Tales Of A Nomad

Windmills Viewpoint!

2025-11-02T14:42:00.001+05:30

Without a cue, Kalkere Lake nonchalantly shows up with a hill in the background, that has a bevy of windmills perched on top if it. Nestled between Hassan and Belur, this lake is commonly referred to as Windmills Viewpoint, and many travellers are lured into taking a break here to enjoy the picturesque vistas.

October 2025

Gavi: Get Enveloped by Rolling Mist and Passing Rains

2025-09-14T16:36:00.003+05:30

“My roots are from Sri Lanka and I was there until the age of 10”, our guide chuckled as he rowed our boat. That turned all our attention towards him from the pretty surroundings that we were enjoying until then. He delved further into the history of Gavi, which has a large percentage of residents with Sri Lankan lineage. His forefathers were Sri Lankan Tamilians who were repatriated to the forests of Gavi in the 1970s as part of the agreement between the two countries. While some left for other places in Tamil Nadu, many stayed back, and they have since then been a part of Gavi and worked in the forest departments and cardamom plantations of this land.

Despite the summer being at it’s peak, once we crossed the forest entry check post at Vallakadavu, it was gentle breeze and lush greenery with gorgeous views of distant hills along the windy narrow road that led us to Gavi. Very few vehicles crossed our paths, and that was probably because of the restriction in the number of entries allowed to Gavi in a day. The tall trees gave way to open landscape views intermittently only to show up again with clear blue skies in the background.

As we drove through the lush greenery, mobile networks slowly gave away, and without a cue, Gavi Reservoir showed up, signalling our arrival at this tucked away hill station in Pathanamthitta district, which has been attracting numerous visitors over the last few years. Green Mansion run by the Kerala Forest department is a nice stay option located opposite the Gaviyar Dam, and Arun was the designated guide during our 2-day stay at this pretty hill station.

Laced with water bodies, plantations and distant hills, Gavi is where one can laze around, enjoy the rolling mists cover you up, get drenched in the unpredictable rains, and soak up the beauty of nature, while staying disconnected from the outside modern world of networking, doom scrolling and socialising.

After a delicious lunch at the restaurant with expansive views of the reservoir for company, we kicked off our exploration with a boat ride across the Gaviyar reservoir. Dark clouds loomed overhead as Arun rowed his way on the placid waters with stories from his childhood flowing in a heavy Tamil accented Malayalam. The talks slowly drifted to Gavi (which loosely translates to escarpment), its dams, the hydro electric projects run here, and the very popular pilgrimage, Sabarimala, which is not too far away. There are five dams in this vicinity- Kullar, Anathode, Kakki, Kochu Pamba and Meenar, which provide water for the hydroelectric project. Gavi constitutes of 3 villages- Gavi, Meenar and Pamba, and 90% of the residents are Tamilians.

We rowed past the dam and went further ahead to the other bank of the reservoir, which has a waterfall. A short trail along the fringes of the waterbody took us to the falls, and being summers, the water levels were quite low as expected. We still went ahead and had a cold shower under those waters, while balancing precariously over slippery rocks.

On the way back the frames changed, as mist slowly rolled in, the drizzles got heavier and the clouds looked darker. Anticipating a heavy downpour, Arun rowed swiftly and took us back. Soon it rained and the expansive reservoir looked prettier with mist engulfing the trees and the hills in the backdrop; a picturesque sight that I gazed at for long. The night ended with a dinner, and we slept away to the sounds of crickets, but not before sighting a couple of leeches, the omnipresent souls of the Western Ghats during the monsoons.

Woke up to the hoot of an owl early in the morning, and pretty pink skies over the misty lake welcomed us. Soon boarded a bus and went on a morning safari through the winding roads of Gavi. There were a couple of pits stops which offered beautiful morning frames of green hills with birds chirping in the background. The forests of Gavi are home to wildlife such as sambar, gaurs, peacocks, wild boar, Malabar giant squirrel and a plethora of birds. Wildlife sighting is pure luck and all that we could spot were a couple of playful Malabar giant squirrels perched atop a tree. However, the chillness of the dawn and panoramic views of the landscape made for a beautiful forest drive.

