Love Monument in Munnar: The sprawling tea forest is unbelievably beautiful

Kerala: Munnar experienced snowfall many times. This is why the tea forest spread as far as the eye can see is incredibly beautiful. Even in the months of December-January it reaches 3 at times, which may also be the reason why tourists are eager to reach here.

Under this sheet of snow, the hill peaks of Munnar are rising and there is a romantic memory that no one can ignore. The grave of the tragically dead Eleanor Isabel May Tha from the stone near the CSI temple in old Munnar. 130 years of history goes back to the past and reaches in front of the eternal monument of the British Planting Company in Munnar. 24-year-old Eleanor comes to Munnar from Tinberg in England with Henry Mansfield Knight, who was the general manager. Eleanor, who walked holding Henry’s hand for the remainder of the marriage, had three children. On the snow-capped hills by the river, she said, “Yes, I am.” If I die, let me be buried in this dream world.” Henry started laughing at her, he thought it was a joke.

Within a few days of those words, she got cholera. The disease increased in the waning days. Eleanor Isabella May died on Christmas Eve in December 1894. As per the wish of the beloved, husband Henry also cooperated. The body was cremated on Christmas Eve. Three slabs of cement were placed on top of the stone. Eleanor Isabel May Eleanor Isabel May is engraved in English on the top floor ”Most beloved wife of Henry Mansfield Knight and youngest daughter of Beanfort Brabazon. M.D. on the second floor. Next in line Died-23rd December 1894. Age 24 years.” The admission papers are on the third floor. ‘If I die, let me be buried on the top of this hill…’

Arms of a quarter century
Eleanor’s remains were at the place of Henry Curnall in Munnar. Henry Arene visited Eleanor’s grave every day after work. Wild flowers were scattered on the stone. Henry later returned to his native land and died there. Even after Eleanor’s death, outsiders were prohibited from visiting this hill. On April 15, 1900, Easter Day, the Hilltop Cemetery Yai was blessed. A death register was also opened. The first name on the register was Eleanor’s.