When the vacation bells are tolling (aka the long weekend, yay!), the best way to revive yourself is to plan a holiday and discover unexplored places. And if you're looking for a quiet, serene spot to forget all your city trauma, Kalvari Mount near Idukki district in Kerala is the place. Located about 12 km from Idukki, Kalvari Mount (or Kalyanathandu, as the locals call it) is a scenic spot with a sundown and sunrise to die for. From atop 200 meters, you get a panoramic view of the Idukki Dam and if you're lucky, you might even get to see elephants bathing in the waters (Circle Of Life feels, you guys!).
The road to get here is a little challenging - it's only paved halfway, the rest is a steep, rugged path, so it's best to hike through this terrain on foot. Trust us, the trek through the lovely, deep woods is quite an experience. If you have a jeep or any other SUV, and are confident in your driving abilities, you can take your vehicle to the top - there's space for parking, too. For stay options, check out the two cottages run by the forest department, or the many homestays at the foothills of the mountain.