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1097 to Wild 'n Wet Valparai

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  • [Photo Feature]: 1097 to Wild 'n Wet Valparai

    ok that's not a train no, but the number of Km clocked on a weekend trip to Valparai from Bangalore.
    Starting off with some pics:


    Aliyar Reservoir



    Unknown waterfall on the way



    Flower Blooms amidst tea gardens


    The bike Selfie

    Detailed log on approval.

    Now Showing: K2K 9000Km of Solo Bliss
    Rolling Thread: Bangalore Backroads

    My Last few rides:
    Kumaon Wanderings - Darma Valley
    2400Km of Solo Spiti Sauntering
    From the rains of Uttarakhand to the deserts of Ladakh

    Other Rides: Riding Blog

  • #2
    Re: 1097 to Wild 'n Wet Valparai

    Travelogue Approved

    Nice start sir!
    Biking is not about what you have between your legs, its all about how well you use it!!!!!!!

    Give your details here if you want to help your fellow xBhpian stranded in your city

    Touring Blog: Cycling in Mongolia!

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: 1097 to Wild 'n Wet Valparai

      Cool pictures !!

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: 1097 to Wild 'n Wet Valparai

        Originally posted by The Monk View Post
        Travelogue Approved

        Nice start sir!
        Thank you for eh quick approval.

        Originally posted by MukundRao View Post
        Cool pictures !!
        Thx. Glad you liked them.

        Now Showing: K2K 9000Km of Solo Bliss
        Rolling Thread: Bangalore Backroads

        My Last few rides:
        Kumaon Wanderings - Darma Valley
        2400Km of Solo Spiti Sauntering
        From the rains of Uttarakhand to the deserts of Ladakh

        Other Rides: Riding Blog

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: 1097 to Wild 'n Wet Valparai

          Originally posted by dichkaun;1252331

          [IMG
          https://lokeshshah.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/bikeridevalparai_264.jpg[/IMG]
          Unknown waterfall on the way.
          This pic is amazing..
          SK

          Western ghats-Weekends Love!!!

          Bhutan - 2017
          Nepal 2014

          Bhiwadi - Leh 2014
          Bhiwadi - Shimla Kufri 2014
          Badrinath Mana 2015 Bhiwadi - Mandawa 2015

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          • #6
            Re: 1097 to Wild 'n Wet Valparai

            Nice, nice. Please share some more pictures and information about the road quality etc
            Ride To Live

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            • #8
              Re: 1097 to Wild 'n Wet Valparai

              Originally posted by saikarthik View Post
              This pic is amazing..
              Thank you. I too am partial to these glowing water compositions.

              Originally posted by akshay View Post
              Nice, nice. Please share some more pictures and information about the road quality etc
              Sure. Will do as I get down to the travelogue.

              Originally posted by sajalsheth View Post
              [ATTACH]218495[/ATTACH]
              upload more pics
              Thank you sir. More coming soon.

              Now Showing: K2K 9000Km of Solo Bliss
              Rolling Thread: Bangalore Backroads

              My Last few rides:
              Kumaon Wanderings - Darma Valley
              2400Km of Solo Spiti Sauntering
              From the rains of Uttarakhand to the deserts of Ladakh

              Other Rides: Riding Blog

              Comment


              • #9
                Re: 1097 to Wild 'n Wet Valparai

                Sorry for the delay folks. Just getting time after a busy week. Here's day 1.
                -----------------

                Almost a year since I went on a multi-day bike ride. Had been itching to go on one for quite some time.
                So as the monsoon tapers down in this part of the country, what place better than the Western Ghats to enjoy the greenery. A quick look at maps told me that Valparai was one area I hadn't visited. So an impromptu plan was made for a 3day trip.



                Route Map (Day 1: Light Blue; Day 2: Dark Blue; Day 3: Purple)



                Day 1: Bangalore to Valparai - 450Km



                It was almost 0500 by the time I rode up the basement ramp and turned down the road. Being in no mood to take the monotonic national highway towards Salem, I turned towards my favorite route to Dhimbam Ghats. Kanakpura road out of Bangalore was a mess due to metro constructions and I repented not taking the Nice Road. Once past the AOL ashram, I settled down in the rhythm of a long ride. Bike munching on mile and me on varied thought. Haven't had much time to think over the past month or so due to crazy work pressures.



                At Kanakpura, Vasu's Hotel was just opening. Despite the temptation I moved on as I had a long way to go.




                Photo shoot stop off Kanakpura road


                After Kanakpura, stopped for a few pictures on a byroad.
                Also tied my backpack to the rear seat. I was traveling extremely light. Apart from what I was wearing, which included a camera slung on my shoulders, I only had rain gear and a pair of shorts plus a t-shirt in the bag.
                Beyond Malavalli, turned left towards Shivasamudaram. I love this road. In late spring and summer this road is dotted with flowering Gulmohar trees.




