Munnar – The Kashmir of the South

The hill-station is blessed with bountiful attractions, which attracts tourist all the year round. The place has been designated as Munnar, after the mystique confluence of the 3 rivers viz., Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.

It was 21^st of February, and weekend hotspot to hangout was planned as “ Cheeyappara  “, but the place was disappointing  as we had to find  where the waterfall was, since we could see only rocks completely dry with no signs of water anywhere. And that’s where we realized that it was the beginning of summer and the most important point to be noted was, we were in Kerala and my god  Kerala summers are terribly hot !! They are unbearable!!

From the place we stopped, Munnar was just 35 kms and the time was around 11.30am. That is where all of us decided to visit Munnar. Though all of us knew that it was not a good idea as we won’t be able to cover many of the places, but our anxiety and enthusiasm to visit Munnar was at its peak irrespective of the time we had.

We started our journey in KSRTC bus along the narrow and accident prone roads. We reached Munnar around 1pm in the noon.  Apt time for lunch!! We managed to find a hotel where we had Punjabi and Rajasthani Thali.

We hired an Auto Rickshaw, and the Rickshaw wala explained us the places we could cover by evening. The first place was Elephant Safari. We can enjoy the scenic vistas on a grand elephant ride. Since the cost per person was a bit high we stepped back and decided to just watch people going for the ride. That was fun too!!

On the way, we experienced a visual treat of the tea gardens on both the sides of the roads. How can one resist a tea garden tour when they are in Munnar? Munnar is an attractive destination with the world's renowned tea estates and breath taking landscapes. Rolling hill side covered with tea plantations is a sight to behold. The lush greenery and the soothing cold wind with a mild aroma of tea leaves totally rejuvenated us. We walked through the tea gardens where we took pictures amidst the lush green tea plantations.

The next visit was to the Reservoir. We hired a boat for 4 of us for 300 INR. The maximum capacity is 5. The ride was fantastic. We get to see the forest on the other side of the lake. If you are lucky enough you even get to see animals. We were fortunate enough to see a Bison.

The next visit was to shooting spot. A beautiful place where one can experience the play of light and clouds. The reservoir view from here is just mind blowing. Had a great time here taking pics and rolling on the grassy plains.

And the last place for the day was Echo Point: Its just 13 kms from the main town of Munnar. The magic of echoing sounds, its panoramic view can be explored best on foot. We relaxed there for some time, took couple of pictures and made our way back to the bus stop.

Monsoon.. The very thought conjures up the images of dark sky, wet leaves, umbrellas popping up, rushing jet speed water, water fall formations and the chilly wind. It was one such day when we planned to visit Munnar again on 20^th July, 2013. The Monsoon during this time was at its peak but the invitation from the misty hills of the highrange was too good to resist and we set off to Munnar early in the morning from Kakkanad at 6:30 am. Travel to Munnar through the long winding roads and hairpin bends during rainy season was best. A mystic feeling crept in our minds as we saw the dark clouds, lightning bolt behind the top hill, lashing rain with increased intensity and beautiful formation of waterfalls now and then along the entire length of journey.

This time it was no disappointment; all the waterfalls were full with water. We got down from the bus near Cheeyappara waterfalls, water flowing in seven steps amazingly beautiful. It will be foolishness to compare the waterfall in summer and rainy seasons. The splashing water spray, the mist, the gurgling sound and cool climate infused the peace into our souls. We spent some time enjoying the beauty of waterfall, had breakfast which we had got packed from home and started our journey to Munnar.

As we were nearing Munnar, we saw the lush green hills with the unending greenery of tea gardens and cool climate which made us feel the surge of energy flow through us. It was awesome to experience the clouds changing to mist, touching us with a romantic feeling. Feels like hill station is radiating a fragrance of romance and enthusiasm making us fall in love with serene hill station. It is really a different feeling to visit Munnar during rainy season with fresh, refreshing and clear beauty of nature. It poses an ideal time to admire the vibrant natural habitats of the mist covered surrounding of the Munnar.

This time we chose to visit the places which we had missed during our previous visit. We hired a car in munnar junction and started our exploration.

Eravikulam National park located 15 km from Munnar, renowned for its endangered inhabitant called Nilgiri Tahr. Private vehicles are not allowed inside national park, visitors are taken to Rajamala in forest department vehicles which cost 100 INR per person. A safari inside the park along the trails is an experience of a life time; the water gushing on the rocky slopes, stark beauty of rolling grasslands and sholas. Visitors here are introduced to the shola grassland ecosystem unique to this region. There is a very informative interpretation center in Rajamalai. The visitors are allowed to trek from this point untill tourists area which lets one experience the flora and fauna exclusive to Rajamalai and one can observe the Nilgiri Thar at close quarters. We had great time in the peak with heavy rain, chilling weather and most importantly the flora and fauna of Eravikulam national park.

