Escape to Paradise: Crayons Guest House, Munnar's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Crayons Guest House, Munnar - My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Review
Okay, okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe a little chai masala) on Crayons Guest House in Munnar. This isn't your sterile, corporate hotel review. This is real, raw, and hopefully, helpful for anyone dreaming of a Kerala escape.
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- Meta Description: Craving Munnar? Discover my honest review of Crayons Guest House! Explore accessibility, stunning views, amazing food, and a whole lot more. Find out if this hidden gem is the perfect escape for you!
Now, Let's Get Messy!
First things first: Getting There & Accessibility (or the Saga of My Luggage)
Finding Crayons was…an experience. Let's just say Google Maps took a very scenic route. (Pro-tip: download some offline maps before you embark. My phone basically went into a digital coma). The road was, shall we say, "character-building." If you’re not a fan of hairpin turns and dramatic drops, maybe hire a driver (which the guest house conveniently offers!).
Accessibility: Now, this part is crucial. I'm not using a wheelchair, but I did see some ramps and elevators, which is a HUGE plus. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, but it’s always best to call ahead and clarify your specific needs. I'd hate for someone to arrive and be disappointed. The exterior corridor felt accessible at least, and the elevator definitely saves the day for those who may have trouble with stairs.
And the luggage! Oh, the luggage! Because the road was so gnarly, maneuvering my monstrous suitcase (packed for every conceivable weather condition) was a feat of strength. Thankfully, the luggage storage service was a lifesaver. The doormen were also champions, and the 24-hour front desk gave me a welcome sense of security when I was arriving late in the evening.
The Rooms: My Cozy Little Cave (with Amazing Views!)
I booked a non-smoking room (yay!) and it was a real treat after all the traveling and the bumpy road. The Air conditioning absolutely was a necessity, because even in Munnar, it can get humid.
The room itself was charming, with a comfortable bed (extra-long, thank the heavens), a coffee/tea maker (essential for a caffeine addict like myself), and a window that opens (a breath of fresh, mountain air!). They had those lovely blackout curtains (a godsend for sleeping in), slippers, and a safety box for my passport and money. I'm also a total sucker for bathrobes.
More room details: The bathroom was clean and stocked with all the necessary toiletries. I even had a bathtub! But honestly, I was too busy taking in the view from my window to use it. The Daily housekeeping was a nice touch, keeping everything tidy and well-maintained.
Internet Access - Because, Sadly, We're Still Connected
Let's be real: in this day and age, Wi-Fi is practically a human right. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Huge win. I also connected to their Internet access – LAN for one project. The signal strength fluctuated a bit (Munnar is, after all, in the mountains!), but overall, it was reliable enough for work and streaming the odd movie.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Happy Place
Okay, food. Let's talk about food. Crayons Guest House did NOT disappoint.
- Breakfast: The Asian breakfast was a delightful explosion of flavors, with various Indian dishes to try. There was also Western breakfast option, including eggs, sausage, and toast. The Breakfast [buffet] option was simply amazing!
- Restaurants: The restaurants had a gorgeous décor, with a diverse menu that caters to various palates. There was also a good mix of Asian and Western Cuisine in restaurant.
- A la carte in restaurant: I enjoyed the option to pick out from the meal from the menu.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: I have to take my coffee.
- Bars: There's a bar for evening fun.
- Room service: The Room service [24-hour] was a godsend after a long day of exploring, especially when you're too lazy to leave your room.
- Snacks: There's a snack bar for a quick bite. You won't go hungry, trust me.
More details about the dining experience: They offer breakfast in-room, good when wanting to enjoy a more relaxed start to the day. They have alternative meal arrangement, which is a great option for those on a specific diet. Plus, there' a nice poolside bar offers a refreshing drink.
Things to Do / Ways to Relax: Spa Days and Mountain Magic
- The Pool: The swimming pool [outdoor] with a pool with view was divine. Seriously, just staring at the mountains from the pool was therapeutic.
- Spa Bliss: I splashed out (pun intended) on a massage at the spa. Pure bliss! It's a great way to unwind after all the trekking.
- Fitness: They also have a fitness center, but I’ll admit, the mountains and the food were all the exercise I needed.
