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Monsoon Ride to Kerala - Idukki District - 21 to 23 July 2010
Day 1: 21 July 2010, Wednesday
'I thought you would stop riding after coming back from Leh' my dad shouted when i told him I'm starting to Kerala next morning. Mom on the other side was laughing that Its raining harsh & in no way i would even reach Tambaram (City suburbs). I told them it will be very refreshing to ride to a place like Kerala & the monsoon time would do wonders. And going solo would be more enjoyable. They halfheartedly said: do what ever you wish & don't come back with a fever!
I left for work (Night Shift) with my Riding Jacket & the Tank Bag containing just a pair of spare shirt, Rain Coat , Cramster Gloves, A Spare glove & the new Canon 500D. Reached office, indulged in work, time rolled on - Only by 6 AM i could start from office. It was dark, gloomy, raining and the whole of Chennai was calm & lazily thinking of waking up. I was on my riding jacket & didn't want to wear the rain coat's till it starts raining harsh. The Sun was slowly coming out & yet it was dark. Couldn't ride with the Visor's on - so opened the visors to have a better view of the road.
Stopped by the outskirts of Chennai, called up parents that I'm starting off from Office & will call them once i reach Thekkady. Switched on to rain gears, had a coffee and moved on. Not much traffic around, yet i wasn't comfortable cruising more than 80 kmph. I wanted to reach Thekkady before 3 30 PM (last boat into the lake). I had 9 hours and needed to cover 560 kilometers. A bit tough, still i was adamant of making it to Thekkady by 3 30 PM.
The route was already traversed by last year, so i knew how long it could take to reach & what to expect from the route.
Kerala The God's Own Country & The Enchanting Tamil Nadu
I kept riding on, I wanted to stop by after 100 kilometers or so, Open highway - less traffic - amazing climate made the travel a lot more fun. I rode on and stopped only by Villupuram for breakfast. The road side restaurant wasn't even ready - yet i barged in and asked what was available, they said everything will be available if you WAIT (In a stern tone) I patiently waited, ate & paid off the bills. The climate was warm & it wasn't raining in these parts. The villagers were seeing me rather amused to wear raincoat on a sunny day. I removed them off as i started sweating. 8 30 AM and i moved on. Roads were absolutely fantastic, 4 lanes all the way - butter smooth tarmac - No traffic - I was ripping around the 100s now, effortlessly.
Once again the voes of Cross winds was disturbing a lot. I could ride not more than 60 kmph, if i do - the bike waves around frantically and handles more or like a boat (don't as me if have driven a boat) I moved on and increased the speed slowly and once i cross the windy section and i started gaining more speed. Countless SUVs & Sedan's over took me and sailed around, for i was riding around 110 Kmph and yet the roads make it like I'm riding around on a cycle. Once i crossed Veppur, It started pouring again. I was thankfully wearing the rain pants & removed the shirt alone. The Riding jacket was resistant enough and saved me from unwanted numbness. The scenery started into more & more commercial, for i hit Trichy. Maddening traffic on the outskirts of Trichy, and i got lost for a bit and joined the highway back (in & around railway colony). Continued on the Cumbam road & stopped a little after the city for some snacks. I wasn't hungry for lunch nor too stuffed up. Had a tea & some biscuits. How i wish, Tea stalls start preparing Maggi
After a nice butt break, i Moved on. Dindigul was my next planned stop. roads were decent, but small roads and too much jaywalkers made the progress slow. And after some kilometers, the 4 laning work of the highway was under progress. That meant the usual take diversions which again depleted the progress. And added to that the local buses was racing against each other and wont give space for motorists nor cars to pass on. The voes of buses ended after crossing Manapparai and it was happy cruising from there on with limited take diversions. Stopped by for a coffee in Vadamadurai and the Sun was out bright & shining. Removed the rain pant & tucked it in the tank bag and moved on.
Some temple enroute:
Soon i reached Dindigul, crawled under a few flyovers and took the right under the third one to reach the same cumbam highway (NH 45). This is supposedly one of my favourite routes and it is very very scenic. Greenery on both sides, villagers waving at you, the smell of greenery around - you call it bliss, to be part of such environment. My stomach started giving signals & some noises... No! I was hungry. I had come across the 'Thalappakattu' fame all over & wanted to try one time for lunch. It was 14 kilometers away & rode over straight into the hotel. I didnt stop there last time for it was too crowded. Food was good, hot and yummy - I ordered a Chicken Biriyani (Boneless) - The attendant laughed saying he could provide only leg piece. I requested him to cut the pieces and add it to the Biriyani. All in all it was a good lunch, drank a couple of lime juices to quench the thirst. Enough time spent, I moved out for some random pictures.
