Chilled morning woke up early. Finished
the packing and decided to leave the YHAI Hostel at the earliest. We decided to
take trail through Bandipura – BR Hills – Kollegala & Kanakapura. Indeed, the
day will be long ride, we worried about the horrible traffic.
Finished the checkout process and
had hot tea nearby hostel. Ooty is about woke-up relaxed Sunday morning, we
exit through Kallaty hairpin bend curve trail. On the we had some photography.
The traffic was high, driving on
signal road was bit tough, soon we crossed the Masinagudi and entered Madumalai
Tiger Reserve forest.
Trail is not new to us, many
times we had been this place during CATT event. Again, we were not unlucky, not
even single wild animal sighted.
Decided to take a breakfast at
Bandipura canteen. Always a good stop to have breakfast at this place. Finished
our breakfast with yummy food, continued our journey towards Biligiri Rangana
Betta [BR Hills]. Trail is known to us, two years back we had been this
wonderful trail.
In search of Big Cat (Tiger) in
the BR Hills Tiger Reservice forest continued our journey. I love this trail
since the traffic is NIL. Very rarely ply the vehicles in this route. Un-luck followed
us, reached the Kyata Gudi [K Gudi].
Needed some relax moments at this
wonderful nature. We recalled our previous Hero Honda Splendor BR Hills ride.
Journey is continued towards
Bengaluru. The sun was itching badly, humidity increased more. Taking couple of
short breaks hit the Kanakapura busy road. It was like racing road, vehicles density
increased.
Our pilots were riding like a race, reached Namma Bengaluru around 5
pm. Adieu Santosh at NICE road to meet sometime again.
Memorable four days long journey of biking ended with golden memories.
The morning was very pleasant;
mist was covered the valley, chilled weather made us to stay back little more
time. We wanted to leave early and check the luck to see the wildlife. Forest
range is just 5 KMs away from our stay. We come to know that, forest
check-post keep open between 6 am to 6 pm.
Intentionally delayed to get sky
bright, finished morning hot tea nearby hotel and continued our journey towards
Athirapally falls.
After couple of miles, we stopped by forest official at
check-post. Finished the formalities of entry; they give us a pass which
mentioned the entry time and exit timelines of two hours.
Our journey continued in the
dense forest. The roads are lonely except bird whisper; every 10 meters
elephant dung across the journey; beautiful valley glance view in between;
there was countless photography all the way.
Believe me, you won’t get any
civilization evidence almost 30+ KMs. It is heaven for nature and wildlife
lovers.
We reached the Thottapura view
point of Sholayar reservoir. Again, we disappointed for not sighting any wild
animals, it’s all depends on luck. Spending some good time, we realized, running
short of time to cross the forest trail within stipulated two hours’ time bond.
Not stopping anywhere, reached
the check-post. The trail gives you thrilling adventurous journey. Handed over
the entry pass to forest officials, the journey is continued towards
Athirapally Falls.
Reached the entrance gate around
9.30 am. The place was more crowded; ticket counter kept very far from the
entrance, paid Rs.30/- entry fees. Had light breakfast near the gate before
venturing the waterfalls.
Since long weekend, the place was
more crowded. Water level in the falls is less, however it will not disappoint
you to get a glorious glance of the falls. Spent sometimes and continued our
journey towards Palakkad.
We were on-time as per our
schedule; reached soon Chalakudy. Filled the petrol our bikes; stopped couple
of minutes to discuss about further journey. Unanimously decided to take a
deviation towards Ooty and stay for the third day.
Soon we hit the busy National
Highway of Trivendrum – Salem. Traffic was too much; humidity was increasing
gradually; stomach was hungry. We skipped morning breakfast and decided to give
a stop near Palakkad. We saw A2B sign board about 3 KMs; decided to give a
stop. We filled the delicious lunch.
The journey become boring to ride
on the National Highway. Again, wanted to take a break, near Coimbatore toll,
stopped for sometimes.
Now the Ooty accommodation
planning was running in mind. Sudhakar suggested to call YHAI Hostel and
enquire about the stay. We had been at Hostel during our Ooty Bike trip. Googled
the number, called the person. We were so lucky; accommodation is booked in
Hostel.
Taking multiple short breaks,
reached the Mettupalyam. The town was more crowded. The Nilgiri hills are
visible from the town. Just continued our journey. I think traffic Jam is
universal problem, just struck in very bad location.
Railway crossing, road
work, narrow road made huge traffic. It was miles together. Two-wheeler little
lucky to make a space and escape from it. By great difficulty, managed to exit
from the traffic.
Journey was not so easy after
escaping from the Mettupalyam, the Ooty ghat road is more crowded. Adventurous
curve road journey was challenging one in the dark. The atmosphere become more
chilled. Skilled rider managed to reach Ooty by 7.15 pm.
YHAI staff welcomed us with
smile, the guy was same whom I spoke over phone. Finished the check-in
formalities and dumped our luggage. Lucky time was with us; entire hostel was
empty.
