Interesting India'N Ravi

My Travel Diary

2025-05-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

My Travel Diary

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Meghamalai and Vagamon Bike ride 2018

2025-05-14T06:12:00.000-07:00

I was not a biker but I’ve done two short distance bike trips with CTC team, One is ECR – Pondy Bike Trip and another one is Talakona bike trip as a pillion in both trips. In the bike rides you can explore a place at leisure, eat all you want, stop where you need and sleep where you like. One such Bike ride invite was out from CTC for Meghamalai and Vagamon for Republic day. This was my first long-distance biking experience. (Totally 1400km)

ஜனவரி மாதம் முதல் தேதியன்று குமார பர்வதம் மலையேற்றம் சென்றிருந்தேன். பிறகு ஜனவரி 2 ம் வாரத்தில் கன்னியாகுமாரி மற்றும் ராமேஸ்வரம் பெற்றோர்களுடன் சென்றிருந்தேன். அதனால் பண நெருக்கடி இருந்ததால் குடியரசு தினத்தன்று எனது நண்பர்கள் மலையேற்றத்திற்கு அழைத்த போது மறுத்தேன். பிறகு வேறொருவர் தர வேண்டிய பணம் திடீரென்று வந்ததால் நான் மலையேற்றத்திற்கு தயாரான போது, அவர்கள் திடடம் ரத்தாகியிருந்தது. அப்பொதுழுது தான் CTC இடமிருந்து குடியரசு தின பைக்கிங் மேகமலை - வாகமனிற்கு செல்வதற்காக ஒரு குழு அழைப்பு மின்னஞ்சல் வந்தது. அதிக எதிர்பார்ப்பு இல்லாமல் பைக் பயணத்திற்கான படிவத்தை பூர்த்தி செய்தேன். (பின் குறிப்பு: முன்பு பதிவு செய்த பல விண்ணப்பங்கள் நிராகரிக்கப்பட்டிருக்கின்றன சில காரணங்களால் L ) பதிவு செய்து 2 நாட்கள் ஆன பிறகும் அழைப்பு மின்னஞ்சல் வராததால் அழைப்பிலிருந்த கதிர் அலைபேசி எண்ணை அழைத்தேன். அவருடன் அளவளாவிய பிறகு தான் தெரிந்தது, அவர் எனக்கு முன்பே அறிமுகமானவர் என்று. ஆனால் அவர் என்னை மறந்திருந்தார். அவர் சொன்னார், இன்று இரவு தேர்ந்தெடுக்கப்பட்டவர்களுக்கு அழைப்பு மின்னஞ்சல் வரும் என்று. செவ்வாய் அன்று இரவு 11.30 மணி அளவில் அழைப்பு மின்னஞ்சல் வந்தது மற்றும் அதில் என் பெயரும் இருந்தது. என்னை தேர்ந்தெடுத்தற்காக CTC அமைப்பாளர்களான தினேஷ் மற்றும் கதிர் ஆகியோருக்கு நன்றி கூற விரும்புகிறேன்.

பின்னர் தேர்ந்தெடுக்கப்பட்டவர்களுக்காக ஒரு Whatsapp குழு உருவாக்கப்பட்டது, பைக் அடிப்படை உபகரணங்கள் மற்றும் சவாரி செய்யும் போது எடுத்துச் செல்ல வேண்டியவை, பயணம் பற்றிய பாதுகாப்பு அறிவுறுத்தல்களை அமைப்பாளர்கள் தெளிவாக விளக்கினார்கள். 25 ஜனவரி, வியாழக்கிழமை மாலை 5.30 மணியளவில் தாம்பரம் ரயில்வே நிலையத்தில் சந்திப்பதற்கும், அங்கிருந்து பயணத்தைத் துவங்கவும் திட்டமிடப்பட்டது. முழங்கால்களில் பாதுகாப்பு கவசம் அணிவது கட்டாயமாக்கப்பட்டிருந்தது. ஆனால் என்னையும் சேர்த்து பெரும்பாலோர் கடைசி நிமிடத்தில் அதை வாங்க வேண்டியிருந்தது. சரத் எனக்காக அதை தருவதாக ஒப்புக்கொண்டதால் எனக்கு சற்று நிம்மதி வந்தது.

25.01.18 வியாழக்கிழமை மாலை (170 KM)

இளமுருகு தி.நகரிலிருந்து என்னை தாம்பரம் ரயில் நிலையம் அழைத்து செல்ல தயாராக இருந்தார். வியாழக்கிழமை மாலை மிகவும் உற்சாகத்துடன் நான் 5:55 மணி அளவில் இளமுருகு RE பைக்கில் தாம்பரம் ரயில் நிலையம் (பயணம் தொடங்கும் இடம்) அடைந்தேன். அங்கு நான் தாமு, பிரபாகர் மற்றும் பரணி சார் அவர்களை சந்தித்தேன். பின்னர் மற்றவர்களுக்காக காத்திருந்தோம்…….

அனைவரும் ஒருவழியாக மாலை 7.30 மணியளவில் வந்து சேர்ந்தனர். பல முகங்களை எனக்கு தெரியாத போதிலும், நாங்கள் ஒருவருக்கொருவர் அறிமுகப்படுத்திக்கொண்டோம். தினேஷ் மற்றும் கதிர் அனைவருக்கும் பாதுகாப்பு அறிவுறுத்தல்களை தெளிவாக விளக்கினார்கள். தினேஷ் மற்றும் பரணி சார் அவர்களால் எங்கள் பைகள், தார்பாய்கள் மற்றும் டென்ட்கள் அவரவர்கள் பைக்கில் நன்கு கட்டப்பட்டிருந்தது. என்னை பிரபாகர் பைக்கின் பின்னால் உட்காரச்சொன்னார்கள்.

மாலை 7.50 மணியளவில் நாங்கள் 19 அந்நியர்கள் 11 பைக்கில் பயணத்தைத் தொடங்கினோம். ஒரு நீண்ட விடுமுறை வார இறுதியாக இருந்ததால் செங்கல்பட்டு வரை பெரிய போக்குவரத்து நெரிசல் இருந்தது. தினேஷ் எங்களுக்கு முன்னால் இருந்து வழிநடத்தினார் எங்கள் முதல் ஆணை அடுத்த செங்கல்பட்டு டோல் அருகே நிறுத்துவதாக இருந்தது. மிகவும் உற்சாகத்துடன் நான் பிரபாகர் பைக்கின் பின்னால் சவாரி செய்ய ஆரம்பித்தேன். பின்னர் ஒவ்வொரு டோல் அருகே நிறுத்த எங்களுக்கு அறிவுறுத்தப்பட்டது. இரவு 12:00 மணியளவில் திருச்சிக்கு சென்று ஓய்வெடுக்க திட்டமிடப்பட்டு இருந்தது. எங்கள் வாகனங்கள் நெடுஞ்சாலையில் இருட்டை கிழித்துக்கொண்டு வேகமாக சீறிப்பாய்ந்துகொண்டிருந்தது. இரவு 9.30 மணியளவில் இரவு உணவுக்காக நாங்கள் நிறுத்திவிட்டோம். பரணி சார் மற்றும் சிலர் எங்களை தாண்டி முன்னே சென்று விட்டனர். இரவு உணவுக்கு பின் எங்கள் பயணத்தைத் தொடர்ந்தோம். திருச்சிக்கு முன்பு உளுந்தூர்பேட்டை (170KM) வரை செல்ல இரவு 12:00 மணி ஆனது. CTC -ல் 12 மணிக்கு மேல் வாகனம் ஓட்ட தடை உள்ளதால் அங்கேயே இரவு தங்க முடிவு செய்தோம். பின்னர் தினேஷ், நெடுஞ்சாலையில் உள்ள ஒரு பெட்ரோல் பங்கில் பின்னால் ஒரு லாரி ஓட்டுனர்கள் உணவருந்தும் சிறிய இடத்திற்கு எங்களை அழைத்துச் சென்றார். . தினேஷ் மற்றும் கதீர் இங்கே வழக்கமான வாடிக்கையாளர்களாக இருக்க வேண்டும் என்று நினைத்தேன், அங்கேயே ஓய்வெடுத்து அடுத்த நாள் காலை பயணத்தைத் தொடர முடிவு செய்தோம் இளமுருகு வின் குறட்டை ஒலி இருந்தபோதிலும், நாங்கள் எல்லோரும் சிறிது அரட்டை மற்றும் சிரிப்பொலிகளுக்குப் பின் சிறிது நேரம் தூங்கினோம்.

26.01.18 வெள்ளிக்கிழமை (350 KM)

காலை புதுப்பித்தல்களுக்குப் பிறகு, 6 மணியளவில் சூடான தேநீர் அருந்தி விட்டு எங்கள் பயணத்தைத் தொடர்ந்தோம். சில்லென்று காலை பனிக்காற்று மேனியை வருட மேகமலையை நோக்கி எங்கள் பைக்குகள் வேகமெடுத்தன. திருச்சிக்கு அடுத்து மணப்பாறை அருகே நாங்கள் சிற்றுண்டிக்காக நிறுத்தினோம். உணவுக்கு பின் தினேஷ் மற்றும் கதிர் மீண்டும் அனைவருக்கும் வரிசையாக செல்லவும் மற்றும் பாதுகாப்பாக செல்லவும் அறிவுறுத்தினார்கள். ஏனென்றால் திண்டுக்கல் முதல் தேனீ வரை ஒரு வழிப்பாதை மற்றும் வளைவுகள் அதிகம். நாங்கள் சிறிது நேரத்தில் திண்டுக்கல் அடைந்து, தேனிக்கு வலதுபுறமாக திரும்பினோம். கதிர் மற்றும் தினேஷ், யாரும் அந்த வழியைத் தவறவிடாமல், எல்லோரும் வந்துவிட்டார்களா என்று உறுதிபடுத்தினார்கள். திண்டுக்கல் முதல் தேனி வரை வழியில் மஞ்சள் / பசுமை நிற ஆடைகள் அணிந்து பழனிக்கு பக்தர்கள் நடந்து செல்வதை கண்டோம்.
உத்தமபாளையத்தில் தேநீர் இடைவேளைக்கு பைக்குகள் நிறுத்தப்பட்டது. நாங்கள் கதைகள் பகிர்ந்து கொள்ள ஆரம்பித்தோம். சிறிது சிறிதாக நாங்கள் ஒருவருக்கொருவர் அறிமுகமானோம். அப்போது எல்லோரும் ஒரு குழு புகைப்படம் எடுத்துகொண்டோம். சின்னமனூர் எங்கள் அடுத்த நிறுத்தமாக இருந்தது. அங்கு ஒரு சிறிய மெஸ்சில் எங்கள் மதிய உணவை முடித்தோம். . தினேஷ் மற்றும் கதிர் 3 மணிக்கு முன்னர் மேகமலை சோதனை சாவடியை அடைய திட்டமிட்டிருந்தனர். ஆனால் சோதனை சாவடியை அடைய மாலை 4 மணி ஆனது. வன காவலர் அனுமதி கடிதம் அல்லது ஹோட்டல் முன்பதிவு நகல் இல்லாமல் மேலே செல்ல எங்களை அனுமதிக்கவில்லை. பிறகு தினேஷ் நேரடியாகச் சென்று அலுவலருடன் பேசினார், நிறைய நேரத்திற்கு பிறகு அவர் எங்களை அனுமதித்தார். பசுமை போர்த்திய மேகமலை மலை சிகரங்கள் தூரத்தில் எங்களை வரவேற்றன. நாங்கள் தேயிலை தோட்டங்கள் மற்றும் அழகான ஏரிகள் தாண்டி 13 கி.மீ. புதிதாக நிர்மாணிக்கப்பட்ட கொண்டை ஊசி வளைவு சாலைகளினூடே பயணித்து மேகமலை பஞ்சாயத்து அலுவலகத்தை (Highvayis office) அடைந்தோம். வழியில் ஆங்காங்கே நிறுத்தி புகைப்படம் எடுத்துகொண்டோம். அனைவரும் சூடான தேநீர் அருந்தி புத்துணர்ச்சிக்கு பிறகு, நாங்கள் மகாராஜா மெட்டு செல்ல எங்கள் பைக்குகளில் பயணத்தைத் தொடங்கினோம். கரடுமுரடான சாலையில் சில கி.மீ தூரம் பயணிக்க வேண்டியிருந்தது. பாதி வழியில் நாங்கள் சூரியன் அஸ்தமனமாவதைக் கண்டோம் .. இருட்டுவதற்குள் நாங்கள் மஹாராஜா மெட்டுவை அடைய திட்டமிட்டோம், ஆனால் துரதிர்ஷ்டவசமாக வெளிச்சம் குறைய தொடங்கியதால், நாங்கள் பஞ்சாயத்து அலுவலகத்திற்கே திரும்பி விட்டோம். அடுத்த நாள் அதிகாலையில் மீண்டும் வர முடிவு செய்தோம்.

ஆரம்பத்தில் நாங்கள் கூடாரத்தில் (tent) தங்க திட்டமிட்டோம், இரவு வெளியில் மிகவும் குளிராக இருந்தது. பின்னர் பரணி சார், யாருடனோ பேசி எங்களை பஞ்சாயத்து அலுவலகத்தில் தங்க ஏற்பாடு செய்து கொடுத்தார். இது மிகவும் வசதியாக இருந்தது. இதற்கிடையில் முரளியின் பைக் பஞ்சரானதால் அங்குள்ள மெக்கானிக் ஒருவர் சரிசெய்து கொடுத்தார். நாங்கள் எல்லோரும் சிறிது நேரம் அரட்டை அடித்து பேசிக்கொண்டிருந்தோம். இரவு உணவிற்கு பிறகு நாங்கள் எல்லோரும் பஞ்சாயத்து அலுவலகம் சென்று எங்கள் குளிர் போர்வையை (Sleeping bag) விரித்து அதனுள் கதகதப்பாக உறங்கினோம்.

அதிகாலையில் மெதுவாக நாங்கள் ஒருவரையொருவர் எழுப்ப ஆரம்பித்தோம், காலை புத்துணர்ச்சிக்குப் பிறகு, 6 மணியளவில் சூடான தேநீர் அருந்தி, அனைவரும் சில புகைப்படம் எடுத்துகொண்டோம். தேயிலைத் தோட்டம் மூடுபனி மேகங்களால் மூடப்பட்டிருந்தது. மறுபடியும் நாங்கள் மஹாராஜா மெட்டுக்கு கரடுமுரடான சாலையை கடந்து எங்கள் பைக்குகளில் சென்றோம். அழகான ஏரிகள், அழகிய தேயிலைத் தோட்டம், சில்லென்று மேனியை வருடும் காற்று எல்லாமே அற்புதமான உணர்வு, அதை விவரிப்பதற்கு வார்த்தைகள் இல்லை. கரடுமுரடான சாலையில் பயணித்த களைப்பு, மேகமலையின் இயற்கை அழகு காட்சிகளினால் அதை மறக்கச் செய்தது. மஹாராஜா மெட்டு சிகரத்தை அடைய சிறிது மேலே ஏற வேண்டியிருந்தது. நாங்கள் அனைவரும் சிறிது நேரம் அமைதியாக உட்கார்ந்து மேகங்கள் தவழும் மலையின் இயற்கை அழகை ரசித்தோம் மற்றும் சில புகைப்படங்கள் எடுத்துக் கொண்டோம். பிறகு நாங்கள் மஹாராஜா மெட்டுவை விட்டு கீழிறங்கி பஞ்சாயத்து அலுவலகம் அருகே இரவு சாப்பிட்ட அதே கடைக்குச் சென்று சிற்றுண்டி அருந்தினோம்.

27.01.18 சனி க்கிழமை (20 + 115 KM)

12 மணியளவில் நாங்கள் பைக்குகளில் வாகமனிற்கு செல்லத் தொடங்கினோம். குமுளி, தேக்கடி வழியாக செல்லும் மலைச்சாலை நன்றாக இருந்தது, பாம்பை போல் வளைந்து நெளிந்து ஏற்ற இறக்கத்துடன் இந்த பாதை பயணிப்பதற்கு மகிழ்ச்சியைத் தந்தது. வழியில் ஒரு தேநீர் கடையில் நிறுத்தி அனைவரும் தேநீர் அருந்தினோம். அப்போது தான் எங்களில் ஒருவர் இல்லாதது தெரிந்தது. சுரேஷ் தான் காணவில்லை, அனைவரும் அவரை தேட முயற்சித்து அலைபேசி எண்ணை அழைத்தோம். ஆனால் பயனில்லை. பதில் வராததால் கதிர் அவரை பின்னோக்கி தேடிச் சென்றார். நாங்கள் முன்னோக்கி சென்று அவரை தேடினோம். ஒரு மணி நேரம் கழித்து சுரேஷ் ஸ்வாதியின் அழைப்பை எடுத்தபோது, அவர் பாதுகாப்பாக வாகமனை அடைந்துவிட்டார் என்று தெரிந்ததும், நாங்கள் நிம்மதியாக உணர்ந்தோம்.

பின்னர் நாங்கள் மாலை 5.30 மணியளவில் வாகமனை நோக்கிச் சென்றோம். வாகமனில் ஒரு பாராகிளைடிங் விழா நடப்பதை கண்டோம். தாங்கள் பாறை மலையேறி, மலையின் அழகை அனுபவித்தோம். நாங்கள் எல்லோரும் ஒரு கடையில் அன்னாசிப்பழம், குலிக்கி ஷர்பத் சாறு மற்றும் உப்பில் ஊறவைத்த நெல்லிக்காய் சாப்பிட்டோம் நாங்கள் உண்மையில் அந்த கடையை காலி செய்தோம். இன்னும் சிறிது நேரம் கழித்து கீழிறங்கி அவரவர் பயண அனுபவங்களை பற்றி பேசிக்கொண்டிருந்தோம். இதற்கிடையில், தினேஷ், பரணி சார் மற்றும் கதிர் இரவு முகாம் அமைக்கும் இடத்தை தேடிச் சென்றனர்.

நாங்கள் இரு குழுக்களாகப் பிரிந்தோம். ஒரு குழு கூடாரத்தை தினேஷ் உடன் தயாரிக்க ஆரம்பித்தனர். மற்றொரு குழுவில், நானும் பிரபாகரும் இரவு உணவும், தண்ணீரும் வாங்க கதிருடன் சென்றோம். இரவு உணவிற்கு பிறகு நாங்கள் வட்டமாக உட்கார்ந்தோம், தற்போதைய சவாரி மற்றும் அவர்களின் கடந்த சவாரி பற்றிய அனுபவத்தைப் பகிர்ந்துகொள்ள ஆரம்பித்தோம். தினேஷ்- ன் நேபாள பயணம் மற்றும் கதிரின் யாம்தங் வேலி பயணம் & பிரபா- ன் எவரெஸ்ட் அடிப்படை முகாம் பயணம்". மற்றும் ஸ்வதி -ன் கதை கதிர் பயணம் பற்றி விவரிக்கும் போது அங்கேயே சென்று வந்த உணர்வை தந்தது. வேடிக்கை, சிரிப்பு மற்றும் அனுபவம் நிறைந்த இரவாக அன்று கழிந்தது.

Solo Trek to Sadhasiva Kona (October 2-3, 2015)

2016-10-20T04:57:00.000-07:00

Recently I came to know about a Place Sadasiva Kona near Puthur. The hill was named by a Siva temple is situated in the hill top. (Kona means Hill) I went some treks to Nagala East and west side and this hill was located on the other side of the Nagala hill range. My Neighbor's family is planned for a visit to this place on 1st October and they called me as they know I was interested to visit this place. Due to some reasons I was not went with them on that day. But I planned to visit with my friends on the next day to that place. On 1st night others are not ready to come for some reasons and I was in little confusion, whether go or not. But I bought some food items for the trek and I was ready at any time to start. On that day night heavy rain started and I was in more dilemma, whether I go by solo or not by this rainy situation. Next day early morning I decided to go for a solo trek, woke up immediately and get ready by 6.30 am. Started alone towards Sadasiva Kona trek and planned to return on the same day itself with my family friends (already camping there) or by solo.

Road Leading to Base hill

About Sadhasiva Kona: The temple of Lord Sadasiva (an incarnation of Lord Shiva) along with his wife Goddess Kamakshi is situated near the waterfalls and the major festivals celebrated here are Maha Shivaratri, Vaikunta Ekadasi and all Mondays during the Karthika Masam. During these days devotees in a large number visit the temple from several parts of the Andhra state and Tamil Nadu state as well. The king of Karveti nagaram who patronized and worshipped Lord Sadasiva and Goddess Kamakshi constructed the temple.

Temple in the base

How to Reach: Get down at puttur bus stand and walk to near puttur railway station. There is a petrol bunk next to that railway station. Also there is a private bus running 2 hours once (from 6am to 6pm). SRI SAI bus service. Bus will be available only in above mentioned spot. Please Don't search in Bus stand.

Base Temple's Pond

I boarded a local train to Tirupathi by 7.40 at Villivakkam and it reached at 10.20 am in Puthur. I gathered information from my family friend that there is very few buses plying to T.R.Kandriga (Timma Raju Kandriga) or we have to take a auto to the village. From the village we have to walk around 1.5 km to reach the base. I bought some apples there in the market and waited for a bus, but the local people said few minutes before the bus went, so you can take a auto to reach the place. By luckily I got a Share auto plying to that village. I boarded the auto and waiting for other passengers to come fill the seats. everybody asked me, where are you going? are you going alone? like these questions. Finally the auto started from Puthur and few kilometers it went in the highway and taken a right to T.R.Kandriga village road. (15km) Auto driver dropped me in the village and took Rs.20 from me. Usually you have to take a separate auto and they charge Rs.200, but my luck the villagers came in that auto, so charged only Rs.20. I had my breakfast in between (bread) and walked towards the base (1.5km).

Path leading to Hill Temple

I reached the base around 12.00pm and In the base I saw a old Siva temple and Pond. I prayed in the temple and started my trek to Sadasiva Kona. Walked alone in the jungle and this is my first time to this place and I don't know the route, but the climate was good due to the before day raining. I enjoyed this climate and ascended medium faced towards the hill. I took few photos / selfie in mobile and reached the half distance in 1 hours time. Here I saw 2 small lingams newly incarnated in a small temporary shelter. In between my trek I saw 2 to 3 people descending and they asked me the same question, are you going alone?. I said yes, but in my mind, God is travelling with me in this trek and I am not alone.

