tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44417776091069283472024-03-24T13:01:20.897+05:30Tales Of A NomadLife is a travelogue and we are all nomadsR Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.comBlogger618125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-16204085163312759312024-02-18T11:11:00.002+05:302024-02-18T11:11:53.914+05:30Call of the Hills!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj38Uu-RiROKjBmpa2i36SZxOCflOPKGhFShOkCBQNcD3H41cskYQJUDJi6ufYq2FHeGgyuW9UsY7MC0zxwS_a_GAuwj7QOoHnjLnFOyxOD0IIiYzLX_mnLpkhO13vV20vRPnjZQLVMoTrSmo3YRxAw9_MlBaMAfCv1ZUYHgAiEKpd4iwenFvtBnBZyvg/s4032/Masinagudi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj38Uu-RiROKjBmpa2i36SZxOCflOPKGhFShOkCBQNcD3H41cskYQJUDJi6ufYq2FHeGgyuW9UsY7MC0zxwS_a_GAuwj7QOoHnjLnFOyxOD0IIiYzLX_mnLpkhO13vV20vRPnjZQLVMoTrSmo3YRxAw9_MlBaMAfCv1ZUYHgAiEKpd4iwenFvtBnBZyvg/w640-h480/Masinagudi.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>The tantalizing hills of Ooty calling out as I grazed the fringes of the wilderness of Masinagudi. April 2023</i></span></div> <p></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-55792728247256612482024-01-07T19:30:00.001+05:302024-01-07T19:30:42.194+05:30Kyathanamakki Viewpoint, Chikkamagaluru<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfXBrFYmN1BvB9ILD6f63KGbORDlFk19qtuAwQTY22UzsZicVyLubVfH8KMV40NnnIvHyF7TjkCU2b43usrASQnC5jZLQKl_GSngkhyphenhyphenR5Zisa1ioYuP-ybSbPia_Q_ofdiHftvsnk-cwvxe-Qkg7ieuQV7mBXfj5SJRrE1LIaPZlbRMNjbeTNGYv6Ib8/s4032/IMG_1594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfXBrFYmN1BvB9ILD6f63KGbORDlFk19qtuAwQTY22UzsZicVyLubVfH8KMV40NnnIvHyF7TjkCU2b43usrASQnC5jZLQKl_GSngkhyphenhyphenR5Zisa1ioYuP-ybSbPia_Q_ofdiHftvsnk-cwvxe-Qkg7ieuQV7mBXfj5SJRrE1LIaPZlbRMNjbeTNGYv6Ib8/w640-h480/IMG_1594.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Clear blue skies, undulating green hills, floating white mist, unruly brown tracks, loitering cows and fresh air are what greets you at this stunning viewpoint near Kalasa in Chikkamagaluru. The off-road drive here is absolutely an exhilarating experience, and the views are worth every bit of the adventure.</i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbO4BMYyY9AHfyQW3SPzEAENZuVDZ13WCrEAgjNu86gFrT43hVJ5YVzK7vhZRqEV2UE0tO5i3RFuOwD-t6XjWLKKIro7HXsakrqJGu6o0DtvJ-wVBMNrNLV-Nimrr3GN9JhqGTAgvdZeo9CXJM5e9Kk2YhnsHHZOF9_W02fj7qKNY6MItkAMmyz8GSFxg/s3895/IMG_1638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2922" data-original-width="3895" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbO4BMYyY9AHfyQW3SPzEAENZuVDZ13WCrEAgjNu86gFrT43hVJ5YVzK7vhZRqEV2UE0tO5i3RFuOwD-t6XjWLKKIro7HXsakrqJGu6o0DtvJ-wVBMNrNLV-Nimrr3GN9JhqGTAgvdZeo9CXJM5e9Kk2YhnsHHZOF9_W02fj7qKNY6MItkAMmyz8GSFxg/w640-h480/IMG_1638.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozINyKUHzZ3o9BJlLrKLsWo3e1eYkMHwyjXkjcKL4tD3YBsell8ayfc_yEjVPcZM2CmZU9y4iECIpEcAAdD0GwBOJYu3ZUsHUPbY2bYLP0NJ6aF8lq1Qh9ZLo672MvGd6p0zA7N19MD46lV2KMUhxvYV_uMUhpVvCfqF_4a2GiOWusaNb6D5luFcqLN0/s4032/IMG_1630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozINyKUHzZ3o9BJlLrKLsWo3e1eYkMHwyjXkjcKL4tD3YBsell8ayfc_yEjVPcZM2CmZU9y4iECIpEcAAdD0GwBOJYu3ZUsHUPbY2bYLP0NJ6aF8lq1Qh9ZLo672MvGd6p0zA7N19MD46lV2KMUhxvYV_uMUhpVvCfqF_4a2GiOWusaNb6D5luFcqLN0/w640-h480/IMG_1630.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pGsnFFW25mazde5DXDjcK-KKdT-eZCwFTqPw7frUTJDi-2K0rjWiKqkSIPy_VlMo3IEoQWWk3_HtwLPJlmiF7i6N9TKgeOMI1ix1_tdqCLuyZDvENZTmL6wmshJ81e1SjzUj4YgHhqUgjQDwOPL88k9-9U0WHEC1QDoroKn9sb0PNWifeQHk6Yis7QQ/s4032/IMG_1619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pGsnFFW25mazde5DXDjcK-KKdT-eZCwFTqPw7frUTJDi-2K0rjWiKqkSIPy_VlMo3IEoQWWk3_HtwLPJlmiF7i6N9TKgeOMI1ix1_tdqCLuyZDvENZTmL6wmshJ81e1SjzUj4YgHhqUgjQDwOPL88k9-9U0WHEC1QDoroKn9sb0PNWifeQHk6Yis7QQ/w640-h480/IMG_1619.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2909" data-original-width="3878" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iXUHObZPMLB_y_uGrB1H2ahJ8zD2cj0KP3YY7EGI1ZAcqRdNIYZyrt_zDY8jEdMBLPzVI4E-N7jMuntnx1MygREsVBDuKW3QbblZPgf6WAJn1DiBT_j266lUnMpZMS969Ayg98xH7lWHAyQEw0Cfae4gnS2CWX6glbwY2EFH9B8x7-mOK4CCc2cXfw4/w640-h480/IMG_1612.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXi5mgSvNqX7ihu4EhagQKkVg0rPQggqX3darGUfbRcWaXMh-G8ZCQ6SIM9tNWF6kAsq_7i819lOcxjoeW9HM-rLK3ogtfp2H_F7ztH2NnCOw4CPNsy8sSSLVpjMGepiOAJjrY3YyfDbwRt_k9a-Rn0xQ8Hss0r8VQfHLcbiK3huA9y7cxvVVbFdmelc/s4032/IMG_1604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXi5mgSvNqX7ihu4EhagQKkVg0rPQggqX3darGUfbRcWaXMh-G8ZCQ6SIM9tNWF6kAsq_7i819lOcxjoeW9HM-rLK3ogtfp2H_F7ztH2NnCOw4CPNsy8sSSLVpjMGepiOAJjrY3YyfDbwRt_k9a-Rn0xQ8Hss0r8VQfHLcbiK3huA9y7cxvVVbFdmelc/w640-h480/IMG_1604.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIveM7tN0hrj_L-7u00r-9xsLvg-5_JW4zBQPRmFBs2EJR2mj_YxHFFfOHbwzvw0H505_-twwngA6vlvE49vOs9R-CN0KlMNo6ctxu2eCaAN3bf2DyiMf68LxV9mKBG8EitsP8LsF83-72jCDHRsM0LJ4iqO22IpuFJt2pjEIrXHijh4r4Fpm119Ggppg/s4032/IMG_1588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIveM7tN0hrj_L-7u00r-9xsLvg-5_JW4zBQPRmFBs2EJR2mj_YxHFFfOHbwzvw0H505_-twwngA6vlvE49vOs9R-CN0KlMNo6ctxu2eCaAN3bf2DyiMf68LxV9mKBG8EitsP8LsF83-72jCDHRsM0LJ4iqO22IpuFJt2pjEIrXHijh4r4Fpm119Ggppg/w640-h480/IMG_1588.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0v8vUzM24r1Ghf2g4barKTeLZSYAwfJ1kZfUzig40XK25lhnDLxY0e5yo_MYGItBe3QoJmhIDebV71JCFQduKW7ihS4S4aad31adYV2Rc44FwxNTkWDeGj-X8ghstdTdxTCx0HobHI6WMsizlE_hDGgEtPCt5DWHXY7ii7LCmxgBnMLdBRFw3ztCrRg/s4032/IMG_1575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0v8vUzM24r1Ghf2g4barKTeLZSYAwfJ1kZfUzig40XK25lhnDLxY0e5yo_MYGItBe3QoJmhIDebV71JCFQduKW7ihS4S4aad31adYV2Rc44FwxNTkWDeGj-X8ghstdTdxTCx0HobHI6WMsizlE_hDGgEtPCt5DWHXY7ii7LCmxgBnMLdBRFw3ztCrRg/w640-h480/IMG_1575.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AioCbqme3Mv8hwcO6XTSpL7xaZAqlCldXd-AAT0hMdpremmqa-dDEnutk2kR-LnvaRF96ChtZNSh-Qt1wpoDKp4Y4OwQjdBwwxTHBKQ3QcMsF8W_nLnI4Ca0GjbC0EENvVLaSrf8TOEsUwR8UMohGIJDoGDlxo2f9BT7OEoHKc4AlNvPL8RO1KPT4fA/s4032/IMG_1569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AioCbqme3Mv8hwcO6XTSpL7xaZAqlCldXd-AAT0hMdpremmqa-dDEnutk2kR-LnvaRF96ChtZNSh-Qt1wpoDKp4Y4OwQjdBwwxTHBKQ3QcMsF8W_nLnI4Ca0GjbC0EENvVLaSrf8TOEsUwR8UMohGIJDoGDlxo2f9BT7OEoHKc4AlNvPL8RO1KPT4fA/w640-h480/IMG_1569.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">December 2023.</span></i></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-8317050191156033592023-10-15T14:31:00.001+05:302023-10-15T14:31:26.434+05:30Kattikayam Waterfalls<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8rCFEOOK-pgzpeZ-ZI5nCY6xTovY7h4oYI-3LQ4rHso3Y52WBG8ZNSfy0HFdIaTUi0gtNzUs5SrfL6m45rFIRTO15odsL5m8tofjaiDglWu6nKyCRSfN5yDFbZAEnX99nO7d-mriKVr6fyHy20KRyPoovWRo7IIINQjGav53D_bIazDsyNsTR4ZK2v8/s4032/Kattikayam%20Waterfalls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8rCFEOOK-pgzpeZ-ZI5nCY6xTovY7h4oYI-3LQ4rHso3Y52WBG8ZNSfy0HFdIaTUi0gtNzUs5SrfL6m45rFIRTO15odsL5m8tofjaiDglWu6nKyCRSfN5yDFbZAEnX99nO7d-mriKVr6fyHy20KRyPoovWRo7IIINQjGav53D_bIazDsyNsTR4ZK2v8/w640-h480/Kattikayam%20Waterfalls.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> <i>Kottayam, Kerala. August 2022</i></span><p></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-16446368338618764792023-09-17T17:48:00.002+05:302023-09-17T17:48:55.514+05:30Frames from the Backwaters!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvg9A7AAjp_Gb6E3wjQBXZK_CBswzWmua_ff2rqMDK5Uxvktu1ijIZW4GRJWGd9LMW-zoZsCt4rxWg04SDRNbYvzU_Z339JDoBdoQ11i8JDo7oeu3OCvU3bUkMJBRnAUu5KWfThZlR4H9OzeM7fMIGZxIPCibfWbK3GRlnBo22ec04YdOT55ymxn4Bu6U/s5122/IMG_1186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3415" data-original-width="5122" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvg9A7AAjp_Gb6E3wjQBXZK_CBswzWmua_ff2rqMDK5Uxvktu1ijIZW4GRJWGd9LMW-zoZsCt4rxWg04SDRNbYvzU_Z339JDoBdoQ11i8JDo7oeu3OCvU3bUkMJBRnAUu5KWfThZlR4H9OzeM7fMIGZxIPCibfWbK3GRlnBo22ec04YdOT55ymxn4Bu6U/w640-h426/IMG_1186.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Vembanad Lake, which forms a part of the backwaters of Kerala, is a captivating place where one can unwind, enjoy stunning landscape views, go on a boat ride, </span></i><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">watch fishermen go about their daily chores, </span></i><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">gaze at spectacular sunsets, stroll past lush paddy fields, get drenched in the rains, watch snake boat races, and enjoy some spicy 'Shaap food' with toddy.</span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Below are a few frames from this mesmerizing land.</span></i></div></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1P6zjU___tcVJAZa4IB0AKt-giphgLzQqUtRa84fv8W1EGyQY0mkGSlzQDzM126R0Yj5BT_DWVgEZLBHN3qsdx9jfYEqqH22AWCaZrf5oXlZPJ3nIEzS0WqyUj827Pgrv0FfOva5oAAh33Fw__ROYKrVKiEXTwumbSE-i9-Nz9-jPliSDeOP0hpxfJo/s5184/IMG_0753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="asd" border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1P6zjU___tcVJAZa4IB0AKt-giphgLzQqUtRa84fv8W1EGyQY0mkGSlzQDzM126R0Yj5BT_DWVgEZLBHN3qsdx9jfYEqqH22AWCaZrf5oXlZPJ3nIEzS0WqyUj827Pgrv0FfOva5oAAh33Fw__ROYKrVKiEXTwumbSE-i9-Nz9-jPliSDeOP0hpxfJo/w640-h426/IMG_0753.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Backyards can't get any prettier</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8eVDDyYAxjtEnOF45qDIvvLALaZj4I3uqAmJt9glDpSl4IZPD6denA1T7o4oZrLURGCp5vgqh6hgRqRbB6EeIPd_dGVIaydC0u_Omf1wkT1d4dRK1boRdk99J1FJA2oXOX-fOW7VpapSAJf4EpasqrSvgtthApl4m5CJ8x_iFF6b-RczmKyjk5doopg/s5184/IMG_0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8eVDDyYAxjtEnOF45qDIvvLALaZj4I3uqAmJt9glDpSl4IZPD6denA1T7o4oZrLURGCp5vgqh6hgRqRbB6EeIPd_dGVIaydC0u_Omf1wkT1d4dRK1boRdk99J1FJA2oXOX-fOW7VpapSAJf4EpasqrSvgtthApl4m5CJ8x_iFF6b-RczmKyjk5doopg/w640-h426/IMG_0779.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>It ain't always fun in the rains</i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-yy4nhj2IcDxTa9X_5fYd2QBXPjOhvTzcqMMghuHN3EU-eA_Ml2JkA1Ee0hdm5DF3fRRHxLeKuqY3CGP3CF7ZNGODoRVyXglubZ7P0yIy83kg_n840NYnvfBRJUa0uRirISJnXfZ5d4cJ857RCDVu04zUXoK2iyTAJKKwEW-FZ35ecBYyuYXq3ayT3I/s4995/IMG_0999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3330" data-original-width="4995" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-yy4nhj2IcDxTa9X_5fYd2QBXPjOhvTzcqMMghuHN3EU-eA_Ml2JkA1Ee0hdm5DF3fRRHxLeKuqY3CGP3CF7ZNGODoRVyXglubZ7P0yIy83kg_n840NYnvfBRJUa0uRirISJnXfZ5d4cJ857RCDVu04zUXoK2iyTAJKKwEW-FZ35ecBYyuYXq3ayT3I/w640-h426/IMG_0999.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>The adrenaline rush while watching the boat race is unbelievable</i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_AtJY8XIdJiRqt8lerVBW8CXqcoRSik4bQ3GpYNCNmovoxgUKnLiZQS6WnBWKzZg0cWYkHqh0_hgzPxAsQAeRfAWPUQ07Wfs32K8jcxLVsoMVOXQIZO0GfoNZjp-MxLnfndQg6VOYVOi5-p_kmSUIDewucdYnIpF1Q7Vy0b48yyyxgR0jgvSGFBSi6U/s5184/IMG_1060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_AtJY8XIdJiRqt8lerVBW8CXqcoRSik4bQ3GpYNCNmovoxgUKnLiZQS6WnBWKzZg0cWYkHqh0_hgzPxAsQAeRfAWPUQ07Wfs32K8jcxLVsoMVOXQIZO0GfoNZjp-MxLnfndQg6VOYVOi5-p_kmSUIDewucdYnIpF1Q7Vy0b48yyyxgR0jgvSGFBSi6U/w640-h426/IMG_1060.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">For those who would like to take it slow</span></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZPr_oO1cyiz13Kw8nZh2xZwUxP1SzDSqoxiRg_IGUi7EZOkDUyUFFSmsMt6yWOvcByJS3rHFFI6bLJGfHw_hk2C3K1MNi8EkLCb4URO8vUBK-_C4CYrCe6mx3SmWB1dIAK_xeth4x2c5WldVd6j53DJp609xLhZNbBHUeObpNkeii6P_U07Sr02Zq0Q/s5070/IMG_1105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3380" data-original-width="5070" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZPr_oO1cyiz13Kw8nZh2xZwUxP1SzDSqoxiRg_IGUi7EZOkDUyUFFSmsMt6yWOvcByJS3rHFFI6bLJGfHw_hk2C3K1MNi8EkLCb4URO8vUBK-_C4CYrCe6mx3SmWB1dIAK_xeth4x2c5WldVd6j53DJp609xLhZNbBHUeObpNkeii6P_U07Sr02Zq0Q/w640-h426/IMG_1105.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Racing past the 'Kettuvalloms'</i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguExJHZEvdEWZOGFVMADeultHa2lmW4b2kvLU18zdqLVhGgmzZizld_2GqPaG5oT6-ztr_-baM9x-67mbem5T3_RbhmqYP0rVXDhNiScMKLcHp1IF_rZgsWcu9gQ0RYGHhzTYYQcDxSC2jvjOKyIZz_rWlHRh-KfUsZSrJmeZp2ehBbfm5Lytn0qXW9ag/s5184/IMG_1118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguExJHZEvdEWZOGFVMADeultHa2lmW4b2kvLU18zdqLVhGgmzZizld_2GqPaG5oT6-ztr_-baM9x-67mbem5T3_RbhmqYP0rVXDhNiScMKLcHp1IF_rZgsWcu9gQ0RYGHhzTYYQcDxSC2jvjOKyIZz_rWlHRh-KfUsZSrJmeZp2ehBbfm5Lytn0qXW9ag/w640-h426/IMG_1118.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>How do you avoid the cliched frame?</i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtZaTFtHakckwpB0rM7199LPUmS6_4YpBvpWxbuQZVG_gCby5mAvsx8n1m3omeNKqHrXwjbThN7Dc6ken9Dzvo9HMgoY5v1ylOk9bdYRthmfI5pHzWgqwCsKQVOxzcy8FLusSEA5aFeuQ4QNeGN4LmrzPE9_NlDH9EJ9X70uNcnqnkb9Glbx7FnyiAbk/s5037/IMG_1126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3358" data-original-width="5037" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtZaTFtHakckwpB0rM7199LPUmS6_4YpBvpWxbuQZVG_gCby5mAvsx8n1m3omeNKqHrXwjbThN7Dc6ken9Dzvo9HMgoY5v1ylOk9bdYRthmfI5pHzWgqwCsKQVOxzcy8FLusSEA5aFeuQ4QNeGN4LmrzPE9_NlDH9EJ9X70uNcnqnkb9Glbx7FnyiAbk/w640-h426/IMG_1126.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>A beautiful frame enroute R Block</i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5CnL12X5RkCndrk4A0vxneqKZKTGSaCqQNttIDedcIl3rqjOdCKhCnU7U6DZKSQhkd93qyigJH6LkdwU6ockgqgyXufE-qq01Ngso_lgzv37XoL0j8SHDAMgp5q5AnislKQOTJZvUMLrsvaozB2Mb1FVo0CrMa8Q1p6LpVdwn1iPRFApbnubGdeOPCI/s5184/IMG_1128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3165" data-original-width="5184" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5CnL12X5RkCndrk4A0vxneqKZKTGSaCqQNttIDedcIl3rqjOdCKhCnU7U6DZKSQhkd93qyigJH6LkdwU6ockgqgyXufE-qq01Ngso_lgzv37XoL0j8SHDAMgp5q5AnislKQOTJZvUMLrsvaozB2Mb1FVo0CrMa8Q1p6LpVdwn1iPRFApbnubGdeOPCI/w640-h390/IMG_1128.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Some homes here have stunning views</i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fTKDYxLQwGP4RTB2f6yVHrMCMiQdOkH197OW31kJrEK_jPi8erEOJZ-fNlkHvzuMpADCyqmyhNwB68BGpBk5hcK7i786c0oqB5OWOlSo6Og9HnILH6DbvVdJqPa-wIjW6F62-hL3oi_BVFIt_PoOrNbAhswKBpiJSikDOxF7sTdF2D02UDhINWpZpMk/s5096/IMG_1198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3397" data-original-width="5096" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fTKDYxLQwGP4RTB2f6yVHrMCMiQdOkH197OW31kJrEK_jPi8erEOJZ-fNlkHvzuMpADCyqmyhNwB68BGpBk5hcK7i786c0oqB5OWOlSo6Og9HnILH6DbvVdJqPa-wIjW6F62-hL3oi_BVFIt_PoOrNbAhswKBpiJSikDOxF7sTdF2D02UDhINWpZpMk/w640-h426/IMG_1198.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>When nature leaves you stunned!</i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSue9GIUO0AE5UMr5GAki5X18Ov6YbrfRiCVBlBBJdB_MF-jJWLN9zYtcHWifXdFhRx0h3dKi1ZnomZOUrJoWwzB61Y9lL6BNP8G5t9Kgm1-qLue523-B1XjGdElXCmqgyKSH_WORtWwyfN2-Hf74gvJKLyBVqyozhj6LXsZYRcacpVCjALDjMiYpUEHs/s5184/IMG_1206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3165" data-original-width="5184" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSue9GIUO0AE5UMr5GAki5X18Ov6YbrfRiCVBlBBJdB_MF-jJWLN9zYtcHWifXdFhRx0h3dKi1ZnomZOUrJoWwzB61Y9lL6BNP8G5t9Kgm1-qLue523-B1XjGdElXCmqgyKSH_WORtWwyfN2-Hf74gvJKLyBVqyozhj6LXsZYRcacpVCjALDjMiYpUEHs/w640-h390/IMG_1206.