It started raining again, so swapped onto my rain gear. No place to park and change - stopped by the road side, sat under the tree removed the shoes, quickly wore in the rain pants / coat and went ahead. The lush greenery around, foggy weather, calm trees and inviting roads - I was indeed approaching the God's own country.
Reached Theni, traffic started to increase with many tourist buses and cars plying by. I even had a thought to take a right & head to Munnar - But i wanted to visit Idukki District instead & visit Munnar some other time. Tanked up in a petrol bunk, Reached Kambam and my odo read 9999, I didn't notice it till now - went a head and stopped by the odometer read 10,000 Kilometers. Wow! Nice feeling it was, 10000 fun filled kilometers on the ZMR.
The rains started to be a bit more aggressive as i neared Kumily, may be depicting the monsoon in Kerala. Stopped by the Checkpost at the Kumily Lower Camp. Let me off seeing the papers, carried on to the Upper camp, crossed over to Kerala State. It was still raining & went straight ahead towards Thekkady Lake (Periyar Lake). Got the parking / entrance ticket at the checkpost of Periyar Tiger Reserve and moved in. The roads were scenic, and the next few kilometers was fun to ride. Parked the bike and went to get the tickets. For a change, the tickets to the boat were a bit strict - Childrens need to be accompanied by parents, details info about address, contact number need to be given & signed. Boating Charge - 150 Rs. for the Upper Deck. Paid and moved on. Need to pay another 25 Rs. for the Camera, and they are (as always) rude saying No Change. Collated the change in all the pockets of the purse and handed over 25 bucks. got the receipt and rushed to the jetty.
The boat was already full and i managed to get a seat in the right corner, not bad a place but with 6 rows ahead and children shouting at their own will, I wasn't really enjoying it. The rain was still pouring down, so that kept the birds away. Not many birds were there like how it used to be. Each and every person is given a Life jacket, 5 persons to take care of the boat and 1 forest officer to accompany the boat (& identify animals in the wild). The boat moved on, It was a battery of camera's - people started shooting the moment it started sailing in. I took out my SLR, The foreigner behind me sarcastically commented why I am still sticking to the Kit Lens & why not a 100-400 for Wild Life. I really didn't want to strike a conversation (His daughter wasn't looking good ) I turned around and took some shots, the kids around were shouting joyfully for nothing.
Then we saw the first sight of wild animals, a group of them. Mix of Bisons & Deers. My puny 18-55 wasn't able to provide the zoom that is required. I really didn't bother, shot what ever i wanted not expecting any good pics from the lake. We spotted Elephants, Bisons, Deers, Wild Pigs and some variety of Birds. Nothing so close, everything in the wild, in a good distance. There was a group of Elephants playing in water, the forest officer told me he would take the boat there provided the occupants stay calm. The next second every one shouted " Elephant! Elephants!" The boat took a U turn there & went to other (non) happening places. Saw Mullai Periyar Dam, some more elephants in a far distance on top of a hill, Bison getting stuck between some rocks. Sad that no one would go there to help the Bison relieve from getting stuck. One thing i liked most was the foreign girls on the boat and mainly a few were looking good I had no talent to impress them for a date, but atleast could let them see my presence by taking a lot of shots (& let them hear the shots from the SLR). I dozed off for a quick while, may be some 15 minutes or so and we were already in the return leg of the boating. The calm lake became cooler and I started shivering in the cold breeze. Got off the boat, went behind the girl i liked the most for some time - she tagged behind her dad, got off in a car and zipped away fast
Nice colours eh? I meant the Life Jacket :-E
Time to shoot!
Mullai Periyar Dam
Notorious Kid!
All Docked up!
Roads inside the Tiger Reserve:
After the boat ride i was so tired and sleepy, I didn sleep after the night shift and had to ride around 600 Kilometers. Got the hotel i used last time i came here, Hotel Hill View, 300 Rs for a twin bed & the view of the hills for company. Throwed in the bags around, swapped to a new tshirt and went out for lunch, got some more money from the ATM, and banana chips for seeing MotoGP Highlights. I dozed off seeing Stoner and Rossi battle up for a fighting finish.