Things to do outside the guest house are also plenty:
- Things to do: You can do airport transfer, bicycle parking, car park [free of charge], car park [on-site], car power charging station, and taxi service.
- For the kids: They have babysitting service and are family/child friendly.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe & Sound
I give them a gold star for cleanliness. Everything was spotless. I appreciated the Anti-viral cleaning products and the Daily disinfection in common areas. The Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere, and the staff seemed genuinely committed to keeping everything safe. They also had a Doctor/nurse on call which is a nice touch.
Safety/security feature: The front desk [24-hour], Safety/security feature, and Security [24-hour] made feel safe, and the CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property give the peace of mind.
Overall Vibe & Quirks:
Crayons Guest House is a breath of fresh air. It's not overly pretentious, and it has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The staff were genuinely friendly and helpful, always ready with a smile and a genuine desire to make your stay enjoyable.
The Quirks:
- The occasional power outage (common in the area). Embrace it! It adds to the charm.
- The phone inside the bathroom phone.
- The gift shop.
- The soundproof rooms.
The Verdict:
Would I recommend Crayons Guest House? Absolutely! It's a perfect blend of comfort, stunning scenery, delicious food, and genuine hospitality. It's a great base for exploring Munnar, and it's also a wonderful place to just unwind and escape the chaos of life.
My Emotional Reaction:
- Positive: I left Crayons Guest House feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and already plotting my return. It was a truly memorable experience.
- Highly Recommended
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into my chaotic, crayon-colored adventure at CRAYONS Guest House in Munnar, India. Forget those pristine travel blogs; this is the real, sweaty, mosquito-bitten deal. Prepare for a bumpy ride, because my planning skills are about as tight as a wet sock.
CRAYONS Guest House Munnar Chaos (The Slightly Over-Dramatic Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Tea Plantation Confusion
7:00 AM – Kochi Airport Catastrophe (and the promise of chai): Okay, let's be honest, the REALITY of travel is, that it is sometimes, awful. Woke up in Kochi, feeling like a zombie. The airport was a swirling vortex of sweaty armpits, delayed flights (thanks Air India!), and the existential dread of realizing I'd forgotten to pack a decent book. Made it to the arrivals, finally, an hour late. My driver, a kind soul named Rajeev, thankfully, was patiently waiting, the sun beat down so hard that I sweated off my makeup. I immediately demanded a chai, "The STRONG kind!" I grumbled.
9:00 AM - The Drive to Munnar (with a side of motion sickness): Rajeev, bless him, drove us through some stunning landscapes, winding roads like a nervous noodle. The hills were so green, it felt like my eyeballs were being force-fed chlorophyll. But the roads? Oh, the roads. Let's just say my stomach and the scenic beauty had a very tense relationship.
12:00 PM - Arrival at CRAYONS! (and a moment of pure joy): Finally! CRAYONS! The promise of escape. The guest house looked even more charming in real life than it did in the photos – a kaleidoscope of colors that instantly lifted my spirits. The air smelled of jasmine and something indescribably…fresh. I almost cried. Like, a happy, "I'm finally here!" cry.
1:00 PM - Lunch that would feed a small army: The food at CRAYONS! Oh. My. God. It was like a spice-fueled explosion in my mouth. We had a simple lunch of fresh Kerala meals: rice, vegetable curries, and some kind of fish that made my tastebuds sing. I may have eaten three helpings. Don't judge me.
2:30 PM - Tea Plantation Stroll (and the lost-in-translation fiasco): Okay, this is where things got…interesting. We decided to take a walk through a nearby tea plantation. I fancied myself a tea connoisseur (I am not, actually). Armed with my phone's camera and an overinflated sense of adventure, I decided to go alone.
- The "Expert" Guide Debacle: I found a local guide- a local man named Krishna. Krishna, was "a" friend with limited English. I was sure I could play off being a tea expert, so I followed him. He started talking about the various tea processing stages, his accent got deeper and deeper. I looked at him with a confused look. Did I understand? Never. Did I nod along like I knew what was going on? Every time, I tried asking a question, and he'd launch into an explanation that went right over my head. The worst part? We got completely lost. We wandered around aimlessly for a good hour, me sweating, Krishna looking increasingly amused. Turns out, I'm not a tea expert. And I might need a new map.
