Munnar is a name that reckons well within our family, especially my mothers side. In the early 1900’s my grandpa (Mr.Thomas), his brother & many more of his close family circle were early settlers in Munnar…finding their livelihood in tea trails of Munnar Hills…Kannan Devan Hills to be exact.
Life in the Hills wasn’t easy..the cold climate, the frequent rains, the difficult jobs in the plantation, challenges for good education & health care really took a toll on them. It’s their sacrifices that has uplifted us to the comforts of life we enjoy today.
Around the Independence time, many of them returned back and settled down in our native doing other jobs. My mother (Mrs.T. Christinal) was doing her 8th standard when she returned from Munnar. Her brother, Mr. T.E.Devaraj (My Mama) took a Job in Munnar and maintained our family’s connect with the Hills.
Very early from my Childhood, any topic on Munnar will excite my mom. A visit to a relative or friends house, whom may have a Munnar connect will bring this topic…and the discussions will centre around Munnar.
Our House will have reasonable stock of Munnar tea (Thanks to my Mama). So even a tea session potentially will trigger a Munnar conversation.
My Uncle had a special connect with us. When my dad passed away when I was 14, he was a great support to me & my Mom. He used to come and stay with us very frequently. He was such a loving & caring person.
Stories of Munnar were never short of for me. But visiting Munnar was an unfullfilled dream for me..finally In 1997 when I was studying in Coimbatore, I visited Munnar for the first time in my life. Splendid. It was. I was amazed by the beauty of Munnar. You can just fix your eyes on the greenery and keep gazing for hours.
1998, My Mom & her sister came to Munnar. My Mama took them to the places which they roamed as kids…It was such a Joy to see them going back to their nostalgic moments. As a son, it was very satisfying to see her Joy remembering Munnar of her time. Both My Mom & Mama have taken the heavenly abode now.
Years later in 2015, I took my wife and kids to Munnar on vacation. It’s one of the best vacation they have cherished.
My Cousin (Mama’s son) Ebi Anna, continues to maintain the connect at Munnar. This summer my niece Christy’s marriage was held in Munnar. It was such a Joy to attend a wedding in Munnar, in the historic Christ Church. It was sorts of a family reunion at Munnar Hills with Christy’s wedding being the highlight.
The Beauty of Munnar Hills, Our families connection with Munnar, The greenery the tea plantation brings, the aroma of the tea, The Christ Church on top of the Hill, the chill cool climate yet the subtle warmth of the sun, the evening rains…You are sure to be mesmerized..beyond any limits…
Adding Ebi Annan’s response to my blog as a Post Script
Munnar was introduced to the world by John Danial Muntro in 1870s when he was compromising the land dispute between Travancore & Madras. Diplomatically, he leased the land from the Royal Family and formed the North Travancore Land Planting & Agricultural Society in 1879. First Tea plant was planted in Parvathy, Sevenmallay Estate by forming KDH Produce Company in 1897. My grandfather Mr. Thomas was referred by a Pastor in Trichy to a ‘Durai’ here, and was appointed as a Teacher in Chokanad Estate. His five children had been settled down in plains and a son-my father was employed in the tea company. Now; the pollution, poor infrastructure, exploitation in tourism are the threat to the radiant beauty of Munnar. The ‘one-and-same’ family pattern of life style has become ‘nuclear’. The truth and simplicity slowly changed to luxury and dishonesty-naturally, an inevitable economical change. The heritage habits are being slowly eroded. Last year, the devasted flood took away few heritage monuments. But still High Ranges has its own name to show along with other distinguished hill stations.
Ebenezer Jackly, Munnar.
I am the 3rd generation here, and marching my last parade to leave before-a-long, but we can visit the place with lot of good & pleasant memories of our ancestors and of our own. I appreciate Arul Aron for writing a blog (https://theaarons.in), with recollection of treasure of memories of my place, Christy’s wedding and various topics, during his busy life. Great of you Arul, Good Luck. Let your write-ups be an eye-opener too.
Munnar remains and will remain as an all-time favorite destination for us. Personally, its a blend of family history and Nature’s Beauty.
I share and comment
the nice write-up of my cousin, Arul Aron about our family in Munnar in FB and in his blog. Munnar was introduced to the world by John Danial Muntro in 1870s when he was compromising the land dispute between Travancore & Madras. Diplomatically, he leased the land from the Royal Family and formed the North Travancore Land Planting & Agricultural Society in 1879. First Tea plant was planted in Parvathy, Sevenmallay Estate by forming KDH Produce Company in 1897. My grandfather Mr. Thomas was referred by a Pastor in Trichy to a ‘Durai’ here, and was appointed as a Teacher in Chokanad Estate. His five children had been settled down in plains and a son-my father was employed in the tea company. Now; the pollution, poor infrastructure, exploitation in tourism are the threat to the radiant beauty of Munnar. The ‘one-and-same’ family pattern of life style has become ‘nuclear’. The truth and simplicity slowly changed to luxury and dishonesty-naturally, an inevitable economical change. The heritage habits are being slowly eroded. Last year, the devasted flood took away few heritage monuments. But still High Ranges has its own name to show along with other distinguished hill stations.
I am the 3rd generation here, and marching my last parade to leave before-a-long, but we can visit the place with lot of good & pleasant memories of our ancestors and of our own. I appreciate Arul Aron for writing a blog (https://theaarons.in), with recollection of treasure of memories of my place, Christy’s wedding and various topics, during his busy life. Great of you Arul, Good Luck. Let your write-ups be an eye-opener too. Ebi, Munnar.