Re: Ride De Tea Country

Travelogue Approved

Nice pictures there man

Re: Ride De Tea Country

Amazing teasers. Bring on the rest

Re: Ride De Tea Country

Awesome clicks and good teaser.

Keep the log coming.

Re: Ride De Tea Country

Superb teasers!
Bring on the main course!

Re: Ride De Tea Country

Awesome Pics...

Re: Ride De Tea Country

Nice. What lake is that with islands?

Re: Ride De Tea Country

Nice pictures. Please share the ride experience(travelogue) also.

Re: Ride De Tea Country

Ride Duration: 2 Days
Bike: Yamaha FZ16
Route Taken: Lets find out........


Day 0: Prologue

It’s been really long since I went for a ride, me and my bike. After the Kakkayam chapter last Ramadan, my mind was yearning for a ride. The biker inside me was compelling for the next. Even though I went a couple of times to Ernakulam, that was purely for business. So I couldn't enjoy them. Always the same boring highway and route. There was nothing to write about. But this time it was different. I decided to change the route.

I had some work in Ernakulam on the first week of May. I completed the task by Friday, 6th of May evening 7:00 pm and came to my room. My mind was getting restless.
I was thinking and doing lots of calculations. Should I go or not???Jaseem! The route from Theni to Munnar is one of the best in India. It’s as close to heaven as you can be". I was also waiting to explore this route for long. So, I decided to ride to Munnar, then to Theni and then back to Calicut through Munnar. I was not satisfied with this route as I always prefer taking different routes while travelling up and down.

Now the next question arose. When to leave?
My heart told me: "Jaseem. Now!"
Mind: "Not now. You're tired. Take rest and start early in the morning"
That’s when my phone rang. It was my mom. I told her about the dilemma.
"Beta, don't take too much risk. Sleep till you're energetic and then start the journey", she said.
No more thinking now. I retired to bed after Isha Salah.

The Day 1:
It wasn’t too difficult fall asleep, as I was very tired. I woke up early morning to find that it was raining, a light drizzle. But I didn't want to load my bike in that rain. So I slept again after Fajr Salah and woke up around 6:30 am. The climate was perfect for starting the ride. So, I packed my bags and loaded it on to the bike. By the way, this time I’m riding my brother Febi's, FZ (RE still in workshop). The whole procedure took some time and I was ready to roll by 7:30 am. I wore all my gears and was dismounting the bike from its center stand; that’s when I lost my grip over the bike and it leaned on me with all its luggage. My shin almost got crushed under the foot rest. The landlady came running, "Do u need some moov or deep heat?". That was when I realized there was someone watching all this circus I was performing here. I grinned at her and said, "All is Well".


The odo displayed 250 km. Remember, I rode from Calicut 2 days back. Without wasting much time, I started riding towards Munnar via Kothamangalam. After Perumbavoor, I started searching for some good restaurant where I can park my bike within my vicinity. I was searching for such a restaurant for kilometers with no luck. Finally, I found this restaurant called 'Manthoppu' (translation: Mango Tree plantation) around 9 am. Only two items were on Menu. I ordered the traditional one : Kappa (tapioca) and Fish curry (I still don't know what fish it was). The food was really worth the search. If you have to ride all the way from Ernakulam just for this curry, still it would have been worth the effort. I started browsing some hotels in Munnar in ‘Make My Trip’ and ‘Goibibo’ to stay in, but couldn't find a good deal.



Putting an end to my anticipation, the waiter arrived with Kappa and fish curry with a gigantic piece of fish in it. The curry was unbelievably tasty as well as spicy. Believe me! I'm writing this with water in my mouth. I wanted more, but out of fear what the spice would do in my belly, I winded up with just 1 plate of Kappa and an idiyappam. As usual, I had a black tea, ‘Sulaimani’, over the food and paid the bill of just Rs.145. Not wanting to wasting time. I rode towards Munnar.