Lingam in Midway

Again I started my trek towards the destination. After few minutes I saw my family friend with their family and kids. They asked the same question, are you coming alone?. They explained the route and the situation on the top. They said the before day it was heavily raining and we stayed in the temple and cooked ourselves for our food. The falls is flowing good water and with the speed you are going you can return in the evening itself. I gathered all the information and heard in the top all the pilgrims are descended by now and only the Poojari will be there. They said it took 5-6 hours to reach the top and same time for descending also.

Rocky Trail

Falls next to Siva Temple

Again I walked alone in the forest for few minutes and found and trail was flat and slightly descending. I happily walked in the jungle and enjoying the nature in the Jungle. I saw few monkeys there in the jungle, but they didn't disturbed me. The trail was clear and I never distracted anywhere. On the middle of the trail I was stopped in a place where lot of trees and green grass was there. I captured video in my mobile and walked slowly towards the destination. In few minutes I heard a water falls sound and my adrenaline rushed to move fast and dip in to the water. My mobile was running with me to gallop the nature's beauty and water. In between I saw a small Genesh temple with bell. I ranged the bell and moved towards the falls. I saw few steps going down and the path is leading towards a wonderful falls nearby the temple. I reached the destination in 1.45 hours and was happy for that. I prayed in the Sadasiva Temple and kept my bag aside. The waterfall is calling me to jump into her hands to have a pain relief massage. Immediately I removed my pants and jumped in to the falls with my shorts and enjoyed the mesmerizing falls.

Siva Temple

Falls near Kamakshi Temple

Nobody was there in the place except the Old Poojari and his assistant, so I took bath up to my wish. After that I had my Lunch Aval (Rice Porridge)with Sugar and took some rest by sitting relax in the temple. The Poojari asked me whether I am staying there for the night. I said I don't have any idea yet. After some time I moved to Kamatchi temple situated in 1.5 km away from the Siva Temple in the same hill. There also I saw a water falls near the temple. I was sitting in the temple and watching the falls, flying butterflies and birds Chirping and I forgot myself in the nature. Meditated sometime in the temple and it gave some fresh energy to me. Here are one Pandit is there and he stays a house nearby the temple.

Falls near Kamakshi Temple

Kamakshi Temple

I heard Kanchi Maha Periyava has stayed in this hill for almost a year and he himself performed Pooja / abhiseham to Lord Sadasiva and Goddess Kamakshi here. Personalities like MS, Seshan, and R V Venkatraman have brought food to Maha periyava during his stay.

Kanchi Periyava Meditation place

Now the time was around 5.30pm and the Pandit asked me have you staying tonight and had anything? I was in a feeling that I want to stay here forever and said yes to the Pandit without thinking anything. It was getting dark and sitting alone in the temple and enjoying the nature. I didn't even informed my house that I will stay there in the night, but I said I am going to this temple and our neighbors are there already. So not bothered so much. By 8.00 pm the Pandit and assistant offered me food for the night and a mat to sleep.

Siva Temple

Here some monkeys are disturbed us in the evening and some mosquitoes / insects are disturbed in the night. I slept in between the mosquito bites and woke up early morning freshly. Morning taken a bath in the fresh water pond below the waterfalls and prayed in Kamatchi temple. By 6.30am I proceed to Siva Temple and again taken bath in the waterfalls up to my wish. Taking permission from god Siva and descended to base by 7.00am and it took 1.45 hours to reach the base. I want to get down to base before Sun rays scorching me. Reached the base around 8.45am and had my breakfast (bread). Walked towards the village and found a auto was moving from the village. I shouted stop! stop! and ran towards the auto(there are only few vehicles to Puthur at certain time gap), the auto driver stopped after few yards hearing my voice. Immediately boarded in the auto and ply towards Puthur station. The hill was moving behind me slowly and getting smaller from my vision. But still the memories are greenery in my mind.

Sadasiva Kona Hill

Sadasiva Kona Falls

Number of people visiting this place is increasing day by day but no efforts are taken to preserve this hill. I saw lot of plastic waste and alcohol bottles that are choking the stream. People are using this hill as a picnic spot for drinking and later bathing in the waterfalls for fun.

Falls with a pool above Siva Temple visited in 2nd Time

Again on January 2nd I visited this place with my two friends and refreshed myself again.

My First Solo Backpack Trip

2016-10-19T06:22:00.001-07:00

I have a long time wish to go Valley of flowers - Himalayas and it was postponing every year for some reasons. Also I came to know that near Pune a place called Kas Pathar (Plateau ) was there and it was somewhat similar to Valley of flowers. So I decided to go there this year. Some of my friends are planned and try to book in tatkal to Pune for this trip. At last minute others are cancelled their plan and I was the only one ready to go that time. Also my long time wish is to go for a solo backpack trip to new place in North India. I booked a tatkal ticket to Pune on Thursday and the plan is confirmed.

Started from Chennai by Mumbai mail at 11.55am on Friday.

Reached Pune around 9.30 am on Saturday morning.

Boarded a bus to Satara (118km) and reached around 1.30pm. (limited buses)

Thosegadh Falls

From Satara boarded another bus to Thosegadh falls. (26km) (Limited buses and some private vehicles will ply this route some time)

Thosegadh Falls stream

Nice view of falls from another hill. Had taken bath in nearby stream as I couldn't control myself to dip in water . There was very few buses flying to this location and my return bus gone few minutes before my arrival, so I had taken a shared Jeep to Satara.

Evening at Kas

He dropped me before bus stand and I was taken a auto to another bus stand. The auto Wala doesn't know Hindi and English and I don't know Marathi, a confusion happened and I was get down in the middle of nowhere.

Kas Pathar

Then a man gave me lift in his bike to some distance and I walked one km to reach Rajwada bus stand.

Kas Pathar

Now it's already 5.00pm and boarded another bus to Kas Pathar Plateau by 5.30pm (25km) and I was informed that there is no return bus. Reached around 6.30 pm and the place was misty and dark. I was no other way to stay there and there are few hotels near. Also there are no rooms in hotels. The hotel owner was very courteous and helpful to get room in nearby hotels by taking me in his Car. But hotels are asking Rs.1500 to 2000 and I don't have budget. So the hotel owner Somnath taken me to a nearby village and I stayed in a old couple's house. They offered me dinner and bed for the cold night. Taken some rest in the night. (I paid Rs.400 to them for Dinner and Bed)

Next day morning planning to start early but they don't allowed me to go alone as the village was down in the valley. By 8.30am the old man accompany me to go up to the main road. It was a tiny trek. From main road, Kas Valley entrance is 2km and I was ready to walk. But villagers said go by bus and the bus came. Kas pathar plateau was spread across some kilometers. I captured the beauty through my eyes and through my mobile camera. (you can spend 1 day there in full season time). It took 2 hour for me Roam around a part of the valley. Then I went to Kumudhini thalab (lotus pond) and here we have to walk 2 km in the off road to reach the pond. It was worthwhile to visit the pond. I spent some time there. Again I walked 2km to reach the main road and the people said few minutes ago a bus gone and another bus is around 3.30am. So I planned to walk to some kilometers and try some other option to go Satara. I walked again 3 kilometers and met few police people there and they asked me, why you walking alone? After that my story? :P they are interested to hear more from me and helped to get lift to drop in Satara. Thanks for them.

Village House

Again the van dropped before satara bus stand as they are going some other place. I took a biker's help and he dropped 1km before bus stand. Again I took a auto to reach stand. Autowala informed me get in a bus to Wai from there you will get bus to Panchgani. I boarded that bus and reached Wai. (35Km) Now the time is 3.00pm and I am feeling hungry. I had some food there and boarded another bus to Panchgani.(13km) Reached around 4.15pm and asked taxi for sightseeing but they asked Rs.500 so I denied. Some local people told that you have to go up 1-2km and can see all the places by walk. I am Happy to walk and walked to the peak called table point. From there we can see all the four points by walk or to use horse. But the horse man asked Rs.1260/- 😞 and I walked my way. I roamed around the hill (2km) and visited all four points in no cost. Valley view table point, dam, caves and sunset are spectacular. Again I came down by walk (1.5km) and saw some Durga Pooja procession and veer Marathas band music. I was wondering the girls are played the big drums holding on their hip. I was more curious to take a selfie with them. A man accepted my request and the girl is denied to take :P and somehow I took a selfie with them. I want to visit a temple in Panchgani but missed in this procession time as my bus to Mahabaleshwar was arrived.

I boarded the bus and reached Mahabaleshwar (19km)around 7.45pm. I roamed in the market some time and purchased some bags and syrups (Fruit syrups, strawberry juice and Masala Chenna are Famous in Mahabaleshwar). After that searching a shelter for night stay. But hotels are denying me to give room as I was single. They are asking me to register in police station and come with noc, we can give room. But I didn't liked that. One hotel offered me room but rent is Rs.1000, I am not happy with that. I searched again and finally found a room for Rs.500 (negotiated from Rs.1000 to 500). the room was not that good, but I need a shelter for the cold night, so I stayed there. In between I finished my dinner and went for sleep.

Inside the Jungle

Cave in Panchagani

Morning I woke up by 7.00 and ready by 8.30 am and proceed to bus stand. I checked for government round bus for sightseeing, but they will run only on season times (it's a off season)and they said one bus will go up to Mahabaleshwar temple and return, you can go in that. I checked with taxi walas and they asked me Rs.1100 for sightseeing and no share facilities. So I waited for bus to Mahabaleshwar temple. (6km) The bus came around 9.30am and flied for only 3 passengers. I assumed that why they stopped round service. Most people are preferring taxi service or Private cars only. Visited the Mahabaleshwar temple and Pancha ganga temple. From here Elphinston view point is 5km, but no bus, so I decided to walk and reached the point by walk in the jungle road(5km). The View point was so misty and unable to view anything that time. From the view point, I asked lift in a car from Telugu speaking people (OC travel) and with the help of them reached Lingamala falls. the falls has two sides, one side only a view point of the falls and other side we can dip in a small falls with a pond. We first visited the falls view point and next to the small falls and taken a chill dip. After that they are going to Satara and they asked me to hope on car upto Satara, but I didn't want to go there , so they dropped in somewhere away 7km from Mahabaleshwar. I enquired about next sightseeing place near that area to the local people and they said at some distance, you can visit Ganesh temple and Kings Chair point. I walked few km to reach Kings chair point. Spectacular view of Mahabaleshwar town from the top and took some photos there and decent to the Ganesh temple.

Walking alone on the Mahabaleshwar Road

Here I met a taxi driver who was asked me Rs.1100 in the morning for sightseeing. He was wondering to see me that I am walking alone in the road and expressed his happiness. He asked me, you are all the way walked and roaming the Mahabaleshwar? you are great sir and I am admiring you. Now I planned to go back to Pune as the time was around 3.00pm. I checked that driver is there any bus will go from here to Pune?, they said you have to go Mahabaleshwar bus stand to get a bus to Pune. The distance to Bus stand is around 6km and I decided to walk, but the driver asked me to wait there as some local vehicle will come and I will get you a seat in that. Boarded a route private jeep and reached Mahabaleshwar bus stand around 4.00pm.

Taken some food there and boarded a bus to Pune at 4.15 pm.(116km) Reached Pune at 7.15 pm and went for shopping in Lakshmi Road. There was lot of Girl's dresses, Chappels and accessories are there, but only few for Gents. Roamed around the market for some time and boarded a bus to Pune station and reached around 10.00 pm. Finally Boarded Dadar- Chennai Exp @ 00.10 and reached Chennai Tuesday Evening 19.00 pm. Journey ended with Pleasant memories. It was my First backpack trip to North India. Previously I went to a solo trek near Chennai and stayed a night alone in the jungle.

King's Chair Point

Wayanad Trip in Summer

2014-12-18T02:43:00.003-08:00

This Summer to beat the heat visited to Wayanad with my friends. Wayanad is a Hill station in Kerala near Calicut about 70Km distance. It is a picturesque plateau situated at a height between 700 meters and 2100 meters above the mean sea level nested among the mountains of the Western Ghats on the Eastern portion of North Kerala and on the sides of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka States.

Lakkidi View point Road

First we went to Calicut by Train and from there we took a cab to wayanad. I booked Rooms and cab through online and the service was very good as we expected.

We Booked a homestay little outside in Kalpettah main town of Wayanad. They Charged Rs.3000 per day for 8 persons. There was 2 bedrooms, a hall and kitchen are there. Newly built and well maintained rooms in the outskirts of Kalpettah welcomed us.

Homestay at Wayanad

Lakkidi –Ghat road view point

The gateway to wayanad , Lakkidi is situated 700 m above sea level, at the crest of Thamarassery Ghat Pass.

Lakkidi View point

Train reached Calicut around 4.30 am and our cab driver Jayaprakash chetta was already waiting for us to receive. We boarded the Tata Aria cab and proceeded to our homestay in Kalpettah. Everybody was little tired in the early morning so they slept in car and I was in a fresh mood and watching the greenery and the hairpin bends outside the car. The car reached our homestay around 6.30am and we had tea in a small tea stall. I want to take bath in a falls so we first finished our morning duties and went directly to Soochipara falls for fresh water bath.

Soochipara view

Soochipara Falls, Kalpetta

The Soochippara Waterfalls also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls are situated near Meppadi is natures treasured gift. The waterfall cascading from a height of 100 to 300 feet is a treat to the eyes. The pool sited below the falls offers great opportunities for swimming, bathing, water rafting, etc. another attraction is the tree top huts presenting a distinct views of the Western Ghats and of the shining shallow waters of the spring. Carrying plastic near the waterfall is strictly prohibited.

Soochipara Falls

After Soochipara falls we had lunch and then we went to Edakkal Caves, by the time we reached Edakkal, it was around 3.30 pm the entry was closed by 4.00pm there. We have to climb up some steep road to reach the ticket counter, When I reached it was 4.00pm and I bought the ticket and immediately the counter closed.

Edakkal Caves

Edakkal cave is 25 km from Kalpetta and just 3 km from Ambalavayal. Most interesting trek up Ambukuthy Hill near Ambalavayal town takes you to the world famous Neolothic pictorial writings on the rock walls tell the pre-historic heritage of Wayanad. This is a crevice for about 96 ft in length and 22 ft width. A fissure was created due to a rock splitting due to natural weathering. The depth of the crevice and the fissure is nearly 30 ft which gives an appearance of a cave to any observer.

There are human and animal figures carvings on the rock walls depicting pre-historic period and civilized people. The caves can be approached by 1km trekking trail starting from Edakkal. The best visiting hours are morning and it is open till 4 pm. Tourists need to indulge in a one and half hour long trek to reach the entrance of the caves. The roads are in good condition. In order to reach the actual cave, tourists will have to trek uphill for another 45 minutes.

After the Edakkal cave point we retunred to Kapettah as most of the places will be closed by 5.00pm. so we done some shopping in Kalpettah and had dinner.

Next Day we started early by 7.00am and proceeded to Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad. One of the memorable experiences will be night camping. The watch tower of this sanctuary is situated above the lake and is the main water source to animals. This gives a thrilling experience, as at night animals come to drink water. Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary is abundant with flora and fauna. Animals like Bison, Jungle Cats and Elephants can be spotted here.

Tholpetty Wildlife Santuary

Thirunelli Temple, Thirunelli

Close to the Papanashini stream in Wayanad district of Kerala stands the 3000 years old Thirunelly temple. The temple is devoted to lord Vishnu and is constructed with 30 granite columns to protect it. There is a bridge from the Papanashini stream coming to the temple. This is of great help to the Thirunelly temple as the Papanashini water is used for the temple directly for its precincts.

Towards the south of the Thirunelly temple is the holy pond called Panchatheertha. The pond is named Panchatheertha as it is believed that five rivers met at this point. Generally, this pond has impenetrable undergrowth, but during summers this pond becomes waterless.

Banasura Sagar Dam

Banasura Sagar Dam is approximately 25km towards the north west of Kalpetta. It is considered to be the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The dam extends to a wide area with crystal clear waters. Undisturbed and engulfed amidst the hills, Bansura Sagar Dam is an absolute beauty.

It is an ideal place for picnic as it is surrounded by the bounty of nature and the low sound of the clear water gives a feeling of freshness. In fact, when the dam is full, the landscape portrays a picture of upstream formation of the dam and is a mesmerizing sight to visitors. Boating and other water recreational activities are available at the dam.

Boating at lake

Kuruva Dweep

This 950 acre Kuruva Island is situated on the tributaries of the river Kabani and is a fabulous picnic spot. Its serene silence and wide expanse of the evergreen forest leaves you astonishing. This island is isolated but an array of uncommon species of birds, herbs and orchids are the monarchs of Kuruva Island. ...

Kuruvadeep Island

Pookot Lake, Vythiri

The Pookot Lake is a breathtaking location. The water is clear and the foliage that surrounds it is a beautiful forest. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride against a serene backdrop. An ideal picnic spot, this beautiful lake is the perfect spot to admire mother nature. The area surrounding the lake has a handicrafts and spices emporium and fresh water aquarium along with a Children's park.

Boating at pookud lake

Other places to visit in Wayanad:

Chembra Peak, Kalpetta

Chembra Peak is the tallest peak in all of Wayanad district. It is at a staggering height of 2100 meters above sea level. This peak is especially popular with both mountain climbers and trekkers alike. There are even temporary camps that are set up atop the peak so that anyone that has successfully climbed the peak can choose to easily stay there for a few days. The climb is rather intense, but the reward on the top is worth the sweat!

The panoramic views of the Wayanad are rather breathtaking, and the beautiful mountain lake at the top is impressive as well.

Sleeping bags, canvas, log huts, guides and trekking equipments are provided by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). Trekkers are sure to enjoy the entire view of the Wayanad district from the top of the peak, while prior permission is required from the Forest Range Officer at Meppadi for trekking at Chembra Peak.

Meenmutty Falls, Kalpetta

The most impressive water fall that can be found in the Wayanad district is Meenmutty Falls. Gurgling down from a height of 300 meters, it falls in 3 separate tiers. Reaching the falls involves a 2 km trek, but the view of the falls, makes it worth the effort. During the monsoons, this waterfall can be enjoyed only from a distance, due to the voluminous level of water.

Trekking is a good option to explore its surroundings, but considering the rugged and undulated terrains, taking a guide along is advisable.

Thrid day we packed our things and started towards Calicut. On the way we saw Chain Tree and Lakkidi View point. We also went to Thusaragiri Falls near Calicut. The view and falls was awesome. When we are there it was raining so enjoyed the falls in rain very Much.

Thusaragiri Falls

Finally we went to Calicut beach and took some photos. We are not spent so much of time as the beach was so dirty and not maintained. We packed dinner and proceeded to Calicut Railway station to board our train to chennai.

My 15th visit to Mount Abu

2014-11-13T04:02:00.000-08:00

This is my 15th time visit to Mount Abu, Rajasthan. This time I had some good memorable experiences in visiting new places.

Shantivan Aerial View

Solar power Project

Mukdi Matha Temple

This year my long time wish came true as we visited the famous Gaumukh temple and Vashist Ashram. We have to take left from the toll plaza in Mount abu and usually people will not go regularly to this place. We have to hire a jeep / taxi to go to this place.

Steps to Gaumukh Temple

The Gaumukh Temple was built in its location as a dedication to Saint Vashishth. It is believed that Saint Vashishth performed a yagna there that created the four major Rajput clans. There is also a tank that you should visit- the Agni Kund. The Agni Kund is believed to be the site of a sacrificial fire which Saint Vashishth used to perform the yagna from which the four clans were born.

Gaumukh Temple Pond

The cow is considered a sacred animal by those who make religious pilgrimages to the Gaumukh Temple and nearby the temple you will find a spring that is believed to have emerged from the mouth of a rock that is shaped similar to a cows head. A large marble statue of a cow has been built on the site. The bull is representative of Nandi, who was Shiva’s vehicle. There is a stream of water that flows from the mouth of the marble bull. Nearby you will find statues of Nandi, Saint Vashishth, Lord Ram and Lord Krishna.

Gaumukh

If you are a visitor to the Mount Abu region and you wish to experience some of the local religious culture, you must visit the Gaumukh Temple. Once only popular for Ancient sages and saints to meditate at, the Gaumukh Temple is now a popular tourist destination. The Gaumukh Temple is located around 5 kilometers from the Hanuman Temple situated in a wild valley that is reached by climbing down over 700 steps. The area is covered with very think forest cover and visiting the place after dark & rainy season is not recommended without proper information and local guidance, you should plan for a full day trip to Gaumukh if you want to enjoy the beauty and nature of this place.

Gaumukh closeup

Trekking to Meesapulimalai

2014-05-21T06:09:00.000-07:00

It was Emperor’s 100^th trek !! I am so happy to be part of this trek as I met around 120 likeminded souls in a single trek. It was announced on Jan 30th and I immediately applied for a moderate trek. This time it was announced as easy, moderate and difficult treks plus cycle and Bike trips. In between the time I had some confusion has to go or not. Finally all my other programs are postponed and I joined with the team. The place for the trek was kept secret to everyone and they are created some hype for the places by posting some wonderful photos. Someone said it was Kodaikanal and some other told that it was Wayanad. On 7^th February, I had reached the Park opposite to Koyambedu (Bus No.2) and I saw lot of known faces in that bus with some new faces. And the best part, not knowing the location where we were heading too, except for the Organisers. But everybody was eager to wait for the place to come. After everyone reached, the bus started around 5.00 pm from CMBT. The other Bus started from Tidel Park (Bus No.1) has joined with us in Perungalathur.