We then moved to Lakkom waterfalls, one of the prominent torrents in Munnar. The waterfall was in its full glory due to heavy rain. The way to this waterfall is an every bit a reflection of paradise on earth; Passing by tea plantations and breathtaking locations, finally the most beautiful Lakkom waterfall.

Our next visit was to Attukal waterfalls. This is a must visit place for its charming sceneries, glittering waterfalls and rolling hills which remains feast for the eyes. All in Munnar is bliss to eyes during monsoon.

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Vagamon Hideouts

Vagamon, Asian Scotland a tiny plantation township in central Kerala, has an overtone of green with never ending tea gardens, lush green pine valleys. The small town with breathtakingly beautiful scenery, alluring meadows, beckoning breeze and meandering water bodies is really striking. Vagamon truly is a place to experience eternal bliss and peace of mind.

There are different transits to reach Vagamon from Kochi. We chose to travel via Thodupuzha, which is a 100 kms travel. We started from Aluva, reached Thodupuzha in Kerala state transport bus. We took a break to fill our appetite and after a small sightseeing in Thodupuzha, we started towards Erattupetta. The last bus towards Vagamon from Erattupetta is at 7:30pm. It was dark when we reached Erattupetta, so we rented a room for night stay. We decided to travel Vagamon in the first bus from Erattupetta next morning. Lodging facility is economic and decent enough to stay in Erattupetta but as expected we had problem with food as there were no vegetarian restaurants.

Next day early in the morning we started towards Vagamon. Reaching Vagamon itself is an extraordinary experience. Its bliss and enthralling to travel in meandering roads cut in solid rocks lined with pine forests leading to the breath-taking valley view thousands feet below and magnificent views all around.

Vagamon cuddled up within three striking hills Thangal, Murugan and Kurusimala hills, is representation of cultural harmony and it is sacred place for Muslims, Hindus and Christian communities’ gives an enchanting and ethnic feel to this beautiful hill station. Vagamon is verdant foliage territory where anybody can laze around for weeks happily.

We reached Vagamon at around 7:00am in the morning when the clouds had completely covered the peaks. We got down from the bus at Kurusimala junction. Kurusimala is a renowned Christian pilgrim center where hundreds of devotees from far and near converge to climb the hill in faith.  It was an awesome walk amidst mist covered Kurusimala Hills. The peaceful Monastery at the top of the hill, the silence of the hills, the cool mountain air and the lush green landscape are all soothing to the soul. We spent short time in Kurusimala but still had a great time.

Soon, we started towards Pine valley; the valley having huge lofty pine trees lined in rows and it is an exquisite Vagamon hideout. Halcyon times of peace, enjoying the beauty of pine valley was best. After a having a sumptuous breakfast in resort adjacent to the pine valley, we went to Vagamon meadows.

The never ending Vagamon meadows all around with cool breeze is a pulchritudinous nature’s display. Varied moods of nature and climatic differences; the mist, the rain drops, the gentle breeze or the golden hue romanticize the minds and thoughts. The gentle walk on meadows till suicide point was enticing.

A v-shaped canyon, one of the admired view points as well acknowledged as a suicide point. The outlook from the summit of the strenuous climb is amazing and the depth of the valley appears like an abyss. The breath-taking view of suicide point infuses the adrenaline in every person who visits this place. It’s around 2 - 3 kms trek to suicide point, though the trail is strenuous, the experience is wonderful as the way to summit is very pleasing and enchanting. The magnificent sight, and the cool and fresh air at summit made us forget about our tiring climb and this trip remained as a delightful memory.

Dreams Come True Tips :

• Last bus to Vagamon from Erattupetta is at 7:30pm and first bus is at 6 am.
• Night driving en route is prohibited.
• No vegetarian restaurants in Erattupetta and Vagamon.
• Good resorts, home stays and service apartments are available for stay in Vagamon, offering wide range of activities. 

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The Sholayar Roars

The Chalakudy River in Kerala amidst pristine Sholyar ranges of Western Ghats roars in the form of Athirapilly, Vazhachal and Charpa falls mesmerizing and awakening the love towards nature in every individual who visits this place. Adding to the awesomeness of waterfalls here; the thick forest in Sholyar ranges, the peaceful environment, the chirping of birds, the wildlife and the tribal communities have blended best with the forces of nature to make the nature enthralling all the time of the year.