My next stop was at Thalakkode, a ‘Y’ junction just before the Cheeyappara waterfalls. I had a tea there and asked the lottery women there about the road towards right. She told that leads to Idukki. Immediately I took out my tab and Google mapped the route and I found that there is an alternate route to reach Theni via Idukki and Cumbum. Not giving it a second thought, I started my bike and took the right turn towards Idukki.


After a few kilometers up the road I was stopped by the Police. Since the elections in Kerala and Tamil Nadu were around the corner, the security checking was really austere; and I had a huge luggage covered with tarpaulin on my back and a camera bag on my fuel tank.


"From? To? Why?", the police officer asked.
"I'm coming from Ernakulam, now heading towards Idukki. It’s a small bike trip for leisure", I replied.
"What’s in the bag?", enquired the officer.
"A few books, my dresses, some camera equipment’s and my Laptop".

" Oh, so you've got a small family on this bike", he said jokingly, to which I greeted him with a wide grin. Before he asked me any further questions, I took out my Driving license and visiting card and said the papers of my bike is inside the luggage. He was kind enough to not make me unpack the whole luggage. I thanked him and started my bike.


Majority of the lands enroute were under Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). A lot of their projects were to be seen on the way. No one except KSEB staff could enter the premises, so I couldn't get inside any of the sites even though the gate was wide open and no one was around.

As I was nearing Idukki I saw this board displaying some destinations. I had no idea where to go or what to do. So, I stopped somewhere near Idukki township and Googled about the attractions there. I decided to pay a visit to Idukki dam since I've rode all the way till Idukki. First I went towards the Hill view park near the dam. Since I could not park the bike within my reach, I skipped the view point and moved towards the mighty Idukki & Cheruthoni dam.

Idukki Dam

The Idukki Dam is a double curvature arch dam constructed across the Periyar River in a narrow gorge between two granite hills Kuravan and Kurathi in Kerala, India. At 167.68 meters, it is one of the highest arch dams in Asia. Constructed and owned by the Kerala State Electricity Board, it supports a 780 MW hydroelectric power station in Moolamattom, which has generating power since 4^th"Jaseem, you may not come here again and again. This is one of the must visit dams in the whole world. Just pay a visit. It won't take much time."


I went to the ticket counter and the guy there assured me the security of my luggage. You have to cross Cheruthoni dam first to get to Idukki dam. The whole stretch was somewhere around 4 km long. I didn't feel that walking 8 km in scorching sun is a good idea. So I decided to ride on a solar powered 10-seated vehicle for the tour. It turned out to be a good decision.



The driver of that vehicle, Mr. Joy, was a really helpful guy. He was the one who insisted me on visiting Calvary mount, which was on my way to Kattappana. There is a cave after Cheruthoni dam called Vaishali cave, named after a film shot there which can be visited only if you are travelling on foot, because the vehicle won't stop there as it takes more than half an hour to climb up and down the cave.

I was relieved, seeing my baggage safe. I started as soon as possible from there. Mr. Joy told me about a road from where I can capture a long sight image of Idukki Dam. But i couldn't find that. May be I took a wrong turn.



A few kilometers ride from Idukki dam and I was near Calvary mount. I had to climb up a steep road towards the entrance. It was kind of a Pilgrim spot for Christians. I got the tickets and parked my bike at a safe place and walked towards the view point with my camera. A few steps and I was overwhelmed at the beauty of that valley. The cool breeze along with that breathtaking view just blew me away. I indulged myself in that heavenly environment for the next 45 minutes. Even though I didn't want to leave the place, I had to.

There was a small shop near to the entrance that served refreshments. I ordered for a buttermilk which tasted really good. After Cavalry Mount, I headed towards Thekkady.


I was confused on whether to go to Thekkady or skip it. I dialed my friend, Angel, to discuss over this and he suggested me to not go there as there is nothing but boating in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. And someone alone with a bike and large luggage can get into trouble. As per his instructions I decided to proceed towards Theni. That too turned to be a wise decision. Thanks buddy.


By that time, I was feeling hungry but had no appetite for heavy meals, so I decided to have tea and some snacks. I found a small tea shop near Milma, Kattappana division. Stopped there for a strong tea and gulped down some delicious fried snacks.