5:00 PM - Sunset Views and existential contemplation: The views from the guest house were absolutely insane. Mountains upon mountains, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. I sat on my balcony, sipping cardamom tea (still slightly lost from my tea plantation experience), and just…breathed. It was the kind of moment that makes you forget all the travel chaos, the language barriers, the mosquito bites (those are inevitable, trust me).
7:00 PM - Dinner and a Chat with the Locals: More food. (I told you, I'm a food person). This time, a traditional Keralan dinner that was so delicious, I had to suppress a moan of pure enjoyment. The people at CRAYONS were so kind and welcoming, chatting with me about their lives and sharing stories. I felt like I'd stumbled into a family.
Day 2: The Echo Point Debacle and the Spice Garden Sedation
7:00 AM - The dreaded alarm and the promise of adventure: Woke up by a loud cockadoodledoo! I HATE morning people. But I had to get up.
8:00 AM - Breakfast Feast (the sweet escape): Before the day's mishaps started, I ate pancakes and some fruit. It's really delicious when you are already tired!
9:00 AM - Echo Point (and the ear-splitting chaos): This was a tourist trap, through and through. The place was crowded with people screaming into the valley, vendors hawking random trinkets, and the ubiquitous Bollywood music blasting from every corner. I lasted about 20 minutes before my brain started screaming for mercy. I swear I felt my eardrums vibrating.
9:20 AM - Mattupetty Dam (and the unexpected tranquility): We jumped in a boat and it was very relaxing. The silence was lovely. It was good to be alone.
11:00 AM - A Visit to a Spice Garden (and the olfactory overload): This was actually pretty fascinating. We learned about all the different spices that grow in the region – cardamom, cinnamon, cloves. The smells were incredible, a heady mix of earthy, sweet, and pungent. I tried to be all "sophisticated explorer," but I ended up sneezing my head off from the pepper.
1:00 PM - Lunch and a Nap (because travel is exhausting): I needed an hours nap so I went back to my cosy room. I ate the rest of my leftovers and slept.
3:00 PM - A Wander through Munnar Town (and the shopping spree I regretted): Munnar is bustling, a mix of chaotic traffic, colorful shops, and the aroma of chai. I bought a ridiculously bright shawl that I later realised clashed with every single thing I owned. Oh well.
6:00 PM - Return to Crayons and a chill Evening:: I journaled, caught up on some reading.
7:00 PM - Dinner at Crayons, and the heartfelt departure: It was time to say goodbye, with tearful friends.
Day 3: Flight to the next adventure!
- 8:00 AM - Goodbye breakfast and farewells: Sad to go, the goodbye was emotional.
- 9:00 AM - Departure Time to leave.
- 1:00 PM - Flight to the next place Ready for whatever is next.
Final Thoughts (aka, The Rambling Conclusion):
So, there you have it. My messy, glorious, wonderfully imperfect adventure in Munnar. CRAYONS Guest House was a haven, a splash of color in a world that can sometimes feel a little gray. I came, I saw, I got lost in a tea plantation, and I devoured enough food to feed a small village. It wasn't perfect, but it was real. And that, my friends, is what makes travel worth it. Go, explore, make a mess, and embrace the chaos!
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Escape to Paradise: Crayons Guest House - Munnar FAQ (Probably More Ramblings Than Facts)
Okay, first things first: Is 'Crayons' really a good name for a place in the middle of freaking Munnar?
Look, I thought the same thing. Crayons? Sounds like a nursery school, not a mountain retreat. But then... you get there. And honestly? It *clicks*. Maybe it's the vibrant colours scattered about, the way the light plays on the little balcony... or maybe it's just the sheer, unadulterated joy of finally escaping the wifi-less hell-hole of big city life. They've got those little wooden crayon boxes in the rooms that hold the keys. It's charming, okay? Don't let the name fool you. I, a hardened cynic, actually *liked* it. There, I said it.
What’s the deal with the location? Is it actually a 'hidden gem' or just… well, *hidden*?