We were soon back with Arun on a short nature trail over the slopes of a nearby forest hill. The trail through the forest slowly opened up to vast open lands with eye catching frames of distant hills, clear blue skies and lush greenery. After a while Arun stopped, and took out his binoculars to spot a herd of gaurs grazing on a nearby hill. As we gazed at them, the large herd slowly walked away and soon disappeared into a nearby shola forest. He then changed the angle of the binoculars and pointed us to the Sabarimala temple and its hazy surroundings, which could be seen far away. We trudged further, and the trail soon became a narrow pathway lined with tall trees that led us to a large cardamom plantation where we ended the nature walk. While the trek wasn't too tough, it's always good to have a good hiking shoes that would ensure that you have a nice experience exploring the outdoors.

With frames of beautiful landscapes, nature’s play with mist and rain, and the Sri Lankan stories, which was a revelation, we drove back from Gavi with a bucketful of lovely memories.

How to reach Gavi:

Pathanamthitta is the nearest major town, 100 kms away, while Kochi is about 170 kms away from Gavi. The closest major rail head is at Pathanamthitta, and Cochin airport is 170 kms away. There are buses available from Pathanamthitta and other towns to Gavi, but they aren’t frequent. It is recommended to visit Gavi in a private vehicle.

Food and Accommodation:

Green Mansion run by Kerala Forest department has nice rooms and the food is good. Details of the same can be found here- https://kfdcecotourism.com/home

To Sweet 16 and More!

2025-07-12T16:53:00.000+05:30

While 16 years of Tales of a Nomad seems like a long time, hope to experience many more sunsets and sunrises from different corners of the world in the coming days, months and years.

Vattakanal, Kodaikanal. May 2022.

The Wild Mysteries of Gopinatham

2025-06-29T20:29:00.000+05:30

Past the small dusty towns of Chamarajanagar, and under the blazing sun I stopped by a few waterbodies, before speeding my way into the lush greens of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. A couple of forest check points later I was in Gopinatham, a tiny hamlet near Hoganekkal Waterfalls, and within the fringes of the sanctuary.

The secluded village of Gopinatham along the borders of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu has been away from the limelight for almost 20 years after the death of Koose Munusamy Veerappan. Now, that name might strike a chord, as Veerappan was one of the most notorious bandits who ruled these forests of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and was born in the village of Gopinatham. Though his notoriety and name linger over the village and the surroundings, life has moved on for the people here.

My intent of visiting Gopinatham wasn’t to delve into the stories of this place, but instead explore Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. Jungle Lodges and Resorts owns a wonderful property here, Gopinatham Mystery Trails, which gives you the access to explore the wildlife and nature trails bordering Gopinatham. Nestled next to a sprawling waterbody, the property has rooms which are large tents built in the shape of domes, giving it a feel of camping in the wild.

After a yummy lunch I strolled through the premises of the property and along the fringes of the waterbody. It was all calm until one of the workers hollered that there are elephants on the other bank of the waterbody, and all guests ran to catch a glimpse of the same. A mother and a baby elephant were happily enjoying their afternoon drink. With zoomed in lenses and binoculars, we gazed at the pachyderms while they peacefully quenched their thirst. As they trudged their way back into the woods, I changed the angle of my camera to capture some cormorants, storks and egrets. Peacefully perched on protruding wooden stumps, they darted off directionless and randomly came back to the same stump. As most of the birds wandered off, I noticed the beautiful frame of lush green hills juxtaposed in the backdrop. It slowly dawned upon me that I was indeed in the middle of a forest.

A hot cup of coffee later, went on jeep safari with other guests into the wilderness of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. Muddy red pathway meandered its way through the greenery, and the jeep left a puff of dust as we rolled deeper into the forest. We waded past a couple of streams and then paused at the memorial of the IFS officer P. Srinivas, who was assassinated by the dacoits of this region in early 1990s. Further ahead, we slowed down multiple times to spot many species of birds such as Indian Roller, Serpent Eagle, Lapwings, peacocks and many others. As we kept gazing at the branches of the trees in search of more birds, the vehicle suddenly halted, as ahead of us lay an exhausted and weak wild boar making its way across the road. A little later, the jeep braked again as there was a tusker behind the trees. With bated breath we waited for that moment for the pachyderm to turn up from the woods, but unluckily despite the long wait it didn't, and instead disappeared further into the thicket. We rumbled on the muddy pathway as the sun set, and along the way we also startled a family of gaurs, including a calf that kept staring at us for long.

