Mundanmala

Mundanmala sits about 6-7 km from Thodupuzha town, a hill that locals call a mini-Meashappulimala for the fog and cool breeze that roll over it most mornings. A small tarred road runs from Nediyasala right up to the base, so the climb itself is short compared to the views you get at the top. The main draw is the block panchayat's watchtower, fitted with a telescope that lets you scan the lush green folds of the opposite Pulikunnumala hills. On a clear morning, with mist still hanging over the ridges, the view from up there is the reason people make the trip. There's a nominal token fee to access the tower and main viewpoint, though you can look out from the base area without paying anything. There's minimal shade at the summit, so the visit works best as a morning or late-afternoon plan rather than a midday one. If you're tempted to wander off the paved paths into the grasslands during or just after the monsoon, be ready for leeches — long socks or a bit of salt goes a long way.