The whole journey was indeed great with a whole lot of people getting bums (making fun out of that) and playing dumb charades, where most of the people joined in. In the midnight everybody fall asleep. By 6.00 am I woke up and saw bus has reached near Theni and I thought the place would not be Kodaikanal, so it will be Munnar. I’ve been there already so my excitement reduced a bit. We stopped in between somewhere near Theni to finish our morning duties and had tea in the local tea shop. The bus reached Kurangani base around 9.00am and the whole group was spilited as Easy, Moderate, Difficult and Cycle trek groups as decided earlier. Now my mind changed a bit and decided to go with easy trek peoples as I’ve been there already. Moreover I want to conquer the Meesapulimalai peak. If I go with moderate people I will be tired and cannot reach the Meesapulimalai peak. So my plan was first go with the easy trek people by car/Bus and from Kolukkumali I can trek to Meesapulimalai peak easily. I boarded a SUV (Vignesh’s car) and had a nice time with the people in that car. We reached near suryanelli and had our lunch and waited for the bus people to come.

Everyone reached there and boarded into jeep to reach Kolukkumalai. The road trail to Kollukumalai was a bumpy rock road and you will get a back pain sure, if you travel in the jeep. But we made the trip interesting by playing antakshari songs. We reached Kolukkumalai around 4.30pm and searching for my bag to wear the winter cloth. When we reached Kolukkumalai tea estate the sun’s influence on us slowly reduced and we started feeling the chill breeze hitting us gently. The Kolukkumalai tea estate was quite refreshing and the view from the camping site and adjoining areas were breathtaking. By the time some people are hiking towards Meesapulimalai before me, so I ran towards them to reach as already it was getting dark. In the middle of the trek, somebody before us told one elephant is there, so we stopped the trek for a while and taking photos by posing differently. We didn’t hear any confirmed news from our organizers about the elephant; we climbed down from that place with sad feelings. After that we heard it was not an elephant, some shadow of a tree. L While coming down we witnessed the exquisite sun set view from Kolukkumalai at the height of 7600 feet.
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We came back to the campsite and helped to prepare Dinner with others. The sun slowly started to rest for the day and almost all the trekkers reached the tea estate. It was emperor’s food preparation and also a 100^th trek, so many varieties of food was prepared. Gulabjamun, Bajji (ripe Banana, onion, potato, Chilli, Brinjal varities), Veg pulav, Chicken gravy, soya bean chunks gravy and onion raitha etc., are prepared for the dinner. On the other side campfire was started and some peoples are taking rest with nice hot bujji/snacks. Mean time cycle and bike trip team also reached the camp site. Everyone had a stomach full dinner and had a nice chat with campfire. Raja Anna (Munnar Jeep Driver and CTC’s favorite driver) prepared tents for us to sleep in the cold night. We are at 7600feet and the weather is around 10-15 degrees, we enjoyed that place a lot. I didn’t have any sleeping bag and I got only bedspread, so I entered into one of the tents to escape from the cold sleepless night. Then also I felt chillness inside the tent and spent the whole night without sound sleeping.

Next day morning we were woken up to the early morning chillness and to the melody of the birds to witness the pristine and beautiful morning views of the Kolukkumalai valley. We took some great group photos and had some good tea in the Kolukkumalai base camp.

Finally by 10.00am we boarded in jeeps and travelled down in the bumpy road again to reach Suryaneeli was still a great experience as I hanging on backside of the Jeep. The place around Munnar was astounding and wonderful with sprawling tea gardens and estates everywhere. We had brunch in Suryanelli after had a bath in nearby small stream. We boarded again in the bus and the bus dropped us in the Top station point where we have to get down by walk to the Kurangani base station. Now the time was 5.00pm so we have to reach the base fast before it was getting dark. Few of the fellow trekkers are travelled in the bus and around 60 peoples are ready to take the top station to Kurangini trail to reach the base hill station.

First I was struggling little to move fast and Prem & Shyam are pushing me to move fast, sometime later my pace was picked up as my heart beat was synced with my moves. Now I was feeling comfortable to walk down. In between we stopped at a pit shop in Kothagudi village (middle station) to have a sharbath(lemon soda). I know the trial route well and my pace was good, I started to climb down without accompanying the organizers. Few more joined with me and I reached the base station within 2 hours time and it was my best time. (my previous time to reach the base station was 4 hours). I feel happy for this and waited for the other trekkers to come.

By the time everyone reached the Kurangani village, it was already dark. We had few snack items which people carried with them and sat around for relaxing ourselves on the village road. We had an intro session there (as our bus will take some more time to reach that place to pick us) and came to know about the unknown faces. Our buses reached there to pick us by 9.30pm and before boarding it, we had our supper together on the road like village style.

The bus started towards Chennai by 10.30 pm and everyone felt happy to be the part of this wonderful Emperor’s 100^th trek. We thank the organizers for giving us a chance to be part of the great event. Finally the bus reached Chennai next day morning around 11.00am and everyone rushed to their work with cool memories. Hope to see everyone in the next trek soon!!

Pondy Coastal Bike Ride with CTC

2014-02-21T05:54:00.001-08:00

I had done few moderate/easy treks and cycling trip organized by CTC, so I want to take a bike trip with CTC as they are arranging lot of bike trips. I am a travel lover and want to go everywhere in every medium of transports. First I want to test my ability to travel a small drive as a pillion (I drive only without gear bikes/scootersL). So I registered for a Pondy Coastal scenic bike trip organized by Praveen /Vibin.

I got selected for this trip as pillion and they mailed the list of participants. I have to accompany Azeem as pillion and I mailed him regarding the meeting point to join. But he said he was residing in Kodambakkam and I got a mail from Praveen that Hassan is residing in Ambathur so you can come along with him to reach Tidel. (the meeting /Starting Point), I called up Hassan and we fixed a point near Padi to meet around 2.00 pm on Saturday. Saturday was holiday for me, so I was bit relaxed and done my packing for the trip and reached little late around 2.15pm near Anna Nagar to meet Hassan. We reached Tidel around 3.00pm and there was already few peoples are waiting there for the Organizers. L

Everybody reached around 3.30pm and introduced with their bikers/pillions. Most of them are freshers, so Praveen gave instructions to everyone and said that Vibin will be taking over as lead and Sai as the sweep for the journey. Praveen had an unavoidable official work, so he handed over the organizer responsibility to Vibin and he had stepped in to lead the trip.

The ride started with 9 bikes (totally 17 souls including bikers/pillions) from tidel around 4.00pm and our Ist stop was near Injambakkam /Sholinganallur junction as some of the bikers as to join with us. Now 2 bikers with one pillion added and the team size increased to 21. The real scenic coastal ride was started after mayajaal. Everyone enjoyed the ride with safely. (Organizers instructed not to ride over 80kmph due to safety reasons). On the way after Mahabs we stopped few minutes for photo session near a lake /back water. It was really beautiful watching the sunset near a backdrop of the vast lake water. Then we headed to Pondy and reached there around 7.00pm. The meet up/assemble point near the Pondy entry was slightly confusion, so some of us was crossed that point. We waited for other peoples to come and the confusion was then sorted and we rode down to the beach.

The beach side buildings were beautifully decorated on the eve of Republic day and there was good amount of crowd along the beach. Malan, Nikhil and Dr.Arun from Pondy came there to meet our CTC team. Actually we are supposed to stay in a farm over the night arranged by Malan but for some reasons it was changed. Malan and Vibin arranged campsite at the beach near Pondi University with the help of Vallan and Kannan (Pondy CTCians). It was 9:00 pm and we all were hungry. After wasting a lot of time, we rode to a fast food shop near Kalapet for dinner.

Everyone filled their stomach with food and proceed to our campsite. In campsite we have 2 options; you could either sleep in a house or on the shore watching the stars. I had choosen option 1 in a house, as I don’t have a sleeping bag and I don’t want to freeze in the cold weather. But went to beach for a small night walk. Everyone was gathered near beach and arranging tarpaulin to sleep, suddenly Bala suggested we have a camp fire over there near beach. Immediately everyone gathered few sticks around there and the camp fire was made. It was really awesome sitting around the campfire and feels warm next to the beach watching the waves and stars. The intro session was started over there near camp fire and everyone known others well by their name and their profession.

The intro session and Vibin’s Organizer speech was finished by 12.00 am in the night, we finally decided to wind up for the day and went for sleeping. I and few of us went to the house arranged nearby the sea shore and taken rest and others having sleeping bags stayed there in the beach side for night. It was nice sleep for few hours for me and woke up by 6.00 am and finished my morning duties. Now I saw the house was full as all the team members are came to the house in the morning as some drizzling started. Few peoples went to a morning walk near the beach and took some photos. Everyone started around 8.30 am and had our breakfast and left to Quarry for taking bath on the Pondy-Tindivanam route.

Somebody said the quarry was 200 ft. deep and there was a scuba diving session in progress. Most of the swimmers dive in to the pool and taking diving pictures. Non-Swimmers like me just dipped in the water for taking bath. I had taken my swim tube along with me, so I floated with the help of tube; otherwise I have to be a spectator like few othersJ. After changing our wet cloths we took a group photo with bikes near the quarry. Then we started to Paradise Island near Sunnambukulam.

With the help of Arun we made a good deal to enter into the Paradise Island for some fun water activities. We took a speed boat to the island and we had a mini lunch as there was not many varieties are available.

First we tried Banana ride and it was really awesome and adventurous. Though I had never taken the ride, I decided to go on that, but the caretakers said non-swimmers are not allowed. I boarded on that and had a very good experience. The banana shaped air bladder was dragged by a jet boat and they dropped us in the middle of the water. I was struggled little bit and somehow managed with the help of friends and returned back to shore safely. After that everyone went on that and few of us done kayaking in the meantime. We returned back to Pondy by 7.30 pm after had a so much of fun in the Island. Actually our plan was to leave Pondy by 4.00pm and reach Chennai by 7.00pm, but it was delayed due to, we wasted some time here and there.

So we had our dinner there itself and left Pondy by 8.30pm. Vibin instructed everyone that we have to ride safely and carefully as it was weekend and night time. So everyone ride the bike with the speed between 60-80kmph and followed Vibin one by one and it looks like, a straight line moving on the black road. The team finally dispersed at Kovalam/Tidel and everyone reached home safely with nice memories.

Mumbai Lonavala Trip

2014-02-17T04:53:00.002-08:00

Recently visited Mumbai and Lonavala for a short weekend trip. Visited Elephanta Caves in Mumbai and few places in Lonavala.

One of my friend wants to visit Shirdi and Mumbai and they asked me to accompany them for language problem. We first visited Shirdi Sai baba Temple and had a Darshan. Then we boarded a bus to Mumbai. In the evening we reached Mumbai and did some shopping. Overnight we stayed in a hotel near Bandra Railway station. Next day morning we boarded a local train to Churchgate and from there we boarded a taxi to reach Gateway of India. In Mumbai Taxi was very cheap compared to Chennai Auto (?).

Our plan was to visit Elephanta caves by boat. We bought ticket for boat Rs.150 per person and boarded a boat. They charged extra Rs.10 for climbing upper deck of the boat, but it was worth to be there. We enjoyed our boat journey by taking pictures and viewing the sea and big ships on the sea. It took around 60 minutes to reach elephanta caves. From the boat dropping point, a mini train was running to reach near the elephanta caves and they charged Rs. 10 per person. It was a jolly ride. Again we have to climb some steps to reach the monument, there is tolly service also available for old and sick persons to carry to the top.

The Elephanta Caves is located on island hills about 11 km north-east of the Apollo Bandar, Mumbai and 7 km from the shore of the mainland, approximately covering an area of 7 km in circumference. The island is named after a colossal elephant found in the island, which is popularly known as ‘Gharapuri’. At present, the statue of elephant is housed at Jijamata Garden in Mumbai.

The Elephanta Caves can be reached by Ferry (9 nautical miles across the sea)from the Gateway of India, Visit this green island for the wonders of the 7 th century, the painstakingly hewn rock-cut cave temple, dedicated to Shiva. The Maheshamurti panel in which Shiva is shown as a creator, protector and destroyer, is a sight that should be enjoyed at least once in a lifetime. Regular excursions to Elephanta start every day from the Gateway of India.

The Caves will be closed on Monday.

There are seven cave excavations in the Elephanta group and these are datable from circa 6th – 7th centuries A.D. Among the cave excavations, the Cave 1 is the most impressive which represents the evolved Brahmanical rock-cut architecture. The cave is also famous for the exquisite and vibrant sculptures. On plan it almost resembles the Dumar Lena (Cave 29) of Ellora. The cave has a main entrance on the north with two other openings on the east and west respectively and a central hall with six rows of pillared columns, six in each row except on the western corner, where a shrine of lingam is provided.

On plan, there are three large square recesses divided off by pilasters each of them bearing a gigantic image of a dvarapala. The panel on the east has a figure of ardhanarisvara, a form of Siva with the combined energies of male and female; and on the west figures of Siva and Parvati playing chausar is carved. The central recess holds the most famous and remarkable sculpture of this period known as the Mahesa-murti. It is a colossal bust of the three forms of Siva, the aghora, turbulent and fearsome; tatpurusha, benign and meditative and vamadeva, mild pleasing and lovable. The other notable panels in the main cave are Andhakasuravada murti; cosmic dance of Nataraja; Kalyanasundara murti; Gangadhara murti; Ravana shaking Kailasa and Siva as Lakulisa. A panel depicting Saptamatrikas near the eastern opening is also remarkable.

Entry fee: Rs. 10 per head and children up to 15 years free. We spent some time there and returned to Gateway of India around 4.00 pm.

The Gateway of India is a monument built during the British Raj in Mumbai. It is located on the waterfront in the Apollo Bunder area in South Mumbai and overlooks the Arabian Sea. The structure is a basalt arch, 26 metres (85 feet) high. It lies at the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg at the water's edge in Mumbai Harbour. It was a crude jetty used by the fishing community which was later renovated and used as a landing place for British governors and other prominent people. In earlier times, it would have been the first structure that visitors arriving by boat in Mumbai would have seen. The Gateway has also been referred to as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai, and is the city's top tourist attraction.

The structure was erected to commemorate the landing of their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder, when they visited India in 1911. Built in Indo-Saracenic style, the foundation stone for the Gateway of India was laid on 31 March 1911. The final design of George Wittet was sanctioned in 1914 and the construction of the monument was completed in 1924. The Gateway was later the ceremonial entrance to India for Viceroys and the new Governors of Bombay. It served to allow entry and access to India.

The monument has faced three terror attacks from the beginning of the 21st century; twice in 2003 and it was also the disembarkation point in 2008 when four gunmen attacked the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower.

In the evening we went to Zaveri Bazaar for shopping, My friend bought imitation jewels for their business purpose. It took so much of time on shopping and in the night 11.00pm we returned to our hotel.

Next day morning we boarded a local train to dadar and boarded a express train to Lonavala. The train reached little late by 10.00 am and our cab was waiting there. We arranged a cab online from Chennai for sightseen in Lonawala and they Charged Rs.3100 for Mahaindra logan car for 1 day sightseen and drop us at Pune Airport. The driver not known certain places in Lonavala as he was a resident of Pune. He shown us some places in Lonawala and avoided some places as he said the dams was dry now and the hills / caves are too steep to climb. We seen some places and some places we missed are listed below.

Lonavala is a town and a hill station in Pune district. It is about 64 km away from the city of Pune and 96 km away from the city Mumbai. It is famous throughout India for the hard candy sweet known as chikki and is also a major stop on the rail line connecting Mumbai and Pune. Lonavala comes to life during the monsoon season as the countryside turns lush green with waterfalls and ponds.

Tiger's Leap

Tiger's Leap also known as Tiger's Point is a cliff-top with a sheer drop of over 650 m, giving an extensive view. Buses are available up to I.N.S. Shivaji and the remaining distance of about 1.6 km has to be covered on foot. Just around tiger's leap, there is a small waterfall active only during the monsoon. It serves the purpose of relaxing in the water better than Bushy dam, as the force of the fall is higher. Also, after the brief steep descent, the fall becomes a stream with a fair amount of force to go all the way down to the base of the Tiger's Leap. Adventurers can trek down the stream whilst intermittently stepping back on land where the water current is too strong and the fall is steep.

Rajmachi Point

Rajmachi Point is located about 6.5 km from Lonavla. This point commands a view of Shivaji's famous fort, Rajmachi (Royal terrakouioce) and the surrounding valley. Regular State Transport buses ply between Rajmachi Point and Lonavla from the State Transport Bus Stand.

Valvan Dam

Valvan Dam has a garden at its foot, and is a popular evening spot 2 km from the town. The dam supplies water to the Khopoli power station at the foothills of the Sahyadris for generating electricity. The Kundali River feeds into the dam's reservoir.

Lonavla Lake

Lonavla Lake is surrounded by natural scenery, about 1.6 km from the town. The lake dries up during the winter months.

Duke's Nose

Duke's Nose stands 12 km from Lonavla, clearly visible from the highway while driving towards Mumbai. This landmark in Khandala is popular with hikers. The cliff owes its name to the Duke of Wellington, whose ample nose it resembles.

Karla Caves

Karla caves, located near Lonavla, is a complex of cave shrines built by Buddhist monks around 3rd to 2nd century B.C. A famous temple of Goddess Ekvira Devi is also present here.

Bhushi Dam

A waterfall near the dam is a popular spot between Lonavla and I.N.S. Shivaji. Buses running on the I.N.S. Shivaji Road stop here.

There was some water here and there in the dams when we went there. So we skipped some points and went to Pune for shopping. By 9.00 pm the driver dropped us in airport and we boarded a flight to Chennai and reached Chennai around 12.50 in the midnight.

Trekking to Thiruvannamalai in November 2013

2014-01-16T02:45:00.001-08:00

This year also for Karthigai deepam season we went to Thiruvannamalai for Jothi Darisanam. On 23rd November Saturday as per our plan me, Venkatesh, Dhanajeyan, Deena and Baskar started by Venkatesh's Car from Guindy by 7.00am and reached Thiruvannamalai by 11.30am.

First we went for Siva Darshanam and had our lunch. By 2.45pm we started our trekking to the hill and reached 5.15pm. We had a Jothi Darisanam by 6.00pm and returned back to foot hill by 7.30pm.

It took 2.5 hours to climb up. First It was difficult to us to climb as the Sun was hot and we are not done any recent treks. We had taken enough water and glucose for hydration. Often we drank water and moved slowly. Compare to other mountains, Thiruvannamalai was little bit steep to climb. So it took time and so much of energy. We crossed half the distance by 4.15 pm, after that our speed was increased as we are comfortable to climb now.

One important thing I have to share here for freshers, when we are climbing up, our heart will pump the blood very fast and our breathing will be heavy, that time our mind will say take rest. But no need to stop there, but you have to move slowly. If you taken rest the heart pumping will slow down and when you start again it will take time to pick up. So you have to move slowly with a steady pace. This will help you to reach the target easily.

Finally we reached the top around 5.15 pm and waited for the deepam to light up. Around 6.00pm a light signal from the Temple shown and on the Top the Mahadeepam was lighted. Everywhere the "Arohara, Annamalaikku Arohara" slogan was heard. It was a nice experience for everyone. God is in the light form has confirmed here. This is our second visit to this place and had a wonderful experience.

We started to descended immediately after the Deepa Darisanam as we have to reach the base before the light was going down. The place was empty after a few minutes of lighted the deepam. We have only one torch with me, others don't have a torch. So we decided to move one behind the other. It took 90 minutes to to reach the base. In the base we had some refreshments and started our journey to reach Chennai with Spiritual memories.

Thiruvannamalai Temple Arial view

Tiruvannamalai Temple

Annamalai Deepam

Cycle Rally for Peace and Drug Awarenes

2013-10-09T04:35:00.000-07:00

Cycle Rally for Peace and Drug Awareness From Thiruvallur district to Chennai, covered around 400 Villages, 30 Schools, 6 Colleges, 18 Public Programs and 4 De-Addiction centres. (Organized by Brahmakumaris) Total Distance covered around 950 Kms in 20 days and I was pedalled around 450 Kms in 9 Days.

Route Map and Towns/Villages Covered:

Route Map 1

Continuation of Map

1. Started at Thiruvallur

Opening Ceremony at Thiruvallur Collector Office

Cycling at Thiruvallur

2. Perambakkam
3. Thiruthani

4. Pallipattu

5. Kanakamma Chathiram

6. Uthukkottai

7. Periyapalayam

8. Kavarapettai

9. Gummidipundi

10. Ponneri

11. Redhills

12. Karlapakkam

13.Thirunindravur

14. Mittanamalli

15. Avadi

16. Ambathur

17. Thiruverkadu

18. Vanagaram

19. Chinmaya Nagar

20. Thiru-vi-ka Nagar

21. Finished at Anna Nagar

I am proud to be a part of this great event. Thanks to God and Brahmakumaris!

Grand Finale at Chennai, Anna Nagar with Chennai Mayor.

Post trek Write-up Jog Falls and DudhSagar Falls

2013-08-27T07:29:00.004-07:00

I love to travel more and almost every month I am going for a tour / trek for the past 2 years. This late summer I have a plan to go for Jog falls and Dudhsagar trip. By the time I received a mail from Prem (from CTC) for Jog Falls and Dudhsagar SUV trip. I was so happy and immediately registered for this trip. It was in the month of May when I registered and in between I went Nagala East trekking with Arun and Courtalam Trip my friends. And I am waiting for this SUV trip since then. Up to July last week I didn’t get any mail from Prem about the preparation and final plan. So I called up Prem and asked about the plan as I have to plan for the leaves and some initial preparations. Prem said the total no of participants are around 60 and may be we will go by Bus and 2 to 3 SUV’s. Also he said he is going for an exploration trip to Jog falls and Dudhsagar falls, after his visit he will post the mail for preparation and trip plan. (In that exploration trip, the car met an accident but thank god everyone survived, then only they changed the SUV plan to Bus trip, we came to know this only after the trip. Thanks Prem and organizing / Exploration team for the care on us) I said ok and he posted the preparation mail on 8th August.

Day 0:
In between we received chain of preparation mails from Organizers and self-introduction mails from the team. On Tuesday itself I packed all my things and ready for the trip. On Wednesday somehow I managed and reached CMBT bustand for boarding the bus. We 34 of us boarded in the bus out of 57 and 3 cars are arranged separately for the backup team and they are waiting for the other team members. We headed towards Bangalore and in between few more people are boarded in the bus in Sriperumbudur (Siva and Family), Vellore (Naveen and Anu) and Catty & team in between Vellore. It was a sleeper cum seated bus and we had fun playing cards and chit chatting with each other. Few of the peoples in this trip are met in my earlier treks, (Prem, Chandru, Yazar, Ananya, Yoganand, Dhana and Vikram). So it was easy to me to mingle with the big group.