Total Kilometers: ~ 600
Total Riding Time: ~ 9 Hours
Day 2: 22 July 2010, Thursday
It was cold, very cold when the alarm rang up. 5 30 AM, Too early to start, it snoozed a dozen times and i finally wake up. Got a nice hot water bath, and alas! I forgot to get a towel :P I had to use the blanket to warm myself up and get dressed up. 7 AM, I was out with all dressed up. I was to meet up with Praveen, yet another ZMR owner from Kerla xBhp. It was cold, but wasn't raining. I pushed on towards Vandiperiyar, the scenic route starts from the word go. Winding roads, twisties, greenery around and an amazing view to enthrall me. Stopped by Vandiperiyar for a cup of Tea. I switched onto the rain gear as the drizzle started increasing and it started pouring. I was enjoying riding in rains like never before.
The Church at Thekkady
Cornering, Any one ?
Met up with Praveen at Pampanar, and we immediately pushed off. It was raining, yet we could ride joyfully on the wonderful set of twisties. Continued on towards Peermedu, before which Praveen takes the turn to a place called "Parunthumpara". Its again a heaven on earth with some amazing views around. Wonder why directors waste money & go abroad for shooting movies when you have places like these!
Some Church enroute:
Amazing Views around~!
It starts drizzling..and the whole area gets filled by mist!
My plan was to visit Vagamon & Idukki Dam and any other places in between as & when possible. I should thank Praveen for taking his day off from work and helping me relive some amazing moments in Idukki. The roads around peermedu were filled with lush tea plantations, offering a panaroma of superb tea plantaions. It was still early in the morning, so couldn't buy any tea powder for mom : )
Vagamon was just around 30 kilometers from here, took a couple of breaks in between - Praveen didn't seem like too comfortable riding in rain without any gloves. I was wearing the woolen gloves bought in Drass for Rs.100 which worked efforlessly. Cramsters again proved to be a joke (in rains) and should never be used for a rain ride. The sharp corners, smooth turns, the cattles grazing around, pitch of greenery - haa,, i was in heavens! The huge valley of greenery, with grass lawns all over it should be the speciality or rather significance of vagamon. You could spot similar places all over here.
Soon, We reached Vagamon & our first stop was the Pine forest, made by the forest department. A nice hangout, tall thick trees, steams & water falls running by - a perfect place to camp and have fun. The other fun part was the little off roading to reach the place. With persistant rains, the roads (or rather off-roads) were in a bad shape. It took us a while to get the bikes to the safer zone
Next ahead was, Vagamon Meadows. This place has nothing special, but a paid enterance to the lush green meadows. Perfect spot for relaxing, the place is so pure that just relaxing here would take off all pains by itself. There was a little lake to boat around, a private resort and lots of open ground. All in all time well spent.
Up next was, food! We were hungry by now, didnt have much to eat except for a tea. Went in to a hotel & ordered for food, nothing other than kerlaa parota was there, even though it was horrible. Couldn't eat more than two. Came out to see kids seeing at us in awe. I guess they were taught only about two things that Kerala dominates - Fishes & Girls
We went back to Elappara and continued on towards Idukki Dam. Praveen suggested we visit two places Anchuruli & Calvary Mount. I wasn't really bothering about it then. When i reached Anchuruli, I was in total awe. Such humongous, vast, wide open water body. It was so called vessel which saves up the water from Idukki Dam. We trekked up a bit to get a better view of the falls & the water. It was indeed vast, with the amount of water gushing out of the tunnel next to us, a slip will get me onto heaven directly
The roads were small and like a snake, full of corners and bends like a road made with the shape S. The landscapes, needn;t even mention turned fantastic. I was pleased with the way the trip has turned up. Stopped by Kattapana for another Tea break. We met praveen;s friends there having their lunch & moving ahead to Munaar. We moved on, up ahead was a pleasant suprise on name of Calvary Mount. It has some heavy off roading and with rains it was difficult, had to push the bike a few times and the rear spins out most of the time. I almost fell down upon seeing the place, so serene, so beautiful, so amazing, so calm, so elegant and i could go on & on.
