Monsoon is the best possible time for trekking. But there is another reason for selecting the less talked about Mankulam. The caves have a lot of interesting stories which gives us lot of curiosity. One such interesting unexplored caves are found at Mankulam. Moreover the climate is turning more pleasurable by the passing days and forest streams are now gurgling with crystal clear water.
Mankulam is just 126 kms from Kochi, in the Indian state of Kerala. Our route was :
Kochi -Aluva - Adimali - Kallar - Mankulam
We were informed that our base camp was at Chinnar Chappath ( also named as Chinnar Kuthu ) which is just one km before reaching Mankulam town. We parked our car near one of the road side house and started climbing through coffee plantations towards our base camp. A huge waterfall amidst the forest and plantations welcomed us.
After having lunch, we were ready to spend a good, long part of the day in exploring the forest and the caves and soaking in the best of what the season has to offer.
Cave Exploration
We set off into the forest. There are ten hidden caves in this area and there is no legend associated with these caves. This is a naturally formed cave system. These caves are set amidst dense evergreen forests of the Western Ghats and cascading waterfalls. There were two caves near to our base camp. After crossing two caves, you'll have to cross a small stream coming from cascading waterfalls. The water is chilling but at the same time refreshing.
After a few minutes into the trek, we realized we were lost as there was no trail to be found. The forest cover was thicker than ever.
We were totally clueless about the route even with our guide along. We could not find the trail leading to the caves. And we reached nowhere.
The only way was to climb the rock. We started climbing the difficult path. The path became more dangerous and alarming and it involved a bit of elementary rock climbing. The trail was challenging, steep and an excellent place to test your endurance. However the experience was thrilling as the trail went through dense forest cover and stream crossings before reaching the hidden caves.
Since it was monsoon season, the waterfall gushed down with force inside the cave and all of this just made for one enthralling experience.
Descending from the cave was a little tricky. You have to go down through a narrow hole, only one person can crawl at a time. Walking and bending and even crawling at certain places through the pathways, tires you out. But this is a great experience if you are looking for some adventure and thrill.
One we reached the base camp, we decided to stroll around the Mankulam village. Mankulam is a very scenic small village. There are some resorts for accommodation. Reached back to the base camp and had a bath in the pool under the waterfalls. It was enough for me to wiped out the day's tiredness.
After a heavy dinner and chit chatting, it was time for camp-fire and tent setting. Few of the team members slept in the base camp and others preferred tent stay above the rock structure. This area can accommodate around 10 tents at a time. I slept in my tent in the verandah. The reason was to keep others from my thundering snoring. I retired to my tent. The sound of the waterfall that is constant music to the ears and cool breeze that started blowing, lulled me into deep sleep.
Day 2
We woke up at the break of the dawn. The peaceful forest trail starts from the base camp and winds up along gently towards the plateau. First few kilometers takes you through the plantations. As you ascend, the forest open up to numerous vistas. Continuous chirping of birds and the sound of the wind echoing in the forest is constant music to the ears. Further the trail goes through Shola forest, crossing several small streams.
From the top you will get a picture-perfect backdrop of Mankulam village. We rested here for some time and every one was busy taking photos and selfies and they tried to get as close to the edge as much as possible.
Further was a series of streams with water so crystal clear, cool and pure for drink. I breathed deeply and sniffed Ayurvedic herbs. I filled my bottle from a natural spring.
At last, we left the jungle and returned to the base camp.