                Old temple near Malavalli



                After crossing the Cauvery bridge, I stopped for a break.The plan was to stop for tea. Ended up having a couple of thatte idlis also. In addition I bought a large packet of Gur Chikki. This ended up being a good choice as that was the only two things I ate till I reached Valparai.




                Breakfast stop


                Kollegal came and went. So did Chamarajanagar. Then the forests started and the first wildlife sighting. An elephant and calf crossed the road a little ahead of me. By the time I stopped and took the camera out, both had marched into the jungle. Managed to get a fleeing picture of one of the two.




                Elephant disappearing into the jungle


                The road after Chamarajanagar is beautiful and a pleasure to drive on. Even though it was the start of a long weekend, traffic was sparse. Soon I was at the top of the ghats and then descending the numerous hairpin bends towards the famous Bannari Temple.




                Jungles of Punajur



                Looking down from top of Dhimbam Ghats




                Mobile Ice-cream shop outside Bannari Temple


                From Satyamangalam to Annur to Pollachi the route was somewhat boring. Only thing of interest was appearance of windmills a little before Pollachi.



                Windmills on the way


                After Pollachi the fun started with the Aliyar dam and forests. From there all the way till Valparai, the roads are narrow but amazing with an ample dose of hairpin bends. Forests flank the road at lower altitudes. As the altitude increases, tea gardens appear to add to the beauty.



                Tusker on the banks of the Aliyar Reservoir




                Aliyar Reservoir from far above. Notice the low water levels.



                Nilgiri Tahr with best buddy



                The jungle spread below




                Tea gardens with a waterfall in the backdrop. This tea estate was called "Waterfalls Tea Estate"



                Tea Gardens in the shadow of the mountains



                Tea gardens surrounding a processing center

                It was early evening when I reached Valparai. After searching around for a place to bunk, found a hotel on the main road. There I relaxed for a while and ordered tea and bhaji in the room. As evening gave way to night, I stepped outside to check out the town.



                Small shops flank the main road and numerous by-lanes. In this off season, the ambiance much like my hometown of Nainital. It was fun walking around enjoying the hustle-bustle of the small town. I was looking for a small eatery which would serve basic local food, but found none. A couple to which I was pointed towards were closed.



                As a slight drizzle started, I turned back to the hotel. Returning back, I found a restaurant, somewhat fancy by local standards, opposite my hotel. Found a seat inside on a corner table. A corner table is generally good for observing the proceeding, especially if you are dining alone. I let the boy recommend dishes - mostly a selection of chicken and fish, and to give him credit they were quite good.



                Returning back to the room, I realized it was only 2000. Interestingly this was the first time after leaving in the morning that I was looking at the time.



                Fiddled around with the phone to check out the route options. As I contemplated the choice of going down into Kerala and taking a circuitous route back to Bangalore or hanging around Valaparai for another day, sleep overcame me. Some point in the middle of the night I woke up to switch off the light and went back to sleep.

                Now Showing: K2K 9000Km of Solo Bliss
                Rolling Thread: Bangalore Backroads

                My Last few rides:
                Kumaon Wanderings - Darma Valley
                2400Km of Solo Spiti Sauntering
                From the rains of Uttarakhand to the deserts of Ladakh

                Other Rides: Riding Blog

                Comment


                • #10
                  Re: 1097 to Wild 'n Wet Valparai

                  Super stuff. I am looking forward to the ride planned to Valparai in early November
                  Ride To Live

                  Comment


                  • #11
                    Re: 1097 to Wild 'n Wet Valparai

                    Awesome pictures, as always!
                    BENEATH THE REMAINS.........
                    Instagram - chaosaddict666 (follow for atypical uploads on heavy metal, bikes, alcohol, chakna, life, fashion yada, yada)
                    YouTube - chaosaddict666 (Disclaimer: crappiest uploads ever, viewer discretion is advised)

                    Comment


                    • #12
                      Re: 1097 to Wild 'n Wet Valparai

                      Nice one once again Lokesh! Waiting for some more captivating pictures.
                      A bike on the road is worth two in the shed.

                      Weekend Rides Around Kolkata
                      My Ride To Sunderbans -
                      Hemnagar & Samsernagar
                      Saagar Kinare - Bakkhali Calling

                      Comment


                      • #13
                        Re: 1097 to Wild 'n Wet Valparai

                        Originally posted by akshay View Post
                        Super stuff. I am looking forward to the ride planned to Valparai in early November
                        Thx.
                        Its a beautiful place. You'll enjoy. I was advised to avoid early morning and late evening as elephants often venture onto the roads.

                        Originally posted by chaosaddict View Post
                        Awesome pictures, as always!
                        Originally posted by krishna77 View Post
                        Nice one once again Lokesh! Waiting for some more captivating pictures.
                        Thanks guys. Running behind on updating the log. Hopefully will do an update this weekend.

