10 Reasons to explore Vazhachal in Monsoon!

Vazhachal Forest is a lesser touched natural beauty. It fulfills your desire to be far from people, contemplate and enjoy the nature from hills and valleys, waterfalls and thick forest. Vazhachal Forest Division comprises of Athirappilly, Charpa, Vazhachal, Kollathirumedu and Sholayar Ranges.

The Athirappilly-Thumpoormuzhi-Vazhachal DMC has organised a 'Mazha Yatra' (rain trip) for nature lovers. This one day trip starts at 7.45 AM from Chalakkudy PWD Rest House and ends at 7 PM.

A safari through the evergreen forest of Vazhachal forest ranges of Western Ghats - in the Indian state of Kerala,  offers you an overwhelming experience. A weekend trip especially in monsoon, bounded with biological garden,with hills and valleys,sprawling grass lands,cascading water falls and spice plantations makes for a great treat to the eyes. So here are 10 major reasons for you to explore the Vazhachal in monsoon.

THUMBOORMUZHY DAM & RIVER VIEW GARDEN

First spot on the way was Thumboormuzhy Dam & River view garden. Upon reaching, we had breakfast from Jawan food corner run by ex-servicemen cooperative colony. They served Iddly, tea and Puttu made out of rice powder and Jackfruit nut powder.

Then a walk through the hanging bridge. Hanging bridge is one of the main attractions in Thumboormuzhy. It is built across the Chalakudy river and it offers a panoramic view of Thumboormuzhy ecotourist spot.

Hanging bridge

There is a  construction of a weir at Thumboormuzhi across the Chalakudy river and diverting the water for irrigation.

Butterfly garden and children's park are the main attractions here. You will get distant view of  the hanging bridge from the view point.

Butterfly garden and children's park

ATHIRAPILLY FALLS

Our next place in the chart was the majestic Athirappilly Falls also nicknamed as the Niagara Falls of India .  Situated on the Chalakudy river, this 80 ft waterfall  gives you a view of the gushing waterfall, photography & selfie spots.

One has to descend a few steps to reach to the bottom of the falls.  This largest waterfall in Kerala is set at the entrance of the Sholayar ranges and  originates from Anamudi mountains of the Western Ghats. You can reach the top of the falls through well laid steps and return through the main entrance.

Athirappilly Falls - view from top

CHARPA FALLS

Next spot was Charpa Falls which is situated close to the Athirappilly Falls. The waterfall is a part of Chalakkudy River and it plunges on to the road during monsoons.

Charpa Falls

VAZHACHAL FALLS

Next spot in our chart was Vazhachal Falls which is a rushing watercourse in the Chalakkudy River and is located 5km from Athirappilly Falls.

Vazhachal Falls

TRIBAL VILLAGE

Guests can walk around 1 kms through the banks of the River. A shop of rare tribal products is working there. They make their own honey and some of them also make handicrafts.

Soon we left Vazhachal. Just about a kilometer from the Vazhachal check post, you will come across the Vazhachal bridge which takes you to the other side of the river. From here onwards you can expect animal encounters. Immersed in the beauty of the nature, I looked out of the window, expectiong some special sights. Birds chirped endlessly as we rode on the curves.

PERINGAL KUTHU DAM

Next spot was Peringal Kuthu Inspection Bungalow where our lunch was arranged. One can enjoy a nice view of the Dam and the adjoining areas from here.

Peringal Kuthu Dam

After having a delicious lunch and rest for some time, we continued our journey.  The 40 kms Jungle safari passes through lakes, valleys and thick forest. The cool climate and the majestic view of the jungle makes it an enormous attraction. The road stretched  ahead with dozens of curves.

MALAMUZHAKKI VEZHAMBAL

We were lucky to see the 'Malamuzhakki Vezhambal'  (The Great Pied Hornbill) which is the bird of Kerala state. The 'Malamuzhakki  Vezhambal' is a rare sight in the forests of Kerala.

Malamuzhakky vezhambal

On the left side, you can see the  Peringal Kuthu Reservoir.

ANAKKAYAM ( ELEPHANT'S LAKE )

Soon we crossed a narrow bridge, named  "Aanakkayam Bridge'. You can watch elephants in this spot, if you are lucky. It is a beautiful scenery in the middle of jungle.

On the way is the Sholayar Power House. The water flowing through these pipes turn the turbines, thus generating power.

LOWER SHOLAYAR DAM

Our last spot in the chart was Lower Sholayar dam.The reservoir is situated in Kerala. Photography is not allowed in the Dam and its surroundings. Nothing much to see in this place except the Dam and reservoir.

MONSOON TREK

The final activity in this trip was a half an hour trek. As we were on high altitude, the clouds were on the road and this is an  experience which I love - passing through the clouds.

Soon we started our return journey. Rain accompanied us throughout the journey. We stopped at Vazhachal for our evening tea. They served " kappa" and hot special herbal coffee which made us feel refreshed especially in the raining day. We were gifted an umbrella and a bag with a kit.

A day well spent!