It was mid Feb, 2013. We decided to visit Athirapilly, when Kerala summer was at its peak. We started from Aluva, reached Chalakudy and then got into a bus that goes towards Valparai hill station. As soon as bus entered Sholayar ranges, weather drastically changed from high humid to lovingly cool. After an awesome journey of 1 hr in Sholayar ranges we reached Athirapilly falls. The very view of falls, we all fell in love with that place.

Athirapilly; rightly called as Indian Niagara. The falls can be enjoyed at two sites; one is the top stream that flows as waterfalls and the other one is astonishing view of Chalakudy River plummeting from 80ft as Athirapilly falls. It is astounding to stare at the waterfalls from the bottom and enjoying the sprinkle of water on our faces. The cool spray that covers the large area near the falls makes Athirapilly a scenic location. Combined with the natural greenery, it infuses freshness into our tired souls. Enjoyed the picturesque beauty of Athirapilly in summer and played happily in top stream.

Second visit to Athirapilly was during rainy season, sometime in the mid June. The monsoon view was breathtakingly beautiful. The charms then cannot be described in words, roaring from the high ranges, and crashing through gorges overhung with trees, Chalakudy River turns out to be the best place in India to re capture a real sense of classical idea of the picturesque - not just calm and sweet, but something wild and natural. It’s really a treat for the eyes during the monsoon to see Athirapilly roaring. It seems to be an amazing phenomenon, majestic river gurgling, abundance of water, the thundering of waterfalls, the plunge down from a staggering height of over 80ft and rejuvenating flora and fauna of Sholayar ranges.

At a distance of 3 Kms from Athirapilly is magnificent Charpa waterfall formed by rushing rain water from top hill during monsoon. The flow is very close to the road and creates mist to fall on the people. We chose to walk from Athirapilly to Charpa. Truly an enchanting walk amidst thick forests of Sholayar ranges. The feel of being so close to nature is bliss and ecstasy.

Roar of Sholayar doesn’t just end here. Vazhachal, amidst Ayurvedic plant garden maintained by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation is one wonderful sight where Chalakudy River rigorously flows down the rocky slopes. The Ayurvedic garden beside Vazhachal waterfalls is well maintained. We enjoyed the walk around medicine garden and the length of Vazhachal waterfalls to the best. Cherishing the wonderful day spent in Sholyar ranges, we made our way back to our stay.

DreamsComeTrue Tips :

• Ticket taken at Athirapilly remains valid for Vazhachal falls.
• There is no direct bus from Ernakulam or Trissur, one has to go to Chalakudy town, and then take the bus that goes towards Valparai hill stations, and there are enough buses. If it’s a one day trip don’t miss to catch the last bus at 5.30PM from Vazhachal.
• Night driving is not advised in Sholayar ranges due to animal traffic.
• Lot of homestays to stay near Athirapilly but not economical.
• Vegetarians are advised to carry food.
• “High turbulance, Enjoy the beauty by just seeing it and not playing with it.”

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The Silent Shores - Kochi

With lot of fun filled memories, our life at Guwahati ended. The time had come when we had to separate from each other, because our joining locations were different viz., Kochi and Bangalore. The bondage between us was enough strong that we managed to get our locations changed and rejoined in Kochi. Because of family constraints two of us had to go back to Bangalore and four of us remained in Kochi and started exploring South most India.

"Kochi", I say a calm slow moving city. The days in Kochi started very beautifully. We started our life at Kochi together on 1^st January, 2013. We rented an apartment; had wonderful time setting up our life here, cooking food, Learning the language, Shopping, rushing to office, attending interviews and most favorite loafing around the city.

We started our Kerala exploration in more appropriate way by visiting beaches which coastal regions are known for.

Cherai Beach: Cherai Beach is rightly considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala. It is a beautiful combination of sea and backwaters rimmed by lush green coconut palms and paddy fields. Cherai is the cleanest of the beaches in Kochi and its beauty lies in backwaters. We started from Aluva, reached Paravoor town by Kerala transport bus, then the Cherai town by private bus and to the beach which is around 3 Kms from Cherai town we chose to walk to enjoy the beauty of backwaters and the beach of course. It’s so human that as soon as we see the water we just jump into it. The same happened, enjoyed the waves of Cherai, cool breeze and sun set the best possible.

