Mamalakandam, located in Ernakulam district, Kerala, is a beautiful destination surrounded by mountain ranges, green hills, and scenic landscapes. A Jeep Safari through this region offers an opportunity to explore rugged mountain roads, enjoy panoramic views, and discover interesting places away from the usual tourist routes.
During our Mamalakandam Jeep Safari, we visited two fascinating destinations: Konipara and Munippara. Our journey also included a stop at a small waterfall, making the experience even more memorable.
Starting Our Journey at Mamalakandam School
Our Jeep Safari begins at the famous school in Mamalakandam. Surrounded by green hills and beautiful mountain ranges, the school is situated in a scenic location.
One of its most attractive features is the waterfall visible among the mountains behind the school. During the monsoon season, when water flows abundantly down the hills, the waterfall adds considerably to the beauty of the surroundings.
From here, we begin our journey through the mountain roads of Mamalakandam, heading towards our first destination, Konipara.
An Exciting Off-Road Journey Through the Mountains
The Jeep Safari itself is one of the highlights of the experience. The route takes us along rugged mountain roads with steep climbs, descents, sharp bends, rocks, and potholes.
As our jeep moves along the uneven terrain, we get to enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Every turn reveals a different perspective of the landscape, making the journey enjoyable for anyone who appreciates mountain scenery and off-road adventures.
Some sections of the route are particularly challenging, adding excitement to the ride. The combination of adventurous driving and scenic mountain views makes the journey to Konipara an experience in itself.
Konipara: The Highest Motorable Point in Ernakulam District
Our first destination is Konipara, considered the highest motorable point in Ernakulam district. Located among the mountain ranges of Mamalakandam, this destination is known for its scenic views and thrilling Jeep Safari route.
One of the main attractions of Konipara is the panoramic view of three districts: Ernakulam, Idukki, and Thrissur. From this elevated location, visitors can enjoy the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys stretching into the distance.
The vast landscape offers a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of Kerala's highlands.
Sunset Views from Konipara
If you are lucky enough to visit at the right time and weather conditions permit, you may also get to enjoy a beautiful sunset from Konipara.
Watching the sun descend behind the mountain ranges can be a memorable experience. The changing colours of the sky and the silhouettes of the distant hills create a beautiful scene.
After spending some time enjoying the views at Konipara, we continue our Jeep Safari towards our next destination, Munippara.
Munippara: Discovering an Ancient Muniyara
Our next stop is Munippara, a place with an interesting historical feature known as a Muniyara.
Muniyaras are ancient stone structures associated with the megalithic period. These structures are found in different parts of Kerala and are generally associated with ancient burial practices. The Muniyara at Munippara is also used for prayers.
The structure is made using large stones arranged in a distinctive form. Its unusual construction makes it an interesting place to explore, particularly for visitors interested in ancient stone structures and local history.
The Damage to Munippara Muniyara in 1994
One of the notable features of this Muniyara is the damage it sustained in 1994.
During that incident, the large rock at the top broke, while one of the side rocks became slightly tilted. These changes can still be seen at the site today.
Seeing the structure up close gives us an opportunity to appreciate its distinctive construction and the way these ancient stone structures have remained part of the local landscape.
Munippara offers a different experience from Konipara. While Konipara is mainly about mountain views and the off-road adventure, Munippara allows us to discover a fascinating structure associated with the region's past.
A Short Stop at a Small Waterfall
After exploring Munippara and seeing the ancient Muniyara, we continue our journey along the mountain route.
Along the way, we stop beside a small waterfall and spend some time enjoying the cool surroundings. The sound of flowing water and the natural scenery provide a pleasant break during our Jeep Safari.
After spending some time there, we resume our journey and bring our Mamalakandam adventure to an end.
Mamalakandam Jeep Safari: Price and Driver Details
If you are planning to experience this Jeep Safari, here are the details from our trip.
Jeep Safari charges we paid:
- Konipara: ₹2,500
- Muniyara at Munippara: ₹1,000
- Combined trip to both destinations: ₹3,000
We travelled with our driver, Lukose, and two jeeps went together for the safari. Instead of booking the two destinations separately, we opted for the combined trip and paid ₹3,000.
Lukose is a friendly and talkative person. We had several interesting conversations with him about different travel experiences during our journey, which made the safari even more enjoyable.
Driver contact: Lukose's contact number is provided in the YouTube video description for anyone interested in arranging a similar trip. Please contact him directly to confirm the current charges, route, and availability, as prices may change.
Final Thoughts
Our Mamalakandam Jeep Safari was a memorable experience combining adventure, mountain scenery, and a glimpse into the region's past.
From starting our journey near the famous Mamalakandam school to exploring the rugged route to Konipara, enjoying views of three districts, discovering the ancient Muniyara at Munippara, and stopping at a small waterfall, each part of the trip offered something different.
If you enjoy off-road adventures and exploring the mountain landscapes of Kerala, Mamalakandam is a destination worth considering.
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this travel story, explore more travel experiences on Wanderlust Channel, where we share adventures and travel stories from Kerala and destinations around the world.
Happy travelling!
