Mankayam-Ponmudi Trek, Kerala

At 8.00 a.m, our party of 19 boarded the Van from Thiruvananthapuram. After breakfast at Palode, we reached Mankayam at around 11 a.m. The journey from Thiruvananthapuram to Mankayam took around 3 hours.

Mankayam is situated near Palode in Nedumangad Taluk, Thiruvananthapuram district, in the Indian state of Kerala. Mankayam ecotourism, managed by the State Forest Department  conducts various activities for the visitors. Visitors can go to nearby picturesque spots and can also go for trekking. You can choose a half day or a full day trek .

Mankayam is a reserved place, with houses and a couple of shops. Not much happens here and this is precisely its charm. Our accommodation was arranged in Ponmudi Valley Resort. The resort where we stayed is a mix of modern and ancient huts. It has all basic facilities like A/c room, kitchen, open dining hall etc. The highlight of the resort was the Mankayam river  flowing just  beside .

And I walked around the resort watching the beautiful lawns and the garden. Rubber and coconut trees sentry in to the courtyard .

MANKAYAM TO AYAMPARA - AYIRAVALLIPARA TREK

Our first activity in the chart was trek to Ayampara. Dropped our luggage inside the room and carried our packed lunch and valuables in a small bag. Mankayam check post was the starting point of the trek. First few minutes trek was through plantations. The numerous farms flourished with acacia trees. There were around 15 streams to cross on this route.

And again a vast area of acacia tress. The path is less demanding with a usually chilled climate.

Spotted one hidden waterfall in the forest.   I could see the gushing water falling powerfully a few feet away from me.

There were small and large waterfalls. These waterfalls are perfect for nature lovers.  We took some aerial pictures of the breath-taking waterfalls while walking through the  height.

It was around 1 pm when we reached  a big waterfall. A less visited place, the waterfalls are surrounded by impressive greenery and rocks. The pathways are slippery but the view is  worth the risk. We bathed in the cold waters, had our packed lunch, relaxed for sometime by watching and listening to the crystal clear water falling from the top.

As there were numerous streams to cross, I took the advantage of getting refreshed by walking through the flowing water, enough to get recharged for sometime.

Continued our trek to a view point. In many place trek path was filled with flowing water and we walked through the slippery patches.

The forest area is rich in flora and fauna and various medicinal plants. I was lucky enough to spot and photograph a spider in nature green background.

The forest area is home to elephants and an elephant family just passed through a distance. So, we changed our route to Ayiravallipara view point. Soon we reached the view point that offered a breathtaking view of the surroundings - valleys and mountains.

It was around 5 p.m, we reached back to the resort. Strolling through the village in the evening, watching village life, beautiful surroundings, tasting black tea from a small tea stall and a bath in the Mankayam river made me feel relaxed. It was late evening by the time we came back to the resort, had group discussions and dinner .

DAY 2

BRAEMORE TO PONMUDI TREK

It rained all through the night and into the morning. After having breakfast, we vacated the resort. Put our luggage and packed lunch in the Van and we travelled to Braemore estate. Spread around 900 acres of tea, rubber, coffee and spices, Braemore estate is a privately maintained estate, which is just 8 kms from Mankayam.

We started our trek from the entrance of the Braemore estate at around 9 a.m.  The initial stretch itself was a difficult climb through the plantations.  Climbing immediately after a heavy breakfast wasn’t a bright idea. Luckily after the initial climb, the terrain alternated between steep climb and a Jeep road. It was a rainy day which did not dampen our spirits.

We had a pit stop in an open area where some film shooting had taken place last week. We could see remains of  small bamboo huts, temple and a well.

After a few minutes trek through the plantation area, we entered  the deep forest area. I took in the fresh air and listened for a different kind of music. We were walking through the mud jeep road path. There were plenty of plain brown leeches and they sat inert on leaves angling for passers by.

We had  frequent halts to remove leeches from our body by applying salt. The trek path suddenly curves and opens up to an open area where we found one ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The front side of the temple is a rivulet. Since the day was the first of the Malayalam month, we saw a lot of people visiting the temple and they reached the temple by jeep.

Then the trek goes through the old horse route to Braemore estates,which was used  by the Britishers. Rain and mist completely washed away our chances to take any photograph. Although it was constantly drizzling, we still enjoyed ourselves.

Soon we reached the Ponmudi road where a board 'Varayadu Motta' welcomed us. 'Varayadu Motta' is a mountain where famous Nilgiri Tahr is visible. When you trek to this mountain from Ponmudi, you have to go down from this point till Braemore estate through the same route we trekked so far and change your direction to 'Varayadu Motta'.

We could see the Ponmudi road ahead of us and the tourists going to the top by car. Then 2 kms walk through the tar road to KTDC cafeteria.

