I sat on the rocks in the middle of the river observing people walking through the suspension bridge and forget about myself by the picturesque surroundings. The forces of water was divided by the rocks and created pools all over the area. A complete mystical feel, and it was so good to be tranquil there.
I am in Ezhattumigham Prakriti Gramam (Nature Village). It has been 8 months, my travel plans had been suspended and I learnt to live in an era in an entirely new way of living. By the mid of March, it was almost certain that a lockdown was the only option then to fight COVID-19. By that time, COVID-19 had started to spread and fear and uncertainty took hold. Except the initial lockdown of almost a month, I resumed my official duty on the last weekend of April and my outing limited between home and office. The only option was to look back to good old days through my previous blog posts. Every post opened up a clear whiff of nostalgia.
Now months into the pandemic, I was glad that tourism centers have re-opened slowly with COVID-19 protocols. I did few research for places to visit for one day travel and that allowed us to stay away from places that were too crowded. On a sunny Sunday, we decided have a joy ride to Ezhattumukham.
Ezhattumukham Prakriti Gramam, a park on the side of a check-dam across Chalakudy river at Ezhattumugham is the tourism project undertaken by the Thrissur District Tourism Promotion Council, to woo tourists. After breakfast we started our drive from Kochi. Contrary to my previous travels, we carried lunch with us. After Angamaly Jn, we took a right turn from Karayamparambu Jn. Ezhattumigham Prakriti Gramam is just 17 kms from here.
Before reaching Ezhattumukham, we stopped at the check post where the details of the vehicle etc were provided to the counter. We were given a number which we have to inform during our return journey. Further drive was through the narrow road amid oil palm estates of the Plantation Corporation.
Parked my car in the parking area. Tourists began to arrive at the Ezhatumukham Prakriti Gramam to spend a few moments amidst the natural beauty. I came out of my car and walked towards the gate. There was a thermal testing in the gate and officials collected visitors details. Contrary to my expectations, I found a long queue in the gate, waiting for entry to the park.
Once inside the park, you can see children's park and an outlet selling tea and snacks. We walked down to the river on one side of the park.
Here seven streams are formed in the Chalakudy river due to islets and boulders and that is how Ezhattu-mugham (seven faces of a river) gets its name. After some time in the river, we then walked through the suspension bridge which links Ezhattumugham in Ernakulam district to Thumpoormuzhi tourist spot in Thrissur district
The view of the river from the top of the suspension bridge was beautiful. You can watch visitors walking on the boulders and islets through shallow water, right to the other bank of the river.
People who want the silence of the forest and the beauty of the river come here. To me Ezhattumugham is a place to unwind and relax.
