Mannavan shola

The Anamudi Shola National Park consists of three Shola reserve forests Mannavan shola, Pularadi shola and ldivara shola 

HATS is a trekking society run by Ajeesh, had attended few treks had a great time, saw the WhatsApp message announcing the Mannavan shola trek, booked my seat as it was only for 10 people 

Last trek was a long time back to Ranipuram in 2019 then Corona came so after a gap of 3 years nice to have a trek again to get fresh air and beautiful views

Day 1, 25th February 2023

6.30 am Bus from Kaloor to Munnar reached Munnar at 10.30, had breakfast idli, sambar from a tiffin stall, Ajeesh also reached Munnar, a Tamil Nadu bus to Marayaoor was on the bus stand reached Marayoor after 1.30 hrs drive thru the winding hairpin roads with tea estates on both sides

The last leg Marayoor to Kanthaloor, a KSRTC bus came, boarded the same. Justas Chetan came at the same time at Marayoor and we boarded the car reached Kanthaloor, Nest Cottages perched on a small hillock with nice views of the mountain ranges

Anoop has already checked in, Sajan, Shyam, Santhosh, Anil also reached on time to move to Brahamaram view point a 2km walk. A beautiful place dotted with trees, tree house, thatched sheds & view of Marayaoor from the view point, and a nice sunset, Joy reached the view point after some time 

Kanthaloor was with cool breeze when we came in, and continued the same thru the night might be around 15-20 C but not so cold. A good dinner Chapati, chicken curry & veg stew. 3 bed rooms with double beds ample space for 3 people and extra beds & blankets for the rest, not a nice sleep with Dolby snoring from both sides of the bed

Day 2, 26th February 2023

Woke up with black tea, and moved out on the cold breezy morning with Anil to take pics of birds, seems he got 2 new birds 

Rufous bellied eagle & bar winged flycatcher shrike

Dosa & chutney for breakfast, Mannavan shola forest office a few Kms from Kanthaloor, a guide accompanied us started trek thru usual trek paths and deviated to a new path reached a small waterfall, spotted a pug marks on the way, by 12 O clock we reached the 1st view point spend some time and moved on to the next to see the tip of Anamudi peak the 2nd highest peak in Western ghats 2695m, as we have to reach by 3pm as it would be difficult to get bus from Kanthaloor, started to move down and reached down by 2pm.

Anil dropped me at Marayoor got a bus to Aluva - Metro to home

Kanthaloor a nice place to unwind, good weather, good cottages, only BSNL & JIO connectivity,most of the cottages provide free Wifi