Next day the naturalist knocked on my door at 6 AM, and we were out in the woods shortly going past the fringes of the lake, and into the wilderness of Gopinatham. The unclear path led us up the adjacent hill, which was scattered with boulders, and where trails abruptly ended in the middle of nowhere. As we neared the top of the hill, the naturalist was quick to point out the call of a few monkeys, which conveyed there could be a possibility of sighting some wildlife. Since it also didn’t feel too safe loitering around with those alarm calls, we trudged down another trail. Further ahead, the beautiful frames of the panoramic views of the village of Gopinatham and the lake showed up on our way back to the breakfast table.

As I headed out of Gopinatham, stopped by at a small shrine, and the traditions and their culture was quite evident with quintessential customs followed at any Hindu temple. The village has moved on from what it was notoriously famous for until a few decades ago, with schools, houses, temples and the modernity slowly wrapping it and taking it forward to help it merge with the outside world.

How to reach Gopinatham:

The nearest major town is Kollegala, 105 kms away. The nearest airprot is at Mysore, 168 kms away, and the closest major railway station is at Salem, 95 kms away. It is recommended to visit Gopinatham in a private vehicle as the public services are not frequent.

Food and Accommodation:

Gopinatham Mystery Trails owned by Jungle Lodges and Resorts (a Govt. of Karnataka promoted enterprise) is the only accommodation option in Gopinatham. The package includes stay, meals and activities such as jeep safari and nature walk.

Idyllic!

2024-09-15T11:12:00.000+05:30

Nayakanapalya Lake with Savandurga Hill in the backdrop.
July 2024

15 Years of Tales of a Nomad!

2024-07-12T19:52:00.001+05:30

It's been an amazing roller coaster ride over the last decade and a half dabbling in travel writing, collaborating with numerous travel brands and sharing some experiences of a life time on Tales of a Nomad.

As I complete 15 years of blogging today, I'd like to thank every reader and follower for the encouragement and support they have shown.

Hope to feed the blog with more content and articles for you to read in the coming years.

P.S. The above photo is a view of Chellarkovil Aruvikuzhi Waterfalls as seen from the lush green lands of Theni.

Hebbe Waterfalls, Chikmagalur

2024-04-20T12:48:00.003+05:30

Thundering down a rocky slope, this cascading waterfalls formed by River Bhadra is located inside a coffee estate near Kemmangundi in Chikmagalur. A short walk after an off road jeep ride gets you to the base of this two tiered falls, which is quite an exciting experience. One can get into the pool formed at the base of the Hebbe Waterfalls to refresh your mind and soul.

Call of the Hills!

2024-02-18T11:11:00.002+05:30

The tantalizing hills of Ooty calling out as I grazed the fringes of the wilderness of Masinagudi. April 2023

Kyathanamakki Viewpoint, Chikkamagaluru

2024-01-07T19:30:00.001+05:30

Clear blue skies, undulating green hills, floating white mist, unruly brown tracks, loitering cows and fresh air are what greets you at this stunning viewpoint near Kalasa in Chikkamagaluru. The off-road drive here is absolutely an exhilarating experience, and the views are worth every bit of the adventure.

December 2023.

Kattikayam Waterfalls

2023-10-15T14:31:00.001+05:30

Kottayam, Kerala. August 2022

Frames from the Backwaters!

2023-09-17T17:48:00.002+05:30

Vembanad Lake, which forms a part of the backwaters of Kerala, is a captivating place where one can unwind, enjoy stunning landscape views, go on a boat ride, watch fishermen go about their daily chores, gaze at spectacular sunsets, stroll past lush paddy fields, get drenched in the rains, watch snake boat races, and enjoy some spicy 'Shaap food' with toddy.

Below are a few frames from this mesmerizing land.

Backyards can't get any prettier

It ain't always fun in the rains

The adrenaline rush while watching the boat race is unbelievable

For those who would like to take it slow

Racing past the 'Kettuvalloms'

How do you avoid the cliched frame?