We rode on towards Idukki Dam, we were allowed access only to the Basement of the Dam, it so so huge & enormous. Obvious for a closed dam. It saves up so much water on the other end of that wall.
It starts raining!
We reached Cheruthoni & asked for directions to poopaara. Not many knew the exact route. Spoke to a few tourist operators, they asked us to head to Kallarkutty and then ask for directions to Ponmudi. The route was scenic as usual, but the light was falling soon. There were so many falls around, thanks to the rains - few of them flowing aside the road and lot of them across the streams. Tanked up somewhere on the way, Reached Kallarkutty and it started to rain & sun had set in. I wont say i was comfortable riding in night, not when it is raining. I cant ride with my visor on, as droplets of water + light from vehicles continue to glare and opening the visors would infect the eyes with insects and also the rain drops piercing the skin. Some how managed it all and crossed through Ponmudi Dam. It was pitch dark, just two lights (from Bikes) And i could (not) see the huge dam, vast open dam, water body, etc etc. Wish i had done the route a hour before.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_78hF7pCqlrw/TFAxJUJ7MdI/AAAAAAAAG_c/0nI0iTgyKr0/IMG_0669.jpg
Day 3: 23 July 2010, Friday
We woke up up around 5 30 AM, Praveen got refreshed soon, I was still lying lazily on the bed, alarm rang a few more times. Praveen asked if we could start soon, I woke up got refreshed in a jiffy. 6 AM, we were out. Settled off the bills, and idled the Bike. Praveen was still not sure which route to take to goto his office in Ernakulam. He was to take another route (via Nedumkandam) & I had to take the less travelled NH 49. We bid good bye around the LockHeart Gap (A place :P) and it was time i had to move on.
The so called National Highway was deserted. Thankfully no animal crossings or anything. It was lonely, with some haripin bends and a clean road. happened to see only 2 buses in the whole route from Poopara to Bodinayakanur. The roads were calm, awesome climate, didnt rain much but it was drizzling all the way. Stopped by Bodinayakanur for a coffee. Yes, I reached Tamil nadu & wanted to have a coffee for a change Continued on the NH 49 and joined the Theni - cumbam road. The descent was rather giving some different views. Just out of a war game or a movie. I could see smoke everywhere, sun rising behind the mountains, its as though the world just finished a war and the remains are being smoked out. Took the left turn towards Theni and rolled on. Not much traffic till Theni, except for oncoming Jeeps.
NH 49
Passed Trichy, hoped on to some flyovers & continued on the NH 45. I was sure of reaching home before sunset. Stopped by for a coffee & juice. Emptied a bottle of lemonade. The highway was free, not much trucks to worry for.
Cauvery (or the remains of it)
Some temple on the Highway:
Continued on the highway, was feeling a bit hungry, but didnt want to stop anywhere, thought of stopping by Villupuram or so. But the sun was blowing down too much heat and i was getting dehydrated far soon. Stopped some 75 kilometers before Villupuram for lunch, nothing was available there except for some snacks. So ate some bhel puri & chenna samosa & a cup of tea. Got couple of water bottles, freezing cold. Drank one full bottle of water, another one just to wash the face & refresh up every now & then. The ride was rather smooth from here on, belting all the way above 110 Kmph. The good thing was that in all i had tanked up thrice, once in Chennai , Theni & in Idukki and I have just hit half the tank now. Impressive fuel consumption figures. Crossed Villupuram, Thindivanam and stopped some where on the highway for rest. Washed the face, drank some more water, cup of coffee & biscuits. I knew i was taking too much coffee, but cant help it. Chennai was like just around the corner from there on, reached outskirts of chennai in no time. Saw Ford testing their new Fiesta hatchback. It did look good. Also a Figo escorting it. It was like an Elephant escorted by a deer! The traffic piled up upon reaching Chengalpet & there was a huge traffic jam around SRM college due to some accident. around 30 minutes wasted there in just waiting in the same place. Traffic cleared up, took the Chennai bypass and I was home in no time. The chain was so loose, took it to the mechanic to get it tightened.
100 to go!
Reached Chennai!
So then, yet another trip to kerala, but a refreshing one. 1400 Kilometers, 3 days and lots of fun. Hope you enjoyed reading. Thanks for looking.
