Into the Wilderness of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

Beautiful and mysterious, Kerala is one of the most unexplored part of India that many traveler's have  not visited by choice.  With an exceptional array of places to visit - hidden places in Sanctuary's, valleys, and waterfalls, there are enough to surprise any traveller.

Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is one of  Kerala's most pristine national treasure.  The breathtakingly beautiful expanse of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary unfolds on nature's canvas like a traveler's dream.

DAY 1

ENROUTE TO THENMALA

To experience  Kerala's most pristine national treasure, I started my journey from Thirivananthapuram at around 9.30 AM in my car. I took the Thiruvananthapuram - Chenkotta highway which is a scenic one. Enroute is the famous Kulathupuzha Sastha temple. After 72 kms drive, I reached Thenmala at around 12 PM. Parked my car in front of the dam where all team members were supposed to assemble. Since few of our team members were yet to arrive, we decided to explore the dam and its surroundings.

EXPLORING THENMALA DAM

Thenmala dam is the second largest irrigation project in Kerala and is built across Kallada river. You can visit the dam and its surroundings by taking an entry ticket for Rs.10. Photography is not allowed in the dam premises. You have to walk a lot of steps to reach the top.  This place is blessed with natural beauty. A long walk through the tar road from the other side of the dam takes you to the main road.

Thenmala Dam

Then we moved to Forest Information Centre of  Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary which is half kms from the Dam junction. By 2.30 PM, our bus was ready. After verification of identity, we boarded the bus which takes you to the boating centre. After a shorter bus ride of 2 kms, we reached the boating centre.

BOATING

At around 3 PM, we started out boating. The main attraction of this package is the boating in Parappar reservoir on the way to the Idimuzhangan camp shed.  Stretching for plenty of kilometers with the blue water beside, the ride will definitely make you awe. The weather is comfortably cool and the water level is around 85 ft.

Enroute, we had a pit stop for packed lunch. We spent some time for photography and enjoyed the beauty of the sprawling expanse of reservoir. You can see the incredible vibrant colors - the deep blue sky, the mountains covered by green mat and the water body surrounded by beautiful landscapes. As all the goodness sinks in, you are sure to lose yourself.

Unpredictable and vast, the forests and the reservoir are home to wild animals, birds and other species.One can often spot them in their natural habitat which is enriched with flora and fauna.

We saw these elephants strolling through the forest.

The boating ended at around 5.30 pm. It was an awesome experience as it allowed us to immerse into the tranquil natural charm of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary.

Then a short walk of 2 kms to the base camp - Idimuzhangan camp site.

There is a vast area in front of the camp site. We could see heavy footsteps of a Indian Gaur on the way.

JUNGLE CAMPING

There are various camping packages run by Shendurney Ecotourism. Idimuzhangan is one of the camping site of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary beside the Parappar reservoir.  There should be atleast 5 persons to get the permission for camping. As part of the package, they will allot a cook, a guide and a staff to accompany the team of tourists.  As the name suggests, if you make a loud noise in this place, an echo will be formed.

It was around 6 PM when we reached the camp site. The site was protected from wild animals by fenced electric wires and a moat. There were two  bath attached rooms which can accommodate 3-4 persons in each room. One veranda, kitchen and an open area with campfire facility is also part of the site. No phone or Internet connectivity is available in this area.

LEISURE TIME

After having rest for sometime, we moved to the nearby stream for bath. It was a big relief for us after an entire day of travel. It was around 7 PM when we came back to the campsite. Upon reaching, hot black tea was served. Meanwhile, the campfire was also ready. We spent some time singing songs.

It was time for dinner. Our host had prepared tasty meals for us.

DAY 2

It was around 6 AM. After a restful night sleep, I was already jumping to start my day. After an energetic black tea, we moved to bathe in the stream - Natural Spa in streams.

And we walked up the falls, cooling off in the pools forming below them, and a shower under natural water.

ROAMING AROUND

It doesn't make sense if you spend your misty morning in the camp shed. Since we are staying in the buffer zone of the sanctuary, we decided to have a morning walk in the lap of wilderness expecting elephants roam in the grasslands . The area is packed with astonishing sites and remarkable destinations.

Spotted the  skeletal remains of a Indian Gaur which was  attacked by a tiger.

We were lucky to have a distant view of a Indian Gaur strolling through the forest.

Again we returned to the base camp at around 9.30 am.

THE TREK

There are various trials, hikers can choose based on their skills. We decided to take the moderate trial to Nirapara. The Nirapara Trial takes the hiker through the magnificent forest.

Then we started the forest trek at around 9.30 AM.  It was an awesome experience by walking through the forest, marveling the peaceful surroundings and sensing the jungle music.

Spotted moottil pazham( fruit which was used by tribes in ancient days).

The forest area is rich in flora and fauna and various medicinal plants. Spotted an artificial pond for elephants.

Soon we reached Nirapara. The Nirapara spot offers a spectacular view of rock formation and distant view of reservoir with forest as a background, to hikers.

After a little rest and photography, we resumed our trek back to the camp site. Enroute we spotted a big tree. We found many of these on our way in different size.

