Kerala The God's Own Country & The Enchanting Tamil Nadu - xBhp.com : The Global Indian Biking Community

Ananth · 05-05-2009, 09:57 PM

A peak into the mountains, lakes and dry lands of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. An awesome 1500 kilometers of fun filled riding. A solo trip...well almost!

Special Thanks to keerthy, a.k.a Thy @ xBhp for accompanying me for a good 300 kilometers into the forests, twisties, and for letting me ride his R15

The logs are getting ready.. It was a 5 day ride and so there are so much to be written and uploaded! A few teasers for now..

Miles to go before i sleep....

At the Eravikulam National Park..

Towards Valparai....

Munaar....

Thekkady....

More Coming Up...

Aryan · 05-05-2009, 10:11 PM

Topic Approved.

A grand 5-day ride. Wow! I can't wait for the text and ofcourse the beautiful pictures that are to follow.

MG · 05-05-2009, 10:18 PM

@ananth-Very good teasers to start with specially the one taken in Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary.Btw what's the name of the animal.

ken cool · 05-05-2009, 10:29 PM

Hey Ananth. Nice one there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MG_Biker1806

@ananth-Very good teasers to start with specially the one taken in Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary.Btw what's the name of the animal.

Deer!

Ananth · 05-05-2009, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aryan

Topic Approved.

A grand 5-day ride. Wow! I can't wait for the text and ofcourse the beautiful pictures that are to follow.

Thanks for the Approval Aryan! Pictures and the text would follow suit in a day!

Quote:

Originally Posted by MG_Biker1806

@ananth-Very good teasers to start with specially the one taken in Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary.Btw what's the name of the animal.

Thanks MG. The animal (deer) is 'Nilgiri Tahr'..

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken cool

Hey Ananth. Nice one there.

Deer!

Thanks Ken da! Glad you liked it

MG · 05-05-2009, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken cool

Deer!

I know that.I was interested in knowing the breed name.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ananth

Thanks MG. The animal (deer) is 'Nilgiri Tahr'..

Thanks for enlightening.

Ananth · 05-06-2009, 10:32 AM

Prologue:

Long tiring days at work, working in 24 / 7 shifts.. Weekly offs randomized to Tuesdays and Thursdays... life was moving next to hell. I needed a break, at least to calm off things and start afresh. After lots of planning and discussing, got a well deserved 3 day break around the 1st of May. Come last week of April, I was excited about the trip.. My manager called up for a meeting, I was wondering if it had to deal with canceling my leaves.. thankfully, it was other wise. I was moved to a new project, to be joined from the 3rd of May. So the three day plan is now a five day one. Kerala was always on my mind, but couldn't do it because of some reason or the other and this was the time to do it.

Day 1: Riding Solo to the Gods Own Country

Odometer: 003684 - Trip Meter: 000

Riding Solo has become a new habit of mine, which off late i started to enjoy the most. Woke up for a cup of coffee at 4 in the morning. I could feel the emotions running through my mom's eyes even on that dim light

I just consoled her that i would reach back safe and ON TIME! refreshed myself and started in another 30 mins.

The route i took..

So a much deserved early morning start, the weather was cool and pleasant bid adieu to parents and started up. Took the NH 45 route towards Trichy and my first stop was Thindivanam, 100 odd kilometers from Chennai. Open roads, not much traffic and pleasant weather.. the trip started comfortably, more that what i dreamt of.

Next stop was near Perambalur, another 100 odd kilometers away, this time the sun was just setting down while i emptied the breakfast along agricultural fields.. Went out of water and so stopped by a road side tea shop. From around 90 kilometers away from trichy i hoped i was clearing a good distance (Cruising around the 80's)!

The sun was already out and I started sweating, that too with the riding jacket, i was sweating even more. Came out of the Tea shop to only find my ride down and i could lift it up

Got help to park it up , found that my rear tyre had a puncture. All this happened in front of the tea shop/besides a puncture shop. I still suspect those guys would have hit the nail into my rear tyre

Before the tea break..

After the tea break

They were too busy fixing up lorry tyres meanwhile i removed the tyre, cleaned up the bike, loosened out the remaining air in the tube and got the tube out. It took them two full hours to fix the puncture and give back the tyre. Finally fixed the rear tyre and started off to trichy by 9:30 AM. The first few kilometers were bumpy and later on the tyre got adjusted or rather i got adjusted to its settings and i opened up the throttle. Reached trichy around 11, and the ByPass traffic was at its Mad best! Took about 45 minutes to cross the outskirts of Trichy and later on the traffic got eased out.