The climate was cool as the sun was hiding behind the clouds. I was now in search for a masjid to offer both my Dhuhar and Asr prayers. But I couldn't find one where I can keep my bike safe.

After Kattappana the sun came out and was in no mood to hide behind some clouds. I was now becoming uncomfortable as the time was around 1:30 pm and the sun was angry. Finally, I spotted a masjid off the road, but was happy that I can stop my bike near to me. Normally I used to have a Musalla (prayer rug) with me in travel, but I missed it this time. So I was forced to offer prayer in masjids only. The water was really cool and that was a real relief in such scorching climate. After my prayers I started towards Cumbum-mettu, that was the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. I reached there in no time as it was just a few km away from that masjid.



There were few army men sitting there at the check post. I asked them the way to Cumbum to which they remained silent. I repeated the question and they still kept their mouth shut. Someone on the other side directed me towards the right direction. Immediately after the border the tarmac started disappearing. The roads were nothing but gravel and potholes.



"Welcome to Tamil Nadu"


I thanked the PWD minister of Kerala for such fantastic roads throughout Kerala. Later I realized that the roads in Tamil Nadu were superb, but worst only at the state borders. Anyways the ride for next few kilometers were a nightmare. Just after 2-3 kilometers my back started aching that I was forced to stop. I got off the bike and stretched my back.


I had a water bottle with me. As I was drinking water, someone from Cumbum side stopped his bike near mine. We got into a conversation and I enquired about the road ahead. He told the road for 4-5 more kilometers will be the same but once you reach Cumbum, the road will be super smooth. He suggested me to bypass Theni and head towards Bodinayakanur that can save me a few kilometers as well as a considerable amount of traffic. I decided to reach Bodi by 5:00 pm so that I could find some place to stay in Bodi or reach Munnar by 7:00 pm. Thanking him I left the place.



A few more kilometers passed the valley of Cumbum started unveiling itself. At first, it was not visible properly because of the trees. But the very first view of the valley made me forget the tiresome stretch in a split second. It was mind blowing! I couldn't resist stopping there for a few clicks.
As it was nearing Cumbum, the roads condition started improving drastically. The narrow roads through the empty fields were at its best. One could easily maintain an 85kmph on this stretch.



"Welcome to real Tamil Nadu!"





I was very close to Cumbum and suddenly felt something was strange. I was riding through very narrow roads between houses where people were throwing strange looks at me. I didn't remember any detours, but I'm sure that I've lost my way. Realizing I might have made a mistake, I asked someone about the Theni highway. He directed me to another narrow road and I took that road. That was when I realized that the highway was just a few meters’ parallel to the road I was on. Anyways, I jumped on to the Theni highway, which appeared to be better than a National Highway. After a few kilometers I took a left turn towards Bodinayakanur. Initially the road was narrow, but turned out to be wide after a few minutes of ride.



The police / army checking was high, fortunately no one stopped me. I stopped for a tea after sometime. The 'Akka' made me a really good tea, that helped me boost my energy level. She asked me a lot of details about the trip. I answered to all her question while I was sipping the tea. After tea, when I was about to leave she told me: "Thambee, paathu pongappa" (brother, be careful). I gave her a broad smile and cruised towards Bodi.


I didn't stop even to check time at Bodi. I took a turn to Munnar (decided to stay at Munnar). I took my break after Munthal check post at the starting of the cliff towards Munnar. That’s where I saw this Tamil Nadu, State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) bus with a sticker on its rear glass:


“From The land of temples (Madurai) to the Tea Country (Munnar)”



That was the inspiration for the name of this article. The bus was struggling hard to attain a speed of 40 kmph ascending with all its luggage. I tried to take few photos of my bike mirror to get both foreground and background in a single frame, but I was not able to focus nor set the frame because I didn’t have the patience and badly wanted a leak. I just winded up the photo session as soon as possible and searched for a place to relieve myself, but of no use. I left from there, hoping to find a masjid on the route, but couldn’t find any.
Once you are on the bike, you may get a little relief because of the vibration, so I decided to go forward. There was something I shouldn’t be missing on my ride up. The typical ‘Theni-Munnar Highway’ photo that depicts the roads, I was searching for that view too. Suddenly when I was shifting a gear up, my leg muscle got cramped and I had to stop the bike. But I was happy that I stopped at the exact spot I was searching for: The perfect frame. I then clicked some pics, emptied the bladder, had a face wash and waited for the muscle to relax.