Fort Kochi Beach: A European Heritage, as it was under possession of Portugese, Dutch and British, it retains the western culture, art and architecture which make it a major tourist center of Kochi. The beauty of Fort Kochi lies in its streets with houses, churches and monuments built in gothic style. The Chinese fishing net, ships and boats resting in the sea after day long work adds to beauty of shoreline. We had great time walking on the streets of Fort Kochi enjoying its beauty, the sunset, local market and huge ships on the shore. 

Puthuvype beach: Puthuvype beach is a beautiful beach during summer and winter with light house, located very much close to the heart of the city. The most attractive part of the beach is the wide and large seashore, where we can feel the rhythm of wave, wind and above all the music of nature. It’s a very calm and quiet place. The light house is located at just about half a kilometer away from the Beach and is said to be the tallest in India.

Life at Guwahati

Life is something really strange! We always expect something and something else happens.But whatever happens, always happens for a reason.

This is how our life at Guwahati came to an end. The wonderful and most memorable 90 days. Now, It is only in our memories and all our captured photos, that we can talk about Guwahati and the beautiful days we spent there.

Our life’s journey for 3 months at this place started with a scared feeling of leaving family and home where we were used to having a comfortable life. But this changed completely at the end of 3 months, when none of us even wanted to leave this place.

The best of time we spent at our accommodation National Games Village and our office, at the NEDFI building: First to be mentioned, the worst of food we had there, Early waking up even if we did not want to, Sleepy and cozy nights, The lovely walk we used to have after supper (the best of all, because it comprised of all possible gossiping ), All the tension and pressure to finish our project, Waiting desperately for weekends to roam around the city, Hunting for all possible South Indian hotels and Running down 5 floors of our NEDFI building to rush into the bus and catch hold of a seat, for self and whole lot group of friends.

It indeed was a lifetime experience being there for just 3 months and exploring and experiencing so many new things in life.

Life at Guwahati paved us the way to understand and experience diverse culture, people, habitat and way of life in Guwahati. The Paltan Bazaar and Fancy Bazaar,  showcase the economy, ethnicity and lifestyle in Guwahati.  Dipor bil, Tea gardens, Khaziranga, Manas and Portibora national parks flourishes the natural vegetation, wildlife and people’s love towards nature. Kamakhya, Umananda temple, Balaji Mandir, Basishta ashram, Diwali and Durga pooja at national games village made us experience the wonderful tradition of not only Guwahati also the north east India.

As the weather had changed in Guwahati from high humidity, when we landed there to a highly cool place, when we left it, our life too had changed a lot, making us all a lot more mature, a lot more grown up, a lot more heavy hearted and a lot more happier too, carrying with us lifetime memories, which can never come back!!

The Scotland of the East : Shillong and Cherrapunji

This time it’s not only we 7. It was a big bunch of people on a tour to Shillong and Cherrapunji.  We didn’t bother much this time in making list of places to visit, stay and travel plan etc. Everything was handled by other associates who had been in ILP center with us. After the entire plan was set, the big group including people from Karnataka, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh started journey from national games village, Guwahati on 10^th November, 2012 early in the morning in two pre-booked tempo traveller to Shillong.

The journey in the mist covered road was really good. The plan was to go to Cherrapunji first day and second day to Shillong and back to Guwahati. So, after we crossed Shillong, gave a stop in some hotel to have breakfast. Since the group was big, we wasted lot of time in having breakfast. By that time we 7 had realized that the plan was going to be a flop and not going to happen the way we expected it to be. So, we decided not to waste much time on thinking what was going on around us and started having fun being in group of 7.

Finally, after travelling for long time we stopped for sightseeing. It was a valley view point. It was very beautiful; we took lot of snaps, enjoyed the nature and continued our journey towards Cherrapunji. To stress upon, the journey was nice. We were travelling in a valley, beautiful scenery to look at. Truly nature was at its best.

It was mid noon when we reached Cherrapunji. After wasting 2hrs in front of a hotel in Cherrapunji, the place to stay was decided. Not really a waste of time for seven of us. There was small stream flowing down, we happily jumped into the water, started taking snaps around and enjoyed the time we had.

We all got some time to freshen up, had lunch and started to travel towards seven sister’s falls. It was too much to travel from Cherrapunji city to seven sister’s falls. We could see Bangladesh down the valley.  The place was in India Bangladesh border. We  were able to see the seven waterfalls falling from top mountain ranges after travelling for some time long and finally some place on the road side we stopped where one of the seven sister’s falls’ was seen.  We happily jumped into the water, played for some time, took snaps and started our journey back to Cherrapunji. As expected, it was not even 4:30 pm in the evening and it was completely dark. We were tired of travelling and chilling weather did not let us enjoy outside the room much.

