Thenmala - Another feather in cap for God's own country.

On a lazy saturday morning when I was pondering over a newspaper, saw a news item regarding the thenmala eco tourism project. When I discussed with my wifey about this, suddenly we thought of making a trip there. Planned to stay overnight, hence managed to find phone number of a hotel and did the booking (hotel greenland).
We rang up one of our family friends and they too agreed to join. So it was 2 x (husband + wife + kid). We decided to go in our Santro Xing. By the time we got ready it was 2pm and by 3pm we were zooming past the MC Road.
The route taken was
Thiruvananthapuram -> Kesavadasapuram -> Kilimanoor -> Ayoor -> Anchal -> Punalur -> thenmala.

The hotel which we booked was in the punalur - thenmal route, some 3 kms before thenmala. There are no other hotels around, barring the motel aaram of KTDC at paalaruvi.

From the hotel staff came to know that there is a light and sound show every saturday and sunday afternoon. So rushed to the thenmala dam site and got into the light and sound show stuff. It is a quite interesting. A good start for the things to come.

The show ended at 7.30pm. Started roaming around the town. Took dinner from a "thattu kada" - typical kerala style road side hotel. This gives a feel of the life in the area rather than being inside the plush hotels and seeing only the scenic beauty.

After a typical gossip session found some sleep. Got up early in the morning. The men folk decided to have an early morning walk. Conditions were near perfect for a morning walk. The unpolluted atmosphere added with the scenic surrounding and empty roads. Wonder if we could have this luxury every day in our life, then we would be tempted to do a morning stroll.

Soon packed our bags and left the resort to explore other picnic spots in and around.
On the way stopped at a restaurant for the morning breakfast. The restaurant was so positioned that one of the check dams of kallada irrigation project was clearly visible. Enjoyed the food along with the 3 dimensional view of the natural landscape.

We decided to go to Palaruvi Waterfalls first. Stopped on our way to palaruvi to explore any possibility of fishing.

The route was unique in that there were lot of high rise trees. Those were huge magnificient structures who had the experience of atleast 4 to 5 human life years, if not more.

Soon we saw one of the architectural marvels. One of the bridges of the Kollam - Chencotta metre gauge rail network. Cannot stop ourselves from stopping here and enjoying this engineering marvel.

Palaruvi (meaning Milk stream) was approachable after a kilometer long trek through the forest amidst rocks. But the thought of seeing the waterfall which is said to be like milk flowing down from a rock was pushing us through. To our surprise the trek route itself was quite scenic.

Soon we reached palaruvi. But owing to the summer season, the milk like stream was flowing in thin lines. Wondered how it will look like after the rains.

After palaruvi, it was time to return to thenmala.

First went to the aquarium to keep the kids interested. There was a good collection of fish.

Found some time to let the kids play in the lawn of the aquarium

By this time it was noon, still lots of picnic spots were left - Boating, Adventure zone, Deer rehabilitation centre, Leisure zone, butterfly safari etc. We had to chose one from among this list. After weighing in lots of factors and brainstorming based on cause effect analyis and fish bone diagram finally reached a consesus on leisure zone, with the name of the zone being the reason to select it owing to the mindset we were in :)
Leisure zone - a walk of almost 2 to 3 kms through dense forest, but path has been laid out.

You will find huge man made structures in between. These structure depict the kerala's rich cultural heritage

Towards the end of the trekking path the beautiful thenmala dam can be seen.

A hanging bridge near the exit point of the leisure zone makes a lasting impression.

That is it. Now we have to go back. Just a normal weekend. But lot of memories owing to this visit. Back inside the vehicle we were zooming to our homes with the haunting thought of going back to work tomorrow. We have left out visiting some of the places here means we have to come back again.

Ponmudi - In two wheels

Ponmudi - The nearest hillstation to the capital city of God's own country. A distance of around 60 kilometer from Thiruvananthapuram containing around 22 hairpin curves.I have been to this hillstation some 4 or 5 times. But this time it was going to be different since we had decided that our mode of transport will be on two wheels

We were 8 people in 4 bikes.

Just for a change, we started off on schedule. The early morning breeze is something to enjoy in such bike outings.

We had breakfast at Vithura, which is 25 kms from our starting point. By the time the sun came out in full swing we could still feel the cool breeze, which meant that we were already climbing up from the sea level.

Just stopped at one of the spots for a small break.

Soon we could sight the golden valley. Another photo stop followed suite.

