"It was steaming hot in Chennai, and our skins yearned for a cool breeze to wipe off the constant streaming sweat. When we scrolled through the options for an urgent getaway from the harsh sun, the hill stations of Tamil Nadu were suffocating with crowds, and hotel prices were heaven-hiked. So we decided on a place that was as cool as the prices, Munnar.
It is a cozy town on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, but it has numerous hotels that would keep you scrolling for hours on booking apps to decide where to stay. And that is when we found this hidden gem - The Blackberry Resort. December to March is the best time to visit Munnar, although we visited in April. It was a bit hot, well, to be honest, it was not as hot as Chennai, not very cold either.
We boarded Veera Travels, the only rated sleeper bus from Chennai to Munnar. After a halt at Udumalaipettai, a Tavera or Jeep took us to the Munnar hills; the travel time was around 13 hours. The journey wound through sprawling green fields and rushed to lush vegetation on traversing the Kerala border. Overwhelmed by the verdant scenery, we were engulfed in awe as the roads toured through the National parks.
It took an additional 10 kilometers to reach the resort. It was positioned slightly off-town on a hill, compressed between two viewpoints. I could spot many signboards that displayed fascinating resort names on the roadside with directions for the path to reach them. As the cab rode downhill, the gates swung open. The road bent and halted before the reception building. On the porch, a glistening pond teeming with koi fish in vibrant orange and red hues, painted with black patches, welcomed us. They swam, encircling, and succumbed to the Buddha statue mounted on a heap of pale pebble rocks. The staff rushed to open the car door and helped us with the luggage. We were ushered into the room and received welcome drinks, a dark syrup in a tiny stein. The shot resided long after gulping, leaving a punchy throat with sweet tickling the palates. The room adorned vintage furniture, representing Malayala regalia. The glass-fronted cabinets exhibited antiques, archaic crafts, pure coconut oil, and unlabelled Ayurvedic concoctions.
The Ayurvedic aroma wafted off the oil copper lamp, a still flame burning on the bundled wick, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. We sat on the dark wooden couch facing a wooden chessboard laid with pieces and waited to receive the room keys.
A buggy bike trudged down the beautiful alley, like a river flowing backward. On the edge seats, our backs rested against the travel motion, while the luggage was on the inside. The vehicle moved across a swirling pathway of stone walls, pouring with hanging foliage, the plants dangling in the breeze, the leaves softly touching our heads. It was as though nature was whisking you away to her blissful abode.
The Room
Fortunately, it was the off-season, and we received a complimentary upgrade to a Cumulus Suite! Nestled discreetly behind the lush vegetation, our suite peeked through the tangle of branches. It gave the impression of a solitary dwelling. Our residence, situated at number 101, occupied the upper tier of the villa (Cumulus Suite). It included a balcony, a bedroom with picturesque hillside views, a wooden-floored living room complete with wardrobes, and a sofa. It also featured a generous bathroom with both a toilet and a glass-enclosed shower area. The room was bathed in a gentle, soft light that harmonized with the comfort of the homestead. This place is ensconced in the heart of a forest, and we are treated to the melodious chirping of birds throughout the day.
The Food
The Hornbill restaurant offered a delightful dining experience. Nestled in a wooden cottage adorned with tall glass doors, the entrance was draped with cascading creepers, resembling a girl with bangs covering her forehead. The verandah, supported by wooden pillars, evoked the sensation of a hidden dwelling in a lush, overgrown forest. Inside, wooden chairs and tables were strategically arranged for family seating, with secluded corners designed for couples to enjoy panoramic views of the mountains. The ambiance had a captivating quality that transported you to another realm. The menu matched the charm of the surroundings, featuring delectable dishes from Kerala cuisine. Personal favorites included Idiyappam with egg masala, Malabar chicken gravy, Chicken Idichathu, and Phulkas. Each dish was enriched with coconut milk, imparting a subtle sweetness that permeated the entire restaurant. The restaurant held the distinction of being the top-rated dining establishment in Munnar, particularly favored for special occasions. The pricing, while moderate, proved to be quite reasonable for visitors from Chennai.
At night
The resort transformed into a celestial haven at night, resembling a thousand-star hotel. Stretching your neck, you could behold countless stars adorning the night sky, framed by the silhouette of branches. Adjacent to the restaurant, a woodfire was kindled, surrounded by seating that allowed guests to bask in the radiant warmth of the firewood while indulging in the mesmerizing experience of stargazing. It was the sort of place that had the power to evoke intense emotions, capable of making you either immensely happy or profoundly sad.
The Spa
For those seeking an additional dose of relaxation, spa options were available for residents. Positioned directly above the reception area, the spa featured rooms filled with oils and antique vessels containing aromatic massage concoctions.
The resort offered various attractions, including a game room, the Chola trek, delightful bird-watching opportunities, and a charming resident squirrel who used to live. I won't divulge too much, as it's my intention not to spoil the experience for you when you have the chance to visit!
The resort possessed a magnetic charm that made it difficult for us to venture elsewhere. It captivated us with its immersive connection to nature, prompting contemplation on how much we overlook in our daily lives. It raised questions about how mankind has transformed nature into a luxury rather than recognizing it as an integral part of our existence.
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