A beautiful frame enroute R Block

Some homes here have stunning views

When nature leaves you stunned!

When backwaters made way for water lilies

A frame that reminds of Kochi

Life isn't always fair, even on this surreal land

Can gaze at this frame in oblivion

The moment nature took out the palette and turned into an artist

Exploring Chimmini Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary

2023-07-19T07:08:00.001+05:30

A lazy Sunday morning ended up as an exciting day as we drove through lush greenery to Chimmini Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary. The rains had subsided, but overcast conditions prevailed, which made the journey a delightful one. Also spelled as Chimmony, the dam here is built across Chimmini River in the Thrissur district of Kerala, and borders other popular attractions such as Nelliyampathy Hills and Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary.

As the views on either side of the road gave way to tall trees and hillocks carpeted with shades of green, we knew we were in wildlife territory. However, no animals popped by or crossed our paths. A short walk away from the parking zone, and the sprawling waters of the Chimmini Dam opened up in front us. Still waters with hills in the backdrop and gloomy skies made up for some picturesque frames. There was a small crowd with family and kids loitering the place. However, it still seemed so quiet, as the breeze blew hard and the cows grazed in peace. One can rest under the trees and gaze in oblivion at the beautiful frames on offer, while uncluttering your mind.

You may also take a stroll along the banks of the reservoir or opt for a coracle ride, if you need some action. We opted for the second one, and buckled up our life jackets, before hopping on one of the coracles. Slowly we made our way to the other bank, and more silence followed, which was broken by the oarsman, who spoke about how the tourism development here has helped his life. Coming from the local tribal colony, he reminisced how the place has changed over the years after tourism took over. He did mention that they do spot birds and crocodiles (rare), but we had absolutely no luck. However, the pretty reservoir more than made for that with breathtaking vistas all around.

How to reach Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary:

The nearest major town is Thrissur, 38 km away. The closest airport is in Cochin, 57 km away, and nearest railway station is in Chalakkudy, 37 km away. It is recommended to visit Chimmini in a private vehicle as public services are not frequent.

Food and Accommodation:

There is a small refreshment centre here that sells basic energy boosters, and a couple of push carts outside selling coconut water and ice creams.

14 Years of Tales of a Nomad!

2023-07-12T07:19:00.004+05:30

I had been to Pykara Lake in The Nilgiris earlier this year, and it brought back a lot of nostalgic memories of my first visit here during my childhood.

As Tales of a Nomad completes its 14th year today, it's again nostalgia that trickles in, reminding me of the time I started blogging.

Thanks to all the readers for the encouragement and support.

Exquisite Yet Affordable: Top 7 Palaces in India to Visit in 2023

2023-07-02T23:16:00.001+05:30

India is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, majestic palaces, and opulent architecture that reflects the glory of bygone eras. While exploring the grandeur of Indian palaces may seem like an extravagant affair, it is indeed possible to visit these architectural marvels on a budget. In this article, we present the top seven palaces in India that offer an enchanting experience without breaking the bank. Additionally, we'll provide some valuable tips to help you plan a budget-friendly visit to these magnificent landmarks.

How to visit Palaces in India on a budget?

Traveling on a budget to Indian palaces is certainly achievable with careful planning and smart choices. You don’t have to play EuroMillions online and win the big prize to enjoy these rich and old sites. So, here are a few tips to ensure a satisfying palace tour while keeping costs under control:

· Plan Your Trip during Off-Peak Seasons: Scheduling visits during off-peak seasons is one way to secure better deals on accommodation, transportation and entry fees at palaces. Prices tend to be higher during holidays and peak tourist seasons so shoulder seasons offer better savings with smaller crowds present.

· Opt for budget accommodations: Instead of staying in luxurious hotels, look into cost-cutting accommodations such as guesthouses, hostels or homestays that can offer comfortable stays at a much more reasonable cost.

· Choose public transportation: Public transportation options such as buses and trains tend to be more cost-effective than private taxis or rental cars. India boasts an expansive train and bus network, which can take you directly to palace destinations while still saving you money.

