By Amanpreet Singh
Hey, Cloggers! From the desert heat to the deep sea, we thought we’d seen every shade of nature, until we drove into the emerald paradise of Munnar. This trip was 90% chasing the perfect photo and 10% getting completely lost in the swirling, silent mist. It was an epic journey into a lovely landscape, perfect for the crew—Rahul, Simran, Vikram, and me.
The Drive Through the Clouds (The Epic Start)
The journey to Munnar is a sight in itself, winding up through spice plantations and shola forests. But the Epic moment came when the temperature dropped, and we drove straight into a cloud. Literally.
The fog was so dense, we could barely see five feet ahead. It turned a routine drive into a tense, hilarious challenge. Rahul was on lookout duty, yelling directions into the mist; Simran was convinced a mythical creature was about to jump out; and Vikram was trying to film the eerie silence. We crawled along, united by a mix of fear and sheer joy. This is the fun with friends: turning a potential travel disaster into an unforgettable group memory. When we finally burst out into clear air, the collective cheer was louder than our car horn!
The Green Ocean of Tea
The reward for navigating the fog was the view. Munnar is not just beautiful; it’s overwhelming. The rolling hills are covered in a perfect, uniform green carpet of tea bushes that stretches to the horizon. It felt like standing at the edge of a vast, emerald ocean.
We spent hours at a roadside viewpoint, just staring. The beauty of the tea gardens is serene and truly lovely. We hiked down a small path into the bushes, the smell of fresh tea filling the air. We got goofy, taking synchronized yoga poses among the plants and attempting to balance cups of hot chai while leaning down the slopes.
This provided the most Beautiful Moment: sitting quietly by a stream we found deep in the gardens, sipping the freshest tea we’d ever tasted, and just letting the silence of the hills wash over us. It was the perfect, peaceful counterpoint to the chaotic drive up.
Top Station Triumphs
We saved the most famous spot, Top Station, for our last morning. It’s known for its panoramic views, and we were determined to beat the crowds. The view from Top Station, perched high above the valley, was stunning, offering a unique perspective of the Western Ghats.
More than the view, it was the feeling of shared accomplishment. We’d navigated the fog, survived the steep roads, and spent days hiking and laughing through the most picturesque landscape imaginable. Munnar reminded us that sometimes, the greatest adventure isn’t about reaching the highest peak, but about finding endless, perfect beauty right where you least expect it, and sharing that discovery with your crew.
Have you ever driven into a wall of fog? Tell me about your most challenging scenic drive below!
Stay green, Amanpreet Singh clogtheblog.com
