Vagamon - Scotland of Asia

By the time you finish reading this blog and scrolling through the pictures will surely agree with me why I said Vagamon is Scotland of Asia.

Almost a year back joined to a club of Royal Enfield bullet which started by my friend called REM or Royal Enfield Mania. Prime reason to join was to explore new places and to develop my passion for photography and off course to feel the THUMP of Royal Enfield Bullet. We have done 7 rides so far (missed two of it, which was Athirappilly and Munnar) however Vagamon trip was an awesome one and Sixth ride of the club. But 7th ride to Valparai was terrific and longest I have done which will come into my blog soon.

02.10.14 @ 0800 Hrs

As planned, we started the ride from Cochin to Vagamon with 12 bulls and another 5 more joined from Muvattupuzha (41 Km from Kaloor International stadium - our starting point) till Thodupuzha another 24 Km from Muvattupuzha (main towns between Cochin to Vagamon). We stopped for breakfast wherein another 12 bullets more joined which made total of 27 riding up to the hill and back. 

@ 1030 Hrs

We went through Moolamattom (Hydal Project run by Kerala State Electricity Board) and covered another 50 Km to reach vagamon. Total distance covered 115 Km and reached finally around 1300 Hrs. Reaching Vagamon itself is an extraordinary experience. The meandering road to Vagamon is cut in solid rock lined with pine forests. 

Pics @ 1230 Hrs to 1300 Hrs

Vagamon is a hill station located in Kottayam - Idukki border of Kerala. With a never ending line of lush green hills, breathtaking views makes it a perfect tourist place especially for day trip. It is situated 1200 meters above the sea level and have lot of tea gardens, Pine forest. It has a cool climate with the temperature between 10-23°C during a summer midday.

Pics @ 1300 Hrs to 1400 Hrs

National Geographic Traveller has listed Vagamon on their directory of the 50 most attractive places to visit in India, may be because it is untouched by commercialisation and it is a sleepy town with its beautiful valleys,mists, fogs, tea estates, waterfalls with the overall greenery is really striking. The landscape is mostly hilly bald with green meadows. Vagamon is also home to a large variety of flowers and orchids. 

Pics @ 1400 Hrs to 1500 Hrs

It consists of three striking hills Thangal, Murugan and Kurisumala hills which are the representation of the main religions in Kerala - Hindu, Muslim and Christian which represent the cultural harmony. 

I have been told by my fellow riders that it has amenities for trekking, paragliding, mountaineering and rock climbing but couldn't experience the same as time doesn't permits. 

Pics @ 1500 Hrs to 1600 Hrs

When we were there on hill top clouds were just touched and passed through it was so cold and nice to feel the fresh air. So visit Vagamon hill station to experience relaxation and peace of mind. The Vagamon hill station offers you a unique and different atmosphere in comparison to other hill stations of Kerala. Besides, being abundant in natural beauty, the place also offers space for spiritual activities. The peaceful surroundings with cool and soft breeze blowing across the valley makes it a perfect place for meditation.

Pics after 1600 Hrs 

It was almost getting dark by 1615 Hrs and we felt that it is the time to return back. We took the route of Muttom, Kanjar and Thodupuzha to return back. I always thought it is just going to be normal (riding back) but that was the ultimate feel of everything and it was just more than perfect. Bulls started from thodupuzha had a Mahindra Jeep as pilot where in it had two yellow halogen at the back for to show us the route and their friend with camera could able to capture lot of shots. Since I was riding in the front I could see in my mirror the glimpse of bulls with headlight through clouds. Even though the pics are not mine and not so clear but I am sure you or the owner of the pic wouldn't blame me for the same.

Morning when the ride tarted the ride it was bright sunny, riding through pleasant afternoon, and riding back through cloudy and rainy evening made it an awesome one. 

Since I haven't stayed and experienced, no recommendation of activities and hotels. Looking forward to come back here with family and to stay overnight.

Distance from Cochin Airport is also 100 Km. 

My Bull and SLR helped me to travel and capture this moments and resulted this blog.