· Utilize local guides: In lieu of hiring expensive private guides, take advantage of local guides at the palace or audio guides (if available) who may provide insightful insights into its history and architecture at much reduced costs. They could provide invaluable knowledge of its past and present that you wouldn't otherwise gain.

· Bring Your Own Food and Water: Eating out at restaurants and tourist spots can quickly add up, particularly in popular tourist locations. Bring snacks, water bottles, meals for the day as well as snacks in order to save on costly food options; just be mindful to respect any rules or regulations regarding outside food or drinks in palaces or palace grounds.

Top 7 Palaces in India to Visit in 2023

City Palace, Jaipur

Located in the heart of Rajasthan's capital, Jaipur, the City Palace is an awe-inspiring blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. This sprawling palace complex offers a glimpse into the royal heritage of the region. To visit on a budget, consider purchasing a composite ticket that provides entry to multiple attractions within the complex, including the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal. Exploring the palace's courtyards, gardens, and museum will transport you to a bygone era without straining your wallet.

Tip: Opt for a local guide who can provide valuable insights into the palace's history and architecture at an affordable rate.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

The Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur is a testament to luxury and grandeur. Built in the 20th century, this magnificent palace is a stunning blend of Indo-Saracenic and Art Deco styles. While a stay at the palace hotel can be expensive, you can explore certain areas on a budget. The museum within the palace showcases a remarkable collection of artefacts and exhibits that shed light on the royal history of Jodhpur. Entry tickets to the museum are reasonably priced, allowing you to appreciate the palace's beauty without breaking your budget.

Tip: Consider visiting during the evening to witness the palace's illuminated facade, creating a mesmerizing sight at no extra cost.

Mysore Palace, Mysore

The Mysore Palace, located in the city of Mysore, Karnataka, is a captivating structure that blends Indo-Saracenic, Rajput, Hindu, and Gothic architectural styles. This majestic palace offers a glimpse into the opulent lives of the Wadiyar dynasty. Entry tickets to the palace are affordable, enabling you to explore the exquisitely decorated halls, intricate carvings, and the stunning Durbar Hall, where royal ceremonies were once held. To maximize your budget, time your visit during the Dasara festival when the palace is adorned with thousands of lights, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

Tip: Pack your own snacks and water to avoid buying overpriced refreshments within the palace premises.

Amber Palace, Jaipur

Situated on a hilltop overlooking the Maota Lake, the Amber Palace is a magnificent example of Rajput architecture. The palace's ornate interiors, intricate mirror work, and expansive courtyards offer a captivating experience. To visit on a budget, you can choose to hike up the hill instead of taking an elephant ride or a jeep. Entry tickets are reasonably priced, and exploring the palace's numerous halls, including the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), will transport you to a world of royal grandeur.

Tip: Engage with local artisans outside the palace premises to purchase souvenirs and handicrafts at reasonable prices, supporting the local economy.

Junagarh Fort, Bikaner

Often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts in Rajasthan, the Junagarh Fort in Bikaner boasts an architectural splendour that rivals them all. Built in the 16th century, this fort features a blend of Mughal, Rajput, and Gujarati architectural styles. The fort's palaces, pavilions, and temples are adorned with exquisite stone carvings and elaborate murals. Entry tickets are reasonably priced, allowing you to explore the fort's impressive architecture and rich history without straining your budget.

Tip: Plan your visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture stunning photographs in the soft light.

Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh

Perched atop a hill in the city of Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, the Chittorgarh Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest fort complexes in India. This historic fort is a testament to the valour and pride of the Rajputs. Entry tickets to the fort are reasonably priced, granting you access to explore its sprawling grounds, majestic palaces, beautiful temples, and impressive towers. As you walk through the fort's corridors and ramparts, you'll be transported to a time of chivalry and romance.

Tip: Carry your own water and snacks, as there are limited options available within the fort premises.

Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, Bengaluru

Located in the heart of Bengaluru, Karnataka, Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace is a striking example of Indo-Islamic architecture. This palace was the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan, the erstwhile ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore. Entry tickets to the palace are affordable, allowing you to admire its intricately carved arches, frescoes, and ornate balconies. Explore the palace's various rooms and learn about Tipu Sultan's life and legacy through the exhibits and artefacts on display.