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>When backwaters made way for water lilies</i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-5KOeZe2HPq6E1Z-trUu-_0sOow92yPT_rob2pb_oiZPqU_KsxZeBR6vpMxO0Jg7LOmdMbX4EXFSdVfRGH9bM9b2Au2cbWmv3hNvYCcdGD_L2xhnfXx87hQuniNOr-fsy7R2bthqFqPOB2SCo0VWDDsrKu3k_tXraq-alssVLvc5Cb5KCaDjmExHZck/s5012/IMG_1282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3341" data-original-width="5012" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-5KOeZe2HPq6E1Z-trUu-_0sOow92yPT_rob2pb_oiZPqU_KsxZeBR6vpMxO0Jg7LOmdMbX4EXFSdVfRGH9bM9b2Au2cbWmv3hNvYCcdGD_L2xhnfXx87hQuniNOr-fsy7R2bthqFqPOB2SCo0VWDDsrKu3k_tXraq-alssVLvc5Cb5KCaDjmExHZck/w640-h426/IMG_1282.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>A frame that reminds of Kochi</i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HnmSHm91j8UrXpTslwhHyXz7GWcizj8lgphtU2yHHIBgbJxvLgtJlRkqcHAHA46vHsQImY6jnVpO77qdcYd6tqNE18GY3ep1AnihRUe9NI-dIUJYPsn6TMce2C1h686nsr7qSh1DTA4qIseYcr8K2l4_w-pkIJTh-vGa01caUVyTddqLoy6_mgHo4XA/s5184/IMG_1291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HnmSHm91j8UrXpTslwhHyXz7GWcizj8lgphtU2yHHIBgbJxvLgtJlRkqcHAHA46vHsQImY6jnVpO77qdcYd6tqNE18GY3ep1AnihRUe9NI-dIUJYPsn6TMce2C1h686nsr7qSh1DTA4qIseYcr8K2l4_w-pkIJTh-vGa01caUVyTddqLoy6_mgHo4XA/w640-h426/IMG_1291.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Life isn't always fair, even on this surreal land</span></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEp1p7nBKewpj-moxXqh9P5oU5NS6CC33GVqyKyuoXmkivxco6wDapEsmv0xdGHoAJjMJMmn0mV1CU58ykAEAH-QMMorTsh6PNGHdCVBwRAflfRgf5y-Ob1Z_6Mbu5OUt_l6YCX-dkbI6vH6KlPtr9a4cPmRgK219Tx38isO05MKMEDSSO4urX7kODU98/s5037/IMG_1301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3358" data-original-width="5037" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEp1p7nBKewpj-moxXqh9P5oU5NS6CC33GVqyKyuoXmkivxco6wDapEsmv0xdGHoAJjMJMmn0mV1CU58ykAEAH-QMMorTsh6PNGHdCVBwRAflfRgf5y-Ob1Z_6Mbu5OUt_l6YCX-dkbI6vH6KlPtr9a4cPmRgK219Tx38isO05MKMEDSSO4urX7kODU98/w640-h426/IMG_1301.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Can gaze at this frame in oblivion</i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7frqabMMVWRCNEMKYjb91Y9Qali1MmofTV9o2G8Fc5VUQZWT-nNELNusWRBwDpklghjHAHKZavPlVMOFnAYsuy2lwSFEyCEWGhCbLZWVD08Gs6_8RhM0Ucksir5ttfnGNC4HVqQ8cuqbp59nbDtYWYiT-4RGhOpTzGL043IlkylIk3wDrZvHN3i7SyE/s3971/IMG_9889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2978" data-original-width="3971" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7frqabMMVWRCNEMKYjb91Y9Qali1MmofTV9o2G8Fc5VUQZWT-nNELNusWRBwDpklghjHAHKZavPlVMOFnAYsuy2lwSFEyCEWGhCbLZWVD08Gs6_8RhM0Ucksir5ttfnGNC4HVqQ8cuqbp59nbDtYWYiT-4RGhOpTzGL043IlkylIk3wDrZvHN3i7SyE/w640-h480/IMG_9889.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>The moment nature took out the palette and turned into an artist</i></span></div>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-54701290966832074042023-07-19T07:08:00.001+05:302023-07-19T07:08:49.670+05:30Exploring Chimmini Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nSj7P8g3pWBdFNOZYMeAlUss2ykwl4LtAyzhjx-m6UqTOLWkLZZXMfRhnVAHgP6sV4wLHns-qZBoFHNhiPTo_AtRNHwaIrhOso2bl1Z_a4xpkRU_uWEWEzWvTNJ-ZTbB6RRJgtYH5llYaE0ny6mCqAx8lgNQpLks1CoEcmDwjTMUfsG9ceISJx47yqg/s4032/IMG_6088.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nSj7P8g3pWBdFNOZYMeAlUss2ykwl4LtAyzhjx-m6UqTOLWkLZZXMfRhnVAHgP6sV4wLHns-qZBoFHNhiPTo_AtRNHwaIrhOso2bl1Z_a4xpkRU_uWEWEzWvTNJ-ZTbB6RRJgtYH5llYaE0ny6mCqAx8lgNQpLks1CoEcmDwjTMUfsG9ceISJx47yqg/w640-h480/IMG_6088.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></i></div><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">A
lazy Sunday morning ended up as an exciting day as we drove through lush
greenery to Chimmini Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary. The rains had subsided, but
overcast conditions prevailed, which made the journey a delightful one. Also spelled as
Chimmony, the </span>dam here is built across Chimmini River in the Thrissur
district of Kerala, and borders other popular attractions such as <a href="https://www.talesofanomad.com/2018/07/nelliyampathy-gem-in-western-ghats.html" target="_blank">Nelliyampathy Hills</a> and Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYv07D3uWYsqAhgGY76dSoX5dWEHhJjDZ38-VNCXzfkAWF_8tkgmdPewcoC6kPedzKIjy-QVHVdxwyDDQNGbdyKrd4UPQn2GL2dPfruk2iXRwVqgSXMt_sZ2tni4OBMJkYKN44cTKy65p_uRZ1ITBJNBZm21Fq6r6xw-l672uGgtxk9K0cno0SiEUZ1jE/s4032/IMG_6002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYv07D3uWYsqAhgGY76dSoX5dWEHhJjDZ38-VNCXzfkAWF_8tkgmdPewcoC6kPedzKIjy-QVHVdxwyDDQNGbdyKrd4UPQn2GL2dPfruk2iXRwVqgSXMt_sZ2tni4OBMJkYKN44cTKy65p_uRZ1ITBJNBZm21Fq6r6xw-l672uGgtxk9K0cno0SiEUZ1jE/w640-h480/IMG_6002.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MddMG0B2J04aUTcKAngjaNRZwKitm7gHlc6-AQJrSbz9sw6b1F7r0PtacmfMtU1UffwEbgNJM7S-lAPNkC5soKmiQBtfzo3NNQQiikor5G2BQCpXNAUt6FXIow9F-RsIr4LWvQwW38IQGSR2sd5XlWHGXqueKvh5EYPuqbN-iKqDWOhHnXViBW0Kqdc/s4032/IMG_6007.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MddMG0B2J04aUTcKAngjaNRZwKitm7gHlc6-AQJrSbz9sw6b1F7r0PtacmfMtU1UffwEbgNJM7S-lAPNkC5soKmiQBtfzo3NNQQiikor5G2BQCpXNAUt6FXIow9F-RsIr4LWvQwW38IQGSR2sd5XlWHGXqueKvh5EYPuqbN-iKqDWOhHnXViBW0Kqdc/w640-h480/IMG_6007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><i><br /></i></span></span></i></div><div><i>As the views on either side of the road gave way to tall trees and hillocks carpeted with shades of green, we knew we were in wildlife territory. However, no animals popped by or crossed our paths. A short walk away from the parking zone, and the sprawling waters of the Chimmini Dam opened up in front us. Still waters with hills in the backdrop and gloomy skies made up for some picturesque frames. There was a small crowd with family and kids loitering the place. However, it still seemed so quiet, as the breeze blew hard and the cows grazed in peace. One can rest under the trees and gaze in oblivion at the beautiful frames on offer, while uncluttering your mind.</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjS-UYArRC0EI_sIIB_2nBn48vM0JvTJRNe7d4mp8h_bHkXYgzgjKsaJSrm1YVVcZkDNJadikHDW6XBNq59rN85vEgdJ2URUbXaQIN9S6tb0d8GjNyukWpBbxZTcp1bviSDXVSelhrIh2zZepRr1jc8sIlUDHYJ6jdAgW9Ko0L1azakDMUY5Vpg9Qf0LE/s4032/IMG_6012.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjS-UYArRC0EI_sIIB_2nBn48vM0JvTJRNe7d4mp8h_bHkXYgzgjKsaJSrm1YVVcZkDNJadikHDW6XBNq59rN85vEgdJ2URUbXaQIN9S6tb0d8GjNyukWpBbxZTcp1bviSDXVSelhrIh2zZepRr1jc8sIlUDHYJ6jdAgW9Ko0L1azakDMUY5Vpg9Qf0LE/w640-h480/IMG_6012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9wby62GfBka9dCTz8rKM5WhMq-mAiyajKyapSN8dlZRu_lzSel4OYoQ6-nAn7xeCzSw28mclNsrc-RXlD7x6WdBcCc4_deaHyJC1U1SkmNmXeTl2NGXPWSBnv1xgKw7ojlkb3Al-yR822sFURsuFZMshGSGPjmQdYCy_6okSoy_Yb74_9W71sRDJQUQ/s4032/IMG_6066.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9wby62GfBka9dCTz8rKM5WhMq-mAiyajKyapSN8dlZRu_lzSel4OYoQ6-nAn7xeCzSw28mclNsrc-RXlD7x6WdBcCc4_deaHyJC1U1SkmNmXeTl2NGXPWSBnv1xgKw7ojlkb3Al-yR822sFURsuFZMshGSGPjmQdYCy_6okSoy_Yb74_9W71sRDJQUQ/w640-h480/IMG_6066.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></i><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>You may also take a stroll along the banks of the reservoir or opt for a coracle ride, if you need some action. We opted for the second one, and buckled up our life jackets, before hopping on one of the coracles. Slowly we made our way to the other bank, and more silence followed, which was broken by the oarsman, who spoke about how the tourism development here has helped his life. Coming from the local tribal colony, he reminisced how the place has changed over the years after tourism took over. He did mention that they do spot birds and crocodiles (rare), but we had absolutely no luck. However, the pretty reservoir more than made for that with breathtaking vistas all around.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-4C1bkhWd5qjVLFxNV1zbm9ocMzu-BcEZRd9r9q4QgA0e7JxgQMjhMpLyXj5Lfr4xrUpA5ZtfFWJeHfsZZu9ykSy0SwieKmmbSCGFaBGaptTzhGP5_Cfe5p8cCSXo9WI7p8THJPMgpRgRHl5SVvi6Jl8Qr-WKN_cqcatLd0HwLNC7ne7LC83si-JxmM/s3930/IMG_6014.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2947" data-original-width="3930" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-4C1bkhWd5qjVLFxNV1zbm9ocMzu-BcEZRd9r9q4QgA0e7JxgQMjhMpLyXj5Lfr4xrUpA5ZtfFWJeHfsZZu9ykSy0SwieKmmbSCGFaBGaptTzhGP5_Cfe5p8cCSXo9WI7p8THJPMgpRgRHl5SVvi6Jl8Qr-WKN_cqcatLd0HwLNC7ne7LC83si-JxmM/w640-h480/IMG_6014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzQpiELagnVWHVcUaqXOscWGuUIoy6qmdnNLdpwgO0M8KHas2xY4w7w0xesLxxGFJptWsP5-f1-_V6IIDhsaKVEZMYSDl8Z8FwQdh2V3l5kiS8DZxULCvQphxh_aVGTHiNSkShlFgd5JjRASzqJDoBqTkDLXtKuJ0ZLoB_5jb6gy2zXur24FeWNfseA0/s4032/IMG_6059.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzQpiELagnVWHVcUaqXOscWGuUIoy6qmdnNLdpwgO0M8KHas2xY4w7w0xesLxxGFJptWsP5-f1-_V6IIDhsaKVEZMYSDl8Z8FwQdh2V3l5kiS8DZxULCvQphxh_aVGTHiNSkShlFgd5JjRASzqJDoBqTkDLXtKuJ0ZLoB_5jb6gy2zXur24FeWNfseA0/w640-h480/IMG_6059.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrrtqcwZtBSIq1sB10izmVYNIzcpgLKBdAG1yyhYpokURLFDyxpziuktSiOQehdb_k1JvYAezxydTpfrWuWfEEtAAuhbfYKEW0TO1rTx_FOj4CNqt3C_TBaz6Ay6Yq_oQ7BlJIGia0rlTfKjvquE8T_Y7GoAD6fArr1h_Vp7h55qLH3P5LzeA669b1u8/s4032/IMG_6070.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrrtqcwZtBSIq1sB10izmVYNIzcpgLKBdAG1yyhYpokURLFDyxpziuktSiOQehdb_k1JvYAezxydTpfrWuWfEEtAAuhbfYKEW0TO1rTx_FOj4CNqt3C_TBaz6Ay6Yq_oQ7BlJIGia0rlTfKjvquE8T_Y7GoAD6fArr1h_Vp7h55qLH3P5LzeA669b1u8/w640-h480/IMG_6070.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><i><p class="MsoNormal"><i><b>How to
reach Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary:</b></i></p></i></i></span></span></i>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><o:p><i>The nearest major town is Thrissur, 38 km away. The closest airport is in Cochin, 57 km away, and nearest railway station is in Chalakkudy, 37 km away. It is recommended to visit Chimmini in a private vehicle as public services are not frequent.</i></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i><b>Food and
Accommodation:</b></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">There is a small refreshment centre here that sells basic energy boosters, and a couple of push carts outside selling coconut water and ice creams.</span></i></p><p></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-83808256828002428042023-07-12T07:19:00.004+05:302023-07-12T07:19:50.838+05:3014 Years of Tales of a Nomad!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDh6fxgZ150hWqYEGIm5B25MvuDeW4oyVLOfFZcZ8i1Omrsp5AtaE9APriJmO_dhZS-y7np4JqbqUbAi2U_Y3IobHV0t--_7c7x7ZYq6caqqV7U2yx3TzHsB44ZD_m-TsLRDiUlJBljuf_cibE1X5exh1PmVWkVOYDMbayMfmobS0zm7AKzoTBAiBsCM/s4032/14%20Years%20TOAN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDh6fxgZ150hWqYEGIm5B25MvuDeW4oyVLOfFZcZ8i1Omrsp5AtaE9APriJmO_dhZS-y7np4JqbqUbAi2U_Y3IobHV0t--_7c7x7ZYq6caqqV7U2yx3TzHsB44ZD_m-TsLRDiUlJBljuf_cibE1X5exh1PmVWkVOYDMbayMfmobS0zm7AKzoTBAiBsCM/w640-h480/14%20Years%20TOAN.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I had been to Pykara Lake in The Nilgiris earlier this year, and it brought back a lot of nostalgic memories of my first visit here during my childhood. </span></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">As Tales of a Nomad completes its 14th year today, it's again nostalgia that trickles in, reminding me of the time I started blogging.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div style="text-align: left;"><i><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Thanks to all the readers for the encouragement and support.</span></i></i></div><p></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-25237383309718073762023-07-02T23:16:00.001+05:302023-07-02T23:16:50.126+05:30Exquisite Yet Affordable: Top 7 Palaces in India to Visit in 2023<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>India is renowned for its rich cultural
heritage, majestic palaces, and opulent architecture that reflects the glory of
bygone eras. While exploring the grandeur of Indian palaces may seem like an
extravagant affair, it is indeed possible to visit these architectural marvels
on a budget. In this article, we present the top seven palaces in India that
offer an enchanting experience without breaking the bank. Additionally, we'll
provide some valuable tips to help you plan a budget-friendly visit to these
magnificent landmarks.</i></span></p>
<h2><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>How to visit Palaces in India on a budget?<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Traveling on a budget to Indian palaces is
certainly achievable with careful planning and smart choices. You don’t have to
<a href="https://www.lottoland.asia/euromillions" target="_blank">play EuroMillions online</a>
and win the big prize to enjoy these rich and old sites. So, here are a few
tips to ensure a satisfying palace tour while keeping costs under control:<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB"><b>Plan Your Trip during Off-Peak
Seasons</b>: Scheduling visits during off-peak seasons is one way to secure better
deals on accommodation, transportation and entry fees at palaces. Prices tend
to be higher during holidays and peak tourist seasons so shoulder seasons offer
better savings with smaller crowds present.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB"><b>Opt for budget accommodations</b>:
Instead of staying in luxurious hotels, look into cost-cutting accommodations
such as guesthouses, hostels or homestays that can offer comfortable stays at a
much more reasonable cost. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB"><b>Choose public transportation</b>:
Public transportation options such as buses and trains tend to be more
cost-effective than private taxis or rental cars. India boasts an expansive
train and bus network, which can take you directly to palace destinations while
still saving you money. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB"><b>Utilize local guides</b>: In lieu
of hiring expensive private guides, take advantage of local guides at the palace
or audio guides (if available) who may provide insightful insights into its
history and architecture at much reduced costs. They could provide invaluable
knowledge of its past and present that you wouldn't otherwise gain.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB"><b>Bring Your Own Food and Water</b>:
Eating out at restaurants and tourist spots can quickly add up, particularly in
popular tourist locations. Bring snacks, water bottles, meals for the day as
well as snacks in order to save on costly food options; just be mindful to
respect any rules or regulations regarding outside food or drinks in palaces or
palace grounds.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<h2><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Top 7 Palaces in India to Visit in 2023<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></h2>
<h3><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i><br />City Palace, Jaipur<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Located in the heart of Rajasthan's capital,
Jaipur, <a href="https://cityryde.com/palaces-of-india-best-and-famous/">the
City Palace is an awe-inspiring blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture</a>.
