That day, at 8.45 am, 7200 feet above sea level, on the summit, I closed my eyes and spread my arms wide enough to catch hold of the cold breeze in my embrace. The wind caressing my face and hair was whispering something that is still a secret.
I am just reminiscing about one of the most beautiful moments etched in my memory. Yes, it is about the breathtaking beauty of Chokramudi peak in Munnar. Let’s dig deep into the details about Chokramudi.
Chokramudi peak, also known as The Watch Tower of Munnar, is one of the highest(after Anamudi and Meesapulimala) peaks in Munnar. It is indeed the watch tower as it lies at the junction of Bison Valley, Chinnakanal, and Devikulam. If you ask me the precise location, it lies in the Eravikulam National Park.
The English translation of Chokramudi is ‘Head of Chokan’. Here, Chokan refers to Lord Shiva. Chokramudi is a sacred mountain as far as the indigenous Muthuvan tribe is concerned. They believe that Lord Shiva presides and protects the peak as Chokrunathan.
As you approach the summit, you can see a small tribal stone temple or Kallu Kovil. As the legend goes, it was built by the same artisans who constructed the world-famous Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. Though this claim is not verified, this stone temple is revered dearly by the tribal communities.
Anticipation of a mesmerising view from the top is what nudges the trekker to take that one more step. Chokramudi won’t disappoint you. You will be in awe of the breathtaking 360 degree panoramic view of the Western Ghats that includes Idukki Dam, Anamudi Peak, Mattuppetty Dam, and an endless stretch of tea plantations.
What makes Chokramudi distinct from other peaks is its unique positioning that embraces three different ecosystems. You can witness three different ecosystems throughout the trek.
Tea plantations – The lower slopes welcome you with their lush tea plantations.
Shola forests -Between Kurisumala and the second-last peak, you can feel the wilderness of dense shola forest, a rarity in Kerala. It is altogether a different trekking trail.
Open rocky grasslands -This is the high-altitude terrain that takes you to the Chokramudi peak.
Have you experienced the beauty of the crimson red blooms of Rhododendrons? If not, come to Chokramudi. There is a place where the shola forests open to rolling grasslands. These windswept slopes of Chokramudi are dotted with Rhododendrons.
It is believed that this tree had come from the Himalayas to the Western Ghats and made it its home. While Himalayan Rhododendrons are taller, the Western Ghat variety is comparatively shorter. But it is stronger. It has thick feathery foliage.
If you are lucky enough to conquer Chokramudi between December and April, especially in January and February, you can adore the beauty of these trees in full bloom.
They may not be dense, but they have weathered the hard weather of the Western Ghats and stand as a symbol of resilience.
Chokramudi is one of the few places where the once in a blue moon Neelakurinji flowers bloom. They bloom once every 12 years, carpeting the slopes with the hues of blue.
If you are planning a trek in 2026, then get ready for the Neelakurinji spectacle. The next blooming cycle arrives in 2026.
Lace up your boots for a 3 to 5-hour trek covering 10 kilometres. It doesn’t matter whether you are a novice or a seasoned trekker. Difficulty level is moderate, though you may encounter some steep rocky terrain, which, of course, pumps the adrenaline. The trail encompasses four phases: The Rocks, Kurisumala Peak, a third mountain peak, and the final Chokramudi Peak. The most breathtaking view lies at the intersection between Kurisumala and the mountain peak, where you can take in the beauty of the dense Shola forest stretch. It is the highlight of the trek.
A thriving wildlife awaits you at Chokramudi. You may encounter endangered Nilgiri Tahr, Asian Elephants, Gaurs (Indian bison), Nilgiri Laughingthrush, and many more. You can also spot a variety of birds as well.
You have to slog and reach Chokramudi peak on foot. But for that, you have to reach Munnar first. Let’s explore some transport modes to reach Munnar.
By Air- The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport. Once you land, you can hire a cab and reach Munnar. That is the most hassle-free option.
By Rail- You can catch a train to Aluva railway station, or you can disembark at Ernakulam railway station. However, Aluva is closer to Munnar than Ernakulam. From there, hire a cab and head towards Munnar.
By Road- If you are a wanderlust, it is one of the best options. Otherwise, it is a bit exhausting and time-consuming. You can rely on Kerala’s public transport facility for this.
The best time to visit Chokraudi is between October and February. You will be welcomed by cool weather and clear skies, which are ideal trekking conditions.
If you want to witness the breathtaking view of sunrise, then start as early as 5.30 AM. And it is the first batch. So choose this batch as it won’t be exhausting. Otherwise, you have to battle with the sweltering heat of the sun.
November and December are ideal for having the cloud bed experience. You can see the clouds drifting in from the valley on one side of the gap roadside, gently hitting the mountains and slowly melting into the tea plantation (Lockheart Tea Estate) slopes below.