Hidden gem is an understatement. You'll probably be lost at least twice trying to get there. I almost drove my rental car into a ditch the first time. Beautiful, winding roads though! It's up, *way* up, in the hills. GPS struggles. But THAT'S THE POINT, isn’t it? You WANT to be away from the bloody crowds swarming the tea plantations. It's secluded. Blissfully, wonderfully secluded. Hearing just the birds and maybe a distant jeep. It's a *vibe*. Bring snacks for the car, those hunger pangs sneak up fast! And pack a map, just in case. Your phone might decide to take a holiday. Mine did.
The rooms... what are they *really* like? Honest truth, please.
Okay, okay, the rooms. Are they spotless, five-star luxury? No. Are they… *comfortable*? Absolutely. Clean? Mostly. The beds are decent. The sheets are… well, they felt clean. One thing I absolutely *loved*? The view. From your balcony, you just gaze at the mountains. Just pure, majestic, green… it’ll take your breath away. My room had a slightly leaky tap which was a bit annoying, I admit. But honestly, I just kind of..accepted it. Because who cares when you’re drinking your morning tea and staring at a landscape that looks like it's from a postcard? I opened the tap and found a little gecko looking up at me. I'm pretty sure it was judging my reaction.
And the food? Is it the stereotypical bland hotel food, or something more… exciting?
Here’s the best part: The food is **amazing**. Seriously. They cook what they can get fresh, local ingredients and the woman who runs the place is magic in the kitchen. They didn’t have a printed menu, which initially freaked me out because I'm HIGHLY indecisive, but it meant she just suggested what was good that day. The parottas are divine. The curries are aromatic and spicy, (but ask her to tone it down if you can’t handle the heat). I think I ate about ten of those flaky parottas. Okay, maybe it was twelve. Don’t judge me. She made this pumpkin curry one night that literally changed my life. I’m not kidding. It was like sunshine in a bowl. I still dream about that pumpkin. My only regret is not asking for the recipe.
What's the vibe? Is it fancy and stuffy, or more relaxed and chill?
Chill! Definitely chill. It’s run by a family, they are super friendly and welcoming, and it feels like you’re staying in their home. Think big, warm smiles, and helpful advice. You won’t find pretentious people here. People just want to relax around a bonfire and chat.
Okay, let's get to the big stuff – the activities. What can you *do* there? Besides, you know, breathe and stare at the scenery.
Okay, here's where it gets interesting. I thought I'd be twiddling my thumbs, but nope. You *can* go on hikes. There are waterfalls nearby (though I never actually made it to one – blame my laziness). They can arrange a jeep safari, which is an absolute BLAST. Just be prepared to hold on tight – those roads are bumpy! There's this amazing spice garden nearby - the smells alone are worth it. And, of course, you can visit tea plantations. I spent a good chunk of my time wandering amidst the tea plants with my camera, feeling ridiculously close to nature.
Seriously, what’s the ONE thing you’ll never forget about Crayons?
This is going to sound so sappy, but… the sunsets. The SUNSETS! Imagine: You’re sitting on your balcony, wrapped in a blanket, sipping a cup of ginger tea (they make a killer ginger tea, by the way), and the sky explodes with color. Oranges, reds, purples, all melting together over the mountains. Pure, unadulterated magic. I remember one evening I was literally speechless. Just sat there, staring. Then, I saw a monkey run across the roof. I don't know why I remember that. It's a perfect example of the unexpected beauty and just plain randomness you'll find at Crayons. It embodies it all. The peace, the beauty, the tiny imperfection, and the occasional surprise.
Any Pro-tips or things to be aware of?
* **Get cash!** No ATMs readily available. Made that mistake. Fun times trying to haggle for a ride into town. * **Pack for all weather.** Mornings can be crisp, afternoons can be scorching, and evenings can get chilly. Layers are your friend. * **Book in advance.** This place isn’t massive and it’s popular (for good reason). Don't show up expecting a room! * **Embrace the slow pace.** Don’t go there expecting action. Embrace the quiet. Read a book. Get lost in the moment. Just… be. * **Prepare for the drive.** It's worth it, I promise. Prepare for some truly breathtaking sights. * **Talk to everyone!** The family is amazing. Get to know them. They have fantastic stories. * **Be ready for a bit of rustic charm**
Would you go back again?
Absolutely, without a doubt. I'm actually already plotting my return. Crayons isn't just a place to stay; it'sHotel Explorers