The next stretch was a really interesting one. Temperature started going down as the ride and elevation climbed up. Excitement was also cruising up. That feeling when you are climbing towards a hill station is something exquisite. Immediately after the Kerala border, a group of Police/Army stopped me. After the same Q&A session (But very serious this time), they let me go. I went to the next petrol bunk and refueled the bike.


Somewhere near the cardamom hills, the two roads diverged into green lush meadows. And I took the narrow one. But I made a mistake by taking a break just before the junction. An SRTC bus overtook me and I felt nothing wrong in that. But all my calculations went wrong when the driver (?) of that 30 kmph massive vehicle made me tailgate him for the next 5-6 km. I was continuously trying to overtake him by flashing the pass lights, but very less honking, he was blocking my path intentionally. I wonder how such an idiot and arrogant fool got job in SRTC. After much persuasion, I got tired and took the riskiest step. I got my vehicle off the tarmac. A small mistake and I’ll be in that canal on right or will crash with the bus on left. With no much of thinking I opened up the throttle and overtook that stupid and shouted at top of my voice, “Get lost you Idiot”.



Afterwards, the road was really good and scenic, with cardamom plantation peeping out at some places and the climate was turning really cold. But I maintained a good pace, so that I won’t see that idiot again. But the very first view of tea gardens forced me to stop there and click some photos. The bus then did not come my way but I winded up with photos as soon as possible and continued the journey.

There were two options, either stay at Devikulam which was 10 km from the current location or continue to Munnar riding 7 more km from Devikulam. I stopped by a view point some 10 km before Devikulam and started enjoying the climate. I saw that bus overtaking me, but didn’t mind as I was in no mood to leave the place soon. I spent some good time there and left towards Munnar.



After a few more kilometers I reached a tea stall overlooking a beautiful valley. I stopped there for tea around 6:45 pm. As the guy prepared tea, I went around clicking some photos.






There I befriended a little boy who was engaged in some petty works in the shop. His name was ‘Seenu’. On enquiry about accommodation, he dialed someone and handed over the phone to me. I was looking for a room that would cost around Rs.500. But all the rooms there where above Rs.1500. After negotiating with Mr. Raja, he agreed to give me the room for Rs.800. Seenu gave me his number and told me to call him on reaching Devikulam junction. I thanked Seenu and continued towards Devikulam.



I stopped at Devikulam junction and dialed Raja only to find that all networks except BSNL did no help there. I searched for a Coin booth and dialed Raja only to realize that the number I got from Seenu was wrong. Locals told me that all rooms were full as it was season time as well as weekend. I cursed myself for not booking the dormitory that was available @ Rs.289 in Goibibo. That was when someone told me about a cheap homestay called “SKR Cottage”. I met the owner Mr. Sivalingam and requested the room. He allotted me a room for Rs.1000. After negotiation the amount got down to Rs.500. But the hassle was that I had to wait for two hours so while the current occupant vacates and they can clean the room. I unloaded the baggage and kept at his house, had food at his daughter’s restaurant nearby and left to Munnar for some shopping. I came back around 9:00 pm and offered my Maghreb and Isha prayers in the room and retired to bed.
Stay Tuned. Day 2 Coming soon..........

Re: Ride De Tea Country

I guess thats the Mattupetti Dam in Munnar !!

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Re: Ride De Tea Country

Day2:

Re: Ride De Tea Country

Nice log mate, and lovely pictures!

Re: Ride De Tea Country



nice pictures and crisp travelogue

Re: Ride De Tea Country

Awesome captures and beautiful narration. Keep the flow!

Re: Ride De Tea Country

Some brilliant captures!