Reached back to campsite at around 2.30 pm. The trek has come to symbolize Kerala's stunning scenic wealth. It was around 10 kms hiking route that took around 5 hours and the path takes you to wonderful landscapes.

After having lunch and rest for some time, we started our return journey to Thenmala.

Whether you are a adventurer, peace searcher, nature admirer or lover of photography, you can enjoy everything here. It was a memorable two days in the forest.

Read More

Sabarimala Yatra

Situated on a hilltop (about 3000 feet above sea level) named Sabarimala ( Mount Sabari) in Pathanamthitta district, in the Indian state of Kerala, the temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is known as Sabarimala Sree Ayyappaswamy Temple. Sabarimala  lies in the Sahyadris, the Western Ghats.

KETTUNIRA

Wearing the holy Mala and black clothes, I reached the temple for Kettunira - preparation of the travel kit (irumudi kettu). Without the irumudi, the devotees are not allowed to climb the 'pathinettaam padi'   (18 steps) at the Sannidhanam.

The irumudi kettu has twin pockets. The pooja articles and offerings to Lord Ayyappa are placed in this kit. There are minimum three coconuts in this kit. The first coconut is to be broken at the Pampa Ganapati Temple, the second at Pathinettam Padi and the third one is used to fill ghee.( A coconut is cleaned and polished and a hole is made on one eye of the coconut, emptying the water inside. Ghee is filled inside this coconut).

After completing the Kettunira for all the group members, the Guruswami placed the 'irumudikettu' on our head.

THE JOURNEY STARTS

And the journey starts with chanting Saranam. There are three routes to reach Sabarimala. Our route was Erumeli->Pampa->Sabarimala.  Erumeli is the most popular route to the shrine.  Legend says that  Ayyappa himself followed this path to the summit of the hill.  It is also the most arduous route - 61 kms through the forested hills.

Day 2:

At around 2 AM, we reached Erumeli Temple.

Add caption

You can watch or participate in the famous Erumeli Petta Thullal. The devotees paint themselves with colors and carry tree branches, odd-looking arrows etc.  and dance with drum and chants  'Ayyappa thinthaka thom, Swami thinthaka thom'.

There are two other shrines adjacent to the main temple at Erumeli -  one for Lord Ayyappa and the other one dedicated to Vavar Swamy- the Muslim aide of  Lord Ayyappa.

Devotees usually visit the shrine dedicated to Vavar on the way to Sabarimala.

JUNGLE WALK

You can either walk till Mukkoshi temple or take a private vehicle to reach there. The trek through the dense forest (Periyar Tiger Reserve) starts from here.

Add caption

This dense forest area till Pampa river is known as Poongavanam.

The Devaswam Board has arranged several resting places( Thavalam)  at regular intervals.  There are three thavalam' s in between - Vallaramchetta, Puthussery and Karimala. Devotees can take rest or have food and drinks like water, butter-milk, cool drinks etc etc.

The next stop was Kariyilam thodu and we took rest here for sometime.  Karimala trek starts from this place. It was an absolutely  memorable experience to walk through the dense forests chanting Saranam.

On the top of Karimala, resting facility is available for pilgrims. After taking rest and burning camphor for Karimala Nathan, we started descending the Karimala.

PAMPA

After crossing Karimala, we reached Pamba river via   Cheriyanavattom and Valliyanavattom. Upon reaching Pampa, a bath at Pampa river was refreshing. Also considered as sacred as the Ganga up north, devotees believe that a dip in the river can wash away all the sins of a lifetime.

There are accommodation options, restaurants, tea shops etc in Pampa.

Day 3:

Woke up  early in the  morning, had a bath in Pampa river before starting  our journey to Sannidhanam. We visited Ganpati temple beside Pampa river and broke one of the coconuts. Then started our trek through the steep mountain path of Neeli Mala till Sabari Mala. En route emergency shops, medical aid, refreshing facility etc are provided. Since this is a steep slope, devotees are advised to go slowly and take some rest in between.

There are Dholis available for those who cannot climb the steep hill.  It is a bamboo chair  and four men will carry a person who is seated on the chair. Soon we reached Marakoottam stop, from which the queue got  restricted.

After crossing Saramkuthi stop , we reached Sannidhanam Nadapanthal. There was a long queue in many layers.

After standing in the queue for almost 4 hours, we climbed the 18 sacred steps in the main stairway to the temple. The shrines of Malikappurath Amma, Kannimoola Ganapathi , Lord of snakes-Nagaraja are also there in the Sannidhanam.

Sannidhanam

The ghee from the filled coconut is offered as abhisekham to the Lord. After having darshan of the Lord, I came out of the temple with blessings of the Supreme Lord. You can offer other pooja items to other shrines. The broken ghee coconut (Neythenga) is then offered to the fireplace (Azhi).

Aazhi, Sabarimala

Annadhanam ( a sacred tradition of offering food ) was available in a hall outside the temple.

PRASADAM

Bought Aravana payasam and Appam - the main prasadam of  Sabarimala temple.  