And thus i bring you my 1000th Post in xBhp! :-]
Ananth
Day 1: 21 July 2010, Wednesday
'I thought you would stop riding after coming back from Leh' my dad shouted when i told him I'm starting to Kerala next morning. Mom on the other side was laughing that Its raining harsh & in no way i would even reach Tambaram (City suburbs). I told them it will be very refreshing to ride to a place like Kerala & the monsoon time would do wonders. And going solo would be more enjoyable. They halfheartedly said: do what ever you wish & don't come back with a fever!
I left for work (Night Shift) with my Riding Jacket & the Tank Bag containing just a pair of spare shirt, Rain Coat , Cramster Gloves, A Spare glove & the new Canon 500D. Reached office, indulged in work, time rolled on - Only by 6 AM i could start from office. It was dark, gloomy, raining and the whole of Chennai was calm & lazily thinking of waking up. I was on my riding jacket & didn't want to wear the rain coat's till it starts raining harsh. The Sun was slowly coming out & yet it was dark. Couldn't ride with the Visor's on - so opened the visors to have a better view of the road.
Stopped by the outskirts of Chennai, called up parents that I'm starting off from Office & will call them once i reach Thekkady. Switched on to rain gears, had a coffee and moved on. Not much traffic around, yet i wasn't comfortable cruising more than 80 kmph. I wanted to reach Thekkady before 3 30 PM (last boat into the lake). I had 9 hours and needed to cover 560 kilometers. A bit tough, still i was adamant of making it to Thekkady by 3 30 PM.
The route was already traversed by last year, so i knew how long it could take to reach & what to expect from the route.
Kerala The God's Own Country & The Enchanting Tamil Nadu
I kept riding on, I wanted to stop by after 100 kilometers or so, Open highway - less traffic - amazing climate made the travel a lot more fun. I rode on and stopped only by Villupuram for breakfast. The road side restaurant wasn't even ready - yet i barged in and asked what was available, they said everything will be available if you WAIT (In a stern tone) I patiently waited, ate & paid off the bills. The climate was warm & it wasn't raining in these parts. The villagers were seeing me rather amused to wear raincoat on a sunny day. I removed them off as i started sweating. 8 30 AM and i moved on. Roads were absolutely fantastic, 4 lanes all the way - butter smooth tarmac - No traffic - I was ripping around the 100s now, effortlessly.
Once again the voes of Cross winds was disturbing a lot. I could ride not more than 60 kmph, if i do - the bike waves around frantically and handles more or like a boat (don't as me if have driven a boat) I moved on and increased the speed slowly and once i cross the windy section and i started gaining more speed. Countless SUVs & Sedan's over took me and sailed around, for i was riding around 110 Kmph and yet the roads make it like I'm riding around on a cycle. Once i crossed Veppur, It started pouring again. I was thankfully wearing the rain pants & removed the shirt alone. The Riding jacket was resistant enough and saved me from unwanted numbness. The scenery started into more & more commercial, for i hit Trichy. Maddening traffic on the outskirts of Trichy, and i got lost for a bit and joined the highway back (in & around railway colony). Continued on the Cumbam road & stopped a little after the city for some snacks. I wasn't hungry for lunch nor too stuffed up. Had a tea & some biscuits. How i wish, Tea stalls start preparing Maggi
After a nice butt break, i Moved on. Dindigul was my next planned stop. roads were decent, but small roads and too much jaywalkers made the progress slow. And after some kilometers, the 4 laning work of the highway was under progress. That meant the usual take diversions which again depleted the progress. And added to that the local buses was racing against each other and wont give space for motorists nor cars to pass on. The voes of buses ended after crossing Manapparai and it was happy cruising from there on with limited take diversions. Stopped by for a coffee in Vadamadurai and the Sun was out bright & shining. Removed the rain pant & tucked it in the tank bag and moved on.
Some temple enroute:
Soon i reached Dindigul, crawled under a few flyovers and took the right under the third one to reach the same cumbam highway (NH 45). This is supposedly one of my favourite routes and it is very very scenic. Greenery on both sides, villagers waving at you, the smell of greenery around - you call it bliss, to be part of such environment. My stomach started giving signals & some noises... No! I was hungry. I had come across the 'Thalappakattu' fame all over & wanted to try one time for lunch. It was 14 kilometers away & rode over straight into the hotel. I didnt stop there last time for it was too crowded. Food was good, hot and yummy - I ordered a Chicken Biriyani (Boneless) - The attendant laughed saying he could provide only leg piece. I requested him to cut the pieces and add it to the Biriyani. All in all it was a good lunch, drank a couple of lime juices to quench the thirst. Enough time spent, I moved out for some random pictures.