Until Next Blog...

Capital City of Kerala!!!

It took almost 12 years to go back to the city to get old memories and walk through some nostalgic roads and to read some boards. Yes it is Trivandrum in Malayalam it is called Thiruvananthapuram, capital city of Kerala.

During my college time of 1999 - 2002 I would have traveled almost all areas of Trivandrum in local Bus, Autorikshaw, and bike, but this time it was driving with my wife and son which gave me lot of happiness to show them where i have stayed, traveled, enjoyed watching movies and shopping.

Thiruvananthapuram also known as Trivandrum is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland.

The city is home to central and state government offices and organizations. Apart from being the political nerve centre of Kerala, it is also a major academic hub and is home to several educational institutions including the University of Kerala, and to many science and technology institutions, the most prominent being the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET),the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Sree Chithira Thirunal College of Engineering (SCT), Techno park, the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), the Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Kerala, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), the Centre for Development Studies, the Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT), the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, the International Centre for Free and Open Source Software (ICFOSS), the Centre for Earth Science Studies, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, The Sree Chithira Thirunal Institute for Medical Science and Technology and Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology Kovalam (IHMCT). It is also considered as one of the 10 greenest cities in India. Thiruvananthapuram was ranked as the best city in Kerala to live in by a recent Times of India survey. The city is also ranked as the best city in India for Housing and Transport by a survey conducted by India Today.

The city is characterized by its Temples, beaches and hills and off course busy commercial alleys. The city has a culture of Kerala with slight touch of Tamil Nadu as it shares the boarder.

Padmanabhaswamy temple 

It is located in the center of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. Rather unusual for Kerala the temple was built in the Dravidian style with huge walk ways and magnificent pillars. Here in this temple unless like other temple Lord Vishnu is in lying position and you are allowed to do Dharshan through 3 windows, starting with head, Stomach and feet. There is different timing for poojas and during this period it will be closed. Gentlemen are allowed to enter only with Mundu (No Jeans or Trousers are allowed) and Ladies with saree. During Saturdays and Sundays can expect crowd, ideal time to visit is early morning around 4.30 5. No mobile and Camera allowed inside the temple and there is special ticket with charges available to enter easily and fast dharshan.

Attukal Temple

Goddess Parvathy is worshiped here in this temple. Attukal Pongala during February or March is very famous annual festival and being awarded as Guinness world record for the highest ladies gathering. Easy to reach from city is about 4 Km from Railway station.

Kovalam 

It is a beach town by the Arabian Sea in Thiruvananthapuram city, located around 16 km from Railway station and 14 Km from Padmanaba Sawami Temple. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees.

The normal tourist season is from September to May. Ashoka beach is also the part of Kovalam beach. There are a large number of beach resorts in and around Kovalam. The sea port of Vizhinjam is about 3 km away and famous for its special varieties of fish, old Hindu temples, big churches and a mosque. The Proposed International Trans shipment Terminal at Vizhinjam is also close to Kovalam.

Kovalam is finding a new significance in the light of several Ayurvedic salons, and recuperation and regeneration resorts which provide a wide variety of Ayurvedic treatments and Yoga for tourists.

Kovalam has three beaches separated by rocky outcroppings in its 17 km coastline, the three together form the famous crescent of the Kovalam beach.

Lighthouse Beach

The southernmost beach, the Lighthouse Beach got its name due to the old Vizhinjam Lighthouse located on a hill rock and the one most frequently visited by tourists because beach here is long towards sea side and not at all deep which makes ideal for kids. At night it gives the beach a charm.

     

Hawah Beach

Eve’s Beach, more commonly known as Hawa Beach, a high rock and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach creates a unique view on moonlit nights. This beach named thus for the topless European women who used to throng there. It was the first topless beach in India. However topless bathing is banned now except in private coves owned by resorts. Shallow waters stretching for hundreds of metres are ideal for swimming.

Samudra Beach

This beach is separate from the southern side beaches and doesn't have tourists as local fishermen ply their trade on this part and it is very deep from the starting.