This sprawling palace complex offers a glimpse into the royal heritage of the
region. To visit on a budget, consider purchasing a composite ticket that
provides entry to multiple attractions within the complex, including the City
Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal. Exploring the palace's courtyards,
gardens, and museum will transport you to a bygone era without straining your
wallet.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Tip: Opt for a local guide who can provide
valuable insights into the palace's history and architecture at an affordable
rate.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p>
<h3><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>The Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur is a
testament to luxury and grandeur. Built in the 20th century, this magnificent
palace is a stunning blend of Indo-Saracenic and Art Deco styles. While a stay
at the palace hotel can be expensive, you can explore certain areas on a
budget. The museum within the palace showcases a remarkable collection of artefacts
and exhibits that shed light on the royal history of Jodhpur. Entry tickets to
the museum are reasonably priced, allowing you to appreciate the palace's
beauty without breaking your budget.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Tip: Consider visiting during the evening
to witness the palace's illuminated facade, creating a mesmerizing sight at no
extra cost.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p>
<h3><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Mysore Palace, Mysore<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>The Mysore Palace, located in the city of
Mysore, Karnataka, is a captivating structure that blends Indo-Saracenic,
Rajput, Hindu, and Gothic architectural styles. This majestic palace offers a
glimpse into the opulent lives of the Wadiyar dynasty. Entry tickets to the
palace are affordable, enabling you to explore the exquisitely decorated halls,
intricate carvings, and the stunning Durbar Hall, where royal ceremonies were
once held. To maximize your budget, time your visit during the Dasara festival
when the palace is adorned with thousands of lights, creating a breathtaking
spectacle.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Tip: Pack your own snacks and water to
avoid buying overpriced refreshments within the palace premises.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p>
<h3><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Amber Palace, Jaipur<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Situated on a hilltop overlooking the Maota
Lake, the Amber Palace is a magnificent example of Rajput architecture. The
palace's ornate interiors, intricate mirror work, and expansive courtyards
offer a captivating experience. To visit on a budget, you can choose to hike up
the hill instead of taking an elephant ride or a jeep. Entry tickets are
reasonably priced, and exploring the palace's numerous halls, <a href="https://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/amber-palace.html">including the
Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace)</a>, will transport you to a world of royal
grandeur.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Tip: Engage with local artisans outside the
palace premises to purchase souvenirs and handicrafts at reasonable prices,
supporting the local economy.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p>
<h3><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Junagarh Fort, Bikaner<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Often overshadowed by its more famous
counterparts in Rajasthan, the Junagarh Fort in Bikaner boasts an architectural
splendour that rivals them all. Built in the 16th century, this fort features a
blend of Mughal, Rajput, and Gujarati architectural styles. The fort's palaces,
pavilions, and temples are adorned with exquisite stone carvings and elaborate
murals. Entry tickets are reasonably priced, allowing you to explore the fort's
impressive architecture and rich history without straining your budget.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Tip: Plan your visit during the early
morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture stunning photographs in
the soft light.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p>
<h3><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Perched atop a hill in the city of
Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, the Chittorgarh Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
and one of the largest fort complexes in India. This historic fort is a
testament to the valour and pride of the Rajputs. Entry tickets to the fort are
reasonably priced, granting you access to explore its sprawling grounds,
majestic palaces, beautiful temples, and impressive towers. As you walk through
the fort's corridors and ramparts, you'll be transported to a time of chivalry
and romance.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Tip: Carry your own water and snacks, as
there are limited options available within the fort premises.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p>
<h3><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, Bengaluru<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Located in the heart of Bengaluru,
Karnataka, Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace is a striking example of Indo-Islamic
architecture. This palace was the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan, the erstwhile
ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore. Entry tickets to the palace are affordable,
allowing you to admire its intricately carved arches, frescoes, and ornate
balconies. Explore the palace's various rooms and learn about Tipu Sultan's
life and legacy through the exhibits and artefacts on display.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Tip: Combine your visit to the palace with
a stroll through the nearby Krishna Rajendra Market, where you can experience
the vibrant atmosphere and indulge in local street food.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p>
<h2><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Conclusion<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Visiting the grand palaces of India on a
budget is not only an achievable goal but also an enriching experience.
Exploring these architectural marvels provides a deeper understanding of
India's history and cultural heritage. By following the tips mentioned above
and prioritizing affordable options, you can embark on a memorable journey
through India's regal past without compromising your budget. So, pack your bags
and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Indian palaces, where history
and grandeur come alive.<br /><br /><br />N.B.: This is a collaborative post.</i></span></span></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-61925033742310147802023-06-21T06:48:00.004+05:302023-06-23T20:58:17.230+05:30Aruvikuthu Waterfalls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhYJZ3W1Onw7NvFnqM4mREVP8LG2mxQOdgdG6zv8DxH6ZqLa0Z9h0kGdGFh5e30AIwIaRUB3qmb-t8UsL2drWZQPoKiGR3cv8ashoRUY8f88FzuzqbLRKG5DXdhX9vl9mRFD_bh7bAFEjBZ0EQB2GHrlWaDtJBlVGCFWSIgX8JlICKcCFlQhQ3j8S/s4032/Aruvikuthu%20Waterfalls.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhYJZ3W1Onw7NvFnqM4mREVP8LG2mxQOdgdG6zv8DxH6ZqLa0Z9h0kGdGFh5e30AIwIaRUB3qmb-t8UsL2drWZQPoKiGR3cv8ashoRUY8f88FzuzqbLRKG5DXdhX9vl9mRFD_bh7bAFEjBZ0EQB2GHrlWaDtJBlVGCFWSIgX8JlICKcCFlQhQ3j8S/w640-h480/Aruvikuthu%20Waterfalls.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Idukki, Kerala. August 2022.</span></i></div><p></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-38200402021234609592023-06-07T07:41:00.000+05:302023-06-07T07:41:50.545+05:30Road Signs!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh6nZJJr2qwpYk4liddm4oGc3YoeQlwGM-rOLi8iID1Ve04zDiDWAQmfuGT3HFJ5Usz6TURXbi3z2JFQlnDKR1cxmBXkC8zOIScc9gE28ZkprKl1h6EOMQIcGSnlfEqf0YvtLwdWXWQMroBlcCEQ8MqzqyisMIm_kvzLnT4INPNd9LP1yX-LCVszI/s5184/Glendale.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh6nZJJr2qwpYk4liddm4oGc3YoeQlwGM-rOLi8iID1Ve04zDiDWAQmfuGT3HFJ5Usz6TURXbi3z2JFQlnDKR1cxmBXkC8zOIScc9gE28ZkprKl1h6EOMQIcGSnlfEqf0YvtLwdWXWQMroBlcCEQ8MqzqyisMIm_kvzLnT4INPNd9LP1yX-LCVszI/w640-h426/Glendale.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">That's how the road welcomes you to Ooty in the summer months. </span></i><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Glendale, The Nilgiris. March 2023.</span></i><p></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-52328452819883434452023-05-31T08:20:00.000+05:302023-05-31T08:20:48.854+05:30A Day Trip to Koorumala Viewpoint & Areekal Waterfalls<p><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiios9u0gIBn69qj_0EPIzRRYsBwWdlmFNLIBCvT5b6R_CETehgZzKI9h_bD_XwZOAIfxTcNR8pFNNadQaJQJhkxbeJ2_cuUWNDEPGd85GRSz5uOFD82GEm0cev9D3M8GhoawYpIMh6FKkm52X4vjSTQB8AbRfG6SmB4w_pMC7gwJZuC1AqRPkshzrX/s4032/IMG_E4763.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiios9u0gIBn69qj_0EPIzRRYsBwWdlmFNLIBCvT5b6R_CETehgZzKI9h_bD_XwZOAIfxTcNR8pFNNadQaJQJhkxbeJ2_cuUWNDEPGd85GRSz5uOFD82GEm0cev9D3M8GhoawYpIMh6FKkm52X4vjSTQB8AbRfG6SmB4w_pMC7gwJZuC1AqRPkshzrX/w640-h480/IMG_E4763.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></i></div><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">As the sky cleared, I left the streets of Cochin </span></i><i>early in the morning, </i><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">and made
my way to Piravom, a small town, an hour away. The plan was to explore a couple
of lesser known and unexplored destinations in this region, and I started off
with Koorumala Viewpoint. Winding past rubber plantations and open lands, the
road gradually narrowed as I neared the viewpoint. The final stretch has to be
walked as the road gets really tapered to a pathway. </span></i></p><p><i>The lady at the ticket counter smiled and said, “You should have come an hour earlier, when the whole place was covered in mist”. </i><i>I smiled back and walked up the rocky hillock which had a few scattered crosses and a watch tower, a few meters away. The panoramic view from the top was absolutely stunning with mist blanketing the surrounding lush greenery and silhouettes of distant hills. Though this viewpoint is located in Ernakulam district, on a clear day you can get a view of some regions of Kottayam district, and a watch tower located in Alappuzha district. Evenings too are an ideal time to visit here and enjoy the mélange of colours that splashes across the sky as the sun sets. I strolled around a bit before the sun made its presence felt as the mist cleared.</i></p></span></i><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaKAk0mdOLgbL-95rW7EIGIZA7MG22yde2a4G-w4-uejwYSMbmO3grW_VLfsaxEDO4qrKsTphG6cmd2WaJSh2ujyOHifevDZYfAnNobHGdCVRTLgB2CWu55sALfpvz1TNVhii3UdipHvTnDHnyt0UUpY-p4VdJRMccPQTkfMiP4EUnA5nF1XtenNB/s4032/IMG_4690.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaKAk0mdOLgbL-95rW7EIGIZA7MG22yde2a4G-w4-uejwYSMbmO3grW_VLfsaxEDO4qrKsTphG6cmd2WaJSh2ujyOHifevDZYfAnNobHGdCVRTLgB2CWu55sALfpvz1TNVhii3UdipHvTnDHnyt0UUpY-p4VdJRMccPQTkfMiP4EUnA5nF1XtenNB/w640-h480/IMG_4690.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkCyGMML1cmLLi80lm4cVtQVgsv552BxGz-9P85UrufxU9baRiwhN6sVLGOCLY_Cr-PpXcD4bmU0KwnyU5a_M4coI5FURnLIiQGi0Vde2BE23v8-voxgYgLDu9FPGuIF8n_fEZs-ZslQsgFwH-JXPE686mvKOCoAk7yLy3btlafzjdX6qVrOlsa2f/s4032/IMG_E4697.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkCyGMML1cmLLi80lm4cVtQVgsv552BxGz-9P85UrufxU9baRiwhN6sVLGOCLY_Cr-PpXcD4bmU0KwnyU5a_M4coI5FURnLIiQGi0Vde2BE23v8-voxgYgLDu9FPGuIF8n_fEZs-ZslQsgFwH-JXPE686mvKOCoAk7yLy3btlafzjdX6qVrOlsa2f/w640-h480/IMG_E4697.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWo8A-c_Z9IF-LlGKXUtkW7EizYtLdCfI8cOfKx1wwKuYRkPUtTkhLJqnQA1sWGPZzfRNzHZNWSATWx_9hMerRO1MQajqVrSshhWhs8k12uByyNr13lv5cUTVnz0m_cXw_EbR_DqBysFAR4S2_h33IpCDOAnaDr7zIcVJqrUqK3_bQfF3xlzR58USV/s4032/IMG_E4702.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWo8A-c_Z9IF-LlGKXUtkW7EizYtLdCfI8cOfKx1wwKuYRkPUtTkhLJqnQA1sWGPZzfRNzHZNWSATWx_9hMerRO1MQajqVrSshhWhs8k12uByyNr13lv5cUTVnz0m_cXw_EbR_DqBysFAR4S2_h33IpCDOAnaDr7zIcVJqrUqK3_bQfF3xlzR58USV/w640-h480/IMG_E4702.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></i><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p><i>I soon made my way past the winding roads to Areekal Waterfalls, a multi-tier waterfall near Koorumala Viewpoint. The moss laden pathway was a delight to walk on, and the cascading waters could be heard more evidently as I went down. Tumbling over tiers of rocks, the water splashes and fills up the natural pool at the base. You can wade into the pool and enjoy some moments of fun while exploring here. Walked further down along the pathway to have a full view of the water thrashing down and flowing away down to form a creek. I was the first visitor in the morning, and had the whole space to myself. As I meandered along the pathway gazing at the beautiful waterfalls, the cloudy sky slowly opened up with a drizzle. I walked back up to the road, but not before having a quick glance of this hidden beauty near Kochi.</i></p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUh4c293kokjBac1t0j0mZW1AVh-Wonm_01qxok-kA3G34xt1BmfprfyLkVfqdtdHckXsuWN0oV5HVljHrsplNtfabu_xmQarQY-wwwLTudmbi5xREO4AaClebdU1CU0sYu_uCyZ8D7cn2TjifoCvA8MwupMzuKyK0fWeXbcVGAPRSVGVk4rC6LOCt/s4032/IMG_4786.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUh4c293kokjBac1t0j0mZW1AVh-Wonm_01qxok-kA3G34xt1BmfprfyLkVfqdtdHckXsuWN0oV5HVljHrsplNtfabu_xmQarQY-wwwLTudmbi5xREO4AaClebdU1CU0sYu_uCyZ8D7cn2TjifoCvA8MwupMzuKyK0fWeXbcVGAPRSVGVk4rC6LOCt/w480-h640/IMG_4786.JPG" width="480" /></a></i></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7gaxc4RM9twQCJcOw-y4CTPo1LktD8-Zi-jZvX_ZQS6h_4r1d7BxLuaP5C9WfARUZxOOBuGcJmArTDTVYyZ1acFlR4KxPaNy448YxW3sMtcZBr6rdO2kWsApvsVVnyqVzPGimVOJH11ngXyyZu2rrs69f6zx-jVKNiGFKlA3HOvsRzBZke78bqSk/s4032/IMG_E4785.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7gaxc4RM9twQCJcOw-y4CTPo1LktD8-Zi-jZvX_ZQS6h_4r1d7BxLuaP5C9WfARUZxOOBuGcJmArTDTVYyZ1acFlR4KxPaNy448YxW3sMtcZBr6rdO2kWsApvsVVnyqVzPGimVOJH11ngXyyZu2rrs69f6zx-jVKNiGFKlA3HOvsRzBZke78bqSk/w480-h640/IMG_E4785.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1y2S-ZPbdOY2YviUy-lOlOnSm8jWC8Tfr-BXmjSmHOc1sXhCK7CUZ1Qlp-Xs5DUA-R8aLBxdcvG54gOzmOQOulJrL_hN8XbWMyiVSlmIZDpYckmoEVpDLjyL8-48OaUkXUG7z9ITrYbLzCzF9Rn1OJMuFrxrAzihAeKCxUVWAU2j2ls9_1fuwA4V9/s4032/IMG_E4756.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1y2S-ZPbdOY2YviUy-lOlOnSm8jWC8Tfr-BXmjSmHOc1sXhCK7CUZ1Qlp-Xs5DUA-R8aLBxdcvG54gOzmOQOulJrL_hN8XbWMyiVSlmIZDpYckmoEVpDLjyL8-48OaUkXUG7z9ITrYbLzCzF9Rn1OJMuFrxrAzihAeKCxUVWAU2j2ls9_1fuwA4V9/w480-h640/IMG_E4756.JPG" width="480" /></a></i></div><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-4jupWhjJduhWKhUoDNYp9rD1GjSFPjTTibY4r4OZz_ER5j4kt_QAWWpzaRayiPIBLAfKJDefU2P9cTRbsKSADsDfm14R6759vvXCLiTP2Rf4OQ4tp1j7TrU-VTHIRiNhrpmF_woCuTEzAT3BYks7C7NaWDx2aFPuFWyBsshsGq731qRwNN8gec4/s4032/IMG_E4763.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-4jupWhjJduhWKhUoDNYp9rD1GjSFPjTTibY4r4OZz_ER5j4kt_QAWWpzaRayiPIBLAfKJDefU2P9cTRbsKSADsDfm14R6759vvXCLiTP2Rf4OQ4tp1j7TrU-VTHIRiNhrpmF_woCuTEzAT3BYks7C7NaWDx2aFPuFWyBsshsGq731qRwNN8gec4/w640-h480/IMG_E4763.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> </span></i></div></i><p></p></span></i><p></p></span></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>How to Reach:</b><br />
