Standing at 8,661 feet, Meesapulimala is the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats and the highest trekking point in Kerala (after Anamudi). Located just 25 km from Munnar, this UNESCO World Heritage site became a cultural sensation following the 2015 film Charlie, where Dulquer Salmaan famously asked, “Have you seen snow falling on Meesapulimala?”
Beyond the cinematic fame, it is a biodiversity hotspot, home to the rare Neelakurinji flowers (blooming once every 12 years), Nilgiri Tahr, Sambar deer, and the vibrant Rhododendron arboreum—the “wild rose” that gives the famous Rhodo Mansion its name.
Planning and Logistics
A trip to this peak requires preparation, as access is strictly regulated by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC).
- Booking: Accommodations must be reserved in advance via the KFDC website.
- Stay Options: 1. Base Camp: Tents (ideal for those seeking a rugged experience). 2. Sky Cottage: For a more secluded view. 3. Rhodo Mansion: Located higher up the mountain.
- Transport: No private vehicles are allowed past a certain point. Only KFDC-authorized jeeps can navigate the rugged terrain to the camps.
The Trekker’s Journal: From Thiruvananthapuram to the Clouds
Day 1: The Ascent to Base Camp
Our journey began at 5:00 AM on a crisp November Thursday. After a KSRTC bus ride from Thiruvananthapuram, we reached Munnar by 2:00 PM. After a quick lunch and a 3 km auto ride to the KFDC office, we registered with our Aadhaar cards.
The one-hour jeep ride to the Base Camp is a spectacle in itself, winding through cold mists and vast fields. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with hot black tea before settling into our tents. That evening, the group of 38 travelers gathered around a campfire, sharing a meal of chapati, rice, and chicken curry before tucked into sleeping bags for an early night.
Day 2: The Trek to the Summit
- 04:30 AM: Wake up in the biting cold.
- 05:00 AM: Quick breakfast of bread and jam.
- 05:30 AM: Jeep ride to the Sunrise View Point.
The sunrise at Meesapulimala is indescribable. As the sun breaks the horizon, you stand above a literal ocean of clouds—white, fluffy “cotton balls” stretching into the distance.
From the viewpoint, accompanied by forest guides, we began the trek. The 8 km path is a sensory delight: gurgling streams, dew-covered grasslands, and the song of mountain birds. When we finally reached the summit, the world was initially hidden by thick fog. But as the mist cleared, the panoramic view of the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border and the distant Munnar valley revealed why this is called “God’s Own Country.”
Essential Travel Tips
| Category | Details |
| Best Time to Visit | October to February (for the best weather and mist). |
| Difficulty | Moderate; involves 8 km of trekking. |
| Suitability | Best for youth and fit adults. Not recommended for the elderly or very small children. |
| Sustainability | Strict No-Plastic Policy. Do not litter or disturb the wildlife. |
Why You Should Go
Travel is what separates us from other creatures—the ability to decide, to explore, and to hold onto memories. Meesapulimala isn’t just a mountain; it’s an experience of “snow,” wind, and silence that stays with you long after you’ve descended.
“There is only one life, and it should be enjoyed. Travel to remember.”