A VISIT TO MESSILA BEACH

I started out rather late in the evening, 5 p.m. to be precise.As I was not aware if there was a direct bus from Abbasiya to Messila I went to Farwaniya and from there took another bus to Messila. This bus bound for Fahaheel took me to Messila in roughly half an hour's time. Altogether I was there in an hour. I came across the entrance to this beach located near Burger King and paid the Entrance fee.

The beach pathway looked deserted possibly due to the cold weather and I found only a family consisting of a Mother, Father and a child out there. I walked along a little closer to the shore and snapped few photos before deciding to return without disturbing the family's privacy.

There is a water park close by but it was closed till April. While returning back I came to know that a direct bus ran between Fahaheel and Abbasiya passing through Messila.

Entrance Fee: 500 Fils

Bus No. 106 from Jleeb to Fahaheel

A VISIT TO THE KUWAIT ZOO

I agree this looks more or less like an essay given in schools but a visit to the Zoo was one of the first things I did after coming to Kuwait !!

I had been under the impression that Civil Id was a must for entering the Zoo premises and had been waiting for my Civil Id to be made. When I finally got it done and shifted to Abbasiya I planned to implement the visit.

My last visit to a Zoo, back in India was a bad experience and I was hoping for some thing better and I wasn't disappointed.

The zoo is located in Omariya. I boarded a KPTC bus from Jleeb and got down at the Cinema Hall Bus stop. I crossed the road using the over-bridge and made my way to the Zoo entrance, which can be easily spotted from the Watch Tower.

As soon as one enters the Zoo to the left side an indicative board mentions the locations of the animals using a sketch. I followed the path to the right and was soon in front of the enclosures of the Cheetah and the Wolf. The European wolf made its appearance and was jeered by a bunch of youths.

The Cheetah and the Hyena enclosure had it seems no occupants. There was another enclosure for the Cheetah where I saw the creature taking a sound nap. There was an enclosure for the Bengal White Tiger but maybe it too was in deep slumber. The lion and the two lionesses played in between their naps. Next to the Lion enclosure was the Hippo enclosure. Opposite to the Hippo enclosure was the Bear cave where the animal roamed about for some photogenic moments. Further ahead was the African Elephant. It looked cute.

Further ahead were the Camels and the Giraffes. There were some three Zebras too. In the Aviary section Ostriches & the Emus were the main attraction. I found some Peacocks among the Deers. The Reptile House was closed possibly for repairs. I saw two Crocs busy hibernating. The timing was bad but it was a wonderful experience.

Timings: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Closed on Sundays

Location: Omariya

KALASHAMALA

Date: 20th June 2010

No place has generated as much interest in me as Kalashamala. This is mainly due to the fact that the trip materialized after many cancellations for various reasons. Our source of information for this place happened to be an article in the supplement of a local daily newspaper viz. ‘Mathrubhumi’ which was published some months back. The day we finally undertook this journey turned out to be a sunny day in the midst of monsoon.

As there was a possibility of rain we decided that travelling by bus would be a better option rather than riding on a two wheeler. Accordingly friend Mr. Davis and I took a bus for Kunnamkulam from the Shakthan Bus Stand at about 10.30 a.m. While in the bus, we discussed the tour spots lying scattered and where exactly were they located. The time taken in covering all these places was important as we had only part of a day left at our disposal. We reached Kunnamkulam by 11 am. We made enquiries at the bus stand as to directions to reach Kalashamala. Though there was a bus going directly to Kallazhi Kunnu (another name for Kalashamalaa) scheduled for 12:45 p.m. we took an immediately available bus going to Chowannur on the Kunnamkulam-Vadakkanchery route and engaged an auto rickshaw to cover the further three kms. to Kalashamala. Narimada Kunnu where we reached at around 11:45 am is a small hill, offering a good view of the vast green expanse lying yonder. Just below the view point is the ‘narimada’ meaning tiger’s den. There was a bunch of boys also on picnic there who wondered whether we were from the press to publish an article on the site (what a wonderful thought!).