It was around 2 pm we reached the Cafeteria that marked the end of the trek to Ponmudi. By that time our van had already reached with our packed lunch.

BISON VALLEY TREK

Our next activity was a trek to Bison valley. By 3 p.m  we started our trek by entering into the shola forest of the eastern slope. The surrounding place was filled by mist and we could not see anything. Enroute we passed through Sita theertham which is a small rivulet originating from the sides of a rock. We were walking through rocky patches and grass lands and we were on the constant lookout for Indian gaur, wild dogs, bear and elephants. But with no luck.

By around 5 p.m we reached back to the KTDC cafeteria that marked the end of our two days trek.
All of us were fed up with leech bites and we spent around half an hour  removing the leeches from our body. Had tea and snacks from the cafeteria and started our return journey to Thiruvananthapuram.

A day which actually witnessed a heavy rain in the State, with flooded roads and which infact saw most of them indoors during the day, had a few of us trekking through the forest and waterfalls, braving the rains and the heavy downpour ....However , it was fun all the way. Afterall, what is life without a little fun !!!

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The Magic of Nelliyampathy, Kerala

Located about 60 kms from Palakkad town, in the Indian state of Kerala, Nelliyampathy is swathed by robes of emarald. Its slopes are filled with tea and coffee plantations, waterfalls and trekking routes to meet all abilities. It is an ideal option for those who want to spend their weekend or vacation with family or trekking to western ghats enjoying the beautiful flora and fauna that Nelliyampathy offers.

I arrived at Palakkad at around 10 a.m for a perfect weekend. Had breakfast from Hotel Kapilavasthu. As one drives along the 60 km road towards Nelliyampathy, the traffic thins out and then disappears almost completely. The way side green paddy fields and some interesting houses and coconut trees provided nice backgrounds. Enroute we passed through the  Nenmara Bhagavathy Amman Temple. A popular festival held in this temple is known as the Nemmara Vallengi Vela Festival.

After  around 40 kms from Palakkad, we reached Pothundy Dam which is situated in the backdrop of Nelliyampathy Hills. The Dam serves the agricultural and drinking water needs of people around Chittur. This dam was the main shooting site for the Malayalam film 'Vinodayathra'.  One need to take entry ticket to enter the dam premises. After crossing the beautiful garden, you need to climb well laid steps to reach the top of the Dam.

The Dam and its reservoir area are  the main tourist spots. The surrounding peaks create a stunning backdrop for the celestial drama of ceaselessly moving clouds in dark grey color during monsoons.

Pothundy Dam

From Pothundy, the hill range of Nelliyampathy starts. The hill road is part of Nelliyampathy-Seetharkundu preserved natural site. There is a check post on the way  and one need to take permission to enter the area. There are a dozen hairpin bends  on the way to Nelliyampathy. Further on, were a series of waterfalls plunging into the road.

 
There are few view points on the way. You will get view of Pothundy dam and premises from these points, if it is not misty . As we were on high altitude, the clouds were on the road and this is an experience which I love - walking through the clouds.

When we were close to Nelliyampathy,  plantations, orange farms and spice gardens could be seen all around. Spread around 600 acres, majority of the  plantations here are owned by Poabs-India. You can watch the orange and vegetable farms run by the Kerala Government.

Nelliampathy is small town with all basic amenities such as shops, hotels etc. At around 12.30, we reached Pulayampara where our accommodation was arranged. It was beside the Mount Carmel Church. It is  a dormitory type arrangement and can accommodate 50 persons with basic amenities. By that time, our lunch was ready. 

As I made  my way through the tea-carpeted hills of Nelliyampathy,  I found workers busy  plucking tea leaves.  This place resembles Ooty or Munnar. The neat tea-lined valleys and a walk through the plantations that shaped Nelliyampathy make for a tasteful break.

OFF-ROAD ACTIVITY

At around 5 pm, our jeep was ready for an off-road journey to the reserved forest area.  For this a minimum of a 4x4 wheel drive- the good old Mahindra jeep is required. Enroute we had a pit stop at Greenland Farm Houses Resort for a tea. The ride was entirely breathtaking with steep climbs in jeep over the rocks.

The adjourning forests regions have wild elephants, giant squirrels and sambars. One can find elephants, and deers commonly in plantation and farm areas. Also spotted a Mlavu (deer) on the way.

Reached a beautiful view point from where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of Chulliyar dam, Meenkara Dam, Mulathara Dam and distant view of lightning of Pollachi town. The place was near to the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.

Soon we started back to Nelliyampathy. As it had already darkened by the time, we reached the camp site at around 6 pm.

NIGHT SAFARI

It was around 8 p.m. The next activity in our chart was a night ride. A night drive with a guide is also a good way to spot animals.  This hill is a part of reserved wild life sanctuary and it has abundance of wild life to encounter with.