A campfire was planned. After taking rest for some time, all of us got ready and went behind the hotel, where campfire was set. We enjoyed the heat of firewood, played few games. Finally had dinner and since the plan was to start our journey early in the morning, went to bed without wasting time in a hope that we will get to see more places at least next day.

Early in the morning we all got ready and went to Mawsmai caves. It was a very nice place which brought out the adventure hidden inside us. We readily started exploring the cave. It was dark inside, with help of mobile torch lights we entered deep inside the cave. Water dripping from the walls glistening in the interior of the cave, it’s difficult to imagine, how a force of nature so insignificant can dictate the forms of such hard stones. It was a splendid display of the force of nature. Various shapes and forms of limestone jutting out from the roof of the cave, the rock formation that looked like the feet of animals and faces of ghosts and Natural light sieving inside the cave from the forest above were really beautiful. All these filled us with the enthusiasm and joy that we had lost the previous day. After enjoying the beauty of caves for long time we had breakfast and went Eco Park.

Eco Park is located in the east Khasi hills district in Cherrapunji, it was established by Meghalaya Government. It offers a breath taking view of Sylhet Plains of neighbouring Bangladesh. We had amazing time seeing the waterfalls, beautiful lush green landscapes. It’s starting point of the waterfall, the way the calm water falls into a gusty flow of water. The whole ambiance is mixed with beautiful roar of waterfalls. A must see site. After enjoying the view of Sylhet plains we headed back to Shillong.

After we reached Shillong, we went to Elephant falls. It’s a three stepped waterfalls. The first fall is broad and hidden between trees. The second fall is tamed and almost negligible in winter, when the water level recedes. The last and the third waterfall is the tallest. Elephant Falls is characterized by clear water flowing over dark jutting rocks with no particular forms. After enjoying for some time in waterfalls, we decided to go Shillong city market to do some shopping.

It was almost evening when we reached Shillong city. We rushed readily to Madras Café restaurant, to fill our appetite. Truly it was home away from home. Every south Indian if missing Dosas in north east, must visit Madras café. The best dosas you can have in North eastern states. After enjoying the city life of Shillong and ethnicity we started our journey back to Guwahati.

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Crown of The Brahmaputra - Peacock Island

To properly set the mood for futuristic utopia, combine the elements of winter season and coldness in Guwahati, we planned to visit Peacock Island, the crown of The Brahmaputra.

We started our journey to the Island at dawn through different transits. First we reached Basistha Chariyali( Junction) by cycle rickshaw,  and from there we travelled in private bus to Paltan bazar,  from there we walked to reach Brahmaputra river jetty where we had to take a boat to reach the Island.  

We managed to get a separate boat for 7 of us. Boatmen agreed to take us in his big motor boat by charging 100 INR per head; they also told us that it would take around half an hour to reach the Island from the river jetty. 

Adding to the fear of flood in The Brahmaputra, water level was high enough and there were many high current whirlpools. After a fun filled journey of half an hour, we reached the Island. We could see the peacock shaped island after we were half way through.

After reaching the destination, we dated with nature for some time and enjoyed the beauty of Brahmaputra.  After that we made a visit to god Umananda temple, a Shiva Temple which is located at the Peacock Island in middle of river Brahmaputra, built by the Ahom King Gadadhar Singha.

Shiva is said to have resided here in the form of Bhayananda. According to the Kalika Purana, in the beginning of the creation Shiva sprinkled ashes (bhasma) at this place and imparted knowledge to Parvathi (his consort). It is said that, when Shiva was in meditation on this hillock, Kamadeva interrupted his yoga and was therefore burnt to ashes by the fire of Shiva’s anger and hence the hillock got the name Bhasmacala. This mountain is also called Bhasmakuta. The Kalika Purana states that Urvasikunda is situated here and here resides the goddess Urvasi who brings Amrit (nectar) for the enjoyment of Kamakhya and hence the island got the name Urvasi Island.

The priest in the temple asked us to chant some mantra but we were not able to understand their language and as usual like other priest, they demanded us to put some dakshina (Donation) and we witnessed one among the rarest species of monkeys, The Golden Langur.

After visiting the temples, we started taking pictures in different corners to capture the beauty of sunset in The Brahmaputra. Wish we had a high resolution camera with us, no offense; we managed to take good enough display pictures.

After spending 2 to 3 hours in peacock island finally we said goodbye to Peacock Island. We all set our journey back to main city in same old luxury boat with same boatmen enjoying sunset. 

To know more about Peacock Island visit Umananda Island

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