Trekking Through the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

At 5.30 a.m. we boarded the 17 seater Van from Kochi. When each one of us boarded from different locations, we exchanged quiet good-mornings and set off through the darkness.

The Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary,  spread about 125 sq km is located in Thrissur district, in the Indian state of Kerala. The sanctuary is part of the Palapilli-Nelliampathy forests and forms the Northern boundary of the Chimmini Sanctuary.

We reached Peechi at around 8'o clock and reported to the office of the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Santuary, managed by the  Kerala Forests & Wildlife Department. The compound has a dormitory which can accommodate upto 60 persons. They are basic but homely accommodations with a common area, kitchen and toilet. The Forest Department organizes nature camp and walks through the sanctuary with prior permission. I saw a group of school children camping there for 2 days as part of the nature camp. This package, with the objective  to create an awareness among children about nature and forests, includes  food and accommodation .

Had break fast and collected our packed lunch which is also part of the package. Trekker's have to carry their own lunch box to pack their lunch. Then we moved to Thondamucku by vehicle where the Forest Department has a check post. This is the starting point of the trek. The forest guide briefed us about the do's and dont's during the trek. We started the trek at around 9.30 a.m accompanied by four of the forest guides.

 
The initial trial was through muddy passageways until the forest finds you, surrounding you with drenched old trees for company.  This sanctuary is less frequented by trekker's and hence almost litter free and we walked through the forest chatting with each other.

Soon we reached  an open area for a halt. The weather was cool. Had a group photo and resumed our trek. The rest of the trek was through thick forest. The path was littered with elephant dung.

This Sanctuary has more than 50 different kinds of orchids, innumerable rare medicinal plants, teak, rosewood, and therefore a good spot for nature lovers. But it is not just the nature that makes this sanctuary one of Kerals's must-visit destinations. It has over 25 species of mammals and more than 100 species of birds and several species of snakes and lizards are also found here.

I was lucky enough to spot and photograph a giant flying squirrel. I also got a view of snake and butterflies. Snakes are plentiful. We spotted several butterflies with different colors.

The trek path suddenly curves and opens up to a reservoir surrounded by greenery. I found a comfortable spot to sit and relax.

Since the sanctuary is protected, even fallen trees cannot be cut though they may block the trail.

One Indian Gaur crossed our way. My heart went back to thumping mode in an instant. Instead of taking photography, we tried to save ourselves. We walked slowly, eager to spot mammals and reptiles, taking in the silence that is only punctuated by bird call and the stream gurgling by.

Reached the steepest section of the trek. The rocks were soapy but somehow all of us managed to cross this patch by helping each other.

We spotted an elephant with her child in the distance. She moved behind trees before we can get a shot. We moved fast by not taking further risk. Soon we reached Kuthira Kottukayam. It was a small stream. We had a halt here for rest and few of us filled our water bottles with natural water.

We resumed our trek and rest of the trek was beside the flowing water body. I sniffed the fresh air and listened for a different kind of music. The sound I was so eager to hear was the loud reverberation of thousands of gallons of water gushing down from the cliffs at Mampara Falls.

After 11 kms and 4.5 hours trek through the vibrant forest, we reached Mampara waterfalls at around 2 p.m.  Another four forest officials in uniform were awaiting to take us to the rest of the trek.

It is difficult to fathom such a gigantic waterfall emerging from such a gentle and innocuous body of water. This is not a tourist spot. The uneven stone formations divide the river into several channels, creating a stunning vista. You can bathe in clear water below the falls. The experience of standing beneath the gorgeous waterfall felt right the way humans are supposed to interact with nature.

Had our packed lunch and resumed our trek at around 3 PM. We were not going back through the same route we trekked so far. Further 4 kms trek will take you to Olakara. We made our way through a water body which is flowing from Mampara falls. Soon after crossing the river, our guide asked us to stay quit and cautious. The thick forest beside the river side is a prime elephant territory where elephants are supposed to visit for drinking water. We walked slowly,  revelling in the silence.

Reached Olakara at around 5' o clock which marked the end of the trek. But waited there for nearly 3 hrs for the Van to return after dropping the first batch of people who had reached Peechi Forest office by their own vehicle. The Van was quiet on the drive back home. Probably, all of them were reliving the day's memories !!!