Parked our bikes near the golden valley entrance. Stepped down through the stairs amidst rocks to find the neat and clean water of the golden valley. The rocks amidst this stream of water is a treat to watch. Some of the riders were trying to do a hercules.
Also had some fun just crossing the stream. Venturing too much deep into the rocks were pretty dangerous. One of the guards had warned us that there were some steep slopes and the surface being slippery it is quite dangerous.

Soon we were in our steeds and marched ahead. I was thoroughly enjoying my first real ride on my new bull through the steep climbs and the bends with the music of thump

We reached the top station by around 12 pm. From the top station there are lot of points where we could venture in foot. We did not go too far as we had plans to visit Meenmutti waterfalls too on our return journey. Enjoyed the real cool breeze which made the shining sun's heat a non teaser.
Just see the photos to see how beautiful this place is.

After lunch from the KTDC restaurant, we again hit the road, but this time all the potential enery which we gained was being parted with. The descent was as much fun as the ascent.
Just after the golden valley gate there is a sign board showing the meenmutty falls. A small river crossing in the bikes and off we go into an offroading track for about 1km. Parked our bikes and began our trek with a guide.
The path to the falls is through thick dense jungle and after the journey so far our legs where tiring a little bit doing this trekking bit. But with no pains no gains. We were about to gain something soon. There was a small river to cross. The rocks were slippery, but there was a rope which helped us keep our balance and crossing this river added some fun. Again some thick jungle and then a beautiful place - the meenmutty waterfalls.

Off went our dress and we all were soon enjoying the crystal clear water. The gentle flow of the water through our body had the effect of a soothing massage which made all the fatigue bid goodbye.

Stayed there till it was 5pm and the guide announced that we should complete the trekking route and return to the starting point before it gets dark.

We trekked back to the entry point, but this time with renewed energy levels.

It was a smooth journey afterwards. Reached back by 7pm with a lot of memories to cherish even though it was just a one day trip.

Things we learnt

1. The best way to enjoy such prestine destination is to travel on two wheels.
2. Abide to the advice provided by the staff at the entry point of Golden valley, meenmutti waterfalls etc, because of the slippery rocks even a neck deep water region can be quite fatal.
3. The roads to ponmudi are not good, but pretty much ok for a two wheeler.
4. Better to avoid this place if you are travelling alone on weekdays, as this place will be completely deserted, no one to help in case of any need.
5. Carry anything which you need.
6. The evening dew is something to be enjoyed. But for this you might need to stay there. The place to stay is KTDC rest house. No other better options are available now.
7. Outstation travellers can get motorbikes on rent locally.

Beaches in and around Kovalam

Destination is an excuse, Ride is the reason.

Many a times true for all passionate riders. For me it is no different either. I always love to be in places which is greener, natural and not crowded. Always believe that there are lots and lots of such places very near to me. Got an invitation for a marriage at Marthandom, a place near Kerala Tamil Nadu border in the southern side of India. My colleagues arranged for a vehicle to attend this.

But for me it is an occasion to ride. Since I am not taking my family I can try the best mode of transport which I love. Bulletting .

Well the distance to destination was a mere 50km.

The normal route - a very busy highway. Googled and got a new route. Travel through the roads pretty close to the beaches and explore the exotic locations too. One of my friends agreed to be the pillion.

My steed is ready for the journey ahead.

Started my trip early in the morning. Picked my pillion and headed straight to Kovalam.

The morning breeze when travelling through the bypass road to Kovalam is simply an energizer. Sets up body to take a toll of sun later on. I did not go to the Kovalam beach. Turned left from Kovalam toward Vizhinjam. The roads were narrow. Crowded by people. Traffic was less. As usual lots of eyes were falling on my chrome machine and this kind of admiration no one can ignore. I was cruising slowly. My pillion was looking around for some small roads towards the right which will lead to beaches.

This journey was done in May 2007, it was a very short journey, still I thought I will post this, since it might be useful travellers who will be visiting Kovalam.

The Azhimala Temple and Adjacent Beach

After about 10kms from Kovalam in the Kovalam - Poovar route we saw a board which points to the Azhimala Temple. On enquiring, the local people said that the temple is on a beach side. Decided to explore this temple. There were sign boards pointing to this temple throughout the road.

In a short while we reached the temple. This is the azhimala temple

From here itself we could see the sea. We went inside the temple. It was really a calm and quiet place, the temple had no modernization to its credit. So it had that original look.The temple was on top of some rocks.