Jog Falls

Organizers are well prepared for this trip and they bought 40-50 packets of Mutton Briyani and Veg fried rice for the lunch / evening food. All are had their evening food in the bus. Around 10.00pm we stopped near Hosur for Lunch. Everybody had their lunch and headed towards Bangalore. The bus reached Bangalore by 1.30 am and the second bus towards Jog falls was ready for us. Everybody boarded the second bus and it was started in few minutes. It was a 3+2, 56 seater bus and we are 44 now in that bus.

Day 1:

Jog Falls

On 15th morning we reached Jog falls by 10.30 am and there was rain drizzling around the place. We get down from the bus and enjoyed the beauty of the Jog Falls. Actually we have a plan that, we will get down the hill and reach the down of the Jog falls for a refreshing shower. But due to rain, police guards are not allowed to go down. So we took few photos from there and returned to the bus.

Jog Falls is the second-highest plunge waterfall in India, Located near Sagara, Shimoga District of Karnataka state, these segmented falls are a major tourist attraction. It is also called by alternative names of Gerusoppe falls and Jogada Gundi.

Jog Falls is created by the Sharavathi River falling from a height of 253 m (830 ft), making it the second-highest plunge waterfall in India.

The Sharavati, flowing over a very rocky bed about 250 yards wide, here reaches a tremendous chasm, 290 m (960 ft) in depth, and the water comes down in four distinct falls. The Raja Fall pours in one unbroken column sheer to the depth of 830 ft (250 m). Half-way down it is encountered by the Roarer, another fall, which precipitates itself into a vast cup and then rushes violently downwards at an angle of forty-five degrees to meet the Raja. A third fall, the Rocket, shoots downwards in a series of jets; while the fourth, the Rani, moves quietly over the mountain side in a sheet of foam. The Tourism Department has built steps from the view point till the bottom of the hill where the waterfall can be seen at the opposite side. There are approximately 1500 steps built to reach the bottom of the hill.

Nearest Railway Station to Jog falls is Talaguppa (13km) and Sagar (43km). Major Bus station is Sagar and from there you can find transport facilities to Jog Falls.

Then we headed towards our next destination Dandeli for water Rafting. In between we had lunch in Sirsi and in the night we had dinner & stayed at Yellapur. It was a big function hall and it can accommodate all of us in one roof. In the night we had an interesting introduction session and everybody introduced themselves. We have 3 doctors and 2 lawyers in our team and everybody known each other in that introduction session. We slept at 12.00 in the night and woke up in the next day (16th August) by 6.00 am.

Kayaking @ Ramanguli, Karnataka

Day 2:

There was only one wash room but everybody was ready by 7.00 am and waiting for the breakfast. The Hotel was provided us the Breakfast by 7.45am and we finished our breakfast by 8.15 and headed towards Ramanguli (28km) for water rafting. It was a private Resort (Sri Sai Riverview Jungle Resort) and they are having Rafting, Kayaking and accommodation facilities. First we went for Rafting in 3 boats of 6 peoples each and the others enjoyed their kayaking. If the first group finished their rafting, 2nd group will go for rafting and the first group will do Kayaking.It was an 8 km long way and we have enjoyed a lot by doing pedaling and jumped in to the water sometimes. After our rafting we have to walk back to the resort around 6-8 km and we are ready to walk in that climate. We walked 1-2km distance and our bus came to pick us from the point, but we are not ready to board in to the bus as we have enough time and we enjoyed in the ghat roads with rain drizzling. Few kilometers ahead we saw one small stream and immediately everyone jumped in to the water and taken a nice bath as our clothes are mud due to rafting river water. This was awesome in the middle of the forest road we are enjoying our bath in the small stream water. Finally we reached the resort and we did kayaking. Everyone changed in to dry cloths and had nice food arranged from nearby hotel by Prabhakar and Guna.

Rafting @ Ramanguli, Karnataka

In the evening everybody boarded in the bus and I changed to Duster to enjoy a SUV drive on the Ghat roads. On the way our Car reached near Goa and we entered into a No man’s land beach. We took some photos and headed to Vasco for the night stay. The entry fee for the Car to enter in to Goa city is very high, they charged Rs.250/- per car. All the three cars are well ahead than the Bus, so we reached Vasco first and had a food in Anandashram hotel. I thought it was an Ashram and they serve vegetarian food. But my assumption was wrong, it was an Family Non veg restaurant and Bar. In Goa it is very difficult to find a Vegetarian hotel and restaurant without a Bar. :(

Ramanguli

We had food in that restaurant and reached our room by 10.00 pm(Actually it was a Ram Temple premises and have rooms and dormitories for guests and it was arranged by Dr.Arun) and waited for the bus to come. They reached the place after 30 minutes. Everybody had taken rest in the dormitory for the night.

Karwar Beach

Day 3:

We woke up in the morning by 7.00am and went to Bagmola beach in Goa by 8.30am. We played there some time in the beach and took some photos. The team was very naughty and they throw everyone into the water without their permission. Everybody is wet now and the rain also started. After tea by 11.00am we headed to Dudhsagar, everyone’s dream place.

Bagmola Beach

We reached near collem railway station by 3.30 pm and had our lunch there near the station brought from some hotel. After lunch we started our trek to Dudhsagar falls. It was around 13 km distance and we have to walk on the railway tracks only. In between some tunnels will come and trains will pass through. We take a compact back pack consists water bottle, one dry cloths set and sleeping bag / mat for the night stay. The journey was breath taking as there was rain drizzling some times, train passing through us when we are crossing tunnels and moreover the tracks laid on one side of the mountain slope and other side is deep valley. We reached the Dudhsagar falls around 7.30 pm by the time it was dark and the campsite we planned was almost fully occupied. We spent some time there near falls, the falls was flowing heavily as its showering on us even if we are in 100 feet distance.

Way to DudhSagar

DudhSagar Track

Dudhsagar Falls (Sea of Milk) is a four-tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River in Goa on Goa's border with Karnataka state. The waterfall is located in the Bhagwan Mahavir Wild Life Sanctuary at Collem in South Goa in the Western Ghats. It is 60 km from Panaji city by road and 46 km from Madgaon railway junction by train. At the base of the waterfall, there is a small pond. One can bathe in it only during non-rainy days, that too at one's own risk. There are fish in the pond, the water is very cold and the pond is slippery.

DudhSagar - Long view

Dudhsagar is one of the world's most exquisite falls. It lies high up in the Mandovi River's watershed and so are not particularly spectacular during the dry season. During the monsoon season however, the falls are transformed into one of the most powerful falls in India. Dudhsagar Falls is listed as India's 2nd tallest waterfall at 310 meter. The water plummets hundreds of meters (over a thousand feet) in large volumes during the rainy monsoon season, forming one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in Goa. It is a major part of the Goa ecosystem. It is a four-tiered waterfall with a total height of 310 metres (1017 feet) and an average width of 30 metres (100 feet). There is a railway station called Dudhsagar Falls (station code DWF or DDS) where trains stop for a minute or so for technical reason (to test brakes while going downhill) but no tickets are issued to or from this station and it is not a commercial halt for trains. The next railway station is Collem (Kulem) on Madgaon-Castle Rock-Londa track, 13 km from the falls. The railway route for reaching the falls from Goa is Madgaon-Collem- Dudhsagar Falls. However, one can get down at Dudhsagar Falls railway station itself that lies between Castle Rock and Collem and walk the short distance to the falls. Then one can come back to the same station and take a freight train by requesting the guard and taking his permission. All the trains including freight (goods) trains stop at Dudhsagar Falls railway station while going towards Madgaon (but not while going in the reverse direction).

Way to Castle Rock

Trekking in Dudhsagar is a famous tourist attraction. There are two abandoned shelters for the refuge of trekkers (left to the falls and right side beside the railway track). They are available on the first-come-first-served basis. Medical and pure drinking water facilities are not available around Dudhsagar but one can approach the station master at Dudhsagar Falls railway station in emergency. There are some trek routes to reach Dudhsagar Falls, of which only two are accessible in monsoon.

Route 1 (Castle Rock Route) :This is the most famous route during the monsoon. Reach Castle Rock station and start a Scenic 16 km hike to Dudhsagar Water falls along the railway track. It normally takes 5–6 hours to reach. The route passes through a number of railway tunnels, a board reading "Welcome to Goa" and also great views of the Valley. One has to be careful of trains while walking along the railway track.

Tunnel in Konkan Railway

Route 2 (Kulem Route) : This is equally scenic but less popular as compared to Route 1. One has to get down at Kulem (Collem) railway station (Station Code: QLM) and walk towards the falls which is about 12 km away. It normally takes 4–5 hours to reach. The famous photograph of Trains passing through before the waterfalls can be seen in this route and also the complete stretch of the falls will be visible while you hike towards the waterfalls.

Dudhsagar Falls

Route 3 (Transport + Hike) : In Kulem one can hire a 4X4 SUV to reach the foot of the Dudhsagar waterfalls. There is a taxi stand called 'Dudhsagar Taxi stand' where one can hire a vehicle and get dropped near the falls which is just 1 km hike from the dropping point. This is suitable for large groups with kids and ladies but it cannot be used during monsoon season. Also Motor bike hiring available up to the base and they are charging Rs.600 per person to and pro.

Way to Castle Rock

Prem and team searching for the night camp site and finalized a one site for few peoples in a temple (Vailankanni Church) near track and for others down the valley in Mahaveer National park. Siva & family, Naveen & Anu and few others went to church camp and others are proceeded towards the valley camp. The path leading down to the valley park was very steep and slippery. Raja, Prem and Aravind are tied a rope on the tree to get down easily and they prepared the camp for rest in night. The rain was showering slowly and everyone reached safely to the camp. In Western Ghats there will more be leaches compared to other Ghat sections. Few of our team members got bite of leaches and they removed it immediately. The whole night it was raining and we are somehow managed to sleep in a small place in that tent.

Tunnel

Day 4:

Morning we woke up by 6.00 and after our morning duties, we started to climb up on the other way to reach the Dudhsagar falls. After some distance we have to cross one stream and the flow was very heavy, so we couldn’t cross that stream. (One of our team member Raja’s camera missed in stream crossing and two others shorts were wiped off). So we have no other way to return to our original route to reach the Dudhsagar falls. When we reached the falls, the other team members stayed in church premises was started their trekking / walking to castle rock, where our bus was waiting for us. So we had some bun (Vada pav) and tea and started our walk towards castle rock station around 10.30am. It was scenic 16 km walk along the railway track and passed through a number of railway tunnels. In between we took a nice shower in one of the falls on the way. There are so many small falls flowing all over the route. We drank as of water from the stream falls directly as we have no other source for food. We reached Castle rock station by 5.00pm after a pleasant journey with great views of the Valley. We had some refreshments in that station and changed to dry clothes. The bus now headed towards Bangalore carrying us with the unforgettable memories of this trip. We had dinner on the way and reached Bangalore in the early morning. From Bangalore we boarded another bus and reached Chennai.

Castle Rock

It was a life time trip for me with the energetic CTC team of 57 souls…

Thanks for Prem, Prabhakar, Guna, Arun, Manick and team for such a wonderful trip….

Courtalam and Palaruvi - Monsoon Visit

2013-08-23T06:28:00.002-07:00

This year in the monsoon season I have Visited Coutralam and Palaruvi. July and August is the best season to visit these places. So we booked tickets for the last week of July. I made one plan to cover these areas in a weekend. Direct train was full at that time, so I booked the train tickets in two connecting trains with my friend and their family. It was a very refreshing trip and we enjoyed a lot.

Courtalam Falls

Courtalam is in the Tirunelveli district of South India. It is famous for its numerous waterfalls. You can literally find people running around and taking bath in waterfalls with towels on their shoulders. The best time to visit is mid-June to September and October-January. Tenkasi is the nearest rail head. It is connected to Chennai and Tirunelveli by frequent services. You can hire a taxi or an auto from Tenkasi Railway Station to reach courtalam. Courtalam is just 6km away from Thenkasi Railway Junction. Special buses operated by the government ply directly to courtalam during the season.

Courtalam Falls

We started from Chennai on July 26th Friday evening by Pearl City Exp (19.15pm) to reach VirudhuNagar. From there we boarded another train Podhigai exp around 5.45am Saturday to reach Thenkasi. We reached Tenkasi around 9.00am(Train was late around 1.30hrs). From the station we boarded a share auto to reach Coutralam (Fare Rs.20 per person). We already booked a railway guest house, so we left the luggage in our room and went for bathing in Main falls. (We had breakfast in the train itself as we brought from our home) It was a peak season in Courtalam, the crowd was huge all around the courtalam town. Water flowing from main falls was very good. We took Oil massage there (Rs.140) and taken bath in main falls. Due to crowd we are unable to take bath properly. So we returned after a quick bath in few minutes to our room for taking rest.

Five Falls

Unfortunately there is no power in our room. We had some refreshments and decided to go for 5 falls. We boarded a share auto (Rs.10 per head) to 5 falls and reached there by 3.30 pm. It is 5 kms away from Main falls and special connecting buses are available in season times. Here also we saw lots of people are taking bath. Somehow we managed the crowd and taken bath. During this season thousands of tourists from far and near visit this place. This place has a chill and a superb climate with sizzling of rain drops over us removes the stresses in our mind.

Eco Park Near 5 Falls

Apart from these two crowded major falls Peraruvi(Main Falls) and Anitharuvi(Five Falls), there are other 6 falls are there in and around Courtalam i.e. Chitraruvi(Small Falls), Shenbaga devi Falls, Thenaruvi(Honey Falls), Pazhathotta Aruvi, puli Aruvi(tiger Falls) and Pazhaya Courtallam(old Falls). Apart from the falls, Courtalam is also famous for the Shiva shrive, Thirukutrala nathar. The town name courtalam is derived from this god’s name Thirukutrala nathar.

Eco Park

In my group others are want to go to our room, but I want to roam around the place. There was an Eco park near 5 falls maintained by Govt of Tamilnadu. I came to know that, on that day a special seasonal program to be conducted in that park in continuation of Saral Vizha. So I decided to go there with my friend Mano and Venkat. The entry fee was Rs.30 and it was worth a visit. When we entered the park, we saw there is some fruit and vegetable show is planning to organize. Inside the park there are only few people seen here and there. The park has some adventure games, stream walkway and lot of green trees/plants surrounded by the stream. The climate was very pleasant and we went up to the end of the park. It took 2 hours to visit the entire park. After that we boarded a Bus to Courtalam to reach our room. We had dinner and taken rest in the night.

Eco Park Near 5 Falls

As per my pre plan, next day morning we vacated our room and proceeded to Palaruvi falls. There is no direct bus from Courtalam to Palaruvi, so we boarded a bus to Sengottai and from there we boarded a kerala bus to Aryankavu. Courtalam to Aryankavu is around 24 km by road. The bus dropped us near the Aryankavu checkpost and from that point we have to go further inside 4km to reach Palaruvi Falls. We boarded a share auto (Mahindra van) and he dropped us near palaruvi water falls by 10.45 am. (He charged Rs.250 for 7 of us for to and fro from Aryankavu checkpost). Entry fee to the water falls is Rs.10 per person. Vehicle entry fee is extra.

Palaruvi

About 4 km from Aryankavu, Palaruvi is a slender thread of water hurtling down from a height of about 300 feet. Situated 75 km from Kollam town on Kollam-Senkottai road, this area was once a retreat for the Maharajas of Travancore. Palaruvi, which literally means 'stream of milk' collects in a little pool below, where visitors are allowed to take a dip.

It was a huge falls falling from a 300 feet hill and it was breath taking. When we were there, the flow was very high and the guards are denied us to enter near the main falls to take bath. Somehow me and venkat managed to enter in that area and taken a blissful bath in the cascade near the falls. No one can go near the falls as it was in full force and the pool below the falls was very depth. Others are taken bath below the other small cascades. The view of the falls is very spectacular and we take bath up to our thirst. We noticed there were changing rooms for ladies. Beyond the bathing area, the walking path ascended a set of stairs leading up to a sheltered view point.

Palaruvi Falls

Besides bathing in the delightful waterfall, trekking is the main activity at Palaruvi which attracts a lot of tourists.

Palaruvi Trekking (7 am to 2 pm) - Covering 5 km, this trek to the top of the fall and back, covering streams, ancient caves, evergreen forests and reed breaks of the upper reaches will take about 3 hours. A minimum of 5 trekkers is required at the time of trekking.

Kurishumala Trekking (7 am and 11 am) - A distance of 8 km will be covered during this six-hour trek which involves climbing up to the top of the fall, crossing streams, caves, evergreen forests and reed breaks of the upper reaches of the fall. Visit to the special habitat of the endemic and endangered Chenkurinji (Gluta travancorica) in its natural setting through Vilakkumaram-Rajacoupe up to the state border gives a glimpse of the neighboring Tamil Nadu. A minimum of 5 trekkers is required at the time of trekking.

Aryankavu Shastha Temple is located near the Palaruvi falls on the Sengottai – Punalur Road, where the Lord Ayyappa's Thirukalyanam festival celebrated.

After that we returned to Aryankavu check post through our arranged vehicle. From Aryankavu we boarded another bus to Thenmala and reached there by 2.00pm. Actually I have a plan that we have to visit Thenmala Eco Tourism sanctuary Adventure Zone. But we don’t have much time to spend there. So we visited only deer park.

Thenmala Deer Park

Thenmala (the hills that flow with honey) is situated about 72 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 30 km from Senkottai on the Senkottai- Punalur Road. Thenmala is home to India's first planned eco-tourism project. The nerve-center of a chain of ten satellite eco-tourism destinations scattered across the hill ranges of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts, Thenmala is spread over acres of evergreen forest. A natural habitat of diverse flora and fauna, this unique eco-tourism habitat lies 500 m above sea level. The rugged terrain of this land harboring a fragile ecosystem packs plenty of adventure activities. Nature trails dotted with delightful waterfalls and enchanting picnic spots attract naturalists, conservationists and adventure seekers. With its forests, rubber estates and tea plantations, Thenmala provides the perfect background for leisure activities.

Ecotourism Activities

The Thenmala Ecotourism Facilitation Centre has enough activities to entertain both adults and children.

Culture Zone

Amphitheatre - For local art forms and other cultural performances.

Shop Court - Managed by local women self-help groups for selling local forest products, souvenirs, local handicrafts etc.

Musical Dancing Fountain - A rhythmic ballet of water, sound and light in a natural ambience. (7.00pm)

Adventure Zone (9 am to 5.30 pm on all days)

Thenmala Eco Park

Nature Trail - Winding trail through various elevations in the zone.

Canopy Walkway - Elevated path through a canopy of trees that helps explore the ecosystem and the level changes of the area.

@ Virudhunagar

Lotus Pond - A water body that exhibits various forms of aquatic plants.

Mountain Biking - A 2 m wide, 1000 m long bike path facilitates mountain biking with various levels of difficulty.

Recreational Rock Climbing & Rappelling - Rocks of different heights and sizes are equipped with pegs and ropes to facilitate rock climbing and rappelling.

River Crossing - Ropes are tied at a height across the river for adventurous river crossing activities.

Hill Thrills - Valley crossing, spider net, shot range, trust fall, pedal boating etc.

Resting Points - Quiet spots in the wilderness to take a break.

Thenmala Deer Park

Leisure Zone (8.30 am to 6.30 pm)

Pathways - Winding trails leading tourists to various sites.

Boardwalk - 250 m riverfront built of wooden planks that gives the visitor a close view of the stream below.

Sway Bridge - An unsupported bridge, made of wooden planks and hung from ropes across the river.

Sculpture Garden - Based on the theme 'Man and Nature', this garden depicts the relationship between the two in the serene backdrop of the forest.

Resting Points - Quiet spots in the wilderness to take a break.

Deep Woods - Soft trekking and biking programme to explore the two patches of Niptica swamp forest (2 to 4 hrs).

Boating at the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary: Battery-operated vehicles to the boat landing from where begins an exciting boat cruise. Watch wildlife at close quarters and be prepared for surprises.

Deer Rehabilitation Centre

An opportunity to befriend a deer and understand their delicate ecosystem. The deer that stray out from the forest are rehabilitated here. Spotted deer and the sambar are the main inhabitants. The Centre also has a children's eco-park with treetop huts, swings etc.

Thenmala Deer Park

Other Attractions

Trekking

One to three-day guided trekking tours and bird watching trails in the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary.

Bird Watching Trail: Two-day program in the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary.

Pilgrimage Tourism: An eco-pilgrimage connecting the three surrounding Ayyappa shrines at Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu and Achankovil can also be arranged from Thenmala.

Environment Education Centre: This Centre facilitates various activities inside the forest area, using the potential features of the site to educate the visitors.

Thenmala Train Bridge

One-day Ecotourism at Palaruvi: The eco-trip to the 300 ft waterfall is managed by the local community.

Ecotourism programs are also available at the ten satellite spots that fall under a 50 km radius of Thenmala.

Places to be seen in and Around Thenmala:

Hanging Bridge, Punalur (22 km) is en route to Thenmala from Kottarakkara. Achankovil is one of the major temples of Lord Ayyappa and along the way lies in the Manalar Falls, a tiny strip of cascading water that is usually visible only after the rains. A little further is the Kumbavurutty Falls, to get to which you need to trek for half a kilometer. This is a nature interaction center and it even has tree houses for children.

Finally by 4.30 pm we boarded a bus to Thenkasi and reached around 6.30pm. We boarded Podhigai train to reach Virudhu Nagar and from there pearl city express to reach Chennai. The journey ended with chilled memories….