It started raining again, so swapped onto my rain gear. No place to park and change - stopped by the road side, sat under the tree removed the shoes, quickly wore in the rain pants / coat and went ahead. The lush greenery around, foggy weather, calm trees and inviting roads - I was indeed approaching the God's own country.
Reached Theni, traffic started to increase with many tourist buses and cars plying by. I even had a thought to take a right & head to Munnar - But i wanted to visit Idukki District instead & visit Munnar some other time. Tanked up in a petrol bunk, Reached Kambam and my odo read 9999, I didn't notice it till now - went a head and stopped by the odometer read 10,000 Kilometers. Wow! Nice feeling it was, 10000 fun filled kilometers on the ZMR.
The rains started to be a bit more aggressive as i neared Kumily, may be depicting the monsoon in Kerala. Stopped by the Checkpost at the Kumily Lower Camp. Let me off seeing the papers, carried on to the Upper camp, crossed over to Kerala State. It was still raining & went straight ahead towards Thekkady Lake (Periyar Lake). Got the parking / entrance ticket at the checkpost of Periyar Tiger Reserve and moved in. The roads were scenic, and the next few kilometers was fun to ride. Parked the bike and went to get the tickets. For a change, the tickets to the boat were a bit strict - Childrens need to be accompanied by parents, details info about address, contact number need to be given & signed. Boating Charge - 150 Rs. for the Upper Deck. Paid and moved on. Need to pay another 25 Rs. for the Camera, and they are (as always) rude saying No Change. Collated the change in all the pockets of the purse and handed over 25 bucks. got the receipt and rushed to the jetty.
The boat was already full and i managed to get a seat in the right corner, not bad a place but with 6 rows ahead and children shouting at their own will, I wasn't really enjoying it. The rain was still pouring down, so that kept the birds away. Not many birds were there like how it used to be. Each and every person is given a Life jacket, 5 persons to take care of the boat and 1 forest officer to accompany the boat (& identify animals in the wild). The boat moved on, It was a battery of camera's - people started shooting the moment it started sailing in. I took out my SLR, The foreigner behind me sarcastically commented why I am still sticking to the Kit Lens & why not a 100-400 for Wild Life. I really didn't want to strike a conversation (His daughter wasn't looking good ) I turned around and took some shots, the kids around were shouting joyfully for nothing.
Then we saw the first sight of wild animals, a group of them. Mix of Bisons & Deers. My puny 18-55 wasn't able to provide the zoom that is required. I really didn't bother, shot what ever i wanted not expecting any good pics from the lake. We spotted Elephants, Bisons, Deers, Wild Pigs and some variety of Birds. Nothing so close, everything in the wild, in a good distance. There was a group of Elephants playing in water, the forest officer told me he would take the boat there provided the occupants stay calm. The next second every one shouted " Elephant! Elephants!" The boat took a U turn there & went to other (non) happening places. Saw Mullai Periyar Dam, some more elephants in a far distance on top of a hill, Bison getting stuck between some rocks. Sad that no one would go there to help the Bison relieve from getting stuck. One thing i liked most was the foreign girls on the boat and mainly a few were looking good I had no talent to impress them for a date, but atleast could let them see my presence by taking a lot of shots (& let them hear the shots from the SLR). I dozed off for a quick while, may be some 15 minutes or so and we were already in the return leg of the boating. The calm lake became cooler and I started shivering in the cold breeze. Got off the boat, went behind the girl i liked the most for some time - she tagged behind her dad, got off in a car and zipped away fast
Nice colours eh? I meant the Life Jacket :-E
Time to shoot!
Mullai Periyar Dam
Notorious Kid!
All Docked up!
Roads inside the Tiger Reserve:
After the boat ride i was so tired and sleepy, I didn sleep after the night shift and had to ride around 600 Kilometers. Got the hotel i used last time i came here, Hotel Hill View, 300 Rs for a twin bed & the view of the hills for company. Throwed in the bags around, swapped to a new tshirt and went out for lunch, got some more money from the ATM, and banana chips for seeing MotoGP Highlights. I dozed off seeing Stoner and Rossi battle up for a fighting finish.