Atop the Narimada there is a tree precariously moored at the side of the hillock which looked so photogenic amidst the surroundings that I couldn’t resist taking a snap of it. There was nothing much to see around at that particular spot and the hot sun was making it difficult for us even to sit down and enjoy the scenery. The sunset view from this spot is said to be very much enjoyable and we decided to keep it for the next time for want of time. While wandering around we heard the calls of peacocks but could not locate them. The grass growing all along the hill was very much inviting. I could have rolled over it. But something restricted me from doing so. After lunch which we took at the hill top we came down the hill to take a narrow pathway leading to the ‘Chola Vanam’ lying close by. Very soon we found ourselves in the midst of a small forest. The small stream flowing along the thick bunch of bushes was so inviting that I removed my footwear to feel it caress them which was truly an invigorating experience. Just across the stream there is an old temple undergoing some renovation work. There is a ‘kutcha’ road leading to the junction where we had turned for Narimada. The short walk up the graveled and untarred path presented greenery both sides and while walking along this path we again heard the calls of the elusive peacock. Enquiries made at Chowannur junction revealed that there are a few more sites around worth visiting and having decided to cover them next time on a two-wheeler, we waited for the return bus to Kunnamkulam.


Getting There:
Bus Fare up to Kunnamkulam Rs. - 14 per head
Bus Fare up to Chowannur Rs. - 4 per head.
From Chowannur Auto charge Rs. - 20 one way.

Just a Reminder:
Kalashamala comprises several caves and burial grounds spread over a vast area. Ideally, riding on a bike is more convenient for covering all the locations. Rainy season is best as the greenery around is a treat to the eyes.

MANGALYAPAARA

MANGALYAPAARA


As it has been a regular feature of going on short trips after coming to Kerala, an article in a local daily was the source for my next hunt along with my friend for a new destination named Mangalyapaara in Thrissur Dist. The article appeared somewhere in October, 2009 when the rains were still very much active. When myself and friend Davis did finally give Mangalyapaara a visit on a pleasant Sunday morning in end January 2010, we found it very much to our liking.

We started from my friend’s house in Pudukkad at around 9:45 am. We went to Thrissur via Kuttanellur, Mission Hospital, Chembukavu and further traveled on to Viyyur about 3 kms. away from Thrissur.

As we did not know the exact location of the place, we checked out with an acquaintance of my friend at Kolazhy and got a rough idea from them about our destination. Although they had not been there ever, they knew of two routes going there. They informed us that a dam has been constructed at Poomala near the site we were heading to which was worth visiting. There were even home stay villas over there, they told us.

The first route was the one going to Athani on the Thrissur-Shornur road and a right turn from there to go to Poomala from where Mangalyapaara can be reached. The second one will lead to Poomala from Thiroor which is nearer than Athani. The dam had not been included in our original itinerary but nevertheless we decided to cover it as well.

It was 10:50 when we found ourselves on the right track with little bits of information collected from the locals who surprisingly did not know much about the place we aimed to visit. After nearly travelling 1.5 kms from Kolazhy, we found the right turn at Thiroor and taking the zigzag route, we reached Poomala which lay about 5 kms.away. We travelled some more distance and having drawn blank got the help of a local who seemed to recognize the location from the photo we had shown him. As per his direction, we finally reached Mangalyapaara at 11.30 a.m.

Though we had been forewarned that the place is barren and there is nothing worthwhile to see, we didn’t regret the visit. The site was once used for quarrying with the abundance of hard rock available there. The large pits thus formed now presented themselves as large and deep ponds giving the site a wonderful panoramic view from atop the hillock half encircling the area. The green vegetation on the other half side was a real treat to the eyes and the camera.

The other side of the road which cut across the hill, presented the pinnacle of the hill and we enjoyed the view from there which was enchanting. There is quarrying activity going on here also. As there was no shade in the entire area we returned to our earlier view point and had lunch over there. By around 12:30 pm we decided to return to the main road and resume our journey to Poomala Dam. While making our way to the spot, where we had parked our bike, we enquired with a local if this particular area was frequented by tourists to which he said that monsoon attracted more visitors than summer. There was another spot close by where lots of films had been shot. But visiting there was not worthwhile in this hot season and we decided to visit Poomala Dam keeping the shooting location pending for the rainy season.