<br />
The nearest town is Piravom, 12 km away from Koorumala Viewpoint, and 22 km away
from Areekal Waterfalls. Cochin is the major city near Piravom, 31 km away. It
is recommended to visit these places in your own vehicle as public services are
not frequent. </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>Food and Accommodation:</b><br />
<br />
There are a few eateries near Areekal Waterfalls and a couple of shops near
Koorumala Viewpoint.</span></i><o:p></o:p></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-63104718170688527292023-04-26T07:55:00.001+05:302023-04-26T07:55:55.222+05:30By the Moyar River!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDJH7m1gg-z6HGosbfMGjizZnAScXAtpnZjqr4jqXAI3PMAlt_zW5fMgFEsJI9Begvo-lzcouHp1aXerJfxUYpCEy9a19sLt7GDjEHvc_as7CWBA9JIW72HC7RluYn5mWGOvdxlSJvkm5QcFwkimI-EnBY3zDf79ULTxUuUWzpBrE5lEhnBivr4dQ/s4032/By%20the%20Moyar%20River.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDJH7m1gg-z6HGosbfMGjizZnAScXAtpnZjqr4jqXAI3PMAlt_zW5fMgFEsJI9Begvo-lzcouHp1aXerJfxUYpCEy9a19sLt7GDjEHvc_as7CWBA9JIW72HC7RluYn5mWGOvdxlSJvkm5QcFwkimI-EnBY3zDf79ULTxUuUWzpBrE5lEhnBivr4dQ/w640-h480/By%20the%20Moyar%20River.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Mudumalai National Park, The Nilgiris. March 2023.</span></i><p></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-68399833194525973792023-03-31T21:48:00.000+05:302023-03-31T21:48:35.048+05:30Hues of Summer Sky!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghY9Zoyi_ZBFCESxakrRoT7xFQAeLIcMcDRyaCNrpUbukJeQgYd3Nz5-RGq8Ep62DwHpJq2YRYNxO38xITSB-WlyTJ2v90_F8hQzHtJy19jQx23fIrx-PTXhLASZ9Pn1JBAEAyxbxW7W1wMRvi51zrr1tkZD9D4O1-eKO8QidwNtEsj2rV87CMyKKQ/s4032/Hues%20of%20Summer%20Sky.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghY9Zoyi_ZBFCESxakrRoT7xFQAeLIcMcDRyaCNrpUbukJeQgYd3Nz5-RGq8Ep62DwHpJq2YRYNxO38xITSB-WlyTJ2v90_F8hQzHtJy19jQx23fIrx-PTXhLASZ9Pn1JBAEAyxbxW7W1wMRvi51zrr1tkZD9D4O1-eKO8QidwNtEsj2rV87CMyKKQ/w640-h480/Hues%20of%20Summer%20Sky.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: large;">Evenings during the summer months are a delight to gaze at, as the skies splash myriad colours while the sun sets. From yellow to orange to crimson to purple to mauve, you'll miss a colour if you blink even for a couple of seconds.</span></i></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Kotagiri, March 2023</b></i></div></i></span><p></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-63970207687769365432023-02-25T07:19:00.000+05:302023-02-25T07:19:02.162+05:30Rangarayana Doddi Lake<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsSOT0Quu2jEVfvIgFLvCgos_5-g9VGrejbfSbuPHBW8_PCJu_z7jVz2SiuJj0CHlxHIZx5pYwJV2iUIcQ3wR0z5gIElroZT1aJbHeIin3jZBaldd44aLK5tmB-N4GF7QSY8B776n1uJkli2boYS460aSurdD4wGNon8VtcaztFjRy1395JVJ0fiw/s5184/Rangarayanadoddi%20Lake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsSOT0Quu2jEVfvIgFLvCgos_5-g9VGrejbfSbuPHBW8_PCJu_z7jVz2SiuJj0CHlxHIZx5pYwJV2iUIcQ3wR0z5gIElroZT1aJbHeIin3jZBaldd44aLK5tmB-N4GF7QSY8B776n1uJkli2boYS460aSurdD4wGNon8VtcaztFjRy1395JVJ0fiw/w640-h426/Rangarayanadoddi%20Lake.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Ramanagara, Karnataka. November 2022.</span></i><p></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-26679728178371343232023-01-23T07:38:00.000+05:302023-01-23T07:38:29.377+05:30Pooyamkutty to Mamalakandam- A Beautiful Drive!<p style="text-align: left;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0LhMfD_t6EK1kUKlnspoV2hYPSYH66AL4yFYqOigIKQgp7-HM8QwJ7-UOntBaZ4Gxy0FD0E6Q1bEvyqwsbCxzD4ZacxD0i1VeJKPUrzXIijoY5cG_oHR8CCBORGqTdCEt85tOwOMFIVLZf6x-8YaulZcb-gjVBLm8MyCI5nF9T_B__IgXgPUcwYl/s4032/IMG_4004.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0LhMfD_t6EK1kUKlnspoV2hYPSYH66AL4yFYqOigIKQgp7-HM8QwJ7-UOntBaZ4Gxy0FD0E6Q1bEvyqwsbCxzD4ZacxD0i1VeJKPUrzXIijoY5cG_oHR8CCBORGqTdCEt85tOwOMFIVLZf6x-8YaulZcb-gjVBLm8MyCI5nF9T_B__IgXgPUcwYl/w640-h480/IMG_4004.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">After a satiating breakfast at Kothamangalam, we left behind
the hustle of the small towns and meandered our way past rubber plantations to
Pooyamkutty, with the river, Periyar popping up intermittently. While the main
intention was to drive through the lush greenery of Mamalakandam, we decided to
explore a few other places as well enroute to the final destination.</span></i></p></span></i><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Kuttampuzha was the first pit stop, where we took a
short detour to get to Anakkayam Beach. From where the road ended, a narrow
pathway along the Periyar River led us to the beach. A secluded place with
hardly any visitors, we were welcomed by serenity and scenic frames. While
technically this isn’t a beach, but a river bank with sand. A large tree with
its branches sprawling like tentacles made a beautiful frame against the
tranquil waters and lush greenery behind. A lone fisherman, probably a local
having some moments of solitude, was the only human presence in the vicinity. After
loitering around for a while, soaking in the serenity on offer, we walked back.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSA9JjSpv7NTZ4H5v_WCvh5cHlNK72bD5krdAJ3ZbXyYNcvVCZIh7mqgDiRMGeSCrgN84QWZ7cqcXWfRjwgvyFxVKwIsnnU-9X1YDztkCatGcv1LlJTBuDLN0yq2IwMP0jWC9MSLA9mu3uoNaKosa3BmaAjIj4Yz1A2Uh6QdNj-ouF3jUr9t9VDJ_C/s4032/IMG_4012.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSA9JjSpv7NTZ4H5v_WCvh5cHlNK72bD5krdAJ3ZbXyYNcvVCZIh7mqgDiRMGeSCrgN84QWZ7cqcXWfRjwgvyFxVKwIsnnU-9X1YDztkCatGcv1LlJTBuDLN0yq2IwMP0jWC9MSLA9mu3uoNaKosa3BmaAjIj4Yz1A2Uh6QdNj-ouF3jUr9t9VDJ_C/w640-h480/IMG_4012.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDbPReJ6w_C-Iz5quhUH7VclcaBFFFW3_zDmMAA0lGJycpLLVCIxBgUTohfDf8jv3Q1evRNAYHf5TCW_ySun9jIqEWJIPUDGLmXTEiDo5hV5qiLIETVyyrHvN8XtQSiV04TKm381f7mAax9arwe_7m_b1kP5VgE_95NQ6PC5kWCYnD6rsT63mluXu/s4032/IMG_4013.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDbPReJ6w_C-Iz5quhUH7VclcaBFFFW3_zDmMAA0lGJycpLLVCIxBgUTohfDf8jv3Q1evRNAYHf5TCW_ySun9jIqEWJIPUDGLmXTEiDo5hV5qiLIETVyyrHvN8XtQSiV04TKm381f7mAax9arwe_7m_b1kP5VgE_95NQ6PC5kWCYnD6rsT63mluXu/w640-h480/IMG_4013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></i><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Enroute to Pooyamkutty, we stopped by at Blavana ferry, to
watch a jeep loaded with rice and other daily necessities make its way across
the river atop 2 tied up canoes. In today’s times, when modern technology and
developments have reached every corner of the globe, this rudimentary means of
transportation was quite captivating. I was told by the locals that the
supplies were carried to the tribal colony across the river. As the jeep sailed
its way to the other bank, we left for Pooyamkutty, a couple of kilometers
away.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFiU4Oy2J875L7i6NBzzOBvpg_L0qPCwqVWzUspdIVyEJhdc2GgQrf5i8k5_n6CKR3HsfoEtqPvX5nriLLdK7mg1bJhzi6H4DZTRIQwLqjTZRVeKJuZEJfP8bHJGsErUusfFhMTXuz6UFfagNkKEq9vToZ7zGbCEMsTfYGEsMl-y1Y2Ju0JAN9FChh/s4032/IMG_4032.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFiU4Oy2J875L7i6NBzzOBvpg_L0qPCwqVWzUspdIVyEJhdc2GgQrf5i8k5_n6CKR3HsfoEtqPvX5nriLLdK7mg1bJhzi6H4DZTRIQwLqjTZRVeKJuZEJfP8bHJGsErUusfFhMTXuz6UFfagNkKEq9vToZ7zGbCEMsTfYGEsMl-y1Y2Ju0JAN9FChh/w640-h480/IMG_4032.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Pooyamkutty gained
prominence after a couple of Malayalam movies were shot here. While there isn’t much
to explore here, the aerial view of the gushing Pooyamkutty River, a tributary
of Periyar River, under the bridge and the lush green surroundings, offers a
beautiful frame. A winding road took me down to the bridge, which further leads
to Manikandanchal, where there are tribal colonies. I crossed the bridge, gazed
at the beautiful waters and then walked up to the magnificent huge trees lined
up on either side of the road. Looking up at them, I strolled around for a
while, and then returned back, as visitors aren’t allowed beyond this.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiOFCB4K46KfhiizNzHXVVherpKkjRugnCfXer6OyvySCuXEWSCpMdH5t5d5XCnK5LuquAFcVGR8MBVrT_PuO3eGcKdoxSCIqetJgparQ56jx2sxNzC5G5RxzRjTpVKP30fh8zGTkOw-lNNFMAKN5TzpU-FJ5Lwz-jtind4q5XkL6r2A-Y4rjPrRf/s4032/IMG_4060.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiOFCB4K46KfhiizNzHXVVherpKkjRugnCfXer6OyvySCuXEWSCpMdH5t5d5XCnK5LuquAFcVGR8MBVrT_PuO3eGcKdoxSCIqetJgparQ56jx2sxNzC5G5RxzRjTpVKP30fh8zGTkOw-lNNFMAKN5TzpU-FJ5Lwz-jtind4q5XkL6r2A-Y4rjPrRf/w640-h480/IMG_4060.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmVrR6U4WOMaFPlqjuJu5FDGwboxUVl7U1tr9jq1KLsdTCg560ypQ0o0QPyghcuNWzkZLaq4HlsgJJfkb8tghqMoPgBASXSQE8FGDnM__ilgHxVAJli7Jek23Hmp-5_-hnImRKFceBVvT3nKO17BzTjuth1XlNUdqUVltQW0IQDjFW-6Q6k_pEZTW/s3983/IMG_4064.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2987" data-original-width="3983" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmVrR6U4WOMaFPlqjuJu5FDGwboxUVl7U1tr9jq1KLsdTCg560ypQ0o0QPyghcuNWzkZLaq4HlsgJJfkb8tghqMoPgBASXSQE8FGDnM__ilgHxVAJli7Jek23Hmp-5_-hnImRKFceBVvT3nKO17BzTjuth1XlNUdqUVltQW0IQDjFW-6Q6k_pEZTW/w640-h480/IMG_4064.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHFmVSeEmJeS3TLvVKGMyDMtG9WPR1auWgi4uh1phoP0aq8TQe8ojKLlscCV2MelUzY4zQMkKNBzvjwwuVCaP_koJaLNWCpiCz6lgwpsEUMbNBv8BHWga3YmEFr-3JpHp4hEgajLhOgJ_wNqR4tC5MM8zdZGsKY2dwvk_xdMcT50CwNxHrI0Ubicc/s4032/IMG_4093.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHFmVSeEmJeS3TLvVKGMyDMtG9WPR1auWgi4uh1phoP0aq8TQe8ojKLlscCV2MelUzY4zQMkKNBzvjwwuVCaP_koJaLNWCpiCz6lgwpsEUMbNBv8BHWga3YmEFr-3JpHp4hEgajLhOgJ_wNqR4tC5MM8zdZGsKY2dwvk_xdMcT50CwNxHrI0Ubicc/w640-h480/IMG_4093.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></i><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Drove back to the tiny hamlet of Pooyamkutty, and some short
eats later, headed to Mamalakandam. The road became narrow, the lush greenery
turned dense and apart from the rumbling of the car, it was only the cricket’s
sound that could be heard. The road wound its way through dense greenery, with
steep slopes, dips and wonderful views on offer. We took a pit stop in the
middle of nowhere, to admire the beauty of nature. The leaves swayed to the
swooshing breeze, and a waterfall could be heard at a distance. A lone tree
house (more like an ‘erumaadam’) stood tall near to where we stopped,
but had no access to get up there.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeI95uCgyDAAV3jQD0g8NNgfrTM5cPDEdUolHbQNx0DjTA-Rw9zmV03qqBJRkfq5VcmMBv8sM3_vxW4OUz1UqO9yzDI6JDE1ikv2e-HCzmmoGP5xZAGsz47QW-3KdbFAI4TMwm0SKT0kvDotRRKG_d90tvBJd5wLPp8gBXV0AwaS8rJR8J_Je8qips/s4032/IMG_4095.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeI95uCgyDAAV3jQD0g8NNgfrTM5cPDEdUolHbQNx0DjTA-Rw9zmV03qqBJRkfq5VcmMBv8sM3_vxW4OUz1UqO9yzDI6JDE1ikv2e-HCzmmoGP5xZAGsz47QW-3KdbFAI4TMwm0SKT0kvDotRRKG_d90tvBJd5wLPp8gBXV0AwaS8rJR8J_Je8qips/w640-h480/IMG_4095.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoGm3HMdESF7ZfijeQmhYPeFT_B4w4MIHmmaFTfWjfwx_b_ns-yqmB8Gq1bPijd1VBu7h62XhiG6o8X1FVeuzNuNtOLI_KePWdcC4kp7d-3u_V6A7aoaSYYJNHNcWl_2fnW3QTyyD8UlD-a_y9HwcOd02kXxC39w4ZrFs5MsvuhKFDJtGWM0VHFmB/s3738/IMG_4103.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2558" data-original-width="3738" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoGm3HMdESF7ZfijeQmhYPeFT_B4w4MIHmmaFTfWjfwx_b_ns-yqmB8Gq1bPijd1VBu7h62XhiG6o8X1FVeuzNuNtOLI_KePWdcC4kp7d-3u_V6A7aoaSYYJNHNcWl_2fnW3QTyyD8UlD-a_y9HwcOd02kXxC39w4ZrFs5MsvuhKFDJtGWM0VHFmB/w640-h438/IMG_4103.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoiFq8l3XbuK4pWvIzQPXtYx6eCFM9uwX-p_fdqDjoR2aRpD94h9nOLTnu9Q6itPl4_iI1tnJh26SB6QnNwXat0M5-ottpTGymwQUpN0pZizmHKIhmrycS5du8o6CygdCC3C97yR5ULxaskPOHVKtHrqJwzZHbu-du3QdqA73h9N8ddSag_ofB4YY/s4032/IMG_4113.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoiFq8l3XbuK4pWvIzQPXtYx6eCFM9uwX-p_fdqDjoR2aRpD94h9nOLTnu9Q6itPl4_iI1tnJh26SB6QnNwXat0M5-ottpTGymwQUpN0pZizmHKIhmrycS5du8o6CygdCC3C97yR5ULxaskPOHVKtHrqJwzZHbu-du3QdqA73h9N8ddSag_ofB4YY/w640-h480/IMG_4113.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZ4Um-dRTatme1H-ZqoAcjA0aPu-HRlde_L1Ln_--YpwJMxYl6OGWjhE_d-gDse7nJa39PsP8k5BX83GFA91BNS93YorADimTk1uDHSbnkLEhGeZ7QpKNtj9Cvyc4M5lqkMouMfrtJ_1JU21XYB_F8kcNqnBayqdRoP6WciN3RJ7PMSjmFZvYAxN9/s4032/IMG_4124.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZ4Um-dRTatme1H-ZqoAcjA0aPu-HRlde_L1Ln_--YpwJMxYl6OGWjhE_d-gDse7nJa39PsP8k5BX83GFA91BNS93YorADimTk1uDHSbnkLEhGeZ7QpKNtj9Cvyc4M5lqkMouMfrtJ_1JU21XYB_F8kcNqnBayqdRoP6WciN3RJ7PMSjmFZvYAxN9/w640-h480/IMG_4124.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></i><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">As more vehicles made pit stops, we drove further down, and
slowly, the forest gave way to tiny clearings and settlements of Mamalakandam.