The ride goes through Nooradipalam. Nooradipalam is a small town area with all basic amneties like hotel, shops etc. On the way, we had dinner from a small hotel run by Sri. Ramachandran which is near to Padagiri.

I watched a sambar in the distance coolly going about its day. After a few meters away, I spotted a pig crossing the path. In a jungle, it is difficult to come across animals in front of you. We spotted a rabit and mlavu peering at our jeep through branches of trees. The jeep safari continued till Karappara. The ride ended by 12 pm.

I set my tent on the top of the building. It was raining throughout the night and heavy wind began to drum a beat on the tent. I was warming in my sleeping bag.

DAY 2

When I stepped out of my tent at dawn, I saw the magnificent tea estates stripped of cloud cover.

At around 9 am, we started our  journey for trekking. Reported to Nelliyampathy forest office and submitted our Id proof. Forest officer briefed about the trek and do's and don'ts during the trek. He urged us to comply with the instructions of the  two  forest officials who were  guiding us throughout our trial . The jeep passed through Manalaroo Tea Estate. On the way, I saw women move between rows of tea bushes picking leaves in both hands, tossing them into large baskets on their backs.

On the way, a small halt for breakfast from the hotel, the same place where we had dinner the previous night. Collected our packed lunch - Chapathi and Veg Curry.

And I walked around the place to identify birds and take in the stunning views. I could hear birdsongs all around. Monkeys were plenty enough. Spotted one peregrine falcon. We stood there some more time watching its movements. Finally, the falcon flew off, leaving behind our expectations.

THE TREK

Reached Mary Floor at around 10.30 a.m. This place has now been taken over by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation Ltd.

The forested trial begins from Mary Floor. We were trekking through the forest, when a heavy thunderstorm followed by heavy winds and rains completely washed away our chances to take any photograph. It is a bit steep to begin with, but eases off to take trekkers to a peak that provides panoramic views of the Nelliampathy hills and various check dams.

After 2 hours of trek, we reached the summit of Pothupara. On a clear day, we are told, we could see distant views. The area is a part of Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.  So it’s no surprise that the forests are full of wildlife and birds. The region is also home to elephants and wild dogs.

Dense clouds rolled in, reducing visibility. Then a gentle walk through the rock patch,  a long but gradual walk through the open meadows and then a descent through the thick forest. Returned  to Mary Floor at around 3 PM.

Leech is a common sight here and its bites are even more common. I got around 22 bites and it was bleeding continuously. The leeches are detached  from the body by applying salt. After relishing our packed lunch and resting  for some time, we travelled back to Padagiri where Ramachandran had prepared Kappa and black tea for us. Soon we started our return journey to Palakkad. It was raining throughout the journey.

You can also visit famous spots like Seetharkund, Kesav Para, Chandran Para and Katla Para and see the scenic beauty of the Valley.

A trip to this relatively lesserknown hill station is the perfect way to soothe big city nerves.

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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 !!! 

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In Photos: Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Every year on the second Saturday of August, Punnamada Lake in Alapuzha backwaters become a scene of snake boat races that hurtle towards Nehru trophy. Spending millions of rupees and a months long practice, oarsmen come to Punnamada Lake to exhibit their prowess, splashing through the waters.

Ever since Jawaharlal Nehru, then Indian Prime minister visited Punnamada Lake in 1952, the competition has been known for his name. In its 65th edition inauguration ceremony, all teams lined up for a mass drill and the Punnmada Lake was filled with boats and each team wore uniforms in yellow, blue, red, white etc. Light blue was the theme color for this year .

 
And they moved towards the starting point, cheered by hundreds of vociferous onlookers. The Chundans (snake boats) resembles a girl running over water with silver anklets ( kolusu) on her feet .

It was time for a vibrant show by the Indian Navy.

Dozens of houseboats filled with spectators marked the boundaries in the palm-fringed Punnamada Lake.  And the oarsmen plough through the water and thousands of people line the banks of Punnamada lake cheering them   and the silence of the lake is sliced by the slashing oars of the pacing boats. When they advance through the tracks, it appears like fast moving snakes.

The rowing of boats was accompanied by  Vanchipattu ( boat songs). The boat is rowed to the rhythms and beats of the songs sung by these singers. The course is 1.4 km ( 0.9 miles) on the Punnamada Lake.  Twenty chundans took part in the race in five heats carrying 20 to 100 rowers on board having a length of  about 100-120 ft.

A team of women in  traditional Kerala dress along with men who provided  rowing support, caught every eye !! . Other class of boats which competed were Chrulan, Iruttukuthy, Odi, Veppu and Vadakkanody.

It was getting dark. Onlooker's on the sides of lake waved their mobile phones with lights. After 3 rounds of loser's final, Gabriyel Chundan emerged the winner in the photo finish of the final race.