Total Kilometers: ~ 600
Total Riding Time: ~ 9 Hours
Day 2: 22 July 2010, Thursday
It was cold, very cold when the alarm rang up. 5 30 AM, Too early to start, it snoozed a dozen times and i finally wake up. Got a nice hot water bath, and alas! I forgot to get a towel :P I had to use the blanket to warm myself up and get dressed up. 7 AM, I was out with all dressed up. I was to meet up with Praveen, yet another ZMR owner from Kerla xBhp. It was cold, but wasn't raining. I pushed on towards Vandiperiyar, the scenic route starts from the word go. Winding roads, twisties, greenery around and an amazing view to enthrall me. Stopped by Vandiperiyar for a cup of Tea. I switched onto the rain gear as the drizzle started increasing and it started pouring. I was enjoying riding in rains like never before.
The Church at Thekkady
Cornering, Any one ?
Met up with Praveen at Pampanar, and we immediately pushed off. It was raining, yet we could ride joyfully on the wonderful set of twisties. Continued on towards Peermedu, before which Praveen takes the turn to a place called "Parunthumpara". Its again a heaven on earth with some amazing views around. Wonder why directors waste money & go abroad for shooting movies when you have places like these!
Some Church enroute:
Amazing Views around~!
It starts drizzling..and the whole area gets filled by mist!
My plan was to visit Vagamon & Idukki Dam and any other places in between as & when possible. I should thank Praveen for taking his day off from work and helping me relive some amazing moments in Idukki. The roads around peermedu were filled with lush tea plantations, offering a panaroma of superb tea plantaions. It was still early in the morning, so couldn't buy any tea powder for mom : )
Vagamon was just around 30 kilometers from here, took a couple of breaks in between - Praveen didn't seem like too comfortable riding in rain without any gloves. I was wearing the woolen gloves bought in Drass for Rs.100 which worked efforlessly. Cramsters again proved to be a joke (in rains) and should never be used for a rain ride. The sharp corners, smooth turns, the cattles grazing around, pitch of greenery - haa,, i was in heavens! The huge valley of greenery, with grass lawns all over it should be the speciality or rather significance of vagamon. You could spot similar places all over here.
Soon, We reached Vagamon & our first stop was the Pine forest, made by the forest department. A nice hangout, tall thick trees, steams & water falls running by - a perfect place to camp and have fun. The other fun part was the little off roading to reach the place. With persistant rains, the roads (or rather off-roads) were in a bad shape. It took us a while to get the bikes to the safer zone
Next ahead was, Vagamon Meadows. This place has nothing special, but a paid enterance to the lush green meadows. Perfect spot for relaxing, the place is so pure that just relaxing here would take off all pains by itself. There was a little lake to boat around, a private resort and lots of open ground. All in all time well spent.
Up next was, food! We were hungry by now, didnt have much to eat except for a tea. Went in to a hotel & ordered for food, nothing other than kerlaa parota was there, even though it was horrible. Couldn't eat more than two. Came out to see kids seeing at us in awe. I guess they were taught only about two things that Kerala dominates - Fishes & Girls
We went back to Elappara and continued on towards Idukki Dam. Praveen suggested we visit two places Anchuruli & Calvary Mount. I wasn't really bothering about it then. When i reached Anchuruli, I was in total awe. Such humongous, vast, wide open water body. It was so called vessel which saves up the water from Idukki Dam. We trekked up a bit to get a better view of the falls & the water. It was indeed vast, with the amount of water gushing out of the tunnel next to us, a slip will get me onto heaven directly
The roads were small and like a snake, full of corners and bends like a road made with the shape S. The landscapes, needn;t even mention turned fantastic. I was pleased with the way the trip has turned up. Stopped by Kattapana for another Tea break. We met praveen;s friends there having their lunch & moving ahead to Munaar. We moved on, up ahead was a pleasant suprise on name of Calvary Mount. It has some heavy off roading and with rains it was difficult, had to push the bike a few times and the rear spins out most of the time. I almost fell down upon seeing the place, so serene, so beautiful, so amazing, so calm, so elegant and i could go on & on.