Reached Dindigul around 1PM, 420 kilometers on the trip and i was getting tired and the weather was making me get exhausted. The Route towards theni was not clear and i was misled by many! After roaming so much on the madurai highway (I was only 30 odd kilometers away from Madurai!) , finally got hold of the roads towards theni. The temperatures came down after reaching Theni and roads were really scenic.

Roads were bordered by lush green trees and accompanied by mountains, i started to feel the goodness of the trip. Stopped for lunch around 3PM in a small village hotel and ate as much i could. Shocked to see the bill as 37 rupees, i gave them 50 rupees and wished them luck with a happier stomach and heart!

With more than 550 on the odo, i was getting really tired and stopped every other juice shop. Reached the foot of the hills towards Periyar (Thekkady / Kumily) around 3PM, the scenery was wonderful. Stopped by the falls, tried cornering on my TBTS, clicked snaps, played with monkeys, and with other things to do.. climbed up the hills and reached the Periyar Tiger Reserve at 4:05 PM.

The forest officer said am late by 5 minutes for the last boat of the day

He guided me to a nearby cottage, decent enough with twin beds and with a hill view. Paid 300 for the room and from the room, started gazing at the birds and monkeys loafing around the woods, saw the hills smoking. My 18x Zoom from the cam showed that it was forest fire and it was a rare sight, at least for me.

So the day ended with 594.5 kilometers from Chennai / 4279 on the odometer. My longest ever on a day, tiring but truly enjoyable one.

Odometer: 004279 - Trip Meter: 594.5

ken cool · 05-06-2009, 10:57 AM

That puncture must have been pretty disheartening. Though these days Bullet rear wheel punctures are relatively easily repaired compared to the days when we had to open the chain!

You got a nice lid man. And the formation forest fire looks terrible! I am waiting to see if you saw tigers or if you were chased by elephants!

Nice trip log. Waiting for the rest. Thanks for sharing.

aarunn · 05-06-2009, 11:48 AM

Excellent pix.... nice to see u guys Touring in and around GODS OWN COUNTRY

bikerfas · 05-06-2009, 12:16 PM

Excellent Pics there man... liked them all...

Nice travelogue... 5 days.... solo trip.... man you must be so crazy abt riding...

waiting for the rest of the pics and log

05-05-2009, 09:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
Ananth Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Chennai Posts: 1,804	Kerala The God's Own Country & The Enchanting Tamil Nadu A peak into the mountains, lakes and dry lands of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. An awesome 1500 kilometers of fun filled riding. A solo trip...well almost! Special Thanks to keerthy, a.k.a Thy @ xBhp for accompanying me for a good 300 kilometers into the forests, twisties, and for letting me ride his R15 The logs are getting ready.. It was a 5 day ride and so there are so much to be written and uploaded! A few teasers for now.. Miles to go before i sleep.... At the Eravikulam National Park.. Towards Valparai.... Munaar.... Thekkady.... More Coming Up... __________________ Please Wear a HELMET Regardless of what ever Bike you Ride. ATGATT! My Travelogues: The Maha RoadTrip \| SaddleSore Leh - Ladakh \| Idukki \| Coorg - Wayanad - Mudhumalai \| Point Calimere \| Thekkady - Munnar - Valparai Solo to Ooty \|South Western Karnataka \|In Search Of "The God" - In God's Own Country! Last edited by Ananth; 12-13-2009 at 10:38 AM.

05-05-2009, 10:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
Aryan Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New Delhi/ Shillong Posts: 18,274	Topic Approved. A grand 5-day ride. Wow! I can't wait for the text and ofcourse the beautiful pictures that are to follow. __________________ ...in search of that perfect world - My Travel Blog :)

