Planning your December vacation? Misty Munnar and neighbourhoods ready to welcome tourists

The cool rain showers of the monsoon have given way to misty days and chilly nights in Munnar. People took out their winterwear from the wardrobes as six degrees Celsius was recorded in Munnar Town recently. The temperatures dropped to seven degrees in Nallathanni and nine degrees in Kundala as well. Meanwhile, temperatures plummeted to below five degrees in faraway estates like Chenduvara, Thenmala, Chittuvara and Top Station. Munnar Town recorded 9 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, 8 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, and 7 degrees Celsius on Thursday last week. Thick mist and fog have shrouded the areas from Randam Mile to Munnar and from Munnar to Marayoor since winter began at 4 pm. 

Nights are freezing, with temperatures ranging from 9 to 12 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the weather is likely to turn colder in parts of Munnar in the coming days. Although tourists are only beginning to arrive in Munnar, most hotels and resorts are already booked for the Christmas–New Year holiday season. The winter season has unveiled the enchanting beauty and charm of the entire Idukki district, with the hills cloaked in misty blankets and the lakes freezing in the cold. The lush greenery of the verdant meadows embraces the gleaming dewdrops, offering delightful sights to tourists. December is the best time to visit Idukki to unwind after the election frenzy and the terminal examinations. 

These are some of the other best spots to enjoy the Idukki winter:
Kakkakada meadows
Kakkakada meadows near Kannimala factory in Rajamala, just three kilometres from Munnar on the Munnar–Marayoor route, is the perfect place to enjoy the scintillating sight of crystal dewdrops clinging to the bright green blades of grass. 

Pothamedu viewpoint
Mornings are frigid with thick fog and mist shrouding the area. The viewpoint is only 1.5 kilometres from Munnar. 
Lakshmi Estate
The estate, known for its breathtaking views, is on the Munnar–Mankulam road and is about 8 kilometres from Munnar Town. 
Chokkanad
Located just 1.5 kilometres from the Old Munnar Head Works dam, Chokkanad is a place where you could spot wild animals. 

Lakkad Estate
This is the coldest region in Munnar. You could enjoy the mist and chilly weather even as you travel through the Kochi – Dhanushkodi national highway. 
Trending Thekkadi
Thekkadi, known for its beautiful lakes and adventure activities, is another popular destination to enjoy the winter. Mornings are colder in most parts of Thekkadi. Although the day gets warmer by noon, the weather is still pleasant. Tourists have been swarming the lakes of Thekkadi to enjoy boating. Pilgrims from North India and Tamil Nadu make sure to visit Thekkady before returning. Meanwhile, the resorts and hotels are fully booked ahead of the Christmas-New Year holiday season. 

Vibrant Vagamon
Mundakkayam, Kuttikanam, Thodupuzha and Pullikanam have been freezing since the beginning of December. The glass bridge at the adventure park managed by the District Tourism Promotion Council is one of the highlights in Vagamon. Besides, tourists are eager to visit the beautiful pine forests and the Ammachikottaram. Meanwhile, the Parunthumpara viewpoint is around 10 kilometres from Vagamon. Resorts and hotels have already begun booking for the coming weeks. The misty hills and verdant meadows of Vagamon are pretty popular among domestic tourists. Those who want to enjoy the cold weather should head to Kuttikanam, Vagamon, Parunthumpara and Memala. 

Mesmerizing Marayoor
The temperatures in the Marayoor and Kanthalloor regions have dropped to 10 – 15 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, most places here are covered in fog even during the day. The temperatures are likely to plummet during Christmas week. The weather forecasts say that Marayoor and Kanthalloor may experience chilly weather until the end of January. Kanthaloor, which is 1550 metres above sea level, is hardly warm these days. Known as the Kashmir of South, Kanthalloor is a fertile land where winter vegetables and fruits grow in abundance. Meanwhile, most hotels and resorts are almost fully booked for the holiday season. Bhramaram viewpoint, Muruganmala, Thoovanam, Irachilpara, Kacharam waterfall, Anakotta park and the sandalwood forests are some of the attractions here. 

Resplendent Ramakkalmedu
The scintillating hills of Ramakkalmedu receive the strong winds blowing from Tamil Nadu into the Western Ghats, offering a magical experience for visitors. Ramakkalmedu has also turned colder, with temperatures falling into the high range. The popular tourist destination, situated 3000 feet above sea level, is famous for breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, mist-covered hills, and the enchanting wind that soothes your soul. Meanwhile, the off-road jeep safari to the nearby Amapara is quite adventurous. Visitors are allowed in Ramakkalmedu from 8.30 am to 7 pm. The entry fee is Rs 15 for children and senior citizens and Rs 25 for adults.