Soon we started our return journey with a spiritually fulfilling experience. One should visit this temple at least once in their lifetime.

Best time to visit: November to January
The temple is open to all, irrespective of caste, creed or religion.
Women above the age of 10 and below the age of 50 are not allowed to enter the Sabarimala shrine.

Read More

Trip to Pykara and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

If you are holidaying in Ooty and have one more day in your hands, the best option is to explore Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary which is around 31 kms from Ooty. En route you can visit Ooty's iconic locations such as Pine forest, Film Shooting point and Pykara Falls -  all in a day.

Pine forest
Blessed with lush and serene environment,  Pine forest offers you a chance to spend some peaceful moments with your loved ones. Spread over a small downhill area, the towering pine trees is a sight to behold.

The brown earthy pine forests amidst misty clouds have been beautifully visualized in many movies.  Do you remember the Hindi film ' Barfi' , the scene where Ranbir Kapoor went on a cycle ride with Ileana D’Cruz ? Well, it  was shot here. The song "Teri Umeed" from  the Hindi movie ' Deewana' was shot on the backdrop of these pine forests. One can easily spot the pine trees in the movies such as "David" and  'Raaf" along with movies from other languages as well.

Film Shooting spot
Situated about 7 kms from Ooty, this location is on the way to Pykara.  Also known as 9th mile, this is a popular destination around Ooty.  You can enjoy the landscape by walking around the area and you have an option for horse riding as well.

Many cine shoots have been done here and hence it got its name and popularity.  Scene from the song "Aisi Deewangi" was shot here. The stunning views of the mountain ranges and a stretch of clear meadows will mesmerise you.

Pykara Falls

Pykara is the largest river in the Nilgiris District and is located about 20 kms from Ooty on the Ooty-Mysore Road.

And a long walk from the main road will take you to the entrance of the Falls. After taking entry tickets, you have to walk down the steps. En route you can enjoy the forests, river flowing next to it and the mountains that surround the region.

It gets down majestically in a series of cascades and the last two falls of 55 meters and 61 meters are known as Pykara Falls. Some of the famous movie songs including songs from ' Mr. Perfect' , the Telugu movie, were shot here.

Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary

The Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary also a declared Tiger Reserve, shares boundaries with Karnataka and Kerala.

After 2 hours journey from Ooty, we reached Mudumalai. We were excited for a Safari and for me this was my first safari.  The Safari is conducted by the Forest Department  in  their vehicle and is available only from  7 am to 10 am and from 3 pm to 6 pm. We  managed to reach the place well in time. The bus safari ride costs  Rs 135/- per head,  for 40 minutes. The first part of the safari was through well maintained roads.

You can spot deer, Bison, Peacock and birds, but you can spot wildlife animals very rarely. We were in constant lookout for wildlife but only saw few spotted deer and Macaques.

Deer are plenty all through.

No luck after that since we  didn't see any wildbeast or  big cats.  However, spotted one beautiful Peacock.

However we enjoyed Mudumalai Safari. Then we moved to the parking area. I could not  resist myself from clicking  my camera when I saw  beautiful blossomed gulmohar trees,  near the  parking area.

On our way back to Ooty, just after sunset, my camera gave me a striking image of stunning sky coloration with a black contrast of the hillside.

It was a day very well spent and will be cherished for a long time.

Read More

Elephant Sanctuary at Punnathur Kotta, Kerala

Do you know that there’s an Elephant Sanctuary right in Guruvayur , Kerala, India. Punnathurkotta Elephant Sanctuary is located about 3 kms north of Guruvayur temple and is the ancient palace of the Punnathur Rajas.  Maintained by Guruvayur Devaswom, it is the only one of its kind in the world.

Visiting time is restricted from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM . The entry fees are Rs. 10/- per adult & Rs. 5/- for children.  An extra Rs. 25/- is charged for a camera. Visitors are advised to follow the rules written on the board placed near the entrance. 

This 10 acre compound houses 56 elephants and are ritual offerings made by the devotees of Lord Guruvayurappa. Once known as Punnathurkotta, this palace ground has been renamed as Anakkotta (meaning "Elephant Fort").

Elephants of different nature are seen here. Some of them are silent and gentle but a few of  them have a very tough character. They all have names as well as identities. Some of them are Guruvayur Kesavan , Guruvayur Padmanabhan etc...

There is giant pond, where the elephants are taken for bath, spraying themselves with giant jets of water from their trunks.

The camp also acts as a training school for the elephants.

The elephants feed mainly on palm tree leaves. It was nice to see how the black beauties are taken care of and fed. Each of them are tied by chain and those with tough characters have an extra chain.

Some elephants were seen spraying themselves with loose mud.

  

The compound also has a naalu kettu, a traditional rectangular home with a central courtyard, which belonged to the Punnathur Raja. It  presently houses a training school for Papans (Mahouts). This complex also contains a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Bhagavathy.

This building has also been a shooting spot for many Malayalam movies.

Here, you get an opportunity to watch more than 50 elephants. You can enjoy watching elephants bathing, tilting their heads and trunks, and making all sorts of activities. This will be definitely a fun filled picnic for you.  

Read More