A small pathway from the road led us inside, and we walked the path listening
to the sound of gurgling waters in search of Urulikuzhi Waterfalls. After searching
for a bit, we saw a large stream flowing over flat rocks and making its way further
down. The dips in the rocks resembles like an ’uruli’ (a large vessel),
and that’s how the place gets its name, Urulikkuzhi Waterfalls. The place
reminded me of <a href="https://www.talesofanomad.com/2021/08/paniyeli-poru-untamed-waters.html" target="_blank">Paniyeli Poru</a>, but there weren’t any whirlpools or under
currents here. We sat by the bank on the large open rock and enjoyed some moments
of silence before getting back on the main road.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtnAgxvgu4LMYiwe0ntc6TpA0Fpw8gW6l1bAQNiiszaSUbd_Qa7pgYcQXGTHMhANrcx1Q19EjySktoVL7h8Vwsq7vuKz-Cdmrl8shj-Z8U6wkVR0w5y6f9IS8SS8pSSlqct4fVqQ7-EDeHwjIhKyHOvVKc7cAIhDvFJ49Jul9C9TTFtFvOSozcWUQ/s4032/IMG_4140.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtnAgxvgu4LMYiwe0ntc6TpA0Fpw8gW6l1bAQNiiszaSUbd_Qa7pgYcQXGTHMhANrcx1Q19EjySktoVL7h8Vwsq7vuKz-Cdmrl8shj-Z8U6wkVR0w5y6f9IS8SS8pSSlqct4fVqQ7-EDeHwjIhKyHOvVKc7cAIhDvFJ49Jul9C9TTFtFvOSozcWUQ/w640-h480/IMG_4140.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2S2TKBmFxTYi6JMp8Xmh3IkPSE-loiHVJkyDbSN3KvqFtO_5bfGn_wkN9YxsMjn2otgDsXhj6nnn9h0W3Ly0M0zrUlZVyy9rq4Ttt6h8bmYgCl-Eez1wFuzPXwmjdmEePO_M9DWGNrUBrjg-3TiMbDy2sPpx64bzPjNAn3TqUyrpCwknf3RTQYRzB/s4032/IMG_4154.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2S2TKBmFxTYi6JMp8Xmh3IkPSE-loiHVJkyDbSN3KvqFtO_5bfGn_wkN9YxsMjn2otgDsXhj6nnn9h0W3Ly0M0zrUlZVyy9rq4Ttt6h8bmYgCl-Eez1wFuzPXwmjdmEePO_M9DWGNrUBrjg-3TiMbDy2sPpx64bzPjNAn3TqUyrpCwknf3RTQYRzB/w640-h480/IMG_4154.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7NoRqVmlnqpCz9lczF9AvNBUy93sUADuxFePpG7OBRUYuMkzzKDzHcWn5usI1ZAXGVBP85FYWLC02oKFxvPs3kBGl4h5y--2SgaYm8XGoyDgWHamBcx5vfaPLhcF7dP-lt-Fo51v7XiScuvM74RoaZxs7UECQ7PkjcherNAnUM4WKPQRfRGkGRjn/s4032/IMG_4157.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7NoRqVmlnqpCz9lczF9AvNBUy93sUADuxFePpG7OBRUYuMkzzKDzHcWn5usI1ZAXGVBP85FYWLC02oKFxvPs3kBGl4h5y--2SgaYm8XGoyDgWHamBcx5vfaPLhcF7dP-lt-Fo51v7XiScuvM74RoaZxs7UECQ7PkjcherNAnUM4WKPQRfRGkGRjn/w640-h480/IMG_4157.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></i><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Govt. High School, Mamalakandam was where we headed next.
This probably is one of the most picturesque schools in Kerala, with a
magnificent backdrop of a hill and Elamplassery Waterfalls gushing down it. The
frame is so captivating that it made me wonder how students are able to
concentrate in their classes, when the nature outside is absolutely surreal.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZFi_aL9CtMptH3_dD2NReQ9sp1hXINJKFdQGozeOBQrXHKkNb5TLLz79jXs21datuyOINyH64mlQU8DuSE1ulwkgZy0SO6XG5QQCpRn-AgoD8_nfcvmgWsrpaVKNFhiJ2-Cc_vducmM-JRRJYyDASFPkyehDz-gfBq0boediHHEm5d1C2nOepamW/s4032/IMG_4165.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZFi_aL9CtMptH3_dD2NReQ9sp1hXINJKFdQGozeOBQrXHKkNb5TLLz79jXs21datuyOINyH64mlQU8DuSE1ulwkgZy0SO6XG5QQCpRn-AgoD8_nfcvmgWsrpaVKNFhiJ2-Cc_vducmM-JRRJYyDASFPkyehDz-gfBq0boediHHEm5d1C2nOepamW/w640-h480/IMG_4165.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">On the way back to Kochi, we stopped by at the gushing <a href="https://www.talesofanomad.com/2022/12/valara-waterfalls.html" target="_blank">Valara Waterfalls</a>
and the stunning <a href="https://www.talesofanomad.com/2023/01/cheeyappara-waterfalls.html" target="_blank">Cheeyappara Waterfalls</a>. The sign board near the waterfalls had Munnar
written on it, but I was content with the beautiful drive between Pooyamkutty
and Mamalakandam, and the lovely pit stops we had. The drive through the forest and chasing the Periyar River was a wonderful experience.</span></i></p></span></i><p></p></span></i><p></p></span></i><p></p></span></i><p></p></span></i><p></p></span></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>How to reach:</b></span></i></div>
<!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Pooyamkutty is 78 km from Kochi, and it is ideal to visit in
your own vehicle. There are buses from Kochi and Muvattupuzha to Pooyamkutty,
but is not frequent. The nearest major town in Kothamangalam. The route from
Pooyamkutty to Mamalakandam does not have public services, except for one KSRTC
bus in a day.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>Food and Accommodation:</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">There are small eateries near Pooyamkutty Bridge and at
Mamalakandam. The region also has a few homestays. </span></i><o:p></o:p></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-67698675736000235402023-01-13T08:06:00.001+05:302023-01-13T08:06:29.339+05:30Cheeyappara Waterfalls!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4Js-Z6ASfdmTzonfoEqPJulcr8owRw1MEjzFYj6k5Icvwwyw9PHfumZV7G4U6QQUBD_brkOsOPsN-LFXUOMNc5eeo_UOQh2NdYHzBL44e5stnAxPjeBcrbKNFugIcE0UunKybbzm4UOj5lXHKOVq-BZSQEIqqzyUFco-Di5IZWp88m14Ek2TpWHF/s3780/Cheeyappara%20Waterfalls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3780" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4Js-Z6ASfdmTzonfoEqPJulcr8owRw1MEjzFYj6k5Icvwwyw9PHfumZV7G4U6QQUBD_brkOsOPsN-LFXUOMNc5eeo_UOQh2NdYHzBL44e5stnAxPjeBcrbKNFugIcE0UunKybbzm4UOj5lXHKOVq-BZSQEIqqzyUFco-Di5IZWp88m14Ek2TpWHF/w640-h512/Cheeyappara%20Waterfalls.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Kochi - Munnar Road. August 2022.</span></i><p></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-66737848103687957222022-12-24T19:50:00.001+05:302022-12-24T19:50:54.257+05:30Valara Waterfalls!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWF5ymsXs8TWgmYEc-0-wkD-2FZmUOEu1AKqKahqAujtZvMllKbyuyZBzPSO-tghh19X54SMvm9sNF9UMHdfyECcKsk8_gE6E7M0bXM2LXPoZaO9R2eOXEwRRAw4Nka2HhYpMn088yesarVS_RsOI0JOHRlhkUETYjvw5WvKwfM_jOW3b3HnlXsfJ-/s4032/Valara%20Waterfalls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWF5ymsXs8TWgmYEc-0-wkD-2FZmUOEu1AKqKahqAujtZvMllKbyuyZBzPSO-tghh19X54SMvm9sNF9UMHdfyECcKsk8_gE6E7M0bXM2LXPoZaO9R2eOXEwRRAw4Nka2HhYpMn088yesarVS_RsOI0JOHRlhkUETYjvw5WvKwfM_jOW3b3HnlXsfJ-/w640-h480/Valara%20Waterfalls.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Valara Waterfalls, Kochi - Munnar Highway. August 2022.</span></i></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-45443891884167427472022-11-30T22:27:00.000+05:302022-11-30T22:27:04.908+05:30Suvarnavathy Dam- Surreal and Secluded<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwWGQzQzUfsBWL9TOZgpMy8l5Bc_ao7aXVuXPGgK6Nm5t9j7KzL-HsRN-ezmFjwALY5XS_E9d0aHguQk0v_mL5V_rKpZymCwC0LuC1F_Gb0yFEdsJ-TlWOxygipgoa-mE7gkzCSIa2MTD-UEa541-pAC1sxmYtIM6fP9whM2KkFjQRo04SXFqxrtV/s3942/IMG_0799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2956" data-original-width="3942" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwWGQzQzUfsBWL9TOZgpMy8l5Bc_ao7aXVuXPGgK6Nm5t9j7KzL-HsRN-ezmFjwALY5XS_E9d0aHguQk0v_mL5V_rKpZymCwC0LuC1F_Gb0yFEdsJ-TlWOxygipgoa-mE7gkzCSIa2MTD-UEa541-pAC1sxmYtIM6fP9whM2KkFjQRo04SXFqxrtV/w640-h480/IMG_0799.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Engulfed by lush greenery and silhouettes of hills, Suvarnavathy Dam lies secluded away from the touristy maps. An ideal place to spend some moments of solitude, this sprawling reservoir in Chamarajanagar district is also home to a few species of birds. Take a stroll along the pathway and capture some wonderful landscape frames.</span></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85Cvxx2c80pPBYn7xjl9jDPaP33Cl1BiyXabh6c8y-CuaUVRZoIFfeUGzNNmgU90rpMTrKivFKpMMDj60DYEdpMBuv8Sq-5vCQLloy7lqXj_i7mVyyXcfFXM-JwMyQn8Br6xSlHdHG3kNy4lfrr5VpY1ZnXDl61FaI7pXB6VWiogvC5uXH9mvlNNZ/s4032/IMG_0796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85Cvxx2c80pPBYn7xjl9jDPaP33Cl1BiyXabh6c8y-CuaUVRZoIFfeUGzNNmgU90rpMTrKivFKpMMDj60DYEdpMBuv8Sq-5vCQLloy7lqXj_i7mVyyXcfFXM-JwMyQn8Br6xSlHdHG3kNy4lfrr5VpY1ZnXDl61FaI7pXB6VWiogvC5uXH9mvlNNZ/w640-h480/IMG_0796.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2RZ2TJipBta12k-vfaWshUijCkQ9Kzk4nEoiUS958QgYAdEp6Aj6iHON5QNoZHFHC96WQJ6AdEWaLK23kQNcJdLt2otMDjIN8flC2S0TCY6q6aoV_8lqAKwRQor2q4ZcjfARXgINATcDr3PMIuYiRbKE_B0ey4cApZT0mF5iyoZ4xlYWPcwzO0gw/s4032/IMG_0765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2RZ2TJipBta12k-vfaWshUijCkQ9Kzk4nEoiUS958QgYAdEp6Aj6iHON5QNoZHFHC96WQJ6AdEWaLK23kQNcJdLt2otMDjIN8flC2S0TCY6q6aoV_8lqAKwRQor2q4ZcjfARXgINATcDr3PMIuYiRbKE_B0ey4cApZT0mF5iyoZ4xlYWPcwzO0gw/w640-h480/IMG_0765.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dLyO5Qx4Bbp-rx3Q55Wb54pKulI44qoSVI6d2BMCNLBT52MzNJ9YA8WkDJ7Ffwr6YMoWMSP2YzWD2rv0fGpMxZ2P9QEQLlDWPoZvOXsL_p-FW8pXjA4lSBmg8DaNqwhGja37TYE9xtZLhK-xwUL0iGxITJvl-JTZbUjmgz2ALKAUKrG36dYylnMj/s3983/IMG_0772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2987" data-original-width="3983" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dLyO5Qx4Bbp-rx3Q55Wb54pKulI44qoSVI6d2BMCNLBT52MzNJ9YA8WkDJ7Ffwr6YMoWMSP2YzWD2rv0fGpMxZ2P9QEQLlDWPoZvOXsL_p-FW8pXjA4lSBmg8DaNqwhGja37TYE9xtZLhK-xwUL0iGxITJvl-JTZbUjmgz2ALKAUKrG36dYylnMj/w640-h480/IMG_0772.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39PyF963V8-33CtAZW13BNq4acJSXhewO0FJyjO_75BeH-i-MKFo5DEQlZVEY2PTVQe7pcWX3zyhBfMCDXuXQ6eySmLS159hMpwBm4cWYFPD1hfdr_0nuRF6XLXbGu3GCRWj4LPSKSIJs3ERJeCHysSZ1xnj_nbhFoLXnM4ty-tvCbBnzfrtlxbAj/s4032/IMG_0789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39PyF963V8-33CtAZW13BNq4acJSXhewO0FJyjO_75BeH-i-MKFo5DEQlZVEY2PTVQe7pcWX3zyhBfMCDXuXQ6eySmLS159hMpwBm4cWYFPD1hfdr_0nuRF6XLXbGu3GCRWj4LPSKSIJs3ERJeCHysSZ1xnj_nbhFoLXnM4ty-tvCbBnzfrtlxbAj/w640-h480/IMG_0789.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-6049429098496043062022-10-07T10:46:00.001+05:302022-10-07T10:46:39.917+05:30Beaches of Vadanappally<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nlhV855ixzkkON8oliFfsi0t694WjEaVGn4Hg3abLIhLpJGScOrSi23jBtOuuQi8jZA9_AmoYyQAqRynUv3vcmdEgI1isfhCO9TLiUjZ2oPHBSjuTHsfwqB1JanWO_ov0lNLIXmDG9KJdPQvRA_fsh-EStM0GJeBhT6qmzUFNGrvrLBmnSgyrx93/s3802/IMG_3660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2851" data-original-width="3802" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nlhV855ixzkkON8oliFfsi0t694WjEaVGn4Hg3abLIhLpJGScOrSi23jBtOuuQi8jZA9_AmoYyQAqRynUv3vcmdEgI1isfhCO9TLiUjZ2oPHBSjuTHsfwqB1JanWO_ov0lNLIXmDG9KJdPQvRA_fsh-EStM0GJeBhT6qmzUFNGrvrLBmnSgyrx93/w640-h480/IMG_3660.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>A cycle passed by as we stopped the car and gazed at the
beautifully aligned coconut trees, while the sound of waves crashing echoed
in the background. The well laid out road meandered its way between the beaches and lush greenery on either sides. No crowds, no instagrammers, no
hawkers, and we had the secluded beaches and greenery to ourselves.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmp8AYh9mBD4TgjDmLFtiKZrwAuzZJWyUpH25xEvxSLRfrChB0qVkndZWzAJJ6_BkpUyDRvORFAwMPtObJOcq_VlDcmSZI4nG5wQEr674xDz9-x-Eu3TVHU1wFEcwU4OFI8RhDB4encYzlCmhUZuoBJv1LL08M4IfSi2DjLz7mjzM7AwHd8YYeOAop/s4032/IMG_3569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmp8AYh9mBD4TgjDmLFtiKZrwAuzZJWyUpH25xEvxSLRfrChB0qVkndZWzAJJ6_BkpUyDRvORFAwMPtObJOcq_VlDcmSZI4nG5wQEr674xDz9-x-Eu3TVHU1wFEcwU4OFI8RhDB4encYzlCmhUZuoBJv1LL08M4IfSi2DjLz7mjzM7AwHd8YYeOAop/w640-h480/IMG_3569.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>We were in Vadanappally in Kerala, and there's a line of
beaches next to each other which you can visit as you drive along the parallel
road, which is lined with coconut trees and houses. While Kerala is home to some
of the popular beaches in Varkala and Kovalam, there are
many others, like the ones near Vadanappally in Thrissur district, which
remains fairly unexplored. They also reminded me of the pretty and secluded beaches of </i></span><i> <a href="https://www.talesofanomad.com/2017/02/kannur-theyyam-land-where-beaches-galore.html" target="_blank">Kannur</a>.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NWvcIl_tTWbOd2IJY5c5ZeeKp4J-N49xV8Kx0Ww4cBwusZb5cTdPHuQhclNOM3iH5hLNdQ-n9LPGBr21a1GNGpzIF9sYrn9NH-PafoPy3FuHJOAsflKWG5HVUw5G_ehWQHjHg5T3xRdFhicJV9nqzL4hSVuGXGQD_REKWeHuGJanzciNQGHbHcfW/s3953/IMG_3556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2965" data-original-width="3953" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NWvcIl_tTWbOd2IJY5c5ZeeKp4J-N49xV8Kx0Ww4cBwusZb5cTdPHuQhclNOM3iH5hLNdQ-n9LPGBr21a1GNGpzIF9sYrn9NH-PafoPy3FuHJOAsflKWG5HVUw5G_ehWQHjHg5T3xRdFhicJV9nqzL4hSVuGXGQD_REKWeHuGJanzciNQGHbHcfW/w640-h480/IMG_3556.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4ScVrEFH3eTUnS5Aj9Gk7siTvwu6GjEE60DgJKZ9zBWGgRos2VLMbOXHAFXbOnkdh-tq7R8PfimesurBTJa6F-SOh-Mzf1IXXU2FTbzcH7Tws4ImBE64ZirQKjv8Iq9Mii85TsNw2D_ZBWAM1HZ2kW58nXG6tm6fk8eeSnpgff1pICq0uYOa35Et/s4032/IMG_3763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4ScVrEFH3eTUnS5Aj9Gk7siTvwu6GjEE60DgJKZ9zBWGgRos2VLMbOXHAFXbOnkdh-tq7R8PfimesurBTJa6F-SOh-Mzf1IXXU2FTbzcH7Tws4ImBE64ZirQKjv8Iq9Mii85TsNw2D_ZBWAM1HZ2kW58nXG6tm6fk8eeSnpgff1pICq0uYOa35Et/w640-h480/IMG_3763.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><i><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>A deviation at Thalikulam ahead of Thriprayar on NH-66, took