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Kolukkumala-Kurangani-Top Station trek

The Munnar mountain ranges is one of the most sought after trekking destinaton in Kerala, having borders with Tamilnadu. Kolukkumalai-Kurangani-Tops Station trek is a treking journey of two days and is ideal for both adventure and nature lovers who wish to enjoy the beauty of landscapes and valleys in the backdrop of stunning peaks. The places are actually in Tamailnadu . The trekking route mainly comprises of mountain walking and is considered as moderate difficulty level trekking.

DAY 1

ENROUTE TO MUNNAR

I started my journey from Kochi at around 5.30 AM in my car. The road trip from Kochi to Munnar is merely three and half-hour journey. Enroute is the famous Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls. The zigzag road will keep you company for the most of your journey. As you are approaching Munnar, all your senses will be in for a treat courtesy of the expansive tea plantations.  I reached Munnar at around 9.30AM. Parked my car in the parking area which is managed by Munnar Grama Panchayat and they charged Rs.50 for two days.

ENROUTE TO KOLUKKUMALAI

Started our jeep safari to Kolukkumalai at around 10.30 am. The jeep passed through a narrow road amidst tea estates. Enroute we had a pit stop at view point.

We reached Suryanelli at around 11.30 AM. Then off road journey from Suryanelli to Kolukkumalai through private property of Harissons Malayalam Ltd. We had a short stop at Kolukkumala view point.  Kolukkumalai Hills, which is the highest place for tea plantation in the world lies at an altitude close to 8,000 feet. You will get great views of Bodinayakanur town and top station valley from this view point. The tea factory is just 1.5 kms from view point.

We reached Kolukkumalai tea factory at around 12.30 PM. Upon reaching, we had a cup of tea from the factory outlet and visited the tea factory. The tea factory tour will enable you to see how the leaves are finally makes way to the cups. You will be shown how tea is withered, rolled, fermented, dried and sorted.

Tea factory and surroundings

The Kolukkumalai tea estate was set up by the British back in the 1930s. Instead of the mechanised crush-tear-curl method, tea leaves are handpicked and then put through controlled drying processes of withering and fermenting. 

KOLUKKUMALAI TO KURANGANI

From  Kolukkumalai walk downhill, alongside the Kulirumalai Gorge to reach Korangani village. Started our descend at around 1.30 pm . Initial trial goes through shola forest. The route was small and full of greenery.

KURANGINI CRATER

Then the trek goes along Korangini crater. The zig zag trial was enjoyable through grass land. Passing through the narrow path of grass land, it’s a wonderful journey enjoying the pictorial beauty of  the valleys.

Grass land trek

The trail is a treat for the eyes as you soak in the views of lush green vistas and the beautiful view of top station valley.  We had our packed lunch under one lonely tree.

Rolling hills and the valley lend a surreal  feel to the breathtaking scenery and we had a frequent pit stop for photography.

The next day the trek continues to Top station which is based at an elevation of 6,000 feet. We could see the top station trail path .  The sight was inspiring.

Top station trek path

Then the trek goes through Kolukkumalai edge overlooking Body hills. You will get a clear view of Theni, Bodynaykur village and Kodaikanal mountain ranges.

You can see  incredible vibrant colors - the deep blue sky and the mountains covered by green mat. As all the goodness sinks in, you are sure to lose yourself.

The rest of the trek was through the small shola forest.

At around 6.30 pm, we reached Kuragani village. It was a 12 km walk to Kuragani village. Kurangani is a small village located in the foothill of Kolukkumalai Mountains. Again we had a 3 kms jeep ride to reach the camp site.

Village and surroundings

CAMP AT KURANGINI

The package of treks from Kolukkumalai to Kurangini and then to Topstation is arranged by Top Station Eco Torusism. The package includes stay at campsite of Kurangini with dinner,  breakfast and packed lunch for the second day. Hall and tents are available in different sizes at the camp site.

DAY 2

It was around 6.30  AM. After a restful night sleep, I was already jumping to start my day. After an energetic black tea, we visited the view point. It is a sight to behold the formations of different shades on the hills during sun rise.

ASCEND

Had our breakfast and started our trek at around  9.30 AM. The initial trial was through mud jeep road path till a small village called Central station.

Soon we reached in Central station which is situated at the bottom of the hills. Took rest for sometime before starting steep hike through grasslands to the Top station.

at Central station

We could also see the trail down the hill from the top of Kolukkumala to Korangini which we took yesterday.

ClLIFF-EDGE WALKS

It was an awesome experience by walking through the edge of the grassland, marveling the beauty of vibrant surroundings and rock structure.

Had our packed lunch near a big rock on the way. The final stretch was a steep climb without any proper trek route. This trial is considered as the most famous and challenging trail in this area.

Finaly we reached top station view point at around 3.30 PM. The 12 km hike from Kurangani village to Top Station through Central village is a journey to be cherished.  From the view point, you will get a breathtaking view of the Top station valley, Kolukkumalai and Meesapulimala Peak.

Top station view point

On the whole it’s a physically demanding and laborious trek , with a different experience of steep climbing, shola forest, grasslands and villages. However, it is an effort worth taken in every sense. 

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