Munnar’s ‘Chokramudi’ peak beckons with scintillating sights: Trekking details

Chokramudi Hills near Munnar was in the news for all the wrong reasons until a few months ago. Trekkers and nature lovers noticed Chokramudi when allegations of land encroachment rocked the authorities. Now, visitors are swarming at the hill's summit, from where you could literally ‘touch’ the floating clouds. Chokramudi Hills is situated around 7,200 feet above sea level. This is the tallest mountain in South India after the Anamudi ranges. The calm wind and the cosy blankets of mist make Chokramudi a trekker’s paradise. The slopes of the hills are also home to unique flora, including the iconic Kunthiana strobilanthes, aka ‘neelakurinji’, and wild Thespesia populnea, or poovarassu.

The panoramic view of most of the towns, dams, and valleys in the high ranges can be enjoyed from the Chokramudi Hills. The golden sunrises and the mesmerising sunsets are the most iconic moments you can enjoy here. If you are lucky, you might spot a Nilgiri Tahr, wild bison or other animals. A few beautiful rivers originating at the summit cascade through the slopes and nourish the farmlands in the valley. Meanwhile, the tribal stone temple near Chokramudi is a historic structure that shouldn’t be missed. The legends say this temple was built by the same artisans who built the legendary Meenakshi temple in Madurai.

Trekking in Chokramudi
The Chokramudi forest conservation samiti organises trekking under the forest department. The pass for the trek could be collected from the forest department’s office near the Devikulam Heart Lake viewpoint. This place is around 22 kilometres from Munnar on the Kochi–Dhanushkodi highway. The trekking pass costs Rs 400 for Indians and Rs 600 for foreigners. The service of guides is available for trekkers who scale the hill between 5.30 am and 9 am and between noon and 3 pm. Visitors can also trek to Chokramudi without the service of guides. However, trekking is not allowed during heavy rains. Phone – 85476 01338.