me through narrow roads and past typical Kerala houses painted in bright
colours to Snehatheeram Beach. This is one of the beautified beaches here with
a small park and a couple of shops. There were a few local boys who were enjoying
their camaraderie as we walked in. It was a cloudy day, the sun was missing, and I strolled
around the sandy beach soaking in the salty air wafting around, while strong
waves thrashed onto the shore. We walked further to the right and was greeted by
numerous black stones piled up as a bund. Hardly a soul in place, we had the
whole beach to ourselves. What a way to start the day, I thought to myself.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXchR8gYlXVmrZp19NpELoUxdoDpBTS474c36plIYhsc5gQ7ZKa6tJbh43kXiArais-73I6iUFUAyuo8Wrsz-oXuKLtHUekoAQpA2rO90JgtTLksFhKCSADeX29xRfukB-tOpjqnSlq2-LxiMiLL-TpEkfja8rLkMUSy3aZ0eW_I1HfbYSrY2nYqvZ/s4032/IMG_3622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXchR8gYlXVmrZp19NpELoUxdoDpBTS474c36plIYhsc5gQ7ZKa6tJbh43kXiArais-73I6iUFUAyuo8Wrsz-oXuKLtHUekoAQpA2rO90JgtTLksFhKCSADeX29xRfukB-tOpjqnSlq2-LxiMiLL-TpEkfja8rLkMUSy3aZ0eW_I1HfbYSrY2nYqvZ/w640-h480/IMG_3622.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVLBapl2hQmlglYfi8lPzN8gAPAaofq1m9qpr5f8o0Ahqy6dA9C1I3YIJB-DSgW9EwzEyiOq6RtvU3HfzUZRiyl9KIkhlfSBnaoZNmTBrVVyl6iKcOl9CI4TFOS7oVmxSDNjLZugiK3FBiDI63uloe9jwPRrtMzX4lVCAFiZTlWTbdtA7aqzL4_vU/s4032/IMG_3599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVLBapl2hQmlglYfi8lPzN8gAPAaofq1m9qpr5f8o0Ahqy6dA9C1I3YIJB-DSgW9EwzEyiOq6RtvU3HfzUZRiyl9KIkhlfSBnaoZNmTBrVVyl6iKcOl9CI4TFOS7oVmxSDNjLZugiK3FBiDI63uloe9jwPRrtMzX4lVCAFiZTlWTbdtA7aqzL4_vU/w640-h480/IMG_3599.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTexJG1gFqATRgS7YOvJRLeyHPlJD4NkKcKZtaqq-yKP8XN2OXRkeTBTAixfAy6LcD5bGfmwqhCpKenYChkfmjpKmcy9y9cwEaHFMQFolezu_uQa3fPpVZjqMXeRO1LvrS10jlZplTc2Ktj7_EbcjVXUdCV1uIGZtFKWKx4yjBiLDDKpCVh2xJC4K/s3829/IMG_3654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2872" data-original-width="3829" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTexJG1gFqATRgS7YOvJRLeyHPlJD4NkKcKZtaqq-yKP8XN2OXRkeTBTAixfAy6LcD5bGfmwqhCpKenYChkfmjpKmcy9y9cwEaHFMQFolezu_uQa3fPpVZjqMXeRO1LvrS10jlZplTc2Ktj7_EbcjVXUdCV1uIGZtFKWKx4yjBiLDDKpCVh2xJC4K/w640-h480/IMG_3654.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><i><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>The stretch from Snehatheeram to Vadanappally is lined with
four beaches, and we drove down through the narrow, but pretty road with
swaying coconut trees for constant company. We crossed a small bridge, and
stopped by to watch the backwaters joining the sea, which was a pretty sight. While that
was a beautiful frame, what left us in awe was the view on the other side of
the bridge where the canal with water was adorned with numerous slanting
coconut trees forming a spectacular frame. The picturesque place seemed like a
perfect picture-postcard, and we gazed at it in oblivion until a few visitors stopped
by. The mouth of the canal is along the beach called Thampankadavu,
where it disembarks its waters. Munching on some salt water dipped gooseberries
we walked up to the beach, which again was devoid of people, but lined with more coconut trees. A peaceful place
to watch the waves and spend some time in solitude.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIeyTn_o2iE2_z_W4VzyAAMuv6Ll80cVSeaxd4qTMieHEIWLktFNXftM9edGIv7WMWzL_0BQqdemX-N9vw8wLmB9nH2FmXxK1Vstfwcyn1ZziL81cbne1z1bbc4z4_8A0V_JWADP0PaSUaJMxmyiDZveTs8o0hzua9VBcUj2X8TRIDit5X6tC9OD8/s3930/IMG_3669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2947" data-original-width="3930" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIeyTn_o2iE2_z_W4VzyAAMuv6Ll80cVSeaxd4qTMieHEIWLktFNXftM9edGIv7WMWzL_0BQqdemX-N9vw8wLmB9nH2FmXxK1Vstfwcyn1ZziL81cbne1z1bbc4z4_8A0V_JWADP0PaSUaJMxmyiDZveTs8o0hzua9VBcUj2X8TRIDit5X6tC9OD8/w640-h480/IMG_3669.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcDl6Itt3E9lH9jrrglUkngSaglJZXiLUa0IC5zRP905nuojO2nsWqMW_M-aA2Uxpl-8C2TsejfQ3ny7orCEqNsjtUffhb5d6DiLN0yG4dpYAQrf1MfVzFILkLODawbmZsByT5JUbLKOAeV48RrYxZOSlFfWwfvoI4C62-fSXmBhgngRTBGP8_MIM/s3995/IMG_3673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2996" data-original-width="3995" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcDl6Itt3E9lH9jrrglUkngSaglJZXiLUa0IC5zRP905nuojO2nsWqMW_M-aA2Uxpl-8C2TsejfQ3ny7orCEqNsjtUffhb5d6DiLN0yG4dpYAQrf1MfVzFILkLODawbmZsByT5JUbLKOAeV48RrYxZOSlFfWwfvoI4C62-fSXmBhgngRTBGP8_MIM/w640-h480/IMG_3673.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLiYA6Rl8Wz21hN0zL-vhAV-bp3zGevnEN6xW4GfR4uLPbtx3aV7GVylDIG3ZwF1pyyL5o5bwWNYt-_uwME2-rBhdDyBHFB3aPatfb1JPyHcc772BExq0L97WmLrZQui0uLG4gpIjHXRezAYzjR4XZkKyOa7HldUv1V3dmL1g70R0FsE9dTscbdry/s4032/IMG_3694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLiYA6Rl8Wz21hN0zL-vhAV-bp3zGevnEN6xW4GfR4uLPbtx3aV7GVylDIG3ZwF1pyyL5o5bwWNYt-_uwME2-rBhdDyBHFB3aPatfb1JPyHcc772BExq0L97WmLrZQui0uLG4gpIjHXRezAYzjR4XZkKyOa7HldUv1V3dmL1g70R0FsE9dTscbdry/w640-h480/IMG_3694.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXk59nR6xY5HfyjGXAl1G3Qgq2pEdyPjCUZyDZFZf7yPZ1GJDvsXVEngK2rR1eu-IwnroHJ7e-F8cZ8f25YTOtqkgQ6DRGK4Ea1WYQ_KZgL1XC70Oyy1c4EFKY4PDnogi1UljWIbbG7_IaTZ3tLDtFI0m0CS_wTa5vxZ_pGxwFCpvrh1YS48w5RZR/s3755/IMG_3701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2816" data-original-width="3755" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXk59nR6xY5HfyjGXAl1G3Qgq2pEdyPjCUZyDZFZf7yPZ1GJDvsXVEngK2rR1eu-IwnroHJ7e-F8cZ8f25YTOtqkgQ6DRGK4Ea1WYQ_KZgL1XC70Oyy1c4EFKY4PDnogi1UljWIbbG7_IaTZ3tLDtFI0m0CS_wTa5vxZ_pGxwFCpvrh1YS48w5RZR/w640-h480/IMG_3701.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><i><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Further ahead we drove to Chilanka Beach, which had a few
fishermen unknotting their fishnets and a few dogs loitering around. Without
spending much time here, we drove further on the snaking road past a couple of
small settlements to Vadanappally Beach. This is one of the longest beaches
here, stretching more than half a kilometre. After parking the car, we strolled
down the beach, which looked quite hazy in the strong winds that blew. The
beach was empty, as far as my eyes could see. Not a soul in the vicinity, we chased the waves, listened to its thrashing
sound and relaxed here for a while soaking in the serenity of this place.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeEMpJDCbgQOiVG-EhFNUBhWQiC9Hvtcytl22w7c9uZRanPaH3axAW4bysMQaIZNjbqywHTtzHDu8CwIUZKtRHGZDI0rZrC2GxlniMini83DAGIUXv87iTrfliAOBHOSaAwVnG1leUxa9ATpUsHqaGfWty0nQLy5OG9lLiLQZuWdf-78_rTIZ8AaM/s4032/IMG_3791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeEMpJDCbgQOiVG-EhFNUBhWQiC9Hvtcytl22w7c9uZRanPaH3axAW4bysMQaIZNjbqywHTtzHDu8CwIUZKtRHGZDI0rZrC2GxlniMini83DAGIUXv87iTrfliAOBHOSaAwVnG1leUxa9ATpUsHqaGfWty0nQLy5OG9lLiLQZuWdf-78_rTIZ8AaM/w640-h480/IMG_3791.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnP1yz6GSZDoIuneFrKSAd8_ySkoLz2c6X1-vKDLab8qeWnjSotpiQL8BXR1o5iHCVK499ISTu5JtDYlnXeqo6tPqPZ_8m8RxJjlHhtRlXJ89kGNJ-bifajZoiBYwWPpMEB1NiehEdXQoQDe6-bTVXAnI_AOz1V_OQ6SlB8nmBbd-Ve9p5zW3-JW3d/s3901/IMG_3805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2926" data-original-width="3901" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnP1yz6GSZDoIuneFrKSAd8_ySkoLz2c6X1-vKDLab8qeWnjSotpiQL8BXR1o5iHCVK499ISTu5JtDYlnXeqo6tPqPZ_8m8RxJjlHhtRlXJ89kGNJ-bifajZoiBYwWPpMEB1NiehEdXQoQDe6-bTVXAnI_AOz1V_OQ6SlB8nmBbd-Ve9p5zW3-JW3d/w640-h480/IMG_3805.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMi3vtHtFvwkYgZuITFHSeWwfKLnAHjEuJz1f4O7WuawuO2WPQRC5pv49GT87i8JftaN7GNnk7Vr-aOng_pvxnmF6AWmRJdrCpGGMFpOGKNS2WFADil3KFE5e_8WU7Dd0VTz9MV9hbx8YwkvgRJ61_4dab2sDCou2_B3kHzQ35tT-0G2kDDqC-BMSp/s4032/IMG_3807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMi3vtHtFvwkYgZuITFHSeWwfKLnAHjEuJz1f4O7WuawuO2WPQRC5pv49GT87i8JftaN7GNnk7Vr-aOng_pvxnmF6AWmRJdrCpGGMFpOGKNS2WFADil3KFE5e_8WU7Dd0VTz9MV9hbx8YwkvgRJ61_4dab2sDCou2_B3kHzQ35tT-0G2kDDqC-BMSp/w640-h480/IMG_3807.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><i><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>The last beach that we wanted to visit was a little away. We had to get back on to the highway, and then take a deviation while maneuvering through narrow muddy roads past paddy fields and backwaters to get to it. Google
maps showed a broken bridge with a view near to it, and that is what
caught my eye. Anugraha Beach and Ganeshamangalam Beach overlap each other, and
the locals call this beach by both the names. We had to stop the car after a while
and then walk to the beach. Passed by a large backwater, where we chatted
with the locals and saw a couple of them fishing. The road further ended at the
beach, which had a few abandoned houses, which were semi-submerged in the sand.
Seemed like the sea over the years had swallowed a part of the land and encroached
the houses. The headless coconut trees there may have quite a few stories to
tell of the encroachment. The waves here were the fiercest and lashed against
the stone-bund built by the locals. As the sun set, we walked away from the
beach, which again was devoid of any visitors, but this was probably because it
was abandoned by its people.</i></p></i><p></p></i><p></p></i><p></p></i><p></p></i></span><p></p></i></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>How to reach Vadanappally:<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>The closest airport is at Kochi, 62 km away, and the nearest
major railway station is at Thrissur, 20 km away. There are frequent buses from
Kochi and Thrissur to get you to Vadanappally. There are no public services between the beaches, and it would be ideal to come in your own vehicle.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Food and Accommodation:<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>There are a few stalls and a restaurant near Snehatheeram
Beach. The other beaches are devoid of any shops except a couple of push carts.
There are a few homestays near Snehatheeram and Thampankadavu beaches if you
would like to spend a couple of days here.</i></span><o:p></o:p></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-33381329473967399752022-09-15T11:16:00.001+05:302022-09-15T11:47:50.464+05:30Why Dubai should be on your list to visit during Diwali<p><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: justify;">There is no better
location to spend Diwali than Dubai with a </span><a href="https://www.akbartravels.com/holidays/international-tour-packages/dubai-tour-packages" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Dubai tour package</a><span style="text-align: justify;">, where there are exciting events, family-friendly
entertainment, and unforgettable gastronomic delights. With spectacular
fireworks displays and alluring promos, the city ushers in the Festival of
Lights, making it one of the largest and brightest ever!</span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">The beaches are not
the only places to visit in Dubai during Diwali. At the Bollywood Parks, you
may also take part in the celebrations with your family and friends. It is
among the greatest locations for a Bollywood-style Diwali celebration. By the
Waterfront Promenade at the Dubai Mall is another fantastic location where
people love to spend Diwali in Dubai. People find it fascinating to see the
beautiful artistic cruise on the sea.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Therefore, you
should not miss a chance to be a part of these unmissable treats if you are in
Dubai during Diwali with an <a href="https://www.akbartravels.com/holidays/international-tour-packages" target="_blank">international tour package</a>!</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">1. Dubai Creek for Fireworks</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Every Diwali
celebration in Dubai is illuminated with fireworks, which are also the only
ones that are legal in the city during this holiday. Thousands of people enjoy
a spectacular fireworks show with their loved ones.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">2. Bollywood Parks</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Numerous Bollywood
celebs appear in performances and numerous concerts are held here by well-known singers.
