A desire to undertake a journey through the Vazhachal Valparai route had developed since long in my mind. But for one reason or the other it never materialized. Although initially there was a doubt also that Two wheelers weren't being allowed to pass but Midhun, who was also going to be my companion informed me that of recent they had started allowing Two wheelers.
Thus a sudden plan to undertake the trip the next day itself came about when Midhun called me to check if I was free the next day. As he would be coming from Paliakara, Thrissur I was supposed to meet him at Nemmara at 6:00 am. I was to make a night halt at my parent's place in Thrissur as it would be pretty late when we would end the journey. Midhun advised me on dress ( Not to have to too colourful clothes, Jeans, Pants, bringing water/sunglasses etc ). What I forgot to ask was regarding footwear and regretted wearing a sandal. As I usual I got very less sleep in anticipation of the day ahead. I left the house at 5:30 am. Walked till Kaipencherri and got into a KSRTC Bus bound for Thrissur and got down at Nemmara. Midhun was to meet me here and we would pass through Kollengode and reach Pollachi to start the route.
I had tea from a mobile Tea stall. Midhun reached at around 6:40 am. We had crossed Kerala border in 45 minutes or so. During the time we crossed Kollengode to reach Anaimalai, Pollachi. I wasn't aware that Midhun also had become a vegetarian by choice. I was a little taken aback when he skipped hotels which had non vegetarian food or were near a mutton shop. I was left wondering if I was a Non-vegetarian !!!
Anyway at around 8:15 am we reached the Main Road which indicated Valparai was 44 kms. Here we had breakfast comprising of 4 idlis and an Oothapam. There was a 'Pudina' chutney along with the normal 'Coconut' chutney and Sambar. Four Ladies were managing the stall. What was more comforting that there were idols of 'Shirdi Sai Baba' and 'Ganesha' in front of the eatery. After a nice breakfast we started for the real journey. There were a total of 40 hair pin bends for reaching Valparai. Valparai has become a hub of Tea Estates. We sighted some monkeys and Midhun took out his SLR camera and took some good snaps. There was a person riding a bike with the 'Charm' symbols who almost rode along with us till the end.
Although we purchased a bottle of mineral water we didn't open it at all as we refilled the water bottle I had taken from home with the water flowing between the rocks en route. The water was cool and tasted good too. Midhun also stopped at some picturesque locations. He also told me to tell him when I wanted to stop. Though it was summer both of us didn't feel the heat at all. We must have reached Valparai at around 10:15 am. Here we had tea at a stall
While descending we saw a sign board indicating 'Karaimalai Balaji' Temple and as even Midhun hadn't seen it decided to pay it a visit. We reached the spot at around 11:30 am. As the temple was going to close by 12 pm we hurried atop the small hillock. Of the many 'Balaji' temples I had visited this was the only one which was located atop a hill amidst tea plantations.
This temple had been constructed 35 years ago by the Estate Owner. Below there is a board that indicates various other places of significance like 'Veeramalai' Tunnel, Mudis, Vella Pilayar kovil, Sholayar Dam etc. Actually these are not in the main route and one has to return back to main route from Valparai to Malakkapara. As this was a new route for Midhun also he also was enjoying the ride.
We reached Malakkapara by 2:15 pm and had lunch in solitude at a hotel that Midhun frequented. The lunch was sumptuous comprising Rice, Sambar, Pappad, Rasam, Cabbage curry and Salad. After lunch and rest we started at 3 pm. All through the route we looked for any indications of any movements indicating the one we wanted to sight the 'Elephant' but we didn't see one at all. All hopes had gone by the time we neared Vazhachal around 5 40 pm. When we saw some vehicles stationed near the edge of the road and some onlookers. We asked if there was an Elephant and yes on the opposite side near the banks of the river were a Mother and two small ones enjoying the bath !!!
We reached home by 6:40 pm and I bade Good Bye to Midhun and after dinner slept like a log
Thus a sudden plan to undertake the trip the next day itself came about when Midhun called me to check if I was free the next day. As he would be coming from Paliakara, Thrissur I was supposed to meet him at Nemmara at 6:00 am. I was to make a night halt at my parent's place in Thrissur as it would be pretty late when we would end the journey. Midhun advised me on dress ( Not to have to too colourful clothes, Jeans, Pants, bringing water/sunglasses etc ). What I forgot to ask was regarding footwear and regretted wearing a sandal. As I usual I got very less sleep in anticipation of the day ahead. I left the house at 5:30 am. Walked till Kaipencherri and got into a KSRTC Bus bound for Thrissur and got down at Nemmara. Midhun was to meet me here and we would pass through Kollengode and reach Pollachi to start the route.
I had tea from a mobile Tea stall. Midhun reached at around 6:40 am. We had crossed Kerala border in 45 minutes or so. During the time we crossed Kollengode to reach Anaimalai, Pollachi. I wasn't aware that Midhun also had become a vegetarian by choice. I was a little taken aback when he skipped hotels which had non vegetarian food or were near a mutton shop. I was left wondering if I was a Non-vegetarian !!!
Anyway at around 8:15 am we reached the Main Road which indicated Valparai was 44 kms. Here we had breakfast comprising of 4 idlis and an Oothapam. There was a 'Pudina' chutney along with the normal 'Coconut' chutney and Sambar. Four Ladies were managing the stall. What was more comforting that there were idols of 'Shirdi Sai Baba' and 'Ganesha' in front of the eatery. After a nice breakfast we started for the real journey. There were a total of 40 hair pin bends for reaching Valparai. Valparai has become a hub of Tea Estates. We sighted some monkeys and Midhun took out his SLR camera and took some good snaps. There was a person riding a bike with the 'Charm' symbols who almost rode along with us till the end.
Although we purchased a bottle of mineral water we didn't open it at all as we refilled the water bottle I had taken from home with the water flowing between the rocks en route. The water was cool and tasted good too. Midhun also stopped at some picturesque locations. He also told me to tell him when I wanted to stop. Though it was summer both of us didn't feel the heat at all. We must have reached Valparai at around 10:15 am. Here we had tea at a stall
While descending we saw a sign board indicating 'Karaimalai Balaji' Temple and as even Midhun hadn't seen it decided to pay it a visit. We reached the spot at around 11:30 am. As the temple was going to close by 12 pm we hurried atop the small hillock. Of the many 'Balaji' temples I had visited this was the only one which was located atop a hill amidst tea plantations.
We reached Malakkapara by 2:15 pm and had lunch in solitude at a hotel that Midhun frequented. The lunch was sumptuous comprising Rice, Sambar, Pappad, Rasam, Cabbage curry and Salad. After lunch and rest we started at 3 pm. All through the route we looked for any indications of any movements indicating the one we wanted to sight the 'Elephant' but we didn't see one at all. All hopes had gone by the time we neared Vazhachal around 5 40 pm. When we saw some vehicles stationed near the edge of the road and some onlookers. We asked if there was an Elephant and yes on the opposite side near the banks of the river were a Mother and two small ones enjoying the bath !!!
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