My trip to Tirunelveli (In December 2008)…

2013-07-15T05:22:00.000-07:00

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In December 2008, visited to Tiruchendur and Tirunelveli town along with my mother. There is no direct train to Tiruchendur that time, so we boarded Pearl City express and reached Tuticorin. From there we boarded a bus to Tiruchendur. The bus was stopped near the temple. (Only few buses go up to the temple) Near the temple, lot of the accommodation facilities (Devasthanam Lodges) is arranged by Temple administration. (Rent Rs. 80 to 150). There are private lodges also available. We refreshed in our room and in the afternoon went to the temple for darshan.

Tiruchendur Temple

Thiruchendur temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga and it’s one of the six adobes of Lord Muruga. In the temple premises, the priests are standing outside and asking the devotees, if you want quick and good darshan I will arrange it, please give me Rs. 100 per person for that. Actually if you want to do pooja to the lord and for special entry, you have to take ticket from temple counter, but these people are bye pass this and the money goes to their pockets.

Saravana Poigai

Many visitors are following these peoples as they want quick darshan and temple administration is not caring this. Temple was not kept clean and full of sand around the walk way, may be due to the seashore is nearby. After darshan, in the evening we went to the nearby beach. Lot of people was taking bath in the sea. In Tiruchendur, it is said, to take bath in Saravanapoykai (சரவணபொய்கை), Naazi Kinaru (நாழி கிணறு) and sea is auspicious. We didn’t take bath as there was lot of crowd and moreover we took bath in lodge itself. But we sprinkled the water on our head as it was auspicious.

On the evening we went to Kulasekarapattinam (20-30 minute bus journey from Thiruchendur), it was known for Mutharamman temple. Dussera festival is celebrated in this temple very grand manner next to Mysore. This is a seashore town. It was a port city in the past. During the festival of Dussera, there will be thousands of people throng around the coast. During this festival people worship the goddess doing with make-up like different idols. We returned from Kulasai to our Lodge in Thiruchendur by night and had dinner.

Kulasekarapattinam

In Tiruchendur, morning Sunrise is worth to see. We went to the seashore the next day at 6.00 in the morning, but the sky was cloudy, so we couldn't see the sunrise.

Krishnapuram Statues

Krishnapuram temple

After that we vacated our room and boarded a bus to Tirunelveli by 7.00am. (90 minute bus journey from Tiruchendur -14 rupees). We reached Tirunelveli by 9.00am and after breakfast, we visited Krishnapuram temple. (It was located in Tirunelveli - Tiruchendur route, 20-30 minute journey from the Tirunelveli new bus station). We reached the temple by 12.00 and the main gate was closed (Temple is open from 5 am to 11.30am and in the evening 5 pm to 8 pm).

Krishnapuram Statues

There was a temple watchman he took us inside the temple using a small wicket gate. In the temple we saw sculptures carved in the 16th century, the sculptures are carved very elegantly. He shown the sculptures and explained about that. Movements of the dancing woman, gypsy woman kidnapping Rajkumar by put on her shoulder, Arjuna penance, gypsy man kidnapping Rajkumari put on the shoulder, Ramba, Rathi, Cupid, Purusamirugam(Half man and half animal) fighting with Bhima statues are beautifully carved. Each of these is carved in pillars very elegantly. In the Statues it was very clear that, well embossed nerves, knee bone structure, finger nails are carved very elegantly. It was worth to see. But we couldn’t see the main deity of the temple. We gave some tips to the watchman and we returned from there to Tirunelveli by afternoon.

Krishnapuram Statues

We had lunch at Tirunelveli and in the evening we visited a temple in Thirunelveli named Nellaiappar Temple. It was very huge and built in the heart of the Tirunelveli town. This temple was built in 7th Century by the Pandiya Kings. Tirunelveli was the capital in Pandiya Kings period. There is a reason behind the name Tirunelveli name. When we asked about the temple, elders said,

Once upon a time there lived a poor Brahman named Veda Sharma. He is the greatest devotee of Shiva. He will beg every day from the town and from the begging, he will offer prasadam to God. One day he was drying the Rice in the open, which was gained from begging. Then all of a sudden rain started and the rice was going to be washed away. The Brahman prayed god to protect the rice and God have mercy on him and stood like safety fence around it for defence. The name of the place derived from – God protected Rice and stood like the fence (Thiru-Nel-Veli). The God name known as Nellaiappar and the Goddess name Ganthimathi (meaning is shining moon).

This temple is 850 feet long and 756 feet wide big. The Pond and Mandapam are beautiful in the temple. In the month of October, in 1000 Column Hall Shiva and Parvathi wedding ceremony will take place. In the May month, May festival to be held very grand in Vasantha Mandapam. Another hall here at the temple, in which there are 48 pillars. Each pillar sounds into different music. The Nandhi in the temple looks big as in Thanjavur and Rameswaram.

This temple is associated with many historical heroes. In the south eastern corner of the temple premises, a small Siva temple is there, the deity is called Anavaratha Lingam. Some time back one of the Nawab's wife who was suffering from chronic disease and the king asked the Brahmans for solution, they said offer prayer and worship God Nellaiyappar. The Queen has done so, surprisingly, the Muslim Queen’s disease was cured and a beautiful male child was also born. They named the child as Anavaratha Khan. In terms of the memory of the incident, a small temple was built in a corner. So the Lord was called as Anavaratha Lingam. From the outside of the temple, a small way created in the outer wall of the temple against the shrine as his son and Navab’s worshiping.

Nellaiappar Temple

After finishing darshan, we had dinner. Alwa is famous in Tirunelveli and the iruttu kadai alwa is very famous there. We didn’t bought alwa as we are already running late. We boarded Nellai Express in the evening and reached Chennai the next day morning. The Journey ends…

Sathuragiri - a Spiritual journey (in September 2012)

2013-07-12T06:34:00.000-07:00

Last year(December 2011), when I went to the Parvatha malai, I heard about the mountain Sathuragiri(சதுரகிரி மலை). Since then, I have an idea that I have to go there some day. New moon day was an auspicious day to visit Sathuragiri and it falls on September 15th a weekend. So I left on Friday 14th September by Pothigai Express train and reached Srivilliputhur the next day morning at 7.00 am.

From the Railway station we boarded a share auto to the king Lodge. We gave Rs.580 for four people per day. After having bath and breakfast in the hotel, we packed food for lunch and reached bus stand. By special bus through vatrayiruppu (vatrap), we reached thanipparai the base of the hill Sathuragiri. We reached Tanipparai at 10.45 am, bus fare Rs. 20 from Srivilliputhur to Thaniparai. Then we began our journey towards the hill from thanipparai to Sathuragiri.

Sathuragiri Hill Base

Sathuragiri (சதுரகிரி)

It's not like an ordinary mountain, this mountain is full of vigour and spiritual powers. The mountain has untold secrets but looks quite and humongous. The Kingdom of Siddhas, living place of dangerous wildlife animals and available of rare herbal plants are created this mountain most powerful. Having Supreme God shiva’s grace, this hill also called as Shivanmalai and Magalingamalai.

Goddess Parvati and God Shiva are staying here permanently and giving their grace to the people coming here, so the place also called ThenKayilayam. This hill is the headquarters of the eighteen Siddhars and is known location to many Siddhars as they met to discuss about their research here. In this mountain Siddhas are coming to worship Lord Shiva by staying in the caves and doing research for detection of medicines. Numerous herbs are rich in Sathuragiri Forests. Today also lot of siddhas are said to live on the mountain region. Some Siddhas are said to be invisible to human eyes are still living here. Devotees are coming here for a trust that at least a bit of a spiritual vibration from this hills will fall on us and give energy to us.

On the way to Sathuragiri

Sathuragiri is located near thanipparai (vatrap region) in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu. Thanipparai is located about 10 km from vatrap. From Srivilliputhur - Krishnankovil- vatrap - thanipparai is about 30 km distance. There are two other ways to reach Thanipparai, but the majority of people will come through vatrap only. On special days, government operating special buses to thanipparai. Bus facility is rare in ordinary days. Share autos are operated in this route and they charging Rs. 10 per person.

Approximately eight km away from the foot hills, the Mahalingam shrine is located on the top. Not one or two mountains, you have to cross seven mountains to reach the temple. In the form of a square surrounded by mountains this hill is called as Sathuragiri. Also the name derived as four big hills located around the temple.

On the way to Sathuragiri - Venkatesh

There are big hills and mountains around the tiny twig. You have to cross all these to reach the top. A stream is flowing in between the mountain in the rainy seasons.

There is one forest office is located at the foot of Thanipparai. An Arch at the entrance is welcoming us to this Sathuragiri Hills. We started our travelling in the narrow path leading to mountain top, on the way we can see lot of medicinal Plants are at the two sides of the paths.
On the way to the hill, at some distance Lord Vinayaga, Rajakaliamman, Karuppasamy and Pechiyamma temples are to be seen. Usually climbing a hill is difficult, In that it is very difficult to climb with the load. The mountain path leads to temple almost follow the stream from the top. In the rainy season, a small stream of water is flowing through this path.

About 6 to 10 feet wide and approximately 8 km long rough vertical mountain path we have to travel to reach the top. One side Sun’s hot waves and the other side deep valley will fear to move on this path. There is no safety wall on two sides to hold, if you slept, you have to endanger your life. You have to climb through this six-foot path only and it has to be an adventure journey. When you begin to climb, you will have the encouragement for some time. If you crossed some distance, your tongue began to come out of your mouth due to thirsty. You will breathe very fast and your heart beat will go high and you may think we had taken a wrong decision to climb this hill. Your trust will go low as you climb up.

When we are crossed 1/4th distance the clock says its 12 noon, the sun was on top of us. We had decided to stay the night on the top hill, so we took extra clothes and food, the excess weight was exhausted me and got tired quickly. If you are going first time, you have to accompany a guide with you is advisable. There are some coolies are there to lift your luggage to the top and they are charging nominally. (We can see some phone numbers of coolies written on rocks on the way). They are charging Rs 150 - 200 for Lift up to 35 kg weight. If the old persons / disable persons want to visit the temple in the top, they are also offering service to carry them by Toli and Charging Rs.2000 approx. After a big struggle if you somehow managed to reach the top, you feel that you achieved something and your worries are gone.

You will have the feeling that, we have crossed such a difficult rocky path and reached the top, why we cannot lead my life in difficulty situations? If you want to walk steadily, the only way is, you have to control your breath. Don’t sit and take too much of rest, it will reduce your pace, walk slowly and steadily in thinking of God you will reach the destination easily.

On the way to Sathuragiri

Don’t ask anyone crossing you that, how far we have to climb further? For the majority of people will say “less distance only” (கொஞ்சதூரம் தான்) is a false answer. Just relax and put full attention on the road enjoying every moment and in the mind think God Shiva, enjoy nature around, breathe slowly and walk steadily without taking too much rest, you will reach the top in 2 -3 hour time. We took more time to rest and walked slowly, so it took 5 hours for us to reach the Temple.

But it's easy to get down from the hill. It will take 1.5 – 2 hours for regular visitors, but it will take 3 hours for first comers. After you reached home, you will realize the pain in your calf, thigh muscles and ankle pain. It will be reduced in 2-3 days time. Please avoid too much of weight when you climb up this hill.

We crossed the first mountain without difficulty as it was not very steep, Second Mountain was called குதிரை ஊத்து (Kuthirai oothu), if we go further you can reach வழுக்குப்பாறை(vazhukku paarai) alias படிவெட்டிப்பாறை (Padi vetti ppaarai), the steps are very small, but you can step up without fear. If you cross this section, you can see Z-shaped konathalavasal (கோணத்தலவாசல்) and then Karampasuthadam (காரம்பசுத்தடம்), from here the difficult path will start. Some steps ahead the Gorakkar cave will come, but we skipped that place due to we have to go down few steps from the main trail. There are two Shiva lingams are there inside that cave, it is said to be the Gorakkar Siddha praised that lingams.

Rettai Lingam

Atthiri Maharishi stayed in this part called Attiyuttu (அத்தியூத்து). On the way to the top we seen two Lingams in one shrine are known as Rettailingam. Assume that you have reached half the way, when you are reached here. Only about one and a half km distance trial somewhat difficult. Other parts of the trial you can climb easily. If you walk further 15 minutes you can reach kuliratti Solai (குளிராட்டி சோலை), trees surrounded garden like place. The cool breeze from the trees will rejuvenate your body and mind. We took rest some time there by sitting comfortably.

Lot of herbs is available here and these herbs we cannot find anywhere else in the world. These Medicinal plants are used for simple Headache to deadly diseases like AIDS, But less people aware of these resources. Siddhars are discovered lots of herbal medicines and selfish bad fellows are using for wrong reasons, that’s why the Siddhars hide themselves in these hill forests. Inventions are written by golden songs in manuscripts settled in their code itself.

There are all kinds of wild animals are here other than lion. Somebody gave information that only one tiger is living in the hill forest. Other than this Deer, Bear, Gaur, elephant, Leopard and Porcupine are the other animals living here. No animals will enter in the temple area. When we return we saw a Slender Loris and few Pigs on the trail path.

A small stream will flow through the stream boulders in most of the time and the devotees will freshen themselves with the cool water, at that time when we went, there is no water in the stream. Few more steps we climbed to the top we saw a board Chinna pasukkidai(சின்ன பசுக்கிடை) and this is the plains. We saw some cows with bells in the neck were grasping. Further we noticed a small fountain called novel spring(நாவல் ஊற்று). The novel spring is full of various nutrients and it is the best medicine for diabetes. It is coming furiously from beneath the ground.

In the continuous walk, we've reached more than three-quarters of Sathuragiri hills. The Pilavadikaruppar temple (பிலாவடிக்கருப்பர்) is considered to be the gateway of Sathuragiri. The Pilavadikaruppar diety is sitting below the jackfruit tree and he is also known as Sathuragiri hill protector. In the back of the temple we saw one well and it is said to be the chrism well (தைலக்கிணறு). Lot of people are taking bath in the well water for freshen them up and also they are trusting it contains medicinal herbs and will remove our diseases.

If you continue your walk few more minutes, you will reach Lord Sundaralinga swamy temple (சுந்தரலிங்க சுவாமி). In the mountains, God Shiva blessing in the two forms of Sundaramagalingam and Chandana Mahalingam(சந்தன மகாலிங்கம்) to pilgrims. In between these two temples Akasha Ganga called a small waterfall flows into a small stream. This water is considered very auspicious and the flow is higher in the rainy seasons. Devotees will go Sundaramagalingam temple first and then visit Chandana Mahalingam temple. You have to walk (climb) about 15 minutes to reach Chandana Mahalingam temple. In Sundara Mahalingam temple, Sundaramurthi and Sundara Mahalingam named two Lingams are there.

In the Sandhanamagalingam temple, there is sandal adorned Mahalingam is there. There are statues for the Eighteen Siddhas, Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga, Mahadevi and Navakiragankal. There is also Sattanatha(சட்டநாத) Siddha lived Cave is here. From this temple, you have to climb above further an hour to reach the cave named Thavasi cave. You cannot go alone to this place, you have to accompany somebody who is known the place very well. The path was too narrow and in some places there is no path to walk. If you missed the path it is very difficult and danger.

There are lot of siddhas are lived here and somebody still dwelt in this cave, a talk is going on.

The cave is very narrow, only one will be able to enter inside by moving in the floor. A maximum of four people can sit inside the cave. One small wall is protecting us to move beyond. But in the stone wall’s small holes, a refreshing cool air passing through. It is the faiths that still some Rishis are doing penance inside.

Another faith as, on the full moon day, the siddhas are come down from the mountain to offer the prayers at midnight to Sundaramahalingam and Sandana mahalingam.

New moon day was an auspicious day to visit Sathuragiri and thousands of devotees visit every new moon day. In the Audi Amavasai, not less than five lakh devotees visit this hill temple for worshiping. After the new moon day full moon day also special poojas will be performed here. Currently Pirathosam and Shivaratri also devotees visiting was increased. Apart from these special days, devotees visit on other days may be less.

Thavasi Cave

Siddhas will give darshan to anyone at any time as may be in any form. Staying on the mountain in Pournami days and moonless nights to attend prayers will give you exiting experience. When we visited Sathuragiri I seen one man, he looks that time for me as a Siddhar. (because he called with my name suddenly from somewhere, when I was so tiredly sitting on the mountain trail – also he dressed like a sadhu) He was the person who guided me when we visited Parvatha Mountain and told me about Sathuragiri Mountain.

There are three four Annadhana monasteries are serving food to devotees on all special days freely. Round the clock, devotees are served food by these monasteries without hesitating for any number of persons at any time, if midnight also.

All the vegetables, spices, rice and all we have to bring from down only, these peoples are carrying in bundles on their head to bring up. So don’t waste food and other things if the taste is not ok. My friend and brother ate the food and said it was good. On the top of mountain water will be very good and the temple administration provided some taps for drinking water from the well. Also some showers are installed near temple for bathing.

Choose and walk only on the right path, Don’t choose shortcut to go up, you will get hung up somewhere. Be careful on this!

If you see any wild animal crossing you while you on the travel, just stand still and don’t make any noise up to the animal moved inside the forest. If you interested of the forest, arrange a guide who’s appropriate on the trail for assistance, don’t go alone, it will end you somewhere. Take along with you a torch for the night use.

We didn’t find a proper accommodation on the top, so we decided to descend the same day itself. So we didn’t go to Thavasi Cave. We started to descend down by 6 pm. It was the late evening time, the downhill, we are not so tired, so we walked slowly and reached thanipparai in a 3-hours time. We boarded a share auto from Thanipparai to Vatrap and from Vattirayiruppu we boarded a bus and reached Srivilliputhur by 10.30pm. We took rest in our lodge that night.

Paalkova(பால்கோவா-Milk sweet) is famous in Srivilliputhur , we bought some sweets there.

Come down at night, the next day we went to the Srivilliputhur temple. The temple tower is a known symbol and it is included in the Tamilnadu Government’s logo. That day, the tower was closed due to the renovation works.

Srivilliputhur Temple Tower

Then we boarded a bus to Thenkasi and visited courtallam. From Srivilliputhur to Thenkasi 3 hour bus journey. In the evening, after taking bath in Courtallam falls and Five Falls, we visited Thenkasi, Kasi Vishwanath Temple. This temple tower is the 2nd largest temple tower in Asia.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Thenkasi

In the late evening from Thenkasi we boarded Podhigai- Chennai express and reached Chennai the next day morning 7.40 am. The Journey ends with full of body pain, but it was worth to visit…

Nagala East Foodie Trek

2013-07-07T05:42:00.001-07:00

As I planned to go for every month a trek and applied this trek Nagala East foodie Trek on 22-23 June. My colleagues also interested on this trek so 4 of us applied and unfortunately except me others are not selected. Arun the Organiser selected this group with the criteria of Coastal cleanup participated and Tree Plantation participated guys. I had participated in CCC4 and went few treks so I got selected. It was very short time and preparation mails are received from Organizers and a mail thread was created for no of items and what kind of items to be prepared for eat. Everything was set on Friday itself and 5 cars and a van was arranged for pickup of 41 likeminded souls. I have to board in Atul’s car so I called Atul and asked where he was living and he said he is living near kolathur and it was near to me. So we fixed a point to meet at 3.30pm. I started from home by 3.15 pm with my brother in bike and on the half way to that point I remembered that I was not taken my plate for food. So I returned to home and picked my plate and reached the point in Kolathur where we fixed to meet. Atul reached there in few minutes time and he found me immediately as I was wearing CTC T-shirt. We introduced ourselves and reached to CMBT bus stand by 4.10pm where the common meeting point for everyone.

Nagala Dam

People are coming one by one and introduced ourselves. In that few of them are familiar with me as they are met in my previous treks. Bala(ji) collected money from all for the expenses and we are all set to proceed to Nagala the Emperor’s favorite destination. Finally Arun asked us to buy some fruits for Salad, so we went to Koyambedu Market for buying fruits. By the time it was 6.00pm and we proceeded to Nagala and reached the mid way meeting point Utthukkottai by 8.00pm where Arun and team are bought some chicken and eggs for dinner. Finally we reached Nagala east base (Near TP Kotta) by 8.45pm.

Soup preparation

Curd Rice Preparation

Immediately we opened our Groceries boxes for preparing food for dinner. In our group 8 members are Vegetarians including me and rest were Non-Vegetarians. So I, Krishna and few others are deputed for Veg food preparation. First we prepared Veg soup and Curd Rice. Mean time Arun, Senthil, Kannan, Bala, Dilip and others are readied a Charcoal Grill for cooking Grilled Chicken and Fish. They had Grilled chiken, Grilled fish, Prawn, Chicken soup and Dry Fish for dinner. We ate Veg Soup, Curd Rice, and Boiled Sweet corn. Balkis, Morgan and chloe prepared a wonderful dish Banana Chocolate, everyone tasted the new dish.

Finally we went to sleep by 12.30, but I heard somebody’s voice throughout the night. It may be Ishwarya and Nithya’s voice I think.

Inside Nagala Dam

Early morning everybody wake up by 5.30am and did our morning routines. By 6.30 am everybody packed our backpacks and Grocery bags (Arun Distributed food items and common gears to everyone) and started walking towards the Nagala Hills.

Carrying Common Gears

The Nagala dam was fully dry this time. When my first trek in November’12 it was filled with water. Few of our group members walked inside the dam and we few take the usual route along the dam in to the forest. Both trail would join somewhere ahead at the regular trail. Trekking until this spot was pretty much easy. Gradual ascents and descents later, we reached the first pool. This was my second trip so I was little familiar with the trail and walked in front of the group to reach first.

First Pool Top View

First Pool

3rd Pool

Everyone reached in in few minutes gap and immediately jumped into the water. There is a small flow of water but it is enough to swim and enjoy. Some part of the pool was 10feet depth so the non-swimmers (including me) used life jackets and swim tubes to swim. Around an hour’s excitement at this place, we started cooking our breakfast. We prepared Milk and cornflakes for Veg peoples and Egg and Bread for Non-Veg peoples. After breakfast everybody proceeded to our next halt point Sliding pool. We reached that fool in less than 30 minutes time. There are some local peoples having liquor, so we decided to leave the place and moved to our final destination. It took another 30 minutes to reach there.