You can see myself standing on top of the rocks outside the temple.

We had to descent the rock to reach the beach. When we reached bottom we could see the magnificient beach. There was simply no crowd at all. I wonder why all people jam into Kovalam beach for all the fun. Why can't some of them be here so that they can enjoy more. The tree shades near the rock gives a perfect place to rest with the cool sea breeze. The view of the rocks which we descended from the beach was amazing (The first picture of this post shows this view)
The never ending beach.

This water body was found on one side of the beach. Even this water is quite clear without any garbage.

After relaxing on this beach side for sometime we decided to proceed with our journey.

The Chowara Cliff

Varkala cliff near the varkala beach is well known for the beautiful view it offers from the top. We had heard of a similar cliff in this part also.
Enquired with the local people and found out that one such cliff exists near to an ayyappa temple. The roads were really narrow, with lot of greenery surrounding it. Bulletting through such roads is pure fun, where we enjoy losing our way and returning which will ensure that we are on roads with nature's company for a prolonged time.
At last after so many successfull route queries we were near the cliff. There were lots of trees there. We could see one scotter parked in between the trees. So decided to take my bull between the trees to the edge of the cliff. VOILA!! what a majestic view. Just see this. My bull seemed to shine more seeing this sight.

I love greenery. Its sooo soothing to eyes.

The color mix of this painting was awesome. The green followed by the yellow of sand, followed by the blue sea and then the blue sky in another tone. When it comes to explaining the beauty of nature words are hard to come by. Hope the pictures will speak for itself.

This cliff is as beautiful as varkala cliff, if not more. The ride on top of the cliff amidst the trees gives a different feel altogether.

I did take some rounds through this area to just have that feel.

We left this place with immense satisfaction. Again the narrow and winding roads and again the rider in me was motivated. Love the way the bull handles the curves. The steep roads adds to the fun.

The steps which you see towards my right side in the pic, is the way leading to the ayyappa temple which can be reached by trekking. A common belief is that women can trek through this path during the sabairmala season equivalent to men trekking the sabarimala hills to worship lord ayyappa

Soon I understood that we have to reach in time for my friends marriage. Decided not to explore further on beaches near kovalam. Soon we hit NH 47 in the trivandrum Nagercoil stretch. I simply breezed through these roads and reached the destination.

Passion for Two Wheels

Every day morning I find this piece of long, black and hard cushion between my legs,
The toes firmly rested on the floor
Both hands resting firmly on a piece of metal tube covered with grips.
Soon I find my right leg on top of a small lever.
With a gentle push the lever goes down and
Wow, my ear is blessed with the music which I enjoys the most.
It has a rythm, it has bass, it has a DISTINCT feel.
Even a kid can dance to this tune
So does my little cutie pie

My left hand slowly pushes a lever close to the grip,
The left leg in a swift action presses a lever down.
A gentle twist using right hand.
Off goes my legs from the ground
Now I could feel the rush of fresh air.

The fun has just started.
Amidst the chaos created by the man made machines running criss cross.
Never do I feel bored,
Never do I feel irrittated
For I am enjoying the song of my machine.

The twisting action of right hand,
the sudden pressing action of left hand,
the quick shifting action of left toe,
the swing and the sway of my body with my machine
Everything adds to the fun.

Be it rain, be it hot, be it cold, it is the same routine.
Something which happens every morning and everning,
something which makes me ready to face the challenges of the day,
something which makes me brush away all the ill feelings of the day,
something which I cherish to happen again.
Even with the choice of a more luxorious four wheeled wonder,
I keep chosing the two wheeled royal all these years.

Is it because, I am a bulletteer?

Thumping To IDUKKI - Kulamavu

The ride plan
The passion in me for long rides in my macho Bull is just not dying down; rather it was growing day by day. A 120km solo drive to a relative's place one day made me increasingly feel the need to have a solo long drive, to some beautiful and pleasant location where I can be alone with my Bull and the nature.



Finally a time came when I had an opportunity to visit some of my colleagues in Idukki, a 350 km ride from my den in Trivandrum. Once the idea of this ride sunk in, I began planning. The thumpers in 'Silver Bullets' Bullet riding club of Kerala were advising me on the preparations for a long drive. The trip page of RE website also lists out a check list of items to be carried and things to be checked which is of great help. Soon I realised that planning for a ride should be given utmost importance to have a pleasant ride.