Tip: Combine your visit to the palace with a stroll through the nearby Krishna Rajendra Market, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere and indulge in local street food.

Conclusion

Visiting the grand palaces of India on a budget is not only an achievable goal but also an enriching experience. Exploring these architectural marvels provides a deeper understanding of India's history and cultural heritage. By following the tips mentioned above and prioritizing affordable options, you can embark on a memorable journey through India's regal past without compromising your budget. So, pack your bags and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Indian palaces, where history and grandeur come alive.

N.B.: This is a collaborative post.

Aruvikuthu Waterfalls

2023-06-21T06:48:00.004+05:30

Idukki, Kerala. August 2022.

Road Signs!

2023-06-07T07:41:00.000+05:30

That's how the road welcomes you to Ooty in the summer months. Glendale, The Nilgiris. March 2023.

A Day Trip to Koorumala Viewpoint & Areekal Waterfalls

2023-05-31T08:20:00.000+05:30

As the sky cleared, I left the streets of Cochin early in the morning, and made my way to Piravom, a small town, an hour away. The plan was to explore a couple of lesser known and unexplored destinations in this region, and I started off with Koorumala Viewpoint. Winding past rubber plantations and open lands, the road gradually narrowed as I neared the viewpoint. The final stretch has to be walked as the road gets really tapered to a pathway.
The lady at the ticket counter smiled and said, “You should have come an hour earlier, when the whole place was covered in mist”. I smiled back and walked up the rocky hillock which had a few scattered crosses and a watch tower, a few meters away. The panoramic view from the top was absolutely stunning with mist blanketing the surrounding lush greenery and silhouettes of distant hills. Though this viewpoint is located in Ernakulam district, on a clear day you can get a view of some regions of Kottayam district, and a watch tower located in Alappuzha district. Evenings too are an ideal time to visit here and enjoy the mélange of colours that splashes across the sky as the sun sets. I strolled around a bit before the sun made its presence felt as the mist cleared.

I soon made my way past the winding roads to Areekal Waterfalls, a multi-tier waterfall near Koorumala Viewpoint. The moss laden pathway was a delight to walk on, and the cascading waters could be heard more evidently as I went down. Tumbling over tiers of rocks, the water splashes and fills up the natural pool at the base. You can wade into the pool and enjoy some moments of fun while exploring here. Walked further down along the pathway to have a full view of the water thrashing down and flowing away down to form a creek. I was the first visitor in the morning, and had the whole space to myself. As I meandered along the pathway gazing at the beautiful waterfalls, the cloudy sky slowly opened up with a drizzle. I walked back up to the road, but not before having a quick glance of this hidden beauty near Kochi.

How to Reach:

The nearest town is Piravom, 12 km away from Koorumala Viewpoint, and 22 km away from Areekal Waterfalls. Cochin is the major city near Piravom, 31 km away. It is recommended to visit these places in your own vehicle as public services are not frequent.

Food and Accommodation:

There are a few eateries near Areekal Waterfalls and a couple of shops near Koorumala Viewpoint.

By the Moyar River!

2023-04-26T07:55:00.001+05:30

Mudumalai National Park, The Nilgiris. March 2023.

Hues of Summer Sky!

2023-03-31T21:48:00.000+05:30

Evenings during the summer months are a delight to gaze at, as the skies splash myriad colours while the sun sets. From yellow to orange to crimson to purple to mauve, you'll miss a colour if you blink even for a couple of seconds.

Kotagiri, March 2023

Rangarayana Doddi Lake

2023-02-25T07:19:00.000+05:30

Ramanagara, Karnataka. November 2022.

Pooyamkutty to Mamalakandam- A Beautiful Drive!

2023-01-23T07:38:00.000+05:30

After a satiating breakfast at Kothamangalam, we left behind the hustle of the small towns and meandered our way past rubber plantations to Pooyamkutty, with the river, Periyar popping up intermittently. While the main intention was to drive through the lush greenery of Mamalakandam, we decided to explore a few other places as well enroute to the final destination.