The sands on the beaches in Kovalam are partially black in colour due to the presence of ilmenite and Monazite. 

Shanghumugham Beach 

This beach is on the western side of Trivandrum city and very near to Trivandrum International Airport.

The vast stretch of white sand and the serene atmosphere, away from the crowd in the city, provide all the ingredients for relaxation and for spending an ideal evening.

Shanghumugham beach is considered as the ‘Arattukadavu’ (place to take bath) of Sri Ananthapadmanabhan (Lord Vishnu) - The presiding deity of the city. Thousands of Hindus perform ‘Bali Tharpanam’ (After death Ritual) during special occasions. Shanghumugham is the prime location for Ganesha Nimarjan at the time of Vinayaka Chathurthi.

There is a stature made near to the beach which is called as Sagarakanyaka or Jalakanyaka.

Distance from Airport to

Shanghumgham Beach - 2 Km

Railway station - 6 Km

Padmanaba Swamy Temple - 7 Km

Attukal Bhaghavathy Temple - 9 Km

Kovalam Beach - 16 Km

Neyyar Dam - 38 Km

Kanyakumari - 90 Km

Few other sight seeing places in and around Trivandrum are as follows Neyyar Dam (32 Km, Ponmudi (55 Km), Kanyakumari (90 Km) and Padmanabha Palace (52 Km on the way to Kanyakumari) same kept it for next visit and for Blog.

As always my family and SLR traveled in car to support for this Blog, Thanks a Ton.

Until next blog...

Indian Niagara - Athirappilly Water Falls

Let me take you all through wonderful waterfall then you all will agree why i am saying it is Indian Niagara.....

The railway station nearest Athirappilly Falls is 30 KM to the west in Chalakudy Railway Station and the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport is about 53 KM southwest of the waterfall. If you are driving from Thrissur it is around 58 KM. Athirappilly is easily reachable from Chalakudy by taxi or by bus from the Chalakudy private bus terminal. Athirappilly is situated on the highways connecting Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

The 145 kilometers long Chalakudy River, originates in the Anamudi mountains of the Western Ghats and flows through the Vazhachal Forest toward the Arabian Sea. The river initially runs smoothly but becomes more turbulent as it nears Athirappilly. At Athirappilly Falls, the water surges around big rocks and cascades down in three separate plumes. Below the falls, the river remains turbulent for about 1 kilometre until it reaches Kannamkuzhi. Then it calms and flows smoothly until reaching the dam at Thumburmuzhi. 

The journey from Chalakudy to the Athirappilly Falls passes through a landscape of winding roads, small villages and lush green trees. Visitors can reach the top of the waterfall via a paved path that leads through thick bamboo clusters. A steep narrow path also leads to the bottom of the falls. The falls attract visitors from across India, especially during the monsoon months and you must visit to see the full strength and the real beauty of this waterfall.

If you drive another 5 KM you will reach another water fall called Vazhachal where beauty of both are totally different. When you are planning to visit both must visit Vazhachal first as it would finish faster and can spent much time in Athirappilly. Both the places entry tickets are same and no separate charges for vehicles and visitors are available before reaching Athirappilly.

If you further drive you will reach Malakkappara and you can connect to Pollachi.

When you drive from Chalakudy and if time permits, must drop in Thumburmuzhi water from this place largely used for irrigation.

In 1994, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) proposed a 163 megawatt Athirappilly Hydro Electric Project. It was to include a dam 23 meters (75 ft) high and 311 meters (1,020 ft) wide on the Chalakudy River in the Vazhachal Forest Division about 5 KM upstream of Athirappilly Falls and 400 meters (1,312 ft) upstream of Vazhachal Rapids (Vazhachal Falls). However, environmental groups and people's collectives opposed the project on grounds that it would damage the environment, infringe on human rights, and threaten tourism. Though it was not their main concern, critics also noted that if the entire course of the river were diverted to make electricity, the Athirappilly-Vazhachal waterfalls could dry up. To avoid damaging the falls, the KSEB proposed adjusting the water releases to maintain the falls. The debate continues and lets pray not to disturb this views for construction and nation must try to find another ways to produce electricity and to save for better days coming.