The chilled weather not allowed
us to get refresh by cold water; stomach was hungry; casual walk went around
Ooty town in search of dinner. Guys did shopping of chocolate and cloths.
Finished the dinner and back to Hostel. We were not in mood to sleep early,
again played the Card, adieu for the day around 11 pm.
Considering the trail, we all
assumed that the 2nd day ride will be short and scenic. We got
refreshed and get ready to venture on road. Finished early morning coffee with
hot VADE nearby hotel, journey is continued towards Valparai.
Within few kilometer, reached the
Aliyar Water Reservoir. It is very close to the city. Initially we thought to
skip the location, the scenic view attracted us. Parked the vehicle, paid
Rs.10/- entry fees, entered the premises.
The Aliyar Dam is built in very
scenic place. It is surrounded by beautiful valley. Water level was less but it
will not disappoint you by its beauty. One must visit this wonderful place on
the way to Valparai.
We spent some good time on photography,
relaxed for a while. There are couple of hotels opposite to the entrance gate of Dam. We
thought to fill again with breakfast. Heavy breakfast made us comfort to push
little more time for lunch.
Santosh mentioned about Vethatri
Ashram, which is very close to Aliyar Dam. It also called as “Arivu
Thirukovil”. We decided to visit this ashram. It is just on the highway of
Valparai.
Paid Rs.50/- entrance fees and
ventured the Ashram. Got to know that, they offer various meditation course for
individual and corporate. The Ashram is in very decent place, covered by hills.
We did some good photography inside the Ashram premises.
After visit to Ashram, the
journey is continued towards Valparai. Popular Valparai 40 Nos. hairpin bend
curves are visible from Aliyar Dam. Authority collect and issue the receipt for
Rs.30/- per person. Finished the formalities continued our journey.
The ride is really amazing;
slowly it takes you upper side. Road was busy with tourist vehicles; people
were stopping and enjoying the valley. Alyar Dam backwater panorama view is amazing.
We also did not like to miss an
opportunity; had interesting photography. There was no satisfaction to anyone,
the mobile shutter was clicking and clicking.
After couple of curves, entered
the top of the hill, relaxed for sometimes near check-post. Now the Annamalai
Tiger Reserve Territory started. Against we were not lucky, not cited anything.
Now the landscape completely got
changed, everywhere TEA estate. The road passes through beautiful estates. We
totally confused where to stop for photography!!! There was endless joy to see
the panorama. Pictures can speak more than my words.
We about to reach Valparai, it
was just 6 KMs away. Noticed Sholyar Dam deviation board, which showing 15 KMs.
Decided to visit the dam before Valparai. Descent curve trail took us close to
the Dam. It was not attracted much compare to Aliyar. Spent some good time and
headed back to Valparai.
Again, we have to comeback 15KMs
of the deviation point to reach Valparai. We are feeling hungry badly, reached
the Valparai around 3 pm. Not sure about getting the lunch at this time, local
personnel guided “Sri Lakshmi Chettinadu” hotel. It is in the centre of the
town, very close to bus stand.
The Valparai was crowded, very
easily found the Lakshmi hotel. Hope we were the last batch of the lunch hour.
The food was very tasty, filled our stomach.
Now the time to head towards
Kerala border and find some decent place for night camp. Here is the
surprise!!!!! Till the time I have not seen the google map. The Kerala border
is pointing the same trail of Sholyar Dam. We did some extra KM ride.
Not worrying much, headed back to
Sholyar Dam. Again we stopped for relaxation. The Kerala border is just 5 KMs
away from the Dam. We had enough of time to retire for the day. Taking small
breaks, photography crossed the Tamil Nadu and entered Kerala.
Our eyes got open little widely
to locate some decent economy stay. After enquiring a guy, suggested us to ride
further two KMs to find the homestay. After couple of meters, found a mini
hotel at MALAKKAPPARA. Decided to take a break and continue to explore the
stay.
The mini hotel is run by an old
lady, ordered the tea. Meanwhile asked her about availability of any stay
around this tiny village. She immediately called to her next home and enquired
about availability. Initially we felt unlucky; owner said, ‘It is already
booked over a phone; supposed to report by 3pm; give me sometime so that I can
confirm you’.
Time was good, pre-booked guys
did not turn back, offered the room. It is very decent on the roadside of Valparai
– Athirapally way with two rooms. Easily can accommodate around 8 people. The
location of the small village is really awesome. We not bothered to bargain
much, occupied the homestay, dumped our luggage.
Joseph, the homestay proprietor
suggested beautiful sunset point. The sunset point is just half a KM from our
stay. After refreshment, headed towards viewpoint.
The valley was looking so
beautiful. Entire valley is filled with TEA. We had lot of fun during sunset,
spent more time on different photography.
Home-stay served hot delicious dinner,
retired for the day after playing the CARD game.
Day -2 Highlights
Rode around 145 KMs
Covered Places: Aliyar Dam, Vethatri Ashram,
Valparai 40 hairpin bend curves, Annamalai Tiger Reserve Forest, Valparai,
Sholyar Dam