Cave Rock

We are planning our lunch preparation, Mutton Briyani, Chicken 65 and boiled Egg for Non Vegetarians and Fruit salad, Veg Briyani and Potato fry for Vegetarians. Few guys jumped in to the water near small falls and few of us are busy in preparing food. Dilip and me are prepared Veg Salad with Honey. It was awesome and everybody filled their stomach. In between I went to the pool for sometime for freshen me up. The other team Bala, Arun, Divya, Saba, Abi and few more are prepared the other food items. Everybody ate unlimited food and felt happy. In the middle of the jungle we prepared almost 25 items (including previous day dinner, morning breakfast) for 40 peoples, Thanks to Arun the Organizer and their team. We cannot forget this trek in our life time as it was so much of fun filled and stomach filled event.

Fruit Salad Preparation

3rd Pool Falls

3rd Pool

Few guys taken rest after heavy lunch and the cooking team preparing the evening snacks by then. Evening we had Gulab jamun, Bajji and Nannari sherbath. After our evening snacks we started descending from the hills by 5.30pm. We reached the base around 7.30 and waited for the other team members has to come. Finally after the bye-bye to everyone Me, Senthil, Dinesh boarded in Atul's car and left Nagala with sweet memories towards Chennai.

Nagala East Hill Range

We are heading first towards Chennai and I am sitting near Atul and giving instruction to him for the route, after 1 hour we found we are going in the wrong route and stopped our car. Behind our Car Paritosh car and Siva Car are following us and asked Siva about the route as he is living near Thiruvellore and he said we are on the right route so we proceeded further. After few more minutes, no sign board of Tamil nadu and Tamil language signboard shop was seen, so we stopped again and asked a local person and they said you are heading Thirupathi and we are near Puthur. O God! it was already 10.00pm and we waster time and travelled almost 30-40 kms extra. We U turned all our vehicles and proceeded towards Chennai. In between everybody feel tired, so we halted in a bunk shop and had some biscuits and cool drinks. We started again and reached Chennai by 11.15pm. Atul dropped others there and dropped me near my home. I reached my home around 11.45pm and had my dinner and slept. Thanks for Arun and other fellow trekkers for the Wonderful Foodie Trek.

Gulab Jamun

Munnar - Allapuzha Summer Trip

2013-05-23T06:23:00.001-07:00

To beat the heat in this summer vacation, my friend’s family wants to go for some hill station and they asked me for some plan. I made a plan for 3 days Munnar and Allepey tour. He got free stay from his office at Sterling resorts, Munnar and we booked a House Boat in Alleppey for 3 families. But I didn’t get leave for these days and I said I can’t come. My friend insisted me to join with them at least in the middle of the tour. Finally I decided to join in the middle of the tour. But I made all the plans for them, Sightseeing places in Munnar, Car Arrangement and Alleppey House Boat Booking etc.,

Munnar Tea Estate

They had 2 days nice time in Munnar as per plan and the third day they are waiting for me to come. I reached Munnar Bus stand around 12.00 and asked about the way to sterling resorts, Autowalas asked me Rs.350. Immediately I called my friend and they asked our car driver about this, he said there is some Govt Bus to Theni will pass that area Chinnakanal. So I boarded the bus and reached Chinnakanal(Bus fare Rs.19, So I saved around Rs.330).

Cardamom Plant

As per our plan the car driver picked me to the resort from Chinnakanal Bus stop. My friends (two families) are welcomed me and asked me to get ready then we will go for Lunch and Sight seen. I took bath and ready in 20 min time and went for lunch. After lunch we went by car to Spice Garden tour. There we saw lot of spice plants namely Cardamom, Elaichi, Biryani leaves, Pepper etc., by return we crossed Anaiyirangal Dam and saw a single elephant drinking water in that dam. We took some photos in the tea estate and returned to our resort. We have some time before dinner so we played shuttle in the road light and had dinner by 9.00pm. I was so tired so I went to sleep immediately, but as per our plan everybody played card and went to sleep.

The next day morning we vacated our rooms by 6.30 and proceeded to Alleppey by our Xylo car. The downhill road was very curvy and slope. So some of our group members are feeling giddiness and vomited. We felt heat slowly when we getting down from the Munnar hill. We reached Alleppey around 12.30 and as per our arrangement The House Boat was ready. It has 3 bedrooms with A/C and attached bathrooms (Rs.11000 per day). We served welcome drink and settled in our rooms.

We spent some time in the balcony and taken some photos. It was very nice to travel in a boat in the mid noon. Where ever we see, lake and backwaters surrounded the place. Both side along the way some houses are there. After some time there is no house and both sides are planted Coconut tree and Plantain tree. The boat stopped in the middle for some time to finish our lunch. They served Veg/Non veg lunch with fish curry. We get down on the bank of the lake and tasted fresh coconut water and taken a bunch of unclaimed(?) bananas in a tree.

After some rest the boat again started to our resting place. It was an awesome view there in an island kind of place. Alleppey is also called as East Venice. In the evening boat stopped in a lake side shop for fish purchase. My friend’s family bought some prawn and Carb. But the rate was very high. People are living there are using boat as their main transport for their daily use. Government also operating some boats for public transport in that lake from Alleppey to Cochin. Finally our boat reached for night halt by 5.30pm near the owner’s house. Now they plugged a cable for watching TV and connected a power cable for operating AC. (AC will be operated during 9.00pm to 6.00am only).

As per our pre plan with the house boat people they arranged a small motor boat for a local trip. It was more enjoyable as we are sitting on the top of the boat and viewed the lake. It took one hour for that trip and now the area is getting dark. We watched cricket match in TV up to Dinner and had dinner by 8.30pm. Again we watched TV for some time and went to sleep. Everybody wakeup by 6.00 am and went to a small walk in the surroundings. We thought we will take bath in the morning, but the water in that boat was not good. So we had breakfast by 8.00 am and vacated the boat around 9.00 am.

Now we have enough time for our train as we booked from Kayankulam to Chennai starting by 16.10pm. Now we want to take bath and go for shopping in Alleppey Market. We booked a Room for Rs.600 and took bath by 12.00pm and went for shopping. We bought some Banana Chips and Rice Halwa from the Market. After that we had Lunch in a Tamilnadu hotel and boarded a bus to Kayankulam. From Kayankulam boarded the train by 16.15 and reached Chennai the next day around 6.45am. The journey ended with pleasant memories.

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Post Trip Write-up Bandhipur - Wayanad - Ooty Cycle Trip

2013-05-17T06:29:00.001-07:00

Post Trip / Trek Write-up Mysore / Gundlupet - Bandhipur - Wayanad - Chembara Peak - Gudalur - Ooty - Mettupalayam Cycle Trip

After I did a moderate trek on January, I am waiting for another moderate trek to participate. That was mid of February and I was travelling to Rajasthan by train. CTC announced 40 treks /events for their 5^th Birthday celebrations. I was applied on my mobile for 3 treks. One was Kolli Hills Trek organized by Nachiketha and the other two was organized by Prem (Nagala west and Wayanad Cycle Trip). Unfortunately J I got selected in all 3 treks. So now I have to decide which I have to go. I have never been to Kolli and I have an interest to go for Kolli Hills, so I decided and paid money for that immediately. On the other two treks was organized by Prem, so I tried to speak with Prem for the difficulties in Cycle trip. He said, “You can choose your own difficult level as Easy/Moderate/Difficult”. Then I decided to go for this trip/trek and cancelled the Nagala Trek as I’ve been there earlier. I paid money for Wayanad cycle trip and waiting for the day to come. Before a week of trek, preparatory mail received from Prem and on Thursday evening I started for the Wayanad cycle trip.

Somehow I managed in that critical situation and reached the station by 9.00 pm for the 9.30 train. First I met Chandru and later everyone (35 fellow trekkers- most of them are new to me) reached there and introduced ourselves. Prem/Organizers arranged a Veg/Non Veg Biryani for everyone for the dinner. I had my dinner at home so I didn’t eat that biryani. Everybody ate the dinner and settled their seats for rest after some small confusion in the tickets/seats. Some of our team members played cards in our next coach.

Starting Point @ Gundlupet

First Day: Morning by 6.00am I heard Yazar’s voice as “Mysore station will reach in few minutes, so everyone be prepare for that”. Everybody wake up from their seat and get ready, but the train was reached Mysore at 7.30am onlyL. In between one team finished few masala dosai and vadas for pre breakfast menu. We came out from the station and waiting for our vehicle to pick up to Gundlupet where our exact starting point for cycling. In meantime we had breakfast in a roadside shop hot Idli, dosa and poori.

Bandhipur Forest

The business today for this shop was a great start, we almost emptied that shop. After our breakfast Prem found us a truck to transport till Gundlupet, (Mysore to Gundlupet – 59km) everyone hoped on it and reached Gundlupet around 11:00am where we met up with a small group from Coimbatore. Our cycles (rent and own) were reached there before us and everyone busy in selecting their cycles. At last I found a cycle for me to ride. This was my first cycle trip and I am new to this geared cycle, somehow managed and ride that cycle up to 3-4 kms. I was feeling so tired due to hot sun and feeling some sickness due to poori which I ate in the morning. I vomited that poori and taken rest in the sweeping vehicle (Volkswagen Jetta Car). (Gundlupet to Bandhipur Road– 18km)Few hours later, the road leading to Bandhipur was awesome and wants to ride a cycle at that time. So immediately picked one cycle and ride few Kms in that forest road, we saw few deer and an Elephant while crossing the forest road.

Wayanad

By 3 pm we reached near Muthanga (Bandhipur National Park to Muthanga – 24km) and searching for food and found a small hotel, in the hotel only 40 parotas are available, so we shared that parotas. But our stomach was not filled with that, so we had some lemon soda, biscuits, chips etc. to fill our stomach. After some break again we started from there and reached sultan bathery by 6.00pm. There we had tea and snacks and I was bit tired and no light so I boarded on the Mini Van. But half of our team members again started their cycling to reach Vazhiyoram (Muthanga to Vazhiyoram -29km) where our stay for the night was arranged. Everyone reached our Guest house by 8.00pm and had a quick bath. (Some of our team members are crossed that location as they are unknown of the place and Bharani and Venkat are chased their car to reach them). It was a Dormitory and accommodated us very well. We had a nice dinner in that hotel and fall asleep to get energy for the next day.

Second Day: Next day early morning everyone refreshed in our rooms and checking their cycles are in condition. We started the second day from Vazhiyoram (10km before Kalpettah) with our cycles and reached Kalpettah for breakfast. Everyone had a breakfast there and loaded back our cycles to the Loading Van and few of us boarded on the van and proceeded to Chembara peak base. We areached there by 11.00am and waiting for the other members to come. Raghu and Hari joined at Meppadi enroute to Chembra, who couldn't join us on day 1. (Kalpetta to Chembara Peak – 16km)

Everyone gathered there around 12.30 and started our half day trek to Chembara peak. We paid Rs.50 each for forest entry fee(?) for trekking. Some of us (including me) fell little uneasy to climb up due to steep hill and hot climate. When we reached the top we saw a wonderful love pool (heart shaped pool) on the top. We took some photos there. When we began to descent, suddenly rain started to drizzle and then it poured and we are all drenched as there is no shelter on the top. Now the climate was very cool and we feel some freshness in the air, so we are easily descended from the peak. From Chembra we headed out in open mini trucks, zig -zaging through the narrow roads and cool air.

Chembara Peak

At 5.00pm, for lunch(?) we stopped at Meppadi, and had stomach full of food. I think almost we emptied the hotel! The next destination was Cherambadi across the state border, we pedal again untill we cross Kerala checkpost Cherambadi (Meppadi to Cherambadi 22km)(I pedalled few kms and boarded on van when I am unable to pedal due to darkness), from Cherambadi we got into bus till Gudalur (36km) it was past 9 when we reached Gudalur where we were stationed for the night in a home stay dormitory (arranged by Bharani)after a light dinner. We had a good time around the campfire followed by introduction session lasted up to 1.00am. In the mean while it became clear we’d left two bags behind in Meppadi hotel! Bharani and Jagadeesh came forward to retrieve the bags in the morning that was left in the hotel.

Ooty Road

Third Day: We all refreshed by 7:00am and got into a local bus heading towards Gudalur bustand. Today our plan was to take a bus to Pykara(28km) and cycle from Pykara Lake till Mettupalayam, but from Gudalur bustand we couldn't find any bus to take in all of us. Vasanth found us a small truck in which all 25 of us squeezed in with our bags, the journey was enjoyable as few sang songs all the way till Pykara. (Pykara to Ooty -22km). Once we reached Pykara, everyone started cycling, but I don’t have cycle to ride. So I get in to the Volkswagen car. The cycle riders have to pass some ups and downs to reach Dodabetta, but rain forced a few to take shelter in the cycle truck along the way. At Dodabetta junction we had hot tea and snacks.

By 5.30pm Cyclists are again started pedaling to reach Mettupalayam. I was waiting eagerly to ride a cycle and asking everyone for cycle but nobody willing to give. When we reached Kothagiri by Car, chandru asked me, “you want to ride cycle”. Immediately I get down from the car and taken the cycle for riding. (Kothagiri to Metupalayam- 30Km) It was awesome to ride the cycle in the downhill with the cool breeze and I really enjoyed it. After some time I passed around 10 km I found I am alone riding the cycle as my team mates are passed me and somebody are behind me. Again rain was started and getting dark. Slowly I am riding(?) my cycle using brakesJ and doesn't want to stop. There are so much of bend and the road was fully slope. In between I saw some of our team member fell down from the cycle, (later I came to know that it was Venkat sir) so I stopped there. Arun asked me, “I have light in my cycle, so can we move”, I said ok. After some time he was zapped fast in a hairpin bend and left me as he was an experienced cyclist. Again I was stranded and slowly going down on the road. In between a naughty guy passed me said, “Hey take care man, Elephants are crossing the road on the way”(May be it was to frighten me) But I was in a mood, not to give up in any situation, but my cycle’s brake was fully failed. There is no light, rain pouring with thunder storms, No brake and left alone, but I was really enjoying that situation. I get down from the cycle and slowly walking with my cycle on the dark and deep road about 5 kms. My hands are frozen in the chillness and my dress was fully wet. People crossed me on the road watched strangely. After some time Sundar and vinod joined with me and we all three slowly walked with our cycles. Few minutes later Prem and Alagar reached us and they are having the tool kit. They adjusted my cycle's brakes and ensured working fine. Now Venkat sir is on his car with Bharani, they throwing light on the road for visibility to move us on track. Finally around 8 pm we reached Metupalayam and waited for our other team members to come.

When everyone reached, immediately everyone jumped in to a Kaiyenthi bavan on the road side and finished some biryani and omelets for Dinner. I ate some Bun and cool drinks for my Dinner. From Mettupalayam we travelled to Chennai by AC Bus arranged by Prem. Cycles are loaded in the Loading Vehicle to Chennai. Returned to Chennai with pleasant memories.

Thanks Venkat sir! and thanks to Bharani for thier help. Special Thanks to Prem for selecting me for this wonderful and memorable cycle trip and everyone who encouraged me and supported me in this trip/trek.

Note: Finally we came to know, Overall we pedalled 181 km at a maximum speed of 51km/h.

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Post Trek Write-up - Kolli Hills

2013-03-12T06:20:00.000-07:00

Next to my Munnar Trek, I am waiting for some moderate trek to test my endurance level and CTC announced some Birthday event treks, So I applied few of the moderate treks. I got selected for this Kolli Trek and waited for the day to come. In between preparation mails are received from the organisers and Bus bookings was done to Thuraiyur.

Kolli Hills from Puliancholai

We (20 members team lead by Nachiketha and ElaMurugan) boarded a private bus from CMBT(Koyambedu) by 9.00 pm on Friday and reached Thuraiyur around next day 5.00am. From there we boarded a local bus to Puliancholai where we have to start our trekking. We reached Puliancholai around 6.30 am and had our breakfast near a small hut hotel. Organisers distributed our food for Lunch(Apple, Electrol, Bread &Jam and Chocolate Bars) Around 8.00 am we started from there for the trek to Kolli Hills.

Team - before Starting Trek

On the way to Kolli Hills

When we proceeded to the hills a man stopped and asked us where we are going, we said we are the students(?) and going for trekking. That guy said he is the Forest dept person and denied us to enter in to the forest as there was forest fire happened few day before. And finally after some negotiation he allowed us to enter in to the forest and we proceeded through the dry stream boulders. After few minutes I feel I was tired in the beginning of the trek itself. Because I was having fever and cold for the past one week. But somehow I managed and climbing the hill up to some distance and again I found it was difficult for me as the hill path was very steep.

on the way - Forest Fire

One of my fellow trekker / co organiser RP (Rajapandian) helped me by carrying my bag along with him and I found little easy now to climb. The sun was very hot that day and making us more tired and we are felling very dehydrated. There is no water on the way so we have to conserve water for the whole day and I sipped little water and walked very slowly. After some time I took bag from RP and climbed with the bag, now the bag was heavy and slowing my climb. Every body marched fast but me, Anand and Mani was well behind from the team. Ela is sweeping us for some time and after some time we missed him also as we are very slow. We are taken more rest and walked very slowly. In the middle of the hill Anand also moved little fast and joined with the group. Now Mani and me left alone.

On the way to Kolli Hills

We had bread and Jam around 2.00 pm for lunch in middle of the hill. We need more water that time but the 2 litres of bottle emptying very fast. Some how we managed and reached the top of the hill by 4.00pm and we got a call from our Organiser that we have to reach the camp site near Arapaleeswarar temple that was around 6 km from the place where we reached. But we have to walk on the plain surface, So we thought we can reach that easily. On the way we found one Well nearby house and we asked the owner for drinking water, he replied take from the well. Immediately we took a bucket of water from the well and refreshed ourselves and drank heart full of water and our energy was regained. Finally we reached the camp site around 5.00pm and everybody cheered us as we are the last persons.

Forest fire on Kolli Hills near Agayagangai Falls

We had cool drinks near by the temple and Mani had a herbal soup and we took rest for some time. Around 6.00pm the Forest fire was caught near by our camp place. It was spreading fast and destroyed a part of a forest in few minutes time. About 8.00 pm the fire was set off by fire service person after a big struggle. Then only we are feeling safe as it was happened very near to our camp site. Other wise we have to search for a new place for camp on that night time. After everything was under control we had a dinner in a small hotel near to temple at 8.30pm and went for sleep in our camp site. ( it was a small chowltry)

Team -trekking to Periyasami Temple Hill

The next day we woke up by 6.30 am and finished our morning duties. Our actual plan was to take a bath in Agaya Gangai water falls and climb down through the stream way, but the before day forest fire caught near by the falls, so we skipped the plan. We went for a walk to nearby village through the Road and most of our team members(Lead by Nachiketha and Muthu) went again for a climb/trek to Periyasamy temple situated in a hill. The sun was very hot and we are feeling tired so we few peoples skipped the trek to that temple and went to another temple near by village called Ettukkai amman temple ( 8 hand Goddess). We had our Lunch there in the temple ( fruits and Bread jam) and returned to near the Original camp site where the Bus will start and waiting for our other team members to come. Now the time was 3.30 pm and our team members boarded a bus in the middle and reached the Bus stand. Everybody boarded in that bus and travelled to Nammakkal. The bus was actually up to Chendampatty only(before Namakkal), from there we have to catch another bus to Namakkal. We reached Chendampatty around 7.30 pm and boarded another bus to Namakkal. the bus reached Namakkal around 8.00pm.

On the way to Kolli Hills

Team near a abandoned house

Resting On the way

We had a nice dinner in a hotel nearby Namakkal Bus stand and waited for our bus to come. Around 9.15 pm we boarded a Private bus booked for us and it reached Chennai the next day 6.00 am. Everybody left to their homes with green memories. Thanks to the Organisers for this wonderful opportunity to participate in this trek.

Hill view from Top

Resting on the way

Paddy fields on Kolli Hills

Dead Tree on the Hills

Map for Tourist places in Kolli

Kolli Hills ( கொல்லி மலை) is a small mountain range located in central Tamil Nadu in Namakkal district. The mountains are about 1000 meter in height and cover an area of approximately 280 km. The Kolli Hills has 70 hair pin bends to reach the top of the hills. The Kolli Hills are part of the Eastern Ghats, which is a mountain range that runs mostly parallel to the east coast of South India. The mountains are relatively untouched by commercial tourism and still retain their natural beauty. Important farm products of the mountain ranges include coffee, tea, jack fruit, pineapple, black pepper and other spices.

Kolli Trek Team

Arapaleeswarar Temple

We bought Some black pepper in a home (Rs.450 pe Kg) where they are drying the seeds. Also we had tasted Jack fruit, Pineapple, Guava in our trek.

On Tapioca or cassava Field

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Mount Abu and Udaipur Trip

2013-03-08T10:42:00.002-08:00

This year also I have visited Mount Abu and this was my 14th time to Abu. I have written more about Mount Abu in my previous blogs, So in this blog I am posting the Photographs of my visit only.

Anand Sarovar Accomodation Complex

Nakki Lake

Mountain at Abu

Acgal Garh

HaldiGati

HaldiGati Museum

Udaipur Fort

Fatheh Sagar Lake - Udaipur

Udaipur Fort

Fatheh Sagar Lake

GuruSigarh

Fatheh Sagar Lake

Dattatreya Temple - GuruSikhar

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Post Trek Write-up - Munnar Moderate Trek

2013-02-07T05:27:00.001-08:00

After my first trek to Nagala East Easy trek on November 2012, I wanted to do next level, moderate trek, to test my strength and began waiting for it. Since I am an CTC member, I am getting mails regularly for the treks from easy to extreme difficult. On December 2012 I got a mail stating Munnar moderate trek is on and it was organized by my previous trek captain Arun Prabhakar. I was so excited and ready to apply for this trek and asked one of my colleagues to accompany me as he was interested on this. But he was busy on that time in his work and not applied that day. But I readied my form and don’t want to lose the chance, submitted the form on that day itself. Next day I saw that the event was closed due to huge response. I called Arun for asking to add my friend in the list and confirm my position for selection, but he said he had already short listed and had sent the list to all. But in that list my name was not there. But after my request, he considered me only and said that I have to book the bus tickets immediately for Theni as there are few tickets only available. I booked the ticket and informed Arun. Then he added me in the list of participants. I bought a pair of trekking shoe for this moderate trek and eagerly waited for the day to come.