During my this Trip I thank my SLR Nikon D 3200 because without him this blog would not have been so beautiful like Athirappilly.

Suggestions:

Carry lot of water and light snacks if you are planning for a day trip. Additional cloths if you wish to take bath in fresh and pleasant water. Avoid during monsoon. 

Until next blog..... 

Wayanad - The Green Paradise is nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, forming the boarder to the world of greener part of Kerala.

During my one day official visit to this green hill station in the month of October, i was fallen in love and decided to drive back for a holiday. Though it was little hot and humid, rain during my three days trip helped me to enjoy it fully.

Wayand - formed on 1st November 1980 as 12th District of Kerala, There is no place called Wayand but towns like Kalpetta, Manandavadi and Sultan Bathery forms the district of Wayand. This would be 250 - 300 KM from Cochin Airport, 100 KM from Calicut Airport, 260 KM from B'lore City.

We started from my home at Chalakudy (around 25 KM far from Airport towards Wayand). We drove through Calicut (Land of Biriyani's and Malabar cuisine) and had covered 150 KM already. 

Enjoyed the drive through 9 Hair pin bends and reached Lakhidi (The Gate of Wayanad District). This is around 57 KM far from Calicut and surely will take long time time to reach in here.

Drive further 15 KM, you will reach in Pookottu Lake, one place you must visit if you like boating / Ride on Elephant and it has a small Kids play area on the lake side.

We drove further 50 KM to reach Kattikulam, and covered small town called Vythiri, ( first one after reaching Wayand) main Towns were Kalpetta and Manathavadi. Stayed in for overnight to relax after a 300 KM drive. If you drive another 110 on this route can reach Mysore.

Our main point was to cover Thirunelli Temple (Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva on Cave) which is 21 KM from Kattikulam. Sink in Papanasini (Small river running through the temple, water is absolutely chilled and fresh as it is running through the rocks) and stood in that running water to do rituals for ancestral. This ancestral ritual is enough for all deaths which is happened in your family and if you haven't done anything like this.

Next our point was to cover Kuruva Island, 7 KM from Kattikulam (which is 900 Acres of island Kabini River on all four sides). Kabini is the one of Three River runs in Kerala towards east. Very Eco friendly place, must visit if you are with friends or family with few children can enjoy the river. 

On the way back to next relaxing place we dropped in Pazhassi Tomb, it is the point of cremation of Pazhassi Raja ( was one among the pioneers in revolt against East India Company and carried out Guerrilla Type warfare attacks against British and carried out a long tenure of revolution against British) and a museum was constructed as memorial for him. it has a sword that is believed to be from his era. 22 KM from Kuruva Island and 01 KM from Manandavady Town. 

We decided to stay in Wayanad near Ambalavayal (very close to Sulthan Bathery) one night more to see some places before returning back. 

Next day moved to Phantom Rock. This is near Ambalavayal Diversion from NH 212, (4 KM before Sulthan Bathery).  Must see as the picture will explain the rest.

Amazing 3 days trip over 750 KM drive and reached back safely, without saying goodbye to Wayanad. There is always a reason to go back, as we couldn't cover Jain Temple and Mahatma Gandhi Museum, Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Waterfalls, Banasura Dam, Wildlife sanctuary as these were closed on Mondays and due to climatic conditions.

I thank my A Star Car, family in supporting me to drive and guide me and Mr. Dileep to arrange accommodation in the last minute.

Suggestions:

Plan your visit in advance, try and avoid Monday as most of the sight seeing places are closed.

Shopping: Tea / Coffee / Spices / Honey

Hotel Accommodation - Holiday Hill in Kattikulam

                                      Contact - 04935251100 /200 /300

                                      Hill Tree Inn, Ambalavayal

                                      Contact - 04936260164

Until Next Blog.....

Raghu