A cold wind will disperse the fog, but it will quickly disappear again within seconds. If you raise your hand, you will feel as if you are touching the sky. From the top, you can see most of the dams in the district and the natural beauty of the high range. These sights and experiences are found in Bison Valley Chokramudi Peak, located at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level. Chokramudi and Kallampalam are the natural wonders of Bison Valley, which is adjacent to Munnar.
Chokramudi is the second-highest mountain range after Anamudi. This is the place where the street vat, which was the main source of income for the High Range, took place in the early period. You can enjoy the lush street grasses, various herbs, and the breathtaking beauty of Neelakurinji here. Another attraction in Bisonvalley Chokramudi is Purapara, which is shaped like a pura.
The early morning sunrise is a must-see from here. The streams that emanate from Chokramudi contribute significantly to the fertility of foothill agriculture. The best quality cardamom is produced at the foot of this hill.
A historical stone
Bisonvalli Chokramudi Kallambalam was constructed by the same skilled craftsmen who built the renowned Madurai Meenakshi Temple. Historical records, evidence, and remnants indicate that this area was inhabited by humans centuries ago. Chokramudi is the mountain where Lord Shiva is believed to reside. The deity at Kallampalam is worshipped by the tribe, and a festival is held in the temple once a year. Pongal and other offerings are part of the rituals.
Chokramudi Trek Overview
Enjoy the Chokramudi Trekking experience, which offers two distance variants of 9 km and 40 km, with durations of 5 hours and 7 hours respectively.
How tall is chokramudi?
7200 feet Chokramudi Peak is one of the highest peaks in Munnar, standing at over 7200 feet above sea level. Interestingly, despite its intimidating height, the peak attracts trekkers who are eager to hike it rather than keeping their distance.
Best Time to visit Chokramudi
As the ambiance suggests, Munnar reveals its breathtaking beauty during the winter seasons. By December, the valleys and mountain ranges are enveloped in a mystical fog. From December to February, you can experience the biting cold while enjoying the delightful scenery. Now is the perfect time to visit and trek Chokramudi peak. The misty atmosphere and cool breeze create an enchanting ambiance that attracts a wide range of tourists. This season offers an opportunity for adventurous trekking at Chokramudi.
How much is the entry fee for Chokramudi Trek ?
An entry fee of Rs 400 will be charged for Indian citizens and Rs 600 for foreign citizens to trek to Chokramudi. The pass and permission can be obtained from the temporary trekking office located near Gap Road.
Instructions for Chokramudi Trekking
1. Carry a good amount of water if u want to go to the top
2. Not Recommended for Children or Senior Citizens
3. Wear Comfortable Shoes for comfortable trekking
4. Try to do the trek very early in the morning to watch the sunrise
The trek takes you from tea plantations to grassland ranges with rocky terrain. The misty climate, combined with the Shola forest’s lush coverings, provides an enchanting and mesmerizing experience.
Don’t forget to take a break and soak in the breathtaking view of the tea and cardamom plantations that cover the entire hill in lush greenery! After 2-3 hours, you will reach the Chokramudi peak, where you can unwind and marvel at the scenery for a while. You can have your lunch or snacks there and continue your return journey. The return trek is considerably short, taking only about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete.
According to the instructions from the Forest Department, you have the option to camp either at the foothills or in Munnar. By evening, the trek will be completed, allowing you to sit back and reminisce about the fascinating moments while sipping a cup of hot Munnar tea.
How to Reach Chokramudi Peak, Munnar?
As mentioned above, the only way to reach Chokramudi Peak in Munnar is by foot. However, to reach Munnar itself, you have several transportation options to choose from, including the following:
By Air:
Cochin International Airport is the closest airport to Munnar, receiving flights from almost all major cities in India. Upon arrival, you can easily find a rental taxi from the top car rental companies in Munnar. This will ensure a hassle-free travel experience to your desired destination.
By Rail:
Another option is to travel by train. Catch a train to Aluva Railway Station for a comfortable and affordable railway journey. This station is well-connected to cities such as Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, and more, with regular train services. So, you don’t have to worry about a thing.
By Road:
Traveling by road can be a life-changing, albeit exhausting and time-consuming, option for many. If you have the endurance for long hours in a car, you can certainly choose to self-drive from the neighboring areas of Kerala all the way to Munnar. Alternatively, there are numerous public and privately-owned buses available to provide convenience for people of all ages.
Image : Google
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