit for its beauty. The capital city of Meghalaya has been credited as the Scotland of India and the rock capital of the country.The name Shillong comes from“Leishyllong”, which is the superpower or God believed to reside on the Shillong peak, overlooking the city. Sitting at an altitude of 1,520m Shillong has some of the best waterfalls in the country. For the best hilltop accommodation, check into The Heritage Club-Tripura Castle. It boasts of the best views in the city, surrounded by pine forests and open skies. Waterfalls are the main reason travellers come to Living Root Bridges, Shillong Tea plantations and Muthirappuzhayar River, Munnar 46| L U X E B O O K | J U LY 2 0 2 2 J U LY 2 0 2 2 | L U X E B O O K |47