                        Now Showing: K2K 9000Km of Solo Bliss
                        Rolling Thread: Bangalore Backroads

                        My Last few rides:
                        Kumaon Wanderings - Darma Valley
                        2400Km of Solo Spiti Sauntering
                        From the rains of Uttarakhand to the deserts of Ladakh

                        Other Rides: Riding Blog

                        Comment


                        • #14
                          Re: 1097 to Wild 'n Wet Valparai

                          Day 2: Valparai to Palakkad - 190Km



                          When I woke up, I still was not decided on the route dilemma from the night before. I did make up my mind to visit the Athirappilly Waterfalls.

                          It was early in the morning when exited the hotel and rode out in the open. I was instantly showered by a light drizzle. The first thought that occurred to me was that I could have slept a little longer.

                          Stopped at a tea shop and donned the rain gear over a hot cup of tea. That charged me up. Deciding not to wait, I rode out in the rain.



                          Tea Shop at Valparai


                          After a little while the rain intensified. Stopped at another tea shop for shelter. This one was beautifully located amidst the tea gardens. I tried to make small conversation with the shop owner, but language was a barrier. So settled down to converse over broken hindi and sign language.



                          View from the tea shop


                          After about 30 min of wait, the rain lessened. The route ahead was beautiful , flanked by rows and rows of tea bushes. Driving through was a pleasure. The rain was not gone. Droplets still plastered the visor of my helmet and I stopped often to wipe it clean. Every stop was followed by a series of picture. I will let those do the talking.



                          Local temple amidst the gardens



                          Perfectly manicured tea bushes



                          Selfie amidst the tea gardens



                          Scarlet Blooms



                          Bike Selfie



                          A porcupine scurrying away



                          A path strewn with flowers



                          Upper Sholayar Reservoir



                          Sholayar Dam



                          Tea processing plant


                          Eventually as the altitude lowered, the tea gardens gave way to dense jungle. A number of waterfalls started emerging out of nowhere.



                          Waterfall en-route



                          Bike Selfie



                          Idamalayar Reservoir



                          Wild flowers on the way


                          A few Km before Vazhachal Waterfalls, I stopped at Poringal Junction for a much-needed break. The rain had stopped, so I stowed away the rain gear. Lunch/breakfast was two boiled eggs washed down by two glasses of tea.



                          The tea shop owner preparing my lunch - boiled eggs and tea



                          Keeper of empty bottles


                          A little ahead I exited the Kerala Forest department checkpost. Immediately after that was the Vazhachal Waterfalls. There is a single ticket for both Athirappilly Waterfalls and Vazhachal Waterfalls. The place is well maintained and quite clean.



                          Vazhachal Waterfalls


                          After spending a little while at the falls, I moved to the bigger of the two falls. Athirappilly falls was equally well maintained. At the falls, there is a small trail that leads to the bottom of the falls just to the edge of water. It is a steep with multiple switchbacks descending down. While the heavy riding jacket made the going tough, the humidity meant I was sweating profusely inside.It was good I stopped for the two eggs and tea.
                          The view from down was well worth the trouble. Mist from the falling water drenched everything.



                          Athirappilly Waterfalls from below


                          After laboring up the steep climb I walked to the edge of the water falling down. The view was mesmerizing. Here I sat down a bit finishing the two trail mix bars I had.



                          Athirappilly Waterfalls from top



                          A monkey enjoying the ice cream it snatched from an unsuspecting kid



                          View of the waterfalls from the main road


                          After leaving the falls, I decided to drive down towards Chalakudy and follow the highway towards Palakkad.



                          Church at Chalakudy


                          The route from Thrissur to Pallakad was painful with several diversions due to road construction. While it was still daylight, I decided to call it a day at Pallakad and found a basic hotel off the highway.
                          At the hotel had tea and bhaji. Later went off to sleep.
                          In the evening as darkness fell, I headed out for dinner. near to my hotel there was a crowded Malabar restaurant which looked like a good option. Some juicy prawns and a tall glass of ice cream later I retired for the night with a satisfied stomach.



                          Banana wrapped prawns



                          Tall glass of ice cream



                          Now Showing: K2K 9000Km of Solo Bliss
                          Rolling Thread: Bangalore Backroads

                          My Last few rides:
                          Kumaon Wanderings - Darma Valley
                          2400Km of Solo Spiti Sauntering
                          From the rains of Uttarakhand to the deserts of Ladakh

                          Other Rides: Riding Blog

                          Comment


                          • #15
                            Re: 1097 to Wild 'n Wet Valparai

                            Again, some superb and sumptuous snaps!
                            A bike on the road is worth two in the shed.

                            Weekend Rides Around Kolkata
                            My Ride To Sunderbans -
                            Hemnagar & Samsernagar
                            Saagar Kinare - Bakkhali Calling

                            Comment

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