Kuttampuzha was the first pit stop, where we took a short detour to get to Anakkayam Beach. From where the road ended, a narrow pathway along the Periyar River led us to the beach. A secluded place with hardly any visitors, we were welcomed by serenity and scenic frames. While technically this isn’t a beach, but a river bank with sand. A large tree with its branches sprawling like tentacles made a beautiful frame against the tranquil waters and lush greenery behind. A lone fisherman, probably a local having some moments of solitude, was the only human presence in the vicinity. After loitering around for a while, soaking in the serenity on offer, we walked back.

Enroute to Pooyamkutty, we stopped by at Blavana ferry, to watch a jeep loaded with rice and other daily necessities make its way across the river atop 2 tied up canoes. In today’s times, when modern technology and developments have reached every corner of the globe, this rudimentary means of transportation was quite captivating. I was told by the locals that the supplies were carried to the tribal colony across the river. As the jeep sailed its way to the other bank, we left for Pooyamkutty, a couple of kilometers away.
Pooyamkutty gained prominence after a couple of Malayalam movies were shot here. While there isn’t much to explore here, the aerial view of the gushing Pooyamkutty River, a tributary of Periyar River, under the bridge and the lush green surroundings, offers a beautiful frame. A winding road took me down to the bridge, which further leads to Manikandanchal, where there are tribal colonies. I crossed the bridge, gazed at the beautiful waters and then walked up to the magnificent huge trees lined up on either side of the road. Looking up at them, I strolled around for a while, and then returned back, as visitors aren’t allowed beyond this.

Drove back to the tiny hamlet of Pooyamkutty, and some short eats later, headed to Mamalakandam. The road became narrow, the lush greenery turned dense and apart from the rumbling of the car, it was only the cricket’s sound that could be heard. The road wound its way through dense greenery, with steep slopes, dips and wonderful views on offer. We took a pit stop in the middle of nowhere, to admire the beauty of nature. The leaves swayed to the swooshing breeze, and a waterfall could be heard at a distance. A lone tree house (more like an ‘erumaadam’) stood tall near to where we stopped, but had no access to get up there.

As more vehicles made pit stops, we drove further down, and slowly, the forest gave way to tiny clearings and settlements of Mamalakandam. A small pathway from the road led us inside, and we walked the path listening to the sound of gurgling waters in search of Urulikuzhi Waterfalls. After searching for a bit, we saw a large stream flowing over flat rocks and making its way further down. The dips in the rocks resembles like an ’uruli’ (a large vessel), and that’s how the place gets its name, Urulikkuzhi Waterfalls. The place reminded me of Paniyeli Poru, but there weren’t any whirlpools or under currents here. We sat by the bank on the large open rock and enjoyed some moments of silence before getting back on the main road.

Govt. High School, Mamalakandam was where we headed next. This probably is one of the most picturesque schools in Kerala, with a magnificent backdrop of a hill and Elamplassery Waterfalls gushing down it. The frame is so captivating that it made me wonder how students are able to concentrate in their classes, when the nature outside is absolutely surreal.
On the way back to Kochi, we stopped by at the gushing Valara Waterfalls and the stunning Cheeyappara Waterfalls. The sign board near the waterfalls had Munnar written on it, but I was content with the beautiful drive between Pooyamkutty and Mamalakandam, and the lovely pit stops we had. The drive through the forest and chasing the Periyar River was a wonderful experience.

How to reach:

Pooyamkutty is 78 km from Kochi, and it is ideal to visit in your own vehicle. There are buses from Kochi and Muvattupuzha to Pooyamkutty, but is not frequent. The nearest major town in Kothamangalam. The route from Pooyamkutty to Mamalakandam does not have public services, except for one KSRTC bus in a day.

Food and Accommodation:

There are small eateries near Pooyamkutty Bridge and at Mamalakandam. The region also has a few homestays.

Cheeyappara Waterfalls!

2023-01-13T08:06:00.001+05:30

Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Kochi - Munnar Road. August 2022.

Valara Waterfalls!

2022-12-24T19:50:00.001+05:30

Valara Waterfalls, Kochi - Munnar Highway. August 2022.

Suvarnavathy Dam- Surreal and Secluded

2022-11-30T22:27:00.000+05:30

Engulfed by lush greenery and silhouettes of hills, Suvarnavathy Dam lies secluded away from the touristy maps. An ideal place to spend some moments of solitude, this sprawling reservoir in Chamarajanagar district is also home to a few species of birds. Take a stroll along the pathway and capture some wonderful landscape frames.