Enroute to Poomala Dam, we passed by a rubber plantation where two machines were seen installed amidst which reminded me of the ones we see at Sugarcane juice stalls. The machines are used for making rubber sheets. Rubber milk collected from the tree in cup like structures is poured into trays and mixed with Formic acid and the resultant spongy like substance obtained is passed through this crushing machine which removes the liquid part and the sheets thus formed from the other side are collected and are left to dry by hanging them on a clothesline. This is a new interesting information for me. After half an hour journey from Mangalyapaara we reached Poomala Dam. This is a small dam and a recently constructed one too. We didn’t linger too much over there and around 1 pm we started our return journey and reached Thrissur by 2 pm. I returned home having seen a new place and learnt something new.

ILANJIPARA WATERFALLS

Date:18th October 2009

My last visit to these less frequented but wonderful waterfalls was with Davis Sir nearly a month back. We had spotted Olakayam waterfalls easily but we ended up losing track of the proper path to the Ilanjipara waterfalls and came near a stream which seemed difficult to cross over. As there was no way ahead we had to cross over if we had to go further. We however decided against it as it was too risky. Furthermore we had no idea if we do cross the stream how far the waterfall was. We decided to visit this place again and that was how I found myself at Davis Sir’s house on a lazy Sunday morning.

We had fixed the time for leaving for the falls as 10 am. We reached near the Notice board at around 10:50 am. The Notice board is the only indication of the path to the waterfalls. As we were climbing the steps leading to this path we saw that a group of around 5-6 boys had come in a car most likely to visit the waterfalls. It was a relief for us as the last time we both were alone in the forest without an idea of where we were going. This group might have been here before or might know the way to the falls was what myself and Davis Sir could think about. We however moved ahead and reached the Olakayam waterfall. Here we found a person taking bath. He showed us the path to the Ilanjipara waterfall. It is a path which one has to take before the bridge comes and a cave nearby marks out the path for first timers.

Although we had moved ahead of the group of boys they soon overtook us as Davis Sir and myself were moving along observing Nature’s various creations. They were in a hurry as according to one of them who had been here before they should reach the top before the wild elephants descend down. This was something new to us as the article which we had read before undertaking the trip did not mention anything about the elephants. We soon were left alone as the group rushed ahead. While walking along the forest we sighted elephant wastes and uprooted trees which rather confirmed the boy’s story. We reached the waterfall by 12 pm. We found the group of boys already there. Suddenly one of the boys cautioned us that there was a snake in the water. Although the snake was small in size its reluctance to go away when one of the boys threw a stone and the scales on its back might have been an indication that the same might be a young one of the poisonous species. It disappeared under one of the rocks that was the last we saw of it. That was the last of dangerous thing we saw thankfully. The boys had their lunch comprising bread and jam. Ilanjipara waterfall is one of the most beautiful vertical waterfalls that I have come across in recent times. I was thrilled at the thought of getting under it. The boys however did not feel that way and opted to take bath in one of the stream down hill and they soon left the place. Myself and Davis Sir had the bath of our lives. Although we were not alone in the forest but we had our one loneliness too. This was just as good as it could be. I don’t know if it was for real but I saw a full rainbow while standing under the falls.

We went to the top of the waterfall after taking bath. The stream was the source of the waterfall. We then started our return journey and came across a stream where Davis Sir pointed out that we had reached the spot near the rocks across the stream last time. I had grave doubts on this as this point was hardly half the distance to the waterfall and we had walked a lot last time we had been here. This doubt of mine got cleared when I saw the images in Davis Sir’s computer. We had been walking along a non existent path. But this time we were happy that we had accomplished our mission. This was a trip that I don’t regret having left unfinished the first time.

A TRIP TO JATAYUPARA CHADAYAMANGALAM

Date: 13th September 2009

Among the many mythological structures that are found in Kollam District, Jatayupara near Chadayamangalam stands out of the rest. Jatayupara, as the legend goes is the place where Jatayu fell to the ground after an unsuccessful fight with Ravana.
I had nearly covered all of Kollam and nearby places. Jatayupara and the nearby Kottukal rock cut cave temple were the only two places which had been left unexplored by me in my travels. So on a Sunday (which happened to be the last Sunday before I was transferred to a different district) I found myself planning a trip to these two places. Although later I was able to go to only Jatayupara I had nearly covered all of Kollam.