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Unexplored Palkulamedu, Idukki, Kerala

Palkulamedu (Palkulam Hills) is one of the highest peaks in Idukki district, in the Indian state of Kerala. This hill station is located 3200m above sea level which offers a beautiful view of nearby towns . Ever since I saw the Malayalam movie 'Idukki gold', I wanted to see the beauty of Idukki and Palkulamedu (in Malayalam  'medu' means ' hill')  - one of the jewel places in Idukki.

To experience Palkulamedu, I started my journey from Kochi at around 10 AM in my car.

Route Map:

Kochi - Perumbavoor - Kothamangalam - Oonukal - Thalakode - Neriamangalam - Chembakuzhy - Needapara - Keerithodu - Churli - Karimban - Asoka Junction ( 106 kms )

I took a diversion to Idukki before reaching Neriamangalam. Made my way to Idukki through the lonely roads!  And I stopped my car at few places to click photos of the picturesque scenery around. The lofty mountain ranges were constant companions and unsurprising.

The road stretched on ahead with dozens of curves. Further on, was a series of waterfalls plunging into the road.

I was driving beside the  Periyar river. After leaving lower Periyar hydro electric project area, there is a diversion -  one goes to Munnar and the other to Idukki.

By about 1. 00 PM, after three hours journey, I reached Asoka junction- a small town in Idukki and had lunch from there. A road trip comes with its own enjoyment and a drive with beautiful views was indeed a refreshing experience. Further 5 kms drive took me to the Kokkarakulam campsite. Our campsite was a newly constructed small house which is near to the Palkulamedu waterfalls.

View of the Palkulamedu waterfalls from the base

LEISURE TIME

After having rest for sometime, we moved to the Palkulamedu waterfalls. Palkulamedu waterfalls is a seasonal waterfall which descents here from Palkulam Pond at a  height of about 2000 feet, providing a spellbinding sight.

CELEBRATE EVERYTHING

It was a big relief for us after an entire day of travel.

Palkulamedu waterfalls

Upon reaching back to the campsite, a cup of hot black tea was served. Few of us took a long walk through Kokkarakulam village. Kokkarakulam is a high range village. The main source of  income for the villagers is agriculture. The many domestic animals including buffaloes, cows and dogs add to the liveliness of the place. By evening,  everyone assembled near the campsite. We tried to make a campfire but the rains intervened.  It was time for dinner and our host had already prepared tasty meals for us.

DAY 2

After an energetic black tea, we moved to bathe in the waterfalls.  A bath under  the water falls  is a rejuvenating experience.

After breakfast, we started the trek at around 9 AM. Our trek route was through Muyalpara to Palkulamedu. The trek begins from the waterfalls. Till Mulyalpara, the trial goes through the plantations, revenue lands and forest. There are various types of medicinal plants, herbs and small streams inside this forest. 

We were moving through the edge of a steep slippery rock.  We managed this stretch by walking little ahead and our guide Mr. Pious somehow managed to create a route by cutting grass. Soon we reached the base of Muyalpara. From here, we could see the Cheruthoni dam which is  part of the Idukki Hydroelectric Project, along with two other dams at Idukki and Kulamavu.

Few steps ahead is the 'Bhagavan Thotti '. Legend says that the Pandavas spent few days at this place and they prayed to Lord Siva. It is also said that Lord Hanuman sent an arrow from here as a result of which the mountain  moved back .

Further trek goes through grass lands. Climbing up the hill, we could see the surrounding places though occasional mild showers and mist was an interruption.

Finally we reached the top of the Palkulamedu. It is an ideal fusion of pleasant weather and plentiful greenery. There is a cross on top of Palkulamedu where devotees  come on Good Friday. From this spot, we can have a distant view of  towns, including Munnar. You can also hear the whistle of the soft wind as it blows through  the mountains. And as the clouds descend, the foggy mountains get silhouetted with a dark, bushy foreground.

Further walk will take you to suicide point. You can also enjoy the cool air amidst the mist. After spending some time at the top, we started descending. Descending was quite easy.

 
Soon we reached Palkulam pond. The water flowing down from the Palkulamedu peak accumulates on a small pool in the rock and then falls downwards. Water flowing down from this pond make it the Palkulamedu water falls. A bath in this natural infinity pool was a rejuvenating experience.

By that time Saji and team had carried our packed lunch to the top of the mountain. After lunch and rest for some time, we started moving down through a shola cover.

Soon we reached the base that marked the end of the trek.  By 4 PM, evening tea was served. Our host served 'Kappa Biriyani' (usually called as 'Asiad' in high range areas of Idukki) and hot tea which made us feel at home.

It was a memorable trek and I enjoyed the village, the stay, the food and the drive.

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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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