My plan was as follows:

Day1 - Ride to Idukki via Ernakulam, Moovatupuzha and Thodupuzha, approx., 350 km. Stay with my colleagues in a guest house at Kulamavu.



Day2 - Ride back to Thiruvananthapuram via the same route.



Pretrip butterflies
The anxiety and eagerness of the drive was really taking its toll on me as the weekend approached. On the previous night of my journey I got fever and in the morning I was trembling. I had to take a very painful decision to postpone my ride. But I was determined to go, even if it meant taking leave from office for 2 days.



Day 1 - Trivandrum - Ernakulam

By Tuesday morning 6, I bid good bye to my wife, who was not so fully supportive to this drive, because I was going alone. But knowing my 'so called craze of Bull' she did not stand in my way for that journey.Well, soon I was thumping my way through the NH 47. The early morning time had ensured that traffic was only minimal and everything was set perfect for a drive. My running in period was over and this time around there was no need to look at the speedo to know whether I was over speeding or not.



I could drive at my own leisurely pace, which is in the range of 70-80 km/hr, in a cruiser like machismo.After about 1hr 45 mins, I found that I had reached Kayamkulam which was nearly 100km from my starting point. I visited one of my friends house there and had breakfast. He started admiring my Bull and started asking the usual questions which normally I have to answer whenever I park my Bullet near some enthusiastic people. The chrome in machismo gave the Bullet a brand new look every time it was cleaned up. He was surprised that I was going to cover such a distance in machismo. Then I told him that this ride was only a very small one in a Bullet and encouraged him to visit the trip pages of hardcore bulletters to know the places where people usually go.



Soon I could hear the thumping again, as I started my drive to Ernakulam. By that time traffic began to grow as did the number of onlookers because of my riding gear. Soon I got into the 4 lane part of the NH in which I had to travel approximately 40km to reach my next stopping point Ernakulam. It was for the first time that I got into this stretch in my Bull. Soon I had to look at my speedo and slow down a bit, because I was thumping at more than 100Ks effortlessly.


Even though it was a four lane stretch, there were lots of cross over junction where people usually cross. Frankly speaking I had a difficult time in keeping my Bull at a speed less than 90Ks in such a beautiful stretch.



Windshield Fitted @ Ernakulam

After about 4hr ride in total I reached my uncle's place in Ernakulam, where I had another task in hand. I had purchased a windshield for my macho through a friend of mine, at Ekm.



Since I reached Ernakulam before noon, and as afresh as I started, I thought that I'll fit the windshield from the dealer in Ernakulam itself. I contacted the dealer, and took my Bull there. A small confusion on the location of the dealer made me ride almost 50km through the Ernakulam city, amidst the scorching heat and the tightly packed traffic of Ernakulam. I almost travelled for 2hrs under that heat. But still I don't know why, I was enjoying that ride also.



The dealer had told me that it will take only about 1hr to fit the windshield. I reached the service station only at 1pm. But a problem with incomplete accessories in the windshield packet had ensured that I had to stay there for 3 hours. I had lunch while the windshield was being fitted into my macho. The delay caused at the service station made me even think of postponing my journey to Idukki to next day, because I was not very much familiar with the route to Idukki.



But by 4pm my macho was ready with the new windshield. The windshield actually added to the cruiser looks of the macho.I started my ride back to my uncle's place. During my ride, I could notice that more eyes are falling on my macho. Soon I understood that windshield had added another dimension to it. The macho had enough of chrome to be in the centre of attraction. But the windshield seemed to have made it a real head turner.


Day 1 - Ernakulam to Idukki

By the time I reached my uncle's place I had decided to carry on with my journey, a 100km drive, most of which will be through the hilly areas. I had a cup of tea from my uncle's den and then started off immediately to my destination for the day. Against my expectation, the route from Moovatupuzha to Thodupuzha was simply awesome. Believe me, it was a road through a hilly area, but the width of the road combined with its finish was making me drive at about 90 km/hr even in the biggest of curves.



Before I fitted the windshield on my Bull I had a series of discussions during which some guys had told about the drag factor caused by a windshield. Drag was there or not, one thing which I found out during that drive was that the effortless ease. With which I can drive at higher speeds had increased because of the fact that high pressure air was not blowing on my body due to which I could not judge my speed. To be frank, I was little concerned on, whether the drag will cause problems due to the windshield. After riding for half an hour in that stretch, all those fears were laid to rest and I was cruising along.