It was around 12 pm when I caught a bus bound for Kulathupuzha so as to get down at Ayur and catch a bus to Chadayamangalam from there. I reached Ayur by 1:20 pm. I reached Chadayamangalam by 1:28 pm. The Jatayupara rock can be seen from the Bus Station itself. If one moves towards the main road and takes the first right turn and then the next left turn one reaches the base village. I reached the top by 1:50 pm. I saw that similar to Maruthimala there was a Coconut tree at such a height above sea level. It definitely had to be the tallest coconut tree!

I found a group of 4-5 people also exploring the mountain. I enquired with them as to where the Kottukal Rock Cut cave temple was and how could one reach it. A person said that it was nearly 10-13 kilometres away from the base village. Although there are regular buses’ going to Kottukal the temple is open till 10 in the morning and after 5 pm in the evening only. So I was at the wrong time over there and decided to skip the cave temple. I reached the bus station by 2:40 pm and my hostel by around 4:30 pm.

Getting there:

Bus up to Ayur 18.50 Rs per head
Bus up to Chadayamangalam 4.50 Rs per head

MARUTHIMALA

Date: 6th September 2009

It was on a rather rainy Sunday morning that I rose up at around 6 am all geared up for a trip to Chadayamangalam and Kottukal Rock cut cave temple. When I revealed my plans to my hostel mate Anuraj, he suggested a similar spot near his home called Maruthimala where we all could go together. I thought about it and concluded that it was the better option as I would face some difficulty in going solo to these places in this climate. However due to miscommunication all of us did not reach the place together.

So myself and Shijil sir, were left to travel by ourselves while Anuraj, Arun, Shashi, Shivprasad reached the place well before us. There are few buses plying between Kollam and Odanavattom, the base village for the climb up to the top of Maruthimala. The group comprising of four people I mentioned earlier had caught the through bus going to Odanavattom. Myself and Shijil Sir had a difficult time in first locating the bus and then when we finally got hold of it we could not get inside as it did not wait for us and sped away. In the mean time we thought of enquiring about the boat ride from Kollam to Allapuzha or some other place nearby in case we were unable to reach Odanavattom.

We went to the Tourist information centre near the KSRTC Bus stand. We could then catch a bus from the Bus stand to reach Pooyapally, which would be the place from where we could catch another bus to Odanavattom. We enquired about the boat rides with the person at the information centre who informed us that the boat service had already left at 10:30 am. This boat would reach Allapuzha by 6:30 pm only. This ride costs 400 bucks!!

Other service available at that time was the one at around 1:30 pm which would take us near Thekkumbhagam, Chavara. The fare was 10 Rs per head. We decided to skip the boat ride and went to the bus stand, where we found a bus going to Kulathupuzha waiting for us. We made ourselves comfortable on two adjacent seats. There is good scenery on this route. We had left Kollam at around 1:10 pm and reached Poyapally by around 2:15 pm. We caught the bus to Kottarakara at around 2:20 pm and reached Odanavattom at 2:30 pm.

Anuraj had come there with his auto-rickshaw to receive us. We reached the point from where we had to abandon the auto rickshaw and trek by foot at 2:45 pm. We could not see the huge rocks at the top due to the dense rubber plantations in between us and the top. We reached on top at around 3 pm. There are many rocks here and surprisingly even coconut trees can be seen here at such a height. There are two set of impressions or water which are supposed to be Lord Krishna’s foot impression when he stamped his feet on the rocks so as to provide water to Arjun and the Pandavas when they were living in exile. We explored the whole of this hill and returned back after taking some snaps.

Getting There:

Direct Buses are there to Odanavattom from Kollam but frequency is less. Else one can catch a bus to Kulathupuzha, get down at Poyapally and catch another bus to Odanavattom.

Bus fare up to Poyapally Rs 12 per head
Bus fare up to Odanavattom is Rs. 4.50 per head
Direct Bus will save you Rs.3.50

Best Time: Anytime except during heavy rains. The rocks can be pretty slippery.