05-06-2009, 10:32 AM	#7 (permalink)
Ananth Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Chennai Posts: 1,804	Prologue: Long tiring days at work, working in 24 / 7 shifts.. Weekly offs randomized to Tuesdays and Thursdays... life was moving next to hell. I needed a break, at least to calm off things and start afresh. After lots of planning and discussing, got a well deserved 3 day break around the 1st of May. Come last week of April, I was excited about the trip.. My manager called up for a meeting, I was wondering if it had to deal with canceling my leaves.. thankfully, it was other wise. I was moved to a new project, to be joined from the 3rd of May. So the three day plan is now a five day one. Kerala was always on my mind, but couldn't do it because of some reason or the other and this was the time to do it. Day 1: Riding Solo to the Gods Own Country Odometer: 003684 - Trip Meter: 000 Riding Solo has become a new habit of mine, which off late i started to enjoy the most. Woke up for a cup of coffee at 4 in the morning. I could feel the emotions running through my mom's eyes even on that dim light I just consoled her that i would reach back safe and ON TIME! refreshed myself and started in another 30 mins. The route i took.. So a much deserved early morning start, the weather was cool and pleasant bid adieu to parents and started up. Took the NH 45 route towards Trichy and my first stop was Thindivanam, 100 odd kilometers from Chennai. Open roads, not much traffic and pleasant weather.. the trip started comfortably, more that what i dreamt of. Next stop was near Perambalur, another 100 odd kilometers away, this time the sun was just setting down while i emptied the breakfast along agricultural fields.. Went out of water and so stopped by a road side tea shop. From around 90 kilometers away from trichy i hoped i was clearing a good distance (Cruising around the 80's)! The sun was already out and I started sweating, that too with the riding jacket, i was sweating even more. Came out of the Tea shop to only find my ride down and i could lift it up Got help to park it up , found that my rear tyre had a puncture. All this happened in front of the tea shop/besides a puncture shop. I still suspect those guys would have hit the nail into my rear tyre Before the tea break.. After the tea break They were too busy fixing up lorry tyres meanwhile i removed the tyre, cleaned up the bike, loosened out the remaining air in the tube and got the tube out. It took them two full hours to fix the puncture and give back the tyre. Finally fixed the rear tyre and started off to trichy by 9:30 AM. The first few kilometers were bumpy and later on the tyre got adjusted or rather i got adjusted to its settings and i opened up the throttle. Reached trichy around 11, and the ByPass traffic was at its Mad best! Took about 45 minutes to cross the outskirts of Trichy and later on the traffic got eased out. Reached Dindigul around 1PM, 420 kilometers on the trip and i was getting tired and the weather was making me get exhausted. The Route towards theni was not clear and i was misled by many! After roaming so much on the madurai highway (I was only 30 odd kilometers away from Madurai!) , finally got hold of the roads towards theni. The temperatures came down after reaching Theni and roads were really scenic. Roads were bordered by lush green trees and accompanied by mountains, i started to feel the goodness of the trip. Stopped for lunch around 3PM in a small village hotel and ate as much i could. Shocked to see the bill as 37 rupees, i gave them 50 rupees and wished them luck with a happier stomach and heart! With more than 550 on the odo, i was getting really tired and stopped every other juice shop. Reached the foot of the hills towards Periyar (Thekkady / Kumily) around 3PM, the scenery was wonderful. Stopped by the falls, tried cornering on my TBTS, clicked snaps, played with monkeys, and with other things to do.. climbed up the hills and reached the Periyar Tiger Reserve at 4:05 PM. The forest officer said am late by 5 minutes for the last boat of the day He guided me to a nearby cottage, decent enough with twin beds and with a hill view. Paid 300 for the room and from the room, started gazing at the birds and monkeys loafing around the woods, saw the hills smoking. My 18x Zoom from the cam showed that it was forest fire and it was a rare sight, at least for me. So the day ended with 594.5 kilometers from Chennai / 4279 on the odometer. My longest ever on a day, tiring but truly enjoyable one. Odometer: 004279 - Trip Meter: 594.5 __________________ Please Wear a HELMET Regardless of what ever Bike you Ride. ATGATT! My Travelogues: The Maha RoadTrip \| SaddleSore Leh - Ladakh \| Idukki \| Coorg - Wayanad - Mudhumalai \| Point Calimere \| Thekkady - Munnar - Valparai Solo to Ooty \|South Western Karnataka \|In Search Of "The God" - In God's Own Country! Last edited by Ananth; 12-13-2009 at 10:40 AM.

05-06-2009, 10:57 AM	#8 (permalink)
ken cool Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: New Delhi Posts: 4,677	That puncture must have been pretty disheartening. Though these days Bullet rear wheel punctures are relatively easily repaired compared to the days when we had to open the chain! You got a nice lid man. And the formation forest fire looks terrible! I am waiting to see if you saw tigers or if you were chased by elephants! Nice trip log. Waiting for the rest. Thanks for sharing. __________________ The Wheel was a great invention; Two Wheels with a Motor in between was even better! BMW Motorrad Days 2011 Xbhp's Indo-French Kashmir-Ladakh Tour

05-06-2009, 12:16 PM	#10 (permalink)
bikerfas Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Chennai Posts: 413	Wow... Excellent Pics there man... liked them all... Nice travelogue... 5 days.... solo trip.... man you must be so crazy abt riding... waiting for the rest of the pics and log

05-05-2009, 10:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
MG Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Maharashtra,India Posts: 5,874	@ananth-Very good teasers to start with specially the one taken in Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary.Btw what's the name of the animal.

05-06-2009, 11:48 AM	#9 (permalink)
aarunn Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: TRIVANDRUM KERALA Posts: 821	Excellent pix.... nice to see u guys Touring in and around GODS OWN COUNTRY

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