Misty Garden Resorts

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know, I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to Misty Garden Resorts on the Old AM Road – honestly, the name sounds a bit generic, doesn’t it? But here’s the thing about this place: it actually lives up to that “misty garden” promise in ways that surprised me. The property sits right along the Thaalumkandam trail area, and I mean *right* along it, so you’re basically waking up to proper Munnar hill station vibes without having to drive anywhere for your morning dose of nature.

The location is what really makes this place work. You’re technically in Mankulam, which puts you just outside the main Munnar tourist chaos but close enough that you can still hit the tea gardens and viewpoints without much hassle. What I loved is that you get these genuine mountain mornings – I’m talking thick mist rolling through the property around 6 AM, the kind that makes your coffee taste better somehow. The rooms are clean and comfortable enough for a 3-star setup, though don’t expect luxury here. It’s more like… well-maintained mountain lodge vibes. The staff actually knows the area trails, which is rare – they pointed me toward a local path that most tourists miss completely.

Here’s what you should know before booking: the road getting there is typical Munnar winding hill roads, so factor in extra time if you’re driving up from Kochi or wherever. Parking isn’t an issue though – they’ve got space, unlike some of the places deeper in town. The 7.7 rating feels about right to me, honestly. It’s not going to blow your mind with fancy amenities, but it delivers on the core promise of being a solid base for exploring this part of Kerala’s hill country. The restaurant food is decent (try their local fish curry if they have it), and the rooms stay surprisingly quiet at night despite being near the main road. I’d say it works best for people who want authentic Munnar access without paying resort prices – just don’t come expecting Instagram-perfect luxury, because that’s not what this is about.