Walking alone as the last person

Zig-Zag Trail

A day before trek, Christopher called me and confirmed my participation. On 25^th Jan Friday evening I reached SRM Bus stand by 8.40pm and I saw few familiar faces Arun (Captain), Senthil and Ramesh and some new faces that are waiting for the bus to board. We introduced ourselves with our new team members and waiting for few more members to come. Finally the bus started after 9.15pm and everyone boarded by that time. After chit-chatting our previous trek memories, we settled to sleep. The bus reached Theni the next day 26^th Jan by 7.00 am and few of our team members are waiting there for us. We then boarded a local bus and reached Bodi by 8.00 am. We had a nice breakfast in a hotel and packed our lunch for the day. A van arranged by Arun picked us from Bodi and dropped us at Kurangini base by 9.00 am. On the way to Kurangini we saw a small village where the Kumki film was shot. A huge mountain beckoned us with her motherly hands.

Taking Rest

We are all set ready and started marching towards the Kolukkumalai. The initial steps of the trek were taken along the lands of Kurangini village. We saw lot of Orange trees and Gooseberry trees on our way to the hill. The sun was on top of us draining every bit of our energy but this could in no way stop our dream to reach the peak. We paraded through the mountain trails, marched through the grasslands and hiked the steep trails to reach the peak. Once we reached the zigzag trail leading to Kolukkumalai tea estate we saw a tree standing alone and spreading its branches to give us shadow. We took few minutes rest there and proceeded further. After reaching a certain high altitude we had to make steep climbs making our heart to beat faster and our thighs cry out of pain. We carried 2 liters of water each and it was getting empty before we reached around 60% of the trek distance and most of us found it very difficult to trek. Slowly and steadily with strong determination steps were taken towards water resource and in reaching the day’s target. There is tough fight between my mind and body, finally my mind won over my body. Even though my legs are begging me to stop and take rest but my mind says don’t give up, move.. move.. I walked slowly and reached the destination.

Single Tree

Trek Trail

After the struggle with the dream to reach peak, slowly and steadily one after other trekkers started showing up the Kolukkumalai tea estate. When I reached the Kolukkumalai peak, most of the trekkers finished the distance and I am the last one reaching there. Vibin helped me a lot by encouraging me and sometimes carried my backpack too. The sun slowly started to rest for the day and the cold waves started to blow on us. We had nice tea (Rs.10 per cup) in that Estate shop. The trek for the day was still not complete and we got to reach the Suryanelli town, most of our team members started for the trek to reach the Suryanelli town via the tea gardens. I was very tired and our captain said I can rest along with other tired team members and a Jeep will come to pick us to the town.

Kolukkumalai tea estate is located about 35 km from Munnar. This is the highest Organic tea estate at 7130 feet (2160 Mtrs) above the sea level. There are less people living there and they are working for the tea estate. People living here have to come to Suryanelli town or Munnar to buy anything. Besides tea, nothing is available here. Kolukkumalai is prominent for it panoramic views, on clear nights Kodaikanal is visible from this estate.

The local jeep driver hired for the trip arrived after 30 minutes to pick us to Suryanelli. In between we took some photos in the Tea estate. Regular vehicles cannot ply on the path to the estate. Not only did the route pass through a private estate, the road finally went down the mountain to Suryanelli was a dirt track. The road was full of rocks and the ride was very bumpy. As the jeep bumped over boulders scattered on the narrow lane, my body was paining more and I thought it was better to walk down with the team members instead of travelling by jeep. But the breath taking views of valleys and mountains was awesome. It was around 6.00pm, on the way we saw Sun set on one side and moon rise on the other side. We immediately get down from the jeep to watch the sunset and enjoyed. We took some photos there. We saw a board there stating you are in the highest grown orthodox tea estate Kolukkumalai at 7130 feet. It took us around 1 hour to reach Suryanelli, as we waited for our few team members to join us in that jeep in between took extra time. The driver told us few of the drivers drive the jeep very fast and can reach Suryanelli in 30 minutes time. When few members joined in our jeep it was overcrowded now and I decided to get down from the jeep, and travelled by hanging on the jeep. I enjoyed a lot by travelling in foot board in a jeep on the bumpy hill road. It was a thrilling experience for me.

Sunset

Mattupetty Dam

Elephant seen on other side of the dam

We reached Suryanelli by 7.00pm and waiting for our other team members to come. They reached Suryanelli by 7.45 pm and we are all boarded in 3 Jeeps waiting for us to carry to Munnar. We have arranged some cottages near Munnar town for night’s sleep. We had dinner in nearby hotel and slept for the night. Morning we wake up with a hot bed coffee served by the cottage owner. Few of us refreshed early and went for a small walk in the Munnar town. By 9.00 AM everybody got ready and had breakfast. We boarded again in 3 jeeps with our back packs for proceeding to Top Station where we have to climb down to Kurangini trail to reach the base station. On the way we got down at Mattupetty dam and taken few snaps. On the other side of the Mattupetty Lake we saw few elephants drinking water. Finally we reached Top Station and few of us went to Top station view point for taking the zig-zag trekking trial pictures. There is an entry fee Rs.15 + Camera charges Rs.10 was collected for the view point. It was spectacular view from there to watch the Kollukumalai range and I realized that I crossed the trail and patted on my back myself. After returning from the view point we had lunch from a small hut shop. People had stomach full food as they will have food after this in the night only.

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

First few of the slow walkers moved from the Top station to the trekking trail to start climbing down.
(Top Station name derived from its being the uppermost located railway station on the Kundala Valley Railway, built in 1902 between Munnar, Kundalai and this hilltop location. This 2 feet hill railway was built in the late 1890's to transport tea from Munnar and was in operation till 1921 when it was destroyed it completely by floods, never resume services again. A monorail goods carriage system was soon installed along this cart route. In 1908 the monorail was replaced by a 24 inch gauge railway. Middle Station is 12 km west from Top Station on the way from Lower Station Munnar. Some remains of Kundala Valley Railway can be seen at the Munnar Tea Museum)
After some distance again I was the last one in the entire group and struggling to walk. The Captain said the last bus from Kurangini to Bodi was 5.00pm so we have to reach the base before that. But I was very slow and thought that definitely I cannot reach before that. On the way to Kurangini Trail we saw a small village called central/Middle station (Kottagudi) where the film Alagarsamiyin Kuthirai shooted. I was wondering how these people are living here as there are no proper transportation facilities and I saw some people are walking on the same trail where we trekked. Also some people crossed me with horse carrying the necessary things like rice and vegetables from the base station.

Return Trek Trail

Everybody except me and one more person, reached the base station around 4.30 to 5.00 pm and waited for us. On the way we asked the village people, “still how much distance is there to reach the base”, they replied still 4 km, 2km etc., Also we asked about the last bus timings, somebody said there is one last bus around 6.10 pm, it gave a small confidence in us. We took rest often and somehow we managed and reached a river falls before 1-2kms from the base and took some rest. We are cursing ourselves on our strengths, that time two of my team members reached there from the base station in search of us. They asked us to walk fast to reach the base station as the last bus was waiting for us.

Central Station - Kottakudi

We increased our foot length and reached the base and everybody cheered (?) us as we reached the destination finally. When we reached up to the bus, the driver started the bus immediately; the time was now 6.30pm. If we missed that bus, there is no other way to reach Bodi. Some autos will be there sometimes, otherwise we have to call the auto from the Bodi town and they will ask around Rs.600, it was said by our team captain. The bus reached Bodi around 7.15pm and from there we boarded the same (?)(The bus we boarded from Kurangani was upto Bodi only, after it was reached Bodi, the conductor changed the board name as Theni) Bus to Theni where we have to catch the Chennai Bus. We had Dinner in Theni and waited for our Bus to Chennai. Everybody boarded KPN travels bus from Theni to Chennai except me as I booked in the SRM Travels Bus. I boarded the SRM travels bus around 10.00pm and reached Chennai the next day around 8.00 am with beautiful trekking memories and with leg pain….. I am proud that I can also do these kinds of moderate treks with my will power.

Thanks a lot for the entire team for supporting me to finish this trek.

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Mysore - Coorg Vacation on Year End

2013-01-29T05:27:00.000-08:00

This time, during the year-end vacation, we went to Mysore - Coorg tour for 5 days. We planned for this tour in September, booked tickets in October, accommodation booking in November 2012. We planned ahead of time as this was the year end high season.

We started our tour on 25^th December from Chennai by Mysore Express 10.00pm and reached Mysore the next day, 26^th December at 8 AM. We refreshed ourselves at Mysore Yatri Nivas located near to the Railway station. Tavera vehicle is waiting for our 9 member team. We started from our Hotel by 11.00 AM as we have to prepare our food, it took time.

Chamundi Temple

Day 1:

Chamundeeshwari Temple is situated on the top of Chamundi hill which is about 3,489 ft. above sea level and located at a distance of 13 kms from Mysore. The temple is dedicated to Sri Chamundeeshwari, is an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple has a very beautiful idol of the goddess wearing a garland of skulls. (Special Entry fee Rs.30 per person)

On the way to this temple we can see demon-king Mahishasura’s statue. On return we saw a huge Nandi statue. This colossal Nandi is one of the largest in India, 16 ft. (4.8 meters) tall at the front and 25 ft. (7.5 meters) in length. The magnificent pendent bells around its neck are exquisite. Nandi and the temple beside it are located at the 700th step of the Chamundi Hill. A panoramic view of the city can be seen from the top of the Chamundi hills. From here, you can see the race course, the Lalitha Mahal palace and Mysore Palace.

Nandi near Chamundi Hills

Next we went to Wax Museum (Entry fee Rs.30 and Camera Fee Rs.10) where we saw the wax statues of different musicians playing different instruments and we took photos near Superman and other statues.

Wax Museum

We reached Mysore Zoo at 2:30 PM (Entry fee Rs.40 per person and for Camera Rs.20). We had our lunch there which we brought. On our entry a big Giraffe welcomed us, we thought it’s a statue as the Giraffe was still and then it moved slightly, only then we realized it’s a real one. It’s very tall and we saw few more Giraffes roaming around there. We saw variety of birds. Red headed eagle attracted me a lot as it was sitting majestically like a king.

Then we also saw tiger, deer, bear, chimpanzee, gorilla, elephant and snakes. By that time it was 4.30pm, we moved from there to next point.

Mysore Zoo

Mysore Palace is located in the heart of the city. Mysore Palace is one of the most visited monuments in India. And it’s one of the largest palaces in the country, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, was the residence of the Wodayar Maharaja's of the Mysore state. The Palace built in Indo-Saracenic style and blends together Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture. It is a three-storied stone structure, with marble domes and a 145 ft five-storied tower. Above the central arch is an impressive sculpture of Gajalakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, good luck, and abundance with her elephants. The palace is surrounded by a large garden, designed by the well-known British architect, Henry Irwin. The palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world.

The palace is now converted into a museum that treasures souvenirs, paintings, jewellery royal costumes and other items, which were once possessed by the Wodayars. It's a Kaleidoscope of stained glass & mirrors. The ground floor with an enclosed courtyard displays costumes, musical instruments, children toys and numerous portraits. The upper floor has a small collection of weapons. The beautifully carved mahogany ceilings, solid silver doors, white marble floors and superb columned Durbar Hall are a feast to the eyes. The marriage pavilion or the Kalyana Mandapa with a centre octagonal gabled roof, covered by stained glasses, is to the south of the building. The flooring of this magnificent Kalyana Mandapa has artistic geometrical patterns created by using glittering glazed tiles imported from England. The building has gorgeous chandeliers of Czechoslovakian make.

Mysore Palace

The royal throne, regal seat of the palace is called the ChinnadaSimhasana or RatnaSimahasana with captivating artwork on its gold plates is displayed during the Dussehra festival. The Maharajas of Mysore used to sit on the golden throne and hold durbars in the Palace Durbar Hall. The paintings of eight manifestations of Goddess Shakthi (strength) and an original painting of the renowned painter Raja Ravi Verma are also on display. The palace complex has a selection of twelve Hindu temples. The oldest of these was built in the 14th century, while the most recent was built in 1953. Someshvara Temple, dedicated to God Lord Shiva and Lakshmiramana Temple, dedicated to God Lord Vishnu are some of the more famous temples.

Mysore Palace

A silhouette of the Mysore Palace illuminated with 98,260 bulbs, shimmering against an inky black night is one of the most enduring images of the city. Although tourists are allowed to visit the palace, they are not allowed to take photographs inside the palace. Mysore Palace is the venue for the famous Mysore Dussehra Festival, during which leading artists perform on a stage set up in the palace grounds. On the tenth day of the festival VijayaDashami, a parade with caparisoned elephants and other floats originate from the palace grounds.

It took 2 1/2 hours for us to see the two buildings and they charged Entry fee for first Main palace Rs.40 and the second museum building fee Rs.35 per person.

After that we went to Brindavan Garden which is situated on Krishna Raja Sagar (KSR) Dam 19kms from Mysore City. (Entry fees Rs.15 per person) It has nice garden full of fountains and at 7PM the "musical fountain" light and music show begins. We reached there by 7.30pm and by that time the garden was illuminated by light and we enjoyed musical fountain also. They played some cine songs in the musical fountain show. Compared to Akshardham, Delhi musical fountain show, it’s no way spectacular. Boating facility also is there to move from the garden to Musical fountain. Rs. 10 per person for one way boating.

We started late in the morning so we missed out some places on our 1^st day plan. Tippu sultan palace & memorial and Srirangapatna Temple, we missed out due to lack of time. By 8.30pm we were back to our accommodations. We covered only 5 places in one day.

Brindavan Garden

Day 2:

The second day we started earlier by 8.30am from our hotel and proceeded according to second day tour plan around Mysore city.

Somnathpura Temple

First, we went to Somnathpura Temple situated 35 km from Mysore towards Bangalore. Somnathpur is a tiny village which is located on the banks of river Cauvery and is named after its founder Somnath the chief commander of the Hoysala Army. The temple of Somnathpur is a typical example for Hoysala architecture. The stone carving which is inside the temple is an awesome example of stone carving. In the temple, the outer walls are decorated with a series of star-shaped folds and the entire surface is covered with carved stone plaques. The walls above the plinth are also carved with exquisite figures of gods and goddesses, taken from the Hindu puranas, and meticulously arranged in vertical panels. The Keshava temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture and is in a very well preserved condition. The temple is in the care of the Archeological Survey of India as a protected heritage site and visitors are allowed only from 9:00AM to 5:30PM. Entry fees per person Rs.5 collected by Archeological Survey of India. When I see this temple a thought came in my mind that it looks similar to Tharasuram Temple situated near Kumbakonam.

After that we went to Talakad which is situated 45 km from Mysore on the banks of the river Cauvery. Talakad is known for its sand dunes.

Talakad Temple

A historic site, Talakadu has number of temples that are buried under the sand dunes. The most imposing temples here are Viadyeshvara, Pataleshvara, Maruleshvara, Kritinarayana, Gourishankara and the Anandeshvara. The Pataleshwara Shivalingam is said to change colors during the day (red in the morning, black in afternoon and white in the evening). The temples buried in the sand are opened up for ceremonial worship on the occasion when there will be five Mondays in the month of Karthika and a large number of devotees visit the place to have panchalinga darshan. It comes once in 12 years, for the first time in this millennium it had come in just three years 2006 and 2009.

Curse of Talakad: Talakad is also tagged with the curse called “Curse of Talakad” by Alamelamma on the Wodeyars of Mysore. She cursed “Talakadu managali, Malangi madwagali, Mysooru arasarige makkalu aagadirali” which translates to “May Malangi turn into an unfathomed whirlpool, Talakad turn into a barren expanse of sand (We can see this place submerged under sand dunes several meters deep) and the Rajas of Wodeyar not beget male heir”. Till today whatever she had said stands true.

We took bath in the river and went boating (parisal). For boating they charged Rs.20 per person and we negotiated for Rs.15 per person. They collect Rs. 10 per kid / School children. We saw throughout our trip wherever we go School children were visiting these places with their teachers. I think in Karnataka, Schools are arranging these kinds of educational tours and it’s a good thing for children.

Barachukki Falls

Next we went to Barachukki Falls and it is located 80 kms from Mysore. We have to climb down around 300 steps (not sure) to reach the falls. A rocky small pond and falls will invite you to take a dip. We have to cross a small rocky stream to reach near the falls. In rainy season there is so much of water that there will be boat facility there. I took bath on the small falls and taken few photos climbing on the rocks. The water falls refreshed me a lot, but on return it was difficult to climb up as it was too steep to reach the plains and made us tired. Few of us got hurt by the rocks.

The Shivanasamudra Falls is on the Kaveri River after the river has wound its way through the rocks and ravines of the Deccan Plateau and drops off to form waterfalls. The island town of Shivanasamudra divides the river into twin waterfalls. This is a segmented waterfall. The Kaveri River itself is splitting a few kilometers to the south into western and eastern branches. The western branch results in the twin waterfalls of Gaganachukki, whereas the eastern branch results in the Barachukki falls. The Barachukki Falls, gushing out from a height of 250 feet, is very spectacular.

Gaganachukki Falls

Then we went to Gaganachukki falls (also called Bluff) is located near the Shivanasamudra thermal power station. It was really a breathtaking view from the view point. We cannot go down near the falls. But there is some other way near dhargah where we can reach the top of the falls. Some people trek to this place also but it is very dangerous and we heard few people lost their lives when they try to go there. So it is not advisable to go there without proper guidance.

It was 5.00 pm at that time and we planned to return to our hotel room. We almost travelled 100 km in one way so we needed 2 1/2 hours to reach our hotel. On the way to our hotel we went to Srirangapattina, a historical place (We missed out this place on day 1 plan). By the time we reached Srirangapattina it was 7.30 pm and no power was there in that area. We saw Srirangapattina temple only and we are unable to see Tippu’s Palace. In Srirangapattina Tippu sultan’s palace and Monument is there but we couldn’t see it because they close that by 6.00pm.

Finally we reached our Hotel by 9.00pm and had our dinner and taken rest.

Day 3: Four new members from Chennai joined our group in the morning by 8.00 am. Everyone refreshed and we vacated the Hotel rooms and proceeded to Coorg by 9 am. We now booked a Tempo Traveller 13 seater Van for the Coorg sightseeing as our team strength increased to 13. The road was good and the TT (Tempo Traveller) was sliding on the road to reach Coorg. We first reached Kushal Nagar (before 40 km to Coorg) where our accommodation was arranged. We dumped our luggage in the room and we started our sightseeing from there by 12.00 pm. First we went to Dubare Elephant Camp located 15 km from Kushal Nagar. The final one Km stretch was very narrow to reach the dubare and the time was slipping fast. By the time we reached to the camp site it was 1.00 pm. They said the elephant ride will close by 12.30 pm and we were upset to hear that. Also white water rafting was there and during that time there was not plenty of water flowing in the river, they said no water rafting but only fun rafting we can do. We had no other option but to go for this. But the good thing is that even kids and old age people can go for this rafting. They charged Rs.100 per person with life jacket for a 30 min ride. We have to row on this boat and we enjoyed a lot by rowing and singing “yelelo- I-lesa”. The Guide on the boat stopped at one place near a stream end and we can get down at that place and can swim or play in the water. But we are not preplanned for swimming, so we played in the stream and taken lot of photos by posing differently.

After our fun ride we had our lunch and we planned to cross the river to see the elephant camping / elephant ride site, where we can go by motor boat (Rs. 10 per person one way) but I decided to go by wading the river. First most of them hesitated to come with me. But When I get ready by wearing my shorts and proceeded in the water stream most of them decided to come along with me. Because when I entered to the stream they came to know that it was not very deep and water stream was not so fast. We crossed the river by forming human chains and reached the other side of the river, where we saw only one aged elephant standing there. We took some photos near the elephant and returned back.

Bamboo Tree Hut

Then we moved from there to Nisargadhama Natural Park 3kms from Kushalnagar towards Madikeri off the state highway. Nisargadhama is a 25 acre island formed by river Kaveri with bamboos, teak, sandalwood trees, streams and wild life covering it. The place is filled with thick foliage of Bamboo plants and other trees around the river which creates the impression of a mini-forest. The island is accessible through a hanging rope bridge. The Deer, Peacock and children's park are the main attraction of this place. Also you can take a ride on the elephant around the Nisargadama. On the day we went, the elephant ride was not operated. We get into knee deep water at safe points along the river and took few photos. You can enjoy boating and swimming apart from just watching the natural park. The forest department runs guest house and treetop bamboo cottages for guests. We climbed one of a treetop bamboo cottage and took some photos.

Hanging Bridge

Nisargadama - Kaveri River

Paintings on the Wall

Now the time was around 6.00 pm and we moved to our next place Tibetan Golden Temple located 4 kms from Kushal Nagar (and 35km from Madikeri). There is no power there at that time and a dull lighting facility was arranged inside the temple. The temple is very wonderful and very silent. We missed the real beauty of the temple in the darkness. We saw a lot of monks there doing prayer in one of the Temple premises. This Tibetan settlement at Bailkoppa is the second largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet. There are over 7,000 monks and students at the Tibetan monastery. This temple attracts large number of tourists from all over India. Three 40 feet tall golden Buddha statues namely Buddha, Padmasambhava and Amitayusare are the major attractions of this Golden Temple in the main temple complex. The wall of the temple is decorated with colorful paintings depicting gods and demons from Tibetan Buddhist mythology.

We spent some time for waiting the lights to come and meditated few minutes. Before that there is so much of noise from the crowd who visited the temple and after seeing we sat down in the hall for meditation everybody maintained silence.

After that we returned to our barracks and took rest.

Tibetian Golden Temple

Day 4: We started today by 8.30 am and proceeded to Talacauvery which is located 44km from Madikeri and from Kushal Nagar 74km. It was a long journey travelled at a stretch. On the way to Talacauvery we went to Bagamandala Temple.