We rode on towards Idukki Dam, we were allowed access only to the Basement of the Dam, it so so huge & enormous. Obvious for a closed dam. It saves up so much water on the other end of that wall.
It starts raining!
We reached Cheruthoni & asked for directions to poopaara. Not many knew the exact route. Spoke to a few tourist operators, they asked us to head to Kallarkutty and then ask for directions to Ponmudi. The route was scenic as usual, but the light was falling soon. There were so many falls around, thanks to the rains - few of them flowing aside the road and lot of them across the streams. Tanked up somewhere on the way, Reached Kallarkutty and it started to rain & sun had set in. I wont say i was comfortable riding in night, not when it is raining. I cant ride with my visor on, as droplets of water + light from vehicles continue to glare and opening the visors would infect the eyes with insects and also the rain drops piercing the skin. Some how managed it all and crossed through Ponmudi Dam. It was pitch dark, just two lights (from Bikes) And i could (not) see the huge dam, vast open dam, water body, etc etc. Wish i had done the route a hour before.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_78hF7pCqlrw/TFAxJUJ7MdI/AAAAAAAAG_c/0nI0iTgyKr0/IMG_0669.jpg
Day 3: 23 July 2010, Friday
We woke up up around 5 30 AM, Praveen got refreshed soon, I was still lying lazily on the bed, alarm rang a few more times. Praveen asked if we could start soon, I woke up got refreshed in a jiffy. 6 AM, we were out. Settled off the bills, and idled the Bike. Praveen was still not sure which route to take to goto his office in Ernakulam. He was to take another route (via Nedumkandam) & I had to take the less travelled NH 49. We bid good bye around the LockHeart Gap (A place :P) and it was time i had to move on.
The so called National Highway was deserted. Thankfully no animal crossings or anything. It was lonely, with some haripin bends and a clean road. happened to see only 2 buses in the whole route from Poopara to Bodinayakanur. The roads were calm, awesome climate, didnt rain much but it was drizzling all the way. Stopped by Bodinayakanur for a coffee. Yes, I reached Tamil nadu & wanted to have a coffee for a change Continued on the NH 49 and joined the Theni - cumbam road. The descent was rather giving some different views. Just out of a war game or a movie. I could see smoke everywhere, sun rising behind the mountains, its as though the world just finished a war and the remains are being smoked out. Took the left turn towards Theni and rolled on. Not much traffic till Theni, except for oncoming Jeeps.
NH 49
Passed Trichy, hoped on to some flyovers & continued on the NH 45. I was sure of reaching home before sunset. Stopped by for a coffee & juice. Emptied a bottle of lemonade. The highway was free, not much trucks to worry for.
Cauvery (or the remains of it)
Some temple on the Highway:
Continued on the highway, was feeling a bit hungry, but didnt want to stop anywhere, thought of stopping by Villupuram or so. But the sun was blowing down too much heat and i was getting dehydrated far soon. Stopped some 75 kilometers before Villupuram for lunch, nothing was available there except for some snacks. So ate some bhel puri & chenna samosa & a cup of tea. Got couple of water bottles, freezing cold. Drank one full bottle of water, another one just to wash the face & refresh up every now & then. The ride was rather smooth from here on, belting all the way above 110 Kmph. The good thing was that in all i had tanked up thrice, once in Chennai , Theni & in Idukki and I have just hit half the tank now. Impressive fuel consumption figures. Crossed Villupuram, Thindivanam and stopped some where on the highway for rest. Washed the face, drank some more water, cup of coffee & biscuits. I knew i was taking too much coffee, but cant help it. Chennai was like just around the corner from there on, reached outskirts of chennai in no time. Saw Ford testing their new Fiesta hatchback. It did look good. Also a Figo escorting it. It was like an Elephant escorted by a deer! The traffic piled up upon reaching Chengalpet & there was a huge traffic jam around SRM college due to some accident. around 30 minutes wasted there in just waiting in the same place. Traffic cleared up, took the Chennai bypass and I was home in no time. The chain was so loose, took it to the mechanic to get it tightened.
100 to go!
Reached Chennai!
So then, yet another trip to kerala, but a refreshing one. 1400 Kilometers, 3 days and lots of fun. Hope you enjoyed reading. Thanks for looking.
And thus i bring you my 1000th Post in xBhp! :-]
Ananth
& anyhow thanks for the locale tip.
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