Around Munnar

We piled into the Toyota Innova with Mr. Sashi for a 4 hour ride to Munnar. It was a long but beautiful drive, travelling up the hills to an elevation of approx 6,000 ft above sea level. It started to rain during the trip but that was okay, we were in an A/C van so the windows could stay closed and we were comfortable. We got to Munnar and changed some US dollars at the bank before going on to the resort which was another 18 km outside Munnar. Once again, the Club Mahindra Resort was beautiful, just like it was in Goa but on a smaller scale. This one was older, reminiscent of the old British days, lots of old wood, big round staircase going up from the lobby, very nice! This one didn’t have a pool but we didn’t plan on swimming anyways. The food was delicious as usual, buffet style so we could pig out. At night, out on the patio, they set up a firepit as well as a large grill and the chef cooked Kababs, chicken, lamb, vegetables, hot fresh naan, all you could eat for Rs. 399 ($8 US). Have I mentioned I love this country?
The tea plantations which were all around us are truly amazing to see. It is like looking at a green quilt of tea plants with little pathways for workers to move through and cut the leaves off. Mr.Sashi took us on a tour of the area, up to the highest lookout around, to a couple of dams, and a couple of waterfalls. That evening, it was back to the resort for more great food and a somewhat corny display of fire dancing to the music of The Backstreet Boys LOL. The hotel was have a “theme night” and had some entertainment during the supper hours.
The next morning, it was back into the SUV with Mr. Sashi for a 4 hour trip to our next destination…
James and Phil's room at Club Mahindra Resort in Munar.

Enjoying the view and a morning coffee. Aahhh....life is good!

On the balcony of one of the restaurants at the Resort. Great place to eat. This is where we had kebabs at night.

Outside the Club Mahindra Resort in Munar

Another great mustache of India.

More tea ..... tea ..... tea..... tea..... everywhere.

These are some of the hundreds of tea leaf pickers working for $1.60 US a day. Apparently, this is viewed as a good job around here.

More tea plantations. TATA owns 90% of the ones around Munar.

Our kebab chefs for the night. As much as you could eat for $4 USD.

The corny fire dance...they were not nearly as impressive as this picture looks!