Bhagamandala is situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Kaveri and the Kanika. A third river, the Sujyothi is said to join from underground. It is considered sacred as a river confluence (Triveni Sangamam). We saw a lot of people there taking holy bath in that place. We didn’t prepare for that so we immersed our legs and moved for temple darshan. The temple here, built in Kerala style, has smaller shrines dedicated to various gods Bhagandeshwara (Ishwara), Subramanya, Mahavishnu and Ganapati.

Then we travelled further 8 km to reach Talacauveri, which is the origin of river Kaveri on the eastern slopes of Brahmagiri peak at 1350 meters altitude.

An enclosure around the spring called Gundige is connected to a small pond beside. The water from the pond goes underground and comes out after about one kilometer down the hill. We saw two temples there, a Shiva temple and Lord Ganesha’s temple. In the pond people were taking bath & offering prayers and we decided not to take bath on that pond as it was not running water. The pandit sitting near the gundige was giving theertham (kaveri water) to everyone and if we give money he will pour water on us from the gundige. We heard that, the Trimurtis – Brahma, Vishnu and Shankar gave darshan to sage Agastya at the holy Ashwantha tree near the temple.

Brahmagiri

From the Talakaveri temple, steep steps lead up to the nearby Brahmagiri peak. It is believed that the 7 great sages called the Sapta Maharishis had performed a special yagna here. It’s little difficult to climb up to the top as the steps are too steep and it was hot at that time. We thought something is there on the top. But nothing is there, but the view was awesome as you can see the entire Brahmagirihills and kodagu range from there. We took lot photos from there in different positions. I saw fencing going along the hill and it was said to be the border of Karnataka and Kerala. I jumped over the fence J crossed border and posed for photos. My group members were shouting at me by seeing this as I was doing some pranks as usual there. We returned from there and had tender coconut water. Everywhere in Mysore we saw lot of tender coconuts available for Rs.15 -20 and the water was very sweet.

We again proceeded to Madikeri for Lunch. After lunch we went to Abbey falls. On the way to Abbey falls our TT vehicle got break down, the driver said it stopped due to empty tank. We scolded the driver for this and asked him to arrange alternative vehicle. He spoke to somebody for arranging vehicle as the petrol pump was 7 km away. By the time we were roaming around that place. There was near a small hillock and my friend said you cannot climb to the hillock; I said I can and started immediately to climb. It was very straight and not a solid rock, it was piling of sand and somehow I managed and climbed up. Again people are shouting at me to return. Some of them told that to get down on the other way but I descended by the same way as I climbed up. Meanwhile the alternative vehicle came to pick up, but it was a Tavera, can accommodate only 9 persons and 10 of our group members occupied that vehicle. Only me and my friend left alone and I said we will come by walk as the destination is around 2 km (as told by the Driver). It was a new experience for us to walk on the steep dusty road with my back pack (they forgot to take from me). On the way we enjoyed coffee plantations and took photos from there. We almost walked 2.5km before the vehicle came back to pick up us. We reached the Abbey falls by 5.00 pm and our group members are returning from the falls saying they are not allowing to take bath in the falls as it was rocky and not advisable. We plucked some branches of coffee plant to take home in memory of Coorg. Again we are waiting for our vehicle there as the driver had gone for filling petrol. After 30 minutes the vehicle came back to pick us and by that the time it was 6.00 pm.

Abbey Falls

Then we went to Raja’s seat the Sunset point, where the Madikeri Raja would enjoy the sunset from there and spend the evening. By the time we were there it was 7.30pm and very dark. We missed out the sunset due to vehicle problem. In Raja seat you can enjoy Toy train and Musical fountain. Entry fee for Park / Musical fountain is Rs. 5 and for Toy Train Rs.10. On the way to this Raja seat we went to Omkareswara Temple located 1 Km away from the heart of the Madikeri town. The Omkareshwara temple was built by Lingarajendra in 1820 with both Islamic and Gothic style of architecture. According to stone inscriptions in the premises, the king killed a Brahmin in order to fulfill his political ambitions. After the death of Brahmin, the king built this temple to appease his spirit. A big tank situated opposite the temple is populated largely by fishes and devotees are allowed to feed them. The Poojari said the Shiva Lingam worshipped in the temple had been brought from Varanasi.

Raja's Seat

In Madikeri, fort and Museum are there near Raja’s seat but they were closed by 6pm so we could not see them. We returned to our base by 9.30 pm and had dinner.

Day 5: We started from our room by 8.30 am after vacating it and proceeded to Mysore in our TT vehicle. We had already booked a train from Mysore at 11.00 am to Bangalore as our plan for the day was shopping at Bangalore. We reached Mysore RS around 10.20am and boarded the Tippu express train after settling our vehicle’s bills. Reached Bangalore around 2.00pm and had our lunch. After our lunch we decided to go for ISKON temple first. Most of us went by bus and me and my friends travelled by call taxi and reached ISKON. We had a darshan at temple and returned to MG Road for shopping and purchased few slippers and dresses there.

We boarded the train at Bangalore by 22.40 and reached Chennai the next day Monday 4.40 am. Thus our tour ended.

Visit my Tamil Blog: http://iniyaindiyavilravi.blogspot.in

Visit my Hindi Blog: http://merabharatmahan-mountabu.blogspot.in/

Wild Tribe Adventure

2013-01-04T04:03:00.000-08:00

Wild Tribe Ranch located near Ponneri, about 40mins drive from Chennai on the Kolkata Highway.

In our office we arranged a team outing on 22nd December for our employees. There we can have team-building activities and outbound training. We had great fun and adventure with our team in Wild Tribe.

Riding ATV

Ejection Bungee

Obstacle Run

Paint Ball Shooting

Bullie the Bull

Trampoline Jump

Visit my Tamil Blog: http://iniyaindiyavilravi.blogspot.in/
Visit my Hindi Blog: http://merabharatmahan-mountabu.blogspot.in/

Trekking to Thiruvannamalai

2012-12-21T05:23:00.000-08:00

Thiruvannamalai is situated 185 km from Chennai and 210 km from Bangalore. Saathanoor Dam across Thenpennai River is a tourist place near Thiruvannamalai. The height of the Annamalai hill is approximately 2,669 feet. Gingee Fort is another popular tourist destination located on the Tindivanam-Thiruvannaamalai road, 40 km from Thiruvannamalai.

Thiruvannamalai is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalangal representing the fire element along with Chidambaram, Sri Kalahasti, Thiruvanaikoil and Kanchipuram representing space, wind, water and earth respectively.

Four Brahmotsavams are celebrated every year, the most famous of which is the one celebrated during the Tamil month of Karthikai (November/December). The ten day event culminates on the day of Karthigai Deepam. On that evening, a huge lamp is lit in a cauldron with three tons of ghee at the top of the Annamalai hill.

Every full moon night, tens of thousands of pilgrims worship Shiva by circumbulating the Annamalai hill barefoot. The circumbulation covers a distance of about 14 km. On the yearly Chitra Powrnami (full moon) night in the Tamil calendar year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from across the world visit the sacred town.

Guru Ramana Maharshi lived in Thiruvannamalai for fifty three years until he dropped his mortal coils in 1950. His ashram, Sri Ramanasramam, is located at the foot of the Annamalai hill, to the west of the town.

Karthigai Maha Deepam Festival

Karthigai Maha Deepam is a great grand festival in Thiruvannamalai and the North Arcot region. On this day Thiruvanamalai town, having a population of 5 lakhs, accommodates over 86 lakh people. This great grand fest reaches its high spirituality by lighting Mahadeepam at Thiruvannamalai Mountain which is 2900 feet high. The Great grand fest of Karthigai Mahadeepam is celebrated for 10 days.

We should know in detail about this annual holy beacon festival. Brahma and Vishnu were both quarrelling about their relative superiority. To give a decision on it and to erase their ego Lord Siva stood before them in the form of a blazing mountain. Having failed in their attempt to find out its top and bottom the two prayed to Lord Siva for His grace. He blessed them saying that he would appear in the form of Jothi on the top of the hill every year on the day of Karthigai in the month of Karthigai. To commemorate this event the Deepam festivals is being conducted at Tiruvannamalai every year.

Of the five elements earth,water,fire,air and ether, fire is considered important as being in the middle. Adding Sun, Moon and Soul to these it is said that God exposes Himself in eight forms "Ashtamurthams". So the Vedas, Agamas and Puranas extol God as Rudragni Sivajothi and Paramjudar. Just as fire destroys impurity in anything, God destroy the darkness of ignorance and egoism in men and blesses them with the light of wisdom. This is short is the philosophic truth behind the celebration of the festival.

On the hill top there is a big copper turn in which large quantities of camphor, ghee and wicks(of cloths) are poured and when these are lighted it will be seen from miles around for somedays after the Deepam festival day. We do not have such a huge light in any other place of our country. On the same night the eleven storeyed Gopuram is also lit with "Ahals"(earthern oil lamps) set in rows in all the storeys. Though this festival is special to Tiruvannamalai it is common throught the Tamil country. Lighting festival is celebrated in all the temples of South India including Vishnu temples. All the houses will also be illuminated with number of lamps being arranged in rows to give beautiful appearance.

Annamalaiyar Temple

The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built between the 9th and the 10th centuries by the Chola kings of the Tamil empire. The temple is famous for its Massive Gopurams.[11] This has been determined from an inscription in the structure that was made during the reign of Chola kings who ruled in the ninth century A.D

The 11 tiered East Rajagopuram towers to a height of 217 feet, while the fortified walls pierced with 4 gopura entrances offer a formidable look to this vast temple complex. The Pei Gopuram, Tirumanjana Gopuram and Ammanaiammal gopuram are the other three. The 1000 pillared hall and the temple tank were built by Krishna Deva Rayarar of Vijayanagar. Each of the prakarams (outer courtyard) has a huge Nandi and several towers such as the Vallala Maharaja Gopuram and Kili Gopuram.

It is one of the Panchabhoota Sthalam - representing five basic elements. This is the Tejo Sthalam among the Pancha Bootha Sthalams representing Fire. The others are - Thiruvanaikaval (Aapo sthalam - Water) Kanchipuram (Prithvi sthalam - Earth) Kalahasti(Vayu sthalam - Air) Chidambaram (Akasa sthalam - Space).

About my experience of Trekking to Thiruvannamalai:

I have a thought that I have to visit Thiruvannamalai with in a week after Karthigai deepam. So, I decided to go any day of the 10 day festival. On Sunday December 2nd we decided to go there by Car. One of my friends is having car and we three peoples are planning to start by 6AM and we fixed a common meeting point at Guindy. As decided I have to call the other 2 persons to wake up in the early morning. I woke up by 3.50am and refreshed myself and started to call others. Baskar called me up by 5am and I tried to call my other friend Venkatesh by 5.10am but he did’nt picked up. I prepared some idlies with idly powder for breakfast and lunch and started calling again Venkatesh. But he was still not picking the call. I thought he slept and kept the phone somewhere and the time is moving to 6.00am. So we two are decided to go by bus and started by bike to reach CMBT. When I was on the road Venkatesh is calling me to say he was just woke up and he will be ready in another half an hour and we decided to meet as per our plan at Guindy.

I reached there by 7:00 AM and Baskar is waiting there for us and Venkatesh is reached there by 7:20 AM for some traffic reasons. Finally we started from there by Car 7:30 AM. It was a wonderful experience to travel by car in a High way. Venkatesh had driven the car as professional. We stopped the car at Mathuranthagam around 9 AM and had breakfast.

We reached Thiruvannamalai by 11:00 AM and trying to park our car around the temple. It was not easy to find a place to park our car. It took 15-20 minutes and finally we found a place nearby North Gopuram entrance. We refreshed ourselves and went inside the temple for Darshan of Annamalaiyar. After that we had some food and we were discussing to go for Girivalam or Hill Climbing. It was then 1.30 pm so it was not possible to cover both. So we decided to climb the hill to see the Mahadeepam closely. We started our journey by 2.00 pm with water carrying with our backpack. Somebody said we don’t have to wear slippers on the hill but It was not easy for us to climb without slippers and don’t have practice also. So we decided to walk with slippers. First it was a normal step we climbed and after that it was a real rock climb and we are tired. So we drank water and taken some rest and climbed again. In between we met some of the peoples climbing down and we asked about the distance and they said it is nearer only. But it’s keep on going....

After that we realized that they are encouraging us to climb to reach the destination. But in the mid-way one of them said if you can’t climb up, now itself decide and return from here otherwise you will get in to trouble. This was a discouraging word heard from the weak person (incapable of climbing hills or they don’t have the faith in God), and I returned them we can climb up any hills as we already climbed some of the hills and we have the faith in God. They then closed their mouth and went down. We don’t loss our faith and courage and we taken some rest often and by this way we climbed above the hill by 4:30 PM. It took two and half hours to climb to reach the Mahadeepam. The hill was steep and a height of 2700 ft.

It was a good experience for us to climb in a fresh air with aiming high to reach the top. In the hill there was lot of herbs but we don’t know the names of them. Someone gave us one herb and he said Sakkarai vilvam, it tasted like a sugar dipped leaves. On the way to the hill we met few of the foreigners climbing up to take darshan of Mahadeepam. One Foreigner started slogans on God Siva on the hill.

The deepam has no flame that time and the temple workers are preparing the deepam to flame by pouring ghee and oil on the copper turn. The copper turn can contain 3 tons of oil. First we decided in the starting of Hill climb, we will come down immediately after we reach the top before the sun sets. But when we reached the top we decided to wait there to see the light of the deepam. They said they will light up the deepam by 6.00 only. By the time we had some food there by sharing idly prepared by me. It gave some energy for us.

Exactly by 6.00 pm they lighted the Mahadeepam and everywhere the sound reflected “Harohara”, “Harohara”. That place was now filled with a spiritual wave. After our Mahadeepam Darshan we started to climb down from the hill. Now it was more difficult to climb down as the path was very rocky and the sun light was going down. Slowly we climbed down from the hill and my leg was started paining due to cramps in my thigh and calf. Finally we reached the foot hill by around 8.00 PM. We had some refreshments and started towards Chennai by 8:45 PM and we reach Chennai (Guindy) by 11:45 PM.

The leg pain was lasted 3 days for everyone but the memories of Trekking to Thiruvannmalai Deepa Darisanam will be long lasting forever.

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Visit my Hindi Blog: http://merabharatmahan-mountabu.blogspot.in/

Trekking to Nagalapuram East with CTC

2012-11-16T07:11:00.000-08:00

From my childhood I was very much interested in reading Lena Tamilvanan's Travel Experience in Tamil Magazine "Kalkandu", from where my travel interest was grown up. I am not a good writer to write Travel write-ups, So I thought I can travel to the places to know more about the places. I travelled some of the South Indian Places like Madurai, Palani, Coimbatore, Kumbakonam, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Nagercoil, Rameswaram, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Palakkad, Thiruvananthapuram and in North India Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Agra, Mathura, Mount Abu, Haridwar, Rishikesh and Ahmedabad etc., I started my first trekking in Parvatha Malai near Tiruvannamalai in the year 2011 with one of my friend.

(http://interestingindianravi.blogspot.in/2011/09/trekking-to-parvatha-malai.html)

This was a temple visit but my unquenchable thirst in trekking was increased after this. After that in September 2012 I went to Sathuragiri Hills near Srivilliputhur. This was also a temple visit.
(http://iniyaindiyavilravi.blogspot.in/2012/10/blog-post.html) In mean time I was in searching for trekkers club. I found CTC in July 2012. I applied for a first trekking in Nagala with CTC and got rejected. My temptation was increased again and I am wondering why they rejected? May be they have some selection criteria for this and got more registrations than the actual. On the third time I got selected for this Fresher's Nagala East Trekking on 3rd and 4th November trip. I was very happy to see my name in the selection list. I think they selected me this time for my blog post Mumbai Adventure HR Meet at Alibaug. (In this trip I did some adventure events)

(http://interestingindianravi.blogspot.in/2012/10/mumbai-adventure-hr-meet-at-alibaug.html)

After saw my name in selection list, I am waiting for the day to fulfill my thirst on trekking. In mean time I did some preparations for buying sleeping mat and life Jacket ( yup.. I don't know swimming). Finally the day has come. I went to CMBT (my pickup point) to meet the like-minded peoples whom they are coming along with me for trekking and the Organizers. Everyone assembled and we were started around 11.00pm.

The Vehicle running fast to reach to Nagala Base camp and the rain was started to welcome us with cool showers. We reached near the base around 2.00am and the mud road was very bad and our vehicle was struggling to move so we all get down from our vehicle and started walking to the base camp. Some of them are holding torch in their hand and moved slowly. My torch was stuck in my bag with other bags in a Car So I started walking front without light. It was very wonderful to walk in early morning (?) at a base hill with cool breeze. We heard a stream flow sound throughout our way, where it’s leading me the way to the base camp in the dark (?).

We ended up our walking in a temple, where organizing team was preparing a tarpaulin hut for us to sleep and we opened our back packs to spread our mats and sleeping bags to take rest for some time. After a small nap we wake up by 6 am and the Organizers are ready to start the trekking. One of the volunteer (Tara) collected Disclaimer forms and the other (Jim Bino) collected money from us. Food and common gears are distributed to everyone and we started a fresh morning walk to reach the Nagala East peak.

Arun Prabhakar was leading the team and I was following the team with my camera turned on. I took few photos with my camera in the beginning of the trek after some time I realized that it was better to capture the scenes in my eyes instead in my camera, because in the trail there were streams all the way, few steep climbing and have to hold something for balance. Therefore I kept my camera in my back pack to avoid loosing in the stream. We formed human chains to cross the speedy streams and helping each other to move on.

We stopped at a small pool for a break (fast) around 9.00am and some of the members are started preparing Uppuma for breakfast. Some people are jumped in to the pool for refreshing themselves. By the time the uppuma were ready, I want to have a bath and entered the pool wearing my life jacket. Once I finished my quick bath I found that the uppuma vessel were empty. My stomach needs something to fill so I opened my bread pack and had some slices of bread. Mean time some fellow members (I guess Raji and Gayathri) are prepared pulka roti for whom they not had Uppuma. Nice to see the unknown faces are (By the time I know some of the members name) preparing food for us and I helped a little to collect some firewood.

After we had our breakfast we started our journey again to reach Magic pool and sun were above our head scorching us by his rays. We crossed some of the streams boulders, rocky grass slopes and steep gradients to reach the 2^nd destination Magic pool around 12pm. The swimmers are jumped into the pool immediately and the non-swimmers are watching this with excitement. Organisers Arun and Vibin are encouraging us to jump into the pool wearing life jacket. Then some of us are entered the pool with little fear. I don’t know swimming and didn’t jump in any of the pools never before. So I had a small hesitation to jump into the pool. After seeing my co-trekkers sliding and jumping into the pool I changed my mind to jump into the pool. It was a once in lifetime opportunity which I had in my life time. I tried twice to slide on the Magic pool.

Then we moved into a next deep pool with dark water, a waterfall at one end and the stream draining it at the other end. Unlike the sliding pool, this had a much stronger current and was almost surrounded by high cliffs which made it one of the most enchanting vistas. Small Fishes in the water giving you a free pedicure, you just have to be there to feel it! Any tiredness we felt was washed away by the water and the shrieks of people enjoying it really lifts your heart. After that, our team prepared Vegetable Sambar rice and our stomachs are filled with that.

We took some rest there. By 4 pm the organizers Arun, Sridhar and Bala went back to Nagala town to buy chicken and other members decided to do a short trek without back packs. Even though most of us were tired out after the two pools , lunch and a little rest soon revitalized us and when a plan to walk ahead to the 300 mts falls was proposed, most of us took up our torches and were ready to go. The ensuing trek was different from what we had previously encountered as we were deeper into the forest and the ground below was more dry leaves and mud when compared to rock and sand earlier. Few of the Co-organizers Vibin, Senthil and Hari guided us to the 300m water falls. We pass through lush green forest to reach the mini falls on the way to 300m falls. Sun is going to set and it’s getting dark, so we had a discussion that we will return from there. But, most of the members are decided to climb and reach the 300m falls so we started our trek again. When we reached the 300m falls the view was really an excitement. I had a thought that I will take shower in this falls up to my life end. But rain interfered my desire, so we took some quick shower and decided to climb down to our night camp near Magic pool. In return the path was very slippery due to rain and dark. We slipped several times like water sliding.

Everybody returned to camp safely with small scratches and wounds on their legs and hands as a symbol of trekking.

We changed to dry fit clothes and camped near a cave rock. Gayathri, Vibin, Sridhar and Arun are prepared food for Dinner. Few peoples are played cards and few people taken a small nap. Veggie peoples got Chapattis and Palak panner and Non Veg peoples had rice with Chicken gravy. All are fall asleep by 12pm in the small area by adjusting themselves inside their sleeping bags or in their blankets. In morning rising sun waken up with his rays and we had finished our morning refresh near the magic pool and tasted a cup of coffee with rusk. Some people entered into the magic pool again to play. Finally we left the camp by 11.00am with green memories and started back to Nagala Base. We collected all the waste like plastics covers (used for food packing) and carried all the way to base and left it in the garbage dumping box.

It was now little easy to come down from the hill. The trail was easy but if we have to follow the right trial, if we miss the trial means it will lead us to the other direction and come back to the right track will take time and make you tired. So don’t do private trekking by your own without expert’s guidance, I came to know this as on that day some of the private trekkers are lost their way in the jungle and helped by our captain Arun. Finally we reached the base by 1.00pm and had soda and bonda.(These things only available in that house /shopJ). There our intro session and our experience sharing started finallyJ.

Everyone shared their experience and feeling about the trekking. No one wants to leave the place and want to come again and again with the same team. The unknown faces are now came closer and became good friends as everyone helped anyone in that trek in some manner. (Thanks to all who helped me in some way or otherJ)It’s a wonderful experience for everyone and it leaves us a note that If you care Nature, Nature will care for you.

After our experience sharing session, we started back to our home by car. On the way to Chennai we stopped in a Hotel and had our lunch. There is the climax, 3 drunken monkeys are fought with us in the hotel and ended up with a hand clash. The organizers dropped everyone at their respective points and we left to our home with a signing off.

Visit my Tamil Blog: http://iniyaindiyavilravi.blogspot.in

Visit my Hindi Blog: http://merabharatmahan-mountabu.blogspot.in/