At some places I could even see people pointing my Bull asking others to look at it, when I was speeding through. Within 30mins or so I reached Thodupuzha, from there I saw an arrow board pointing direction to Munnar. Two months back I was in Munnar in my car. I bookmarked that direction for my next ride and headed the road to Kulamavu. Slowly and steadily I had started climbing uphill and I could feel a marked change in the temperature. Time was only 5.30 when I had started to climb the real Ghat roads. One of the sign boards made me aware that I had only 30kms to cover with 11 hairpin curves. Even though I had started at 4.30pm, I was way ahead of my planned time from Ernakulam to Kulamavu, thanks to the superb roads plus the raw-power of my Bull. Soon I slowed down so as to enjoy the beautiful place. The climate factor was really making the place look much more beautiful.



Even though I was tired by the drive in the ernakulam city in that heat, once I reached this stretch of road, all my tiredness went away and I was feeling fresh again. Soon I began feeling the silence of forest. All the Bulletteers who have gone for solo drives to such lonely but beautiful places will really know what it feels to be with the Bull and Bulletteer alone with the nature. By 6.30pm I was at my destination.



My friends welcomed me, and we had a terrific night out there. The chillness of the place had made my body forget stiffness, if any due to the long ride. I had travelled a good 400km on the day. Before going to sleep, I went near my Bull who took me till here. My macho was standing there shining as ever, with his head held high and I felt as if he's smiling at me. Have I gone mad?.



Day 2 - Kulamavu Dam visit

Next day, I made a visit to the beautiful Kulamavu dam.

It is so serene and beautiful, the color of water, the vastness of water, the silence , the stillness of water, the cool climate everything made me sit on the banks of river for about 1 hr doing nothing but just watching the nature with the Bull on my side. It was terrific. That place was really worth a visit. The beauty of this place again delayed my travel plans back. 

 





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Day 2: Return ride - Idukki - Ernakulam

I could start back to Ernakulam only at 12 pm. I was descending as slowly as could so that I could be in that area for as long as possible. Soon I could feel the heat which indicated that I have completed my downward journey and was approaching Thodupuzha



For the second day running I was riding, during the time which was not the best of condition to ride. Riding with all your riding gears on at a temperature of about 40C will really take its toll on anyone. By the time I reached Moovattupuzha, I had to stop for lunch. Soon I reached my uncle's den again, where I took a quick nap for 30mins or so.



Day 2: Ernakulam - Trivandrum

My uncle told that he'll join my ride back to Trivandrum. Due to his commitments there he could start of only at 6pm. We were soon in the 4 lane stretch.



This time I have a small story to tell for all those who have a racing in mind. I do believe that racing is not advised especially on roads, because then your aim will be different and your road sense will go hay ware. When, I was speeding through the 4 lane road, a guy on a pulsar 180 vized past me. I had this one doubt in my mind, whether the Bull has got more power in it than the pulsars. I began revving up just to see whether I could at least reach near him. Well the weight on my Bull was more than on the pulsar. My Bull was carrying a load of well over 150kgs of which I contributed almost 85ks.Soon I found out that I could catch up with him. I decided not to overtake him just to avoid a racing scene. Somehow he sensed that I am following and he began to increase his speed. By this time we were travelling well over 100k/hr. I decided to test the limits of my Bull. Revved up further and to my surprise the macho was showing his character. The Bull was pulling me further faster and soon I realized that I could not go behind the pulsar. I vized past him and soon I was so far ahead that the pulsar disappeared from my rear view mirror. Soon I slowed down because the four lanes were ending and darkness started to pour in. I stopped for a tea break and start all over again.


Even though racing was not good, I just could not stop testing my Bull against the pulsar. I vowed myself that I would not race again in this journey, because I was not here to race but to enjoy my ride. All this time my uncle who was sitting behind never uttered a word. During the break, I asked whether I am over speeding, to which he replied that he was enjoying the ride. After the break, I travelled at much less speed enjoying the night ride.


By about 9.30pm we reached my house, where my wife and son were eagerly waiting for me to arrive. Parked my Bull, had a good shower, good dinner, one more check at the Bull to see whether everything was ok and then off to sleep dreaming about the beautiful Idukki and my ride. My first real-ride on my Bull a total of 750km. Felt a sense of satisfaction & of course wanting for more


Nearby beautiful locations

• The arch dam at Idukki 
• Munnar - Dangerously Addictive
• Vagamon - The switzerland of Kerala
• Kuttikkanam - The mysterious mysty mountains