Beaches of Vadanappally

2022-10-07T10:46:00.001+05:30

A cycle passed by as we stopped the car and gazed at the beautifully aligned coconut trees, while the sound of waves crashing echoed in the background. The well laid out road meandered its way between the beaches and lush greenery on either sides. No crowds, no instagrammers, no hawkers, and we had the secluded beaches and greenery to ourselves.
We were in Vadanappally in Kerala, and there's a line of beaches next to each other which you can visit as you drive along the parallel road, which is lined with coconut trees and houses. While Kerala is home to some of the popular beaches in Varkala and Kovalam, there are many others, like the ones near Vadanappally in Thrissur district, which remains fairly unexplored. They also reminded me of the pretty and secluded beaches of Kannur.

A deviation at Thalikulam ahead of Thriprayar on NH-66, took me through narrow roads and past typical Kerala houses painted in bright colours to Snehatheeram Beach. This is one of the beautified beaches here with a small park and a couple of shops. There were a few local boys who were enjoying their camaraderie as we walked in. It was a cloudy day, the sun was missing, and I strolled around the sandy beach soaking in the salty air wafting around, while strong waves thrashed onto the shore. We walked further to the right and was greeted by numerous black stones piled up as a bund. Hardly a soul in place, we had the whole beach to ourselves. What a way to start the day, I thought to myself.

The stretch from Snehatheeram to Vadanappally is lined with four beaches, and we drove down through the narrow, but pretty road with swaying coconut trees for constant company. We crossed a small bridge, and stopped by to watch the backwaters joining the sea, which was a pretty sight. While that was a beautiful frame, what left us in awe was the view on the other side of the bridge where the canal with water was adorned with numerous slanting coconut trees forming a spectacular frame. The picturesque place seemed like a perfect picture-postcard, and we gazed at it in oblivion until a few visitors stopped by. The mouth of the canal is along the beach called Thampankadavu, where it disembarks its waters. Munching on some salt water dipped gooseberries we walked up to the beach, which again was devoid of people, but lined with more coconut trees. A peaceful place to watch the waves and spend some time in solitude.

Further ahead we drove to Chilanka Beach, which had a few fishermen unknotting their fishnets and a few dogs loitering around. Without spending much time here, we drove further on the snaking road past a couple of small settlements to Vadanappally Beach. This is one of the longest beaches here, stretching more than half a kilometre. After parking the car, we strolled down the beach, which looked quite hazy in the strong winds that blew. The beach was empty, as far as my eyes could see. Not a soul in the vicinity, we chased the waves, listened to its thrashing sound and relaxed here for a while soaking in the serenity of this place.

The last beach that we wanted to visit was a little away. We had to get back on to the highway, and then take a deviation while maneuvering through narrow muddy roads past paddy fields and backwaters to get to it. Google maps showed a broken bridge with a view near to it, and that is what caught my eye. Anugraha Beach and Ganeshamangalam Beach overlap each other, and the locals call this beach by both the names. We had to stop the car after a while and then walk to the beach. Passed by a large backwater, where we chatted with the locals and saw a couple of them fishing. The road further ended at the beach, which had a few abandoned houses, which were semi-submerged in the sand. Seemed like the sea over the years had swallowed a part of the land and encroached the houses. The headless coconut trees there may have quite a few stories to tell of the encroachment. The waves here were the fiercest and lashed against the stone-bund built by the locals. As the sun set, we walked away from the beach, which again was devoid of any visitors, but this was probably because it was abandoned by its people.

How to reach Vadanappally:

The closest airport is at Kochi, 62 km away, and the nearest major railway station is at Thrissur, 20 km away. There are frequent buses from Kochi and Thrissur to get you to Vadanappally. There are no public services between the beaches, and it would be ideal to come in your own vehicle.

Food and Accommodation:

There are a few stalls and a restaurant near Snehatheeram Beach. The other beaches are devoid of any shops except a couple of push carts. There are a few homestays near Snehatheeram and Thampankadavu beaches if you would like to spend a couple of days here.