Some of the most popular Bollywood films are shown in the theater, and an
Indian street food festival is also held there.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">3. Al Seef festivities</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">The Diwali Mela at
Al Seef is the place to go if you want to experience Diwali in Dubai in the
same manner as it is celebrated in India. You may create vibrant rangolis and
get henna patterns applied on your hands. Al Seef also takes in a number of
Bollywood acts and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>concerts with lots of
music and dancing that you can enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">4. Waterfront Promenade at the Dubai Mall</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Witness an
exhibition of floating art on boats that use the water as a canvas to show off
a lovely image to its viewers.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">5. Witness The Burj Khalifa Diwali Light Show</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">There will never be
a more spectacular Diwali light show than the one on the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
The Burj Khalifa, the highest structure in the world, puts on a light show for
this event, which you can witness in Downtown Dubai.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">6. Enjoy Your Diwali Dinner In Patiala</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Patiala restaurant is named after the Indian city with the same name. A unique menu of mouthwatering
Diwali treats is available at this souk Al Bahar restaurant during their
ten-day Diwali celebration. Enjoy the authentic Indian flavor at the most
popular Indian event in a luxurious setting.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">7. Global Village</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">One of the greatest
sites to see fireworks in Dubai during Diwali is Global Village. Along with
fireworks, you may enjoy exotic and traditional cuisines, spectacular light
shows, live entertainment, and a few shopping opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">8. Masala Bazaa</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Enjoy a delectable
Diwali feast including a variety of India's best culinary creations. The menu
will include sweet sweets, chaats, and pani puri stations in addition to savory
starters, appetizers, soups, and main courses.</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">P.S.: This is a collaborative post.</span></i></span></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-27672807742945300022022-09-09T09:09:00.001+05:302022-09-09T09:23:01.843+05:30A Visit to the World's Largest Bird Sculpture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAFpwAmVbF7ZbsRWpsvtPpCkN29VpHSR2t3nHcX1epiYQqsW2F0ZeaJ3zC88fqGAqjsGEYwUFPwWwWOjuYPIaxR68qtfEdRXYPRwZHNJgNU-tDBBFva5WSlfiewh849IxRBPXxpvGwWxkjN5L8LrMPRZMLnC02Qj52fra2pA9V8L2pS_yhF-ZQ3Sw/s4032/IMG_1585.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAFpwAmVbF7ZbsRWpsvtPpCkN29VpHSR2t3nHcX1epiYQqsW2F0ZeaJ3zC88fqGAqjsGEYwUFPwWwWOjuYPIaxR68qtfEdRXYPRwZHNJgNU-tDBBFva5WSlfiewh849IxRBPXxpvGwWxkjN5L8LrMPRZMLnC02Qj52fra2pA9V8L2pS_yhF-ZQ3Sw/w640-h480/IMG_1585.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">It was a Sunday, and I wasn't
surprised to see the large crowd and the long queue to get on to the cable car
to view the largest bird sculpture in the world at Jatayu Earth’s Centre. I
was on my way back from <a href="https://www.talesofanomad.com/2022/08/ponmudi-and-meenmutty-waterfalls-tryst-with-nature.html" target="_blank">Ponmudi</a>, and stopped by at Chadayamangalam, where the
hillock housing the sculpture stood tall rising above the small town. Silhouette of the head, claws and beak of the bird’s
sculpture could be seen from the road.</span></i></div><div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Opened in 2018, this sculpture spanning
over 15,000 sq.ft., was curated by Rajeev Anchal, and comes under the
Build-Operate-Transfer model (BOT model) of tourism of Kerala state. Sprawling
over 65 acres, and over four hills, it stands tall at a height of more than 350
metres. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Jatayu, which is a mythological bird
from the epic, Ramayana, is believed to have fallen on this hillock, after its valiant
fight with Ravana. The hillock has been referred to as Jatayu Paara (Paara meaning 'rock' in Malayalam) by the
locals for the same reason. However, I have heard this story of Jatayu at a few
other places a s well, with <a href="https://www.talesofanomad.com/2016/05/lepakshi-testimony-to-vijayanagara.html" target="_blank">Lepakshi</a> being the most popular one. The story may
or may not be convincing enough, but the art work on display is absolutely
spellbinding. </span></i><o:p></o:p></p>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzCVkEQ5IKa8DYQCrX-E0CZUokB2K3rKkfJqedrmoMnud1pf4bbtJ8E1sPlx1PghyoJEK2yKvY9_tHPDAUKyIwYoCylH3dUa_ZXyff-SHG4rLAFyi0ueCI3fc2hCLOHRNAcLjIaAIkCCzFRx1xlGEROCuMuds8uPZ7nWswxZeXtmePjQ3JvJuCZb7/s4032/IMG_1527.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzCVkEQ5IKa8DYQCrX-E0CZUokB2K3rKkfJqedrmoMnud1pf4bbtJ8E1sPlx1PghyoJEK2yKvY9_tHPDAUKyIwYoCylH3dUa_ZXyff-SHG4rLAFyi0ueCI3fc2hCLOHRNAcLjIaAIkCCzFRx1xlGEROCuMuds8uPZ7nWswxZeXtmePjQ3JvJuCZb7/w640-h480/IMG_1527.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sn3qn24TUS701SZQP018Pj4GOdLGQyFBEhggzzyD3iEiWmVm1EunUyHMVeuO4Ht2o3VLzx0Doh_kBR9qg-upB4avJ_BXa4eWzpqFLToEb8HjJvke6yR8m4QoXAd7KEZnpL0QABewNmgKQOzv_ZM7U-iJRCG-uF-wfvuDZ2nl_ypTfh1oIYfUJ1gy/s4032/IMG_1533.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2944" data-original-width="4032" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sn3qn24TUS701SZQP018Pj4GOdLGQyFBEhggzzyD3iEiWmVm1EunUyHMVeuO4Ht2o3VLzx0Doh_kBR9qg-upB4avJ_BXa4eWzpqFLToEb8HjJvke6yR8m4QoXAd7KEZnpL0QABewNmgKQOzv_ZM7U-iJRCG-uF-wfvuDZ2nl_ypTfh1oIYfUJ1gy/w640-h468/IMG_1533.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLUoFfIqHYWzNb6ZNEkYsnodsPtZGvjPpex_J0GiNlZo_Lamr9YJknIxBuIXcINtlSKQQveiy9Rxycmi6vU_GetaGk6YCwVc8ykFzHWtjcWYO9oI0IhJ1XmZOmNWynN3Nr0ukfNugA9eQ2MmXI2YZ3Eouv6X7oFI9C_Mg5Qr7JIEAh-Zr7knESCdX/s4032/IMG_1540.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLUoFfIqHYWzNb6ZNEkYsnodsPtZGvjPpex_J0GiNlZo_Lamr9YJknIxBuIXcINtlSKQQveiy9Rxycmi6vU_GetaGk6YCwVc8ykFzHWtjcWYO9oI0IhJ1XmZOmNWynN3Nr0ukfNugA9eQ2MmXI2YZ3Eouv6X7oFI9C_Mg5Qr7JIEAh-Zr7knESCdX/w640-h480/IMG_1540.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">We waited for a good one hour in the queue for the cable car. The waiting area is well equipped with shops selling short eats and beverages. Boarded the cable car and we were on our way up, with the panoramic views of surrounding greenery and towns on offer. As we neared the hilltop, the sculpture showed up. With a length of 200 feet, height of 70 feet and width of 150 feet, this is a massive sculpture with the wings, head, claws and every other part beautifully sculpted. Apart from the claws, which are made of steel, the remaining sculpture is made out of concrete. We walked around soaking in the joy of seeing such an enormous and stunning creation of art work. The aerial views of the surroundings were a delight to watch and my eyes were constantly jostling between nature's display and the man made wonder.</span></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKEqndU9D9vl850FmeiHzlik61xZc8d-PPHo7C8ntYOIMwlR41S_V8ymdnhDB3c4TILr4VuazlXpOW78VEX0i4FT9MFIXZU4DV0JTfdeST9SoTI_frx-32JcXalfrQA9cGcsvudTD8HLglBxlRGp-H1Ip1CkE7giS0LLb3pjpsOK2MI_DHcbllKZR/s4032/IMG_1525.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKEqndU9D9vl850FmeiHzlik61xZc8d-PPHo7C8ntYOIMwlR41S_V8ymdnhDB3c4TILr4VuazlXpOW78VEX0i4FT9MFIXZU4DV0JTfdeST9SoTI_frx-32JcXalfrQA9cGcsvudTD8HLglBxlRGp-H1Ip1CkE7giS0LLb3pjpsOK2MI_DHcbllKZR/w640-h480/IMG_1525.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hF5V8gpu1QyEBXPswqHx9qk1-d4rKA7dwCbHdCZkufzRs_VmOWhVtDX3muR3pZ7oBKbChPrASjermNMN_2uFqM4Dc5sQNAu3x-79UW7_4qqH_QpUITJnerFVhiuI0MVFD_IDZQVFpIrD4_Msw52NxDJn77SsRZVeTndK1NlfA3KswcYNs6UeS2XE/s4032/IMG_1591.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hF5V8gpu1QyEBXPswqHx9qk1-d4rKA7dwCbHdCZkufzRs_VmOWhVtDX3muR3pZ7oBKbChPrASjermNMN_2uFqM4Dc5sQNAu3x-79UW7_4qqH_QpUITJnerFVhiuI0MVFD_IDZQVFpIrD4_Msw52NxDJn77SsRZVeTndK1NlfA3KswcYNs6UeS2XE/w640-h480/IMG_1591.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>The hilltop also houses a museum, cafeteria and a temple. On the way back to the waiting lounge, you can experience a 6D theatre and a gaming zone for kids. The premise also has a host of adventure activities such as zipline, paintball, Burma bridges, bouldering among others. Jatayu Earth’s Centre is open from 10 A.M. to 5.30 P.M. For those not keen on taking the cable car, you can go up a natural trail with a flight of steps leading you to the top. Helicopter services too are on offer if you would like to save time. There are separate charges for cable car ride, sculpture visit, adventure games etc.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>How to reach Jatayu Earth’s Centre:<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Thiruvananthapuram is the major city close by, 47 km away, and has the nearest airport and railway station. Though not frequent, there are buses from Kollam (38 km) and Thiruvananthapuram to Chadayamangalam, where the Jatayu Earth’s Centre is located.</i></span></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-18462420892521825832022-08-24T09:22:00.004+05:302022-08-28T10:14:20.627+05:30 Ponmudi and Meenmutty Waterfalls: A Tryst with Nature<p style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtEszS2Tu8NdzRWffEyPA6SIgGy6tIT4CJp0nnoh-PovJ44-hYZAPkyboj6LIdSXuvf8ztoKVQ5ut4ENDTplO7Kf5sFAXP1C11xwyIQPeXfNGGxndmJ8ShZVP93kr-n_jEjtz312Y0rRhxgLmIcY6IGUeYDxja_KQ4BBavZES-szVavsInpSrSn53/s4032/IMG_0951.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtEszS2Tu8NdzRWffEyPA6SIgGy6tIT4CJp0nnoh-PovJ44-hYZAPkyboj6LIdSXuvf8ztoKVQ5ut4ENDTplO7Kf5sFAXP1C11xwyIQPeXfNGGxndmJ8ShZVP93kr-n_jEjtz312Y0rRhxgLmIcY6IGUeYDxja_KQ4BBavZES-szVavsInpSrSn53/w640-h480/IMG_0951.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Whooshing wind greeted my face as I rolled down the window
pane to enjoy the spellbinding view of the lush greenery and distant
hills. The views were so captivating, that I stopped the car at multiple places
to either capture the frame, or to just enjoy what nature presented before me. The
sound of crickets, the winding narrow road, towering trees and the thin film of
mist that hovered, made the drive up to Ponmudi from Kallar a delightful
experience. </span><o:p></o:p></p></div></i><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Ponmudi, nestled at a height of more than 3600 feet is known for its salubrious climate and small tea
estates, and is a quick getaway for people residing in and around
Thiruvananthapuram. While there aren’t too many places to explore here, the views
from atop Ponmudi are an absolute delight.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih61puwu96w_yt-P-4rCyKE35jUDAJwTnJSM8gbBPOA3qtFc_X2F6tB3BLrEhxWYtjgeEVRZW_SqA6ZyP19lqefkprkyWUD2br6tZpnNdkW8z1nGSCBoBzSKqMmvx0fi4AtoKAX0K18yBaSiwxzcBIXT-_cwOhiEB6KHS8Dm_8efW0sGQwtKBBLOJY/s4032/IMG_1005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih61puwu96w_yt-P-4rCyKE35jUDAJwTnJSM8gbBPOA3qtFc_X2F6tB3BLrEhxWYtjgeEVRZW_SqA6ZyP19lqefkprkyWUD2br6tZpnNdkW8z1nGSCBoBzSKqMmvx0fi4AtoKAX0K18yBaSiwxzcBIXT-_cwOhiEB6KHS8Dm_8efW0sGQwtKBBLOJY/w640-h480/IMG_1005.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWpDbIfVFPRUwxybjAfgbNfRQ13f2dxr4HPSaTOaM6zEgtdZGHSJi9spSgrGxT8wVKgOvJ6x1BMbqUbE8jnRo3UEwrbFMmTu_ppzsBQI-dQC_3zo4hNpzaC96mI1jMbMUEH8jKqBeQYYEgcbu9VgGgJDCi_quQihe3p8AX8cX6spt6pjNuEC-gldp/s4032/IMG_1024.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWpDbIfVFPRUwxybjAfgbNfRQ13f2dxr4HPSaTOaM6zEgtdZGHSJi9spSgrGxT8wVKgOvJ6x1BMbqUbE8jnRo3UEwrbFMmTu_ppzsBQI-dQC_3zo4hNpzaC96mI1jMbMUEH8jKqBeQYYEgcbu9VgGgJDCi_quQihe3p8AX8cX6spt6pjNuEC-gldp/w640-h480/IMG_1024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZZbTFr9fWAB1PrIb71TrLTwMEK8uvnHNzIg_Getsb6v2uuYYo4D-XIlDvA0WsY2W3msV_BG4SpO8GkStTxMH-OM9O6KfIklwK3rcj8tmND3csGH7V6jYDNIagWor-qpsCRgydPuLJ3xabYhUhHzITC7sxl7HJk1hdysVHmw5MeCBiizae7WRo_ru/s4032/IMG_1028.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZZbTFr9fWAB1PrIb71TrLTwMEK8uvnHNzIg_Getsb6v2uuYYo4D-XIlDvA0WsY2W3msV_BG4SpO8GkStTxMH-OM9O6KfIklwK3rcj8tmND3csGH7V6jYDNIagWor-qpsCRgydPuLJ3xabYhUhHzITC7sxl7HJk1hdysVHmw5MeCBiizae7WRo_ru/w640-h480/IMG_1028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></i><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">After meandering our way up, we had our first stop at Down
Hill Viewpoint. Two trees outgrown from a rock creates a beautiful frame here,
with undulating hills and deep valleys in the backdrop. While it looked like a
large bonsai tree with a thick trunk and bushy leaves from a distance, it was
only when we went near, that the rock made itself clearly visible. The road goes
further down winding its way past small settlements and a school, before
disappearing into the forests. Taking in the breath-taking views, we strolled
around for a while before heading up further.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zH_Fbf2BsYYnkz5zxwTxUWWgtQI7tF0ep11UfbAEF5ntEcQlSjabTm2nMiekEUOH7M8l05Q0W8k1jjChIjxANxs1Ra4BBBmc8EXONOMTLjbzsO26hL79uFT22ziN3ObVIXb1qFuXqMILHHcoX8NIZ7eUt6-mlJ_diDmQQaLSrQFa0MChM19_3x91/s4032/IMG_1069.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zH_Fbf2BsYYnkz5zxwTxUWWgtQI7tF0ep11UfbAEF5ntEcQlSjabTm2nMiekEUOH7M8l05Q0W8k1jjChIjxANxs1Ra4BBBmc8EXONOMTLjbzsO26hL79uFT22ziN3ObVIXb1qFuXqMILHHcoX8NIZ7eUt6-mlJ_diDmQQaLSrQFa0MChM19_3x91/w640-h480/IMG_1069.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuSSqzmqd7TAGvQz8nKkWuDRDHQticRWPgNP5oRhH5wT3nLNnf_g1z5zPsjljkInHFdlDKhOTtN7wLCoyL2WHAa-eWq0B0fTV7z89PJ4c2sMcFpSxcQ678oQD5NnCeu64syrrnKeDacWuFf0Tc0XXobA2uILuf6w95TXUUm_y79VcoHv-wKmObaq9/s4032/IMG_1074.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuSSqzmqd7TAGvQz8nKkWuDRDHQticRWPgNP5oRhH5wT3nLNnf_g1z5zPsjljkInHFdlDKhOTtN7wLCoyL2WHAa-eWq0B0fTV7z89PJ4c2sMcFpSxcQ678oQD5NnCeu64syrrnKeDacWuFf0Tc0XXobA2uILuf6w95TXUUm_y79VcoHv-wKmObaq9/w640-h480/IMG_1074.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0oDfp_dqOcxEhrOxCFvpQ-5gXLOXCmkyfcYpUr7x_pSEOibaJpa01eD2xiie1VKcPlFVqnlShpSBhSUWkg1cDk9Hna94SaS-jjDA-QLf7f3hGliZdJKrozJCwmv9GnDIH0wJRT0RCvcSmwy1ov2K-Cjhz3cF643j8R7cKTMZe1Gu0hcwoCRy_BwH/s4032/IMG_1130.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0oDfp_dqOcxEhrOxCFvpQ-5gXLOXCmkyfcYpUr7x_pSEOibaJpa01eD2xiie1VKcPlFVqnlShpSBhSUWkg1cDk9Hna94SaS-jjDA-QLf7f3hGliZdJKrozJCwmv9GnDIH0wJRT0RCvcSmwy1ov2K-Cjhz3cF643j8R7cKTMZe1Gu0hcwoCRy_BwH/w640-h480/IMG_1130.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Xi30RYCsiXzJAnthcKWdPw6PWI-av1V1Ln7H2Qzss5_CxQKIpfDuFWgDL10SGsD-aOyhfiqDwKRdQQaGi71JGNGaugEF8RuxPe1B-zOoNDrCzPhSaROvads_rYkGFGp0EIKgMSfGYk16i-1QpmBpt7vDP1usfFZCL18C9LOuhWI1E4tSMz3NeweX/s4032/IMG_1142.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Xi30RYCsiXzJAnthcKWdPw6PWI-av1V1Ln7H2Qzss5_CxQKIpfDuFWgDL10SGsD-aOyhfiqDwKRdQQaGi71JGNGaugEF8RuxPe1B-zOoNDrCzPhSaROvads_rYkGFGp0EIKgMSfGYk16i-1QpmBpt7vDP1usfFZCL18C9LOuhWI1E4tSMz3NeweX/w640-h480/IMG_1142.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBzYMIIcA7IhojuUOEOlSaqdq8EXC4Jy2vlQ25T1NtoHVDWcaYN5OfBfxlAbz0Bd_yxKhkRor-HJDkAoTok04fiokOawgZ_fPx1PlC-sfuX_e40ADkhgbMJpAAds1DT815ZUPGmjN5WnD0PSXvFlL1GkP3r0iDn0D6gG1FshSrQnGE8peDmZg8o7O/s4032/IMG_1149.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBzYMIIcA7IhojuUOEOlSaqdq8EXC4Jy2vlQ25T1NtoHVDWcaYN5OfBfxlAbz0Bd_yxKhkRor-HJDkAoTok04fiokOawgZ_fPx1PlC-sfuX_e40ADkhgbMJpAAds1DT815ZUPGmjN5WnD0PSXvFlL1GkP3r0iDn0D6gG1FshSrQnGE8peDmZg8o7O/w640-h480/IMG_1149.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></i><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">A forest check post welcomed us, as we neared Ponmudi
hilltop, which was quite crowded, being a weekend. Walked up the many trails
that lead up to numerous mounds, which offered spectacular panoramic views of
distant hills, valleys and lush greenery all around. Jutting rocks scattered
amidst the tall grasses and fluffy white clouds floating above made the frames prettier. A path led up to an
abandoned sanatorium, which probably was built during the rule of the British.
Walking down, I headed up another trail that led me to the watch tower, which
stood tall atop the highest mound here. A short climb, and I was greeted to
more panoramic vistas of the magnificent verdant surroundings.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VpBYs1iQkz0GH6AnyEk0gUauXf_v9X9lUtSqzv3CID0NXoNQuJoIrFvGgnzMUDIwVlMniJvazUCMoq3M87CAN-B9L2ENkcXJ5Gv-E2OzzrwgTikACrwWDYYiII4Y9HcGxKBkS0DtzoH_A6RAxv1QrVwoSVDHIs25qdvkdltn0mOkvci3BFMB2P0W/s4032/IMG_1183.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VpBYs1iQkz0GH6AnyEk0gUauXf_v9X9lUtSqzv3CID0NXoNQuJoIrFvGgnzMUDIwVlMniJvazUCMoq3M87CAN-B9L2ENkcXJ5Gv-E2OzzrwgTikACrwWDYYiII4Y9HcGxKBkS0DtzoH_A6RAxv1QrVwoSVDHIs25qdvkdltn0mOkvci3BFMB2P0W/w640-h480/IMG_1183.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6I9bd8uXXqP4LvzlceLbgrnsJ5uKbxX_DzzDlMay8TKDSYg0SnImqfLN3XuOzy24BsoOdzTkGOeCyd2IrNOWpRjtGR6MRCn5Iu8tSEMV13zMtu5h66jMmJ2nliIHrmGi5_hbUJ57ZH3usURSiOuTb4nbhePbNPRIaeCcd09fMGt_9xJjnYkyn7Mi-/s4032/IMG_1188.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6I9bd8uXXqP4LvzlceLbgrnsJ5uKbxX_DzzDlMay8TKDSYg0SnImqfLN3XuOzy24BsoOdzTkGOeCyd2IrNOWpRjtGR6MRCn5Iu8tSEMV13zMtu5h66jMmJ2nliIHrmGi5_hbUJ57ZH3usURSiOuTb4nbhePbNPRIaeCcd09fMGt_9xJjnYkyn7Mi-/w640-h480/IMG_1188.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></i><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">A wide swathe of rock jutting amidst the greenery and mounds
was my last climb. The mist had disappeared by then, but the breeze blew
stronger, filling my ears with its rumbling sound. However, I enjoyed my tryst
with nature, as the scenic setting and fresh air of Ponmudi ensured it was a
memorable one. As the sun set, the crowds thinned, darkness slowly engulfed the
hilltop, and it turned cold as we drove through the beautiful road back to
Kallar. Entry to Ponmudi is only from 8 AM to 4 PM</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lDL3FfrAKHwtAnEPaCbGjL01ORXzNUhvdp3LWvhTdaoZrPMQtbIitCrAWAUPoFEjRbGFLP6cnAsnInq0dcY0ZyPkA53zCHAPzqDYPaO7pUqSeFxD-fRhsTebFMFZc-0MQ2MH8jJsgEhj4yH4N40Jr3JdA79Cc9luKypXNe3jDuJ12gUkTqVR3IyS/s4032/IMG_1253.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lDL3FfrAKHwtAnEPaCbGjL01ORXzNUhvdp3LWvhTdaoZrPMQtbIitCrAWAUPoFEjRbGFLP6cnAsnInq0dcY0ZyPkA53zCHAPzqDYPaO7pUqSeFxD-fRhsTebFMFZc-0MQ2MH8jJsgEhj4yH4N40Jr3JdA79Cc9luKypXNe3jDuJ12gUkTqVR3IyS/w640-h480/IMG_1253.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Waking up the next morning to the calls of a peacock was
undoubtedly the best alarm clock that got me out of bed. The wonderful River
County Resort by the banks of the Kallar river was where we stayed. I made my
way through the lush green environs of the property to the banks of the river. The river bed
was laced with innumerable pebbles and the water levels were so low that I
could wade through them. As I perched myself on the pebbles, the only sound I
could hear was the gurgling of waters, which were intermittently interrupted by the
peacock calls.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_7Du0QO-3IXhnujPHg9lmGEPtGvN4xpT3vmIBM-QVdLgwzo6xqObvDcII0QCPUBb5pwbLjFc32dNLZjiQVDjBeW3ItX20dhIvcRX9FLLG0Tk4BiIRKCWUFiuSlEu3XQZxGUGUxy6Rt6D0I2sSjhSfi8naRYbOLDzuS8MaDREIpG5m5lgReZYVArC/s4032/IMG_1279.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_7Du0QO-3IXhnujPHg9lmGEPtGvN4xpT3vmIBM-QVdLgwzo6xqObvDcII0QCPUBb5pwbLjFc32dNLZjiQVDjBeW3ItX20dhIvcRX9FLLG0Tk4BiIRKCWUFiuSlEu3XQZxGUGUxy6Rt6D0I2sSjhSfi8naRYbOLDzuS8MaDREIpG5m5lgReZYVArC/w640-h480/IMG_1279.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">After breakfast we drove to Meenmutty Waterfalls, formed by
the Kallar river as it cascades over rocks inside a forest. The locals say that the waterfalls
got its name as fishes could not swim beyond this point due to the presence of
rocks. The 2 km long trail through the forest with the river for constant company
was a delightful experience. While there are forest guards assigned at
intermittent junctions, most part of the trail was devoid of human presence.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5tAJTXGHRaXbQaBXET7_bRHECi2Jts3un2FQUA_ZGXSk7_ShVTifjSRzlZZyoWlQdDUYOiIAn5FCtDv6chNWur7ZnO0Am-SQIYRMQbbbKWVUtzeFxL5KKhesjbFiP9f3c2kK6uvs1NXIwnAUOGDhm4Co__SvlIWMDbO3j2dO6sRATnT5wl8S4sa8/s4032/IMG_1300.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5tAJTXGHRaXbQaBXET7_bRHECi2Jts3un2FQUA_ZGXSk7_ShVTifjSRzlZZyoWlQdDUYOiIAn5FCtDv6chNWur7ZnO0Am-SQIYRMQbbbKWVUtzeFxL5KKhesjbFiP9f3c2kK6uvs1NXIwnAUOGDhm4Co__SvlIWMDbO3j2dO6sRATnT5wl8S4sa8/w640-h480/IMG_1300.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTDb3k9OXEBMVGHu2XYx4FQrQE0ZInH_NaCfNMfgFJDEGjq234ekunFjEJJc_4cf4Gsi3O2amHbfJ7sUrE-JUAu0Ih8CkOcOXiWf64wzxA_w9-iVbnleN10sUj-DsHPwHwKcfxmJGRTGF0CCKZQFWmk2HUDYR9G_etqmAd1kxaJpakHdl31q6Uxyi/s4032/IMG_1359.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTDb3k9OXEBMVGHu2XYx4FQrQE0ZInH_NaCfNMfgFJDEGjq234ekunFjEJJc_4cf4Gsi3O2amHbfJ7sUrE-JUAu0Ih8CkOcOXiWf64wzxA_w9-iVbnleN10sUj-DsHPwHwKcfxmJGRTGF0CCKZQFWmk2HUDYR9G_etqmAd1kxaJpakHdl31q6Uxyi/w640-h480/IMG_1359.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixX8-ycvKD6sOndbIdmqKXQ4fPDYu0hcxmmZZQoriRhqO4d8d0l3_A6hsFi3BTyYIBfnogUEQ7xzVQBF4BgYrMj3ABsMb6c_aBh9EP7EYscee5KotwqaBEqQeqkPw_hVuYHTQv3nMXu079rwwUJrg3Dd8r2xIWbTo1j7g4Xn9CUPriPOEolF5JjIWN/s4032/IMG_1408.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixX8-ycvKD6sOndbIdmqKXQ4fPDYu0hcxmmZZQoriRhqO4d8d0l3_A6hsFi3BTyYIBfnogUEQ7xzVQBF4BgYrMj3ABsMb6c_aBh9EP7EYscee5KotwqaBEqQeqkPw_hVuYHTQv3nMXu079rwwUJrg3Dd8r2xIWbTo1j7g4Xn9CUPriPOEolF5JjIWN/w640-h480/IMG_1408.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsSRnxx1MSvlwP3En5MdlPIBlOg8l4mSzH1O_nPSR8r17jUXqQn5hp1d_jLFcFinpSx5xHB7JFp1OAr2ZJXwfnoGAULYOm3f2sSMqa2ml-N-KelRT0BPwDK1KOZUynNOxZaV4k5l8U8D8mbfILLj1EK9s7hVLh0P6kTjbw1Ec9Vhcj350a7b9e7GY/s4032/IMG_1411.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsSRnxx1MSvlwP3En5MdlPIBlOg8l4mSzH1O_nPSR8r17jUXqQn5hp1d_jLFcFinpSx5xHB7JFp1OAr2ZJXwfnoGAULYOm3f2sSMqa2ml-N-KelRT0BPwDK1KOZUynNOxZaV4k5l8U8D8mbfILLj1EK9s7hVLh0P6kTjbw1Ec9Vhcj350a7b9e7GY/w640-h480/IMG_1411.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></i><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">The initial stretch was a mostly plain, snaking its way past
tall trees, shrubs, fallen branches and tree trunks with mushrooms and ferns. A
couple of places where we could get into the waters too showed up. Tumbling
over small boulders, the Kallar river made its way gurgling through this
forest. The path made captivating frames in some stretches with trees
leaning into each other and forming a head cover. The tall trees, dense canopy,
and foliage, with the gurgling sound of the waters and sunlight percolating
through, gave us reminders that we were deep inside a forest. Roots of the trees in some places had naturally made steps, and dangling branches had formed
into swings, which made me wonder if that was a welcoming sign from nature to
explore her.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQ9pA2H2ds3ght82-pEbJP9RUoW_MjJksWnvz1oGJc3-rxctguMEuMK5YRLDN-v-35yyVSrnlGT1lGJbhX-Y5KSFOK_wNiCOjoXCg_nESOlf4uSChNWb6QuhR3YH6lBnVWIp7VfkCQyr1uZCC-urRIigpQkt6GdKDSWYqUreMzERbQVdI81NYpGKK/s4032/IMG_1418.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQ9pA2H2ds3ght82-pEbJP9RUoW_MjJksWnvz1oGJc3-rxctguMEuMK5YRLDN-v-35yyVSrnlGT1lGJbhX-Y5KSFOK_wNiCOjoXCg_nESOlf4uSChNWb6QuhR3YH6lBnVWIp7VfkCQyr1uZCC-urRIigpQkt6GdKDSWYqUreMzERbQVdI81NYpGKK/w640-h480/IMG_1418.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Gg5zPrHEBkIwqZN2DeJLCIus5X0Gwyd7ggihYLsfZzqHdkLrwMyrKRCE6b2DJkkeCEZ7CQvd0papyEnDxLsqNURLhBE2m6T6aCk5Y3nX5vpxSzL4Ji1xh3f7GCP0WUoYcpkXlXKNsQKX2UYU6evpPGHkxXseXzcUDC-5sbfNzjvvnyEMYgsl0YlT/s4032/IMG_1423.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Gg5zPrHEBkIwqZN2DeJLCIus5X0Gwyd7ggihYLsfZzqHdkLrwMyrKRCE6b2DJkkeCEZ7CQvd0papyEnDxLsqNURLhBE2m6T6aCk5Y3nX5vpxSzL4Ji1xh3f7GCP0WUoYcpkXlXKNsQKX2UYU6evpPGHkxXseXzcUDC-5sbfNzjvvnyEMYgsl0YlT/w640-h480/IMG_1423.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyULmEjRvfOK6Xxxny1_lgh3qzA4eqOnyw3x_addveLQJQBrzweZFYwR2zMMb3LXj0DK3G9xcvNe_zLx-wiijdM4wx7d_5GqR5evky6iVM_vBaV552RW63H3HCoZ2e7wG-gU84BO8ECH6H3CZNYJaoEFb-Oy_zS--adwbB1WHfONfmS4YbirDDpsR/s4032/IMG_1429.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyULmEjRvfOK6Xxxny1_lgh3qzA4eqOnyw3x_addveLQJQBrzweZFYwR2zMMb3LXj0DK3G9xcvNe_zLx-wiijdM4wx7d_5GqR5evky6iVM_vBaV552RW63H3HCoZ2e7wG-gU84BO8ECH6H3CZNYJaoEFb-Oy_zS--adwbB1WHfONfmS4YbirDDpsR/w640-h480/IMG_1429.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></i><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">We trudged forward and the gradient gradually turned steeper
taking us deeper into the belly of the forest. Beyond midway, an enormously
large boulder balancing itself on another one formed a beautiful cave like
structure, where we rested up, and chatted with the forest guard, who spoke
stories of animal attacks here long back. Shortly later, the river showed up
before us, and we had to cross it to get to the other bank to continue our
trek. Placing our steps precariously over small rocks that acted as a stone
bridge, we made our way across. </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRe-HTxuyyy3P7qsm3g_lRgKDs2kMCUVPYyj9FelcpjHCsvNowxf4pZ5dZ_b6wDP4i7eldEplpOkFKbPbBR2ZTWFRs6DHHj_37l7iWlGuB1LUqKmfl7c7OlVVm34lgeu9IfrQRbveladmE4iDcDvktrnercIeJWzsxPTUgCiBemn0AXJMF7oZFwLsY/s4032/IMG_1457.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRe-HTxuyyy3P7qsm3g_lRgKDs2kMCUVPYyj9FelcpjHCsvNowxf4pZ5dZ_b6wDP4i7eldEplpOkFKbPbBR2ZTWFRs6DHHj_37l7iWlGuB1LUqKmfl7c7OlVVm34lgeu9IfrQRbveladmE4iDcDvktrnercIeJWzsxPTUgCiBemn0AXJMF7oZFwLsY/w640-h480/IMG_1457.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9rBAwHn3Vz_HhzV2YLJGrBMLhu88-BaAoMx6UHw8ZzLAga9RJYCYI_XTQPCL1HrIIYt846qk8Bzg5Cnjjy-w4eO8cRJ9akybjYwLJTY1cqDoaN1GuisZ9--n4QgkY8_K8y5hLuzBpjUPeuEBoIwzCjA5SIR9K7ivxBUUagmmok1O3FScQD7R9P16/s4032/IMG_1485.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9rBAwHn3Vz_HhzV2YLJGrBMLhu88-BaAoMx6UHw8ZzLAga9RJYCYI_XTQPCL1HrIIYt846qk8Bzg5Cnjjy-w4eO8cRJ9akybjYwLJTY1cqDoaN1GuisZ9--n4QgkY8_K8y5hLuzBpjUPeuEBoIwzCjA5SIR9K7ivxBUUagmmok1O3FScQD7R9P16/w640-h480/IMG_1485.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">A short climb up, and we were gazing at
Meenmutty Waterfalls cascading over huge boulders and thrashing into the large
pool at the base, before making its way down through the forest. The
multi-tiered waterfalls with lush greenery and boulders in the backdrop made a
picturesque frame. We relaxed there for while, and chatted up with the forest guard, who was friendly enough to take our pictures.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">As we headed back from the waterfalls, I was happy that we
went all the way, despite being a slightly tough one for my parents, who seemed
more than enthusiastic to have completed the trek. Ponmudi is a delightful small hill station, ideal for a
weekend getaway, with charming viewpoints, captivating panoramic landscapes, and
the spectacular trek to Meenmutty Waterfalls.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">How to reach Ponmudi:</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Thiruvananthapuram, which has an airport and railway station
is the closest major city, 56 km away. There are buses plying between
Thiruvananthapuram and Ponmudi, but is not frequent. It is recommended to visit
Ponmudi in your own vehicle so that you can enjoy the forest drive. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Food and Accommodation:</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">There are quite a few resorts and homestays at Kallar, at
the base of Ponmudi Hill. Atop Ponmudi, there is a government owned resort. River
County Resort in Kallar is well recommended. There are numerous eateries at Kallar, and a
couple of them atop Ponmudi. </span></i><o:p></o:p></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-90524069063364138792022-07-20T08:58:00.000+05:302022-07-20T08:58:42.892+05:30Thally: The Little England in Tamil Nadu<p style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHf0ALEWwQyx88BXRhlFnxmDTZX6oSUzuUN22aMJPp04QWM9JA6a_3QYO7yDhJje9cZfc2KY8wOj2jZ1OSZlpghhIG64COO61yeATg5gAo2c3pC9w83fgj0oWrGqsUGdYEOuWiF7lYhNE79lZwZLIlldvPCH6TbC5USUY66v7vzHAq5MN86Ybiul1/s4032/IMG_2554.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHf0ALEWwQyx88BXRhlFnxmDTZX6oSUzuUN22aMJPp04QWM9JA6a_3QYO7yDhJje9cZfc2KY8wOj2jZ1OSZlpghhIG64COO61yeATg5gAo2c3pC9w83fgj0oWrGqsUGdYEOuWiF7lYhNE79lZwZLIlldvPCH6TbC5USUY66v7vzHAq5MN86Ybiul1/w640-h480/IMG_2554.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I lifted my visor, craned my neck and asked with a smile,
“Lake?”. The two old men who seemed to be happily chatting away looked up with
a confused expression on their face. When I said ‘Eri’ (Lake in Tamil), one of them walked up
with a smile. “Not Lake, it’s Little England”, he said, and pointed his hand
down the road to Thally Lake. I had read in many websites that Thally is
referred to as Little England, which I felt was coined by the so called
‘travel influencers’. But, surprisingly that wasn’t the case, as most locals too
refer to Thally as Little England, probably because of its serene setting with lakes and open farmlands.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYL9f0z7buDGJjVYZbx6OBuTjH6bSZdVA-adD1DtA8NTtckfuZzISIWboy_Hb15HdtjHxCfri4eVxxBHFt1XwRbZ8qVjb_9jsXRyy7WY7pbUOHq6FD37NA6STItiQovEGHPIbH6qac1mR8jKpfyzlxCN-T1Ux2kOjKxLzZ5fDZdJt5ky42v9ssH44w/s4032/IMG_E2531.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYL9f0z7buDGJjVYZbx6OBuTjH6bSZdVA-adD1DtA8NTtckfuZzISIWboy_Hb15HdtjHxCfri4eVxxBHFt1XwRbZ8qVjb_9jsXRyy7WY7pbUOHq6FD37NA6STItiQovEGHPIbH6qac1mR8jKpfyzlxCN-T1Ux2kOjKxLzZ5fDZdJt5ky42v9ssH44w/w640-h480/IMG_E2531.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">The ride beyond Hosur was a picturesque one with blue skies,
thick canopy formed by the lined-up trees, intermittent villages, sporadic farms
sprawling on either side of the meandering road, and the occasional livestock
that made me slow down.</span></i></p></span></i><p></p></span></i><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTW0rSO_hrQl5E-P1LEiEPpq3MgVZ7pxVefZ8in9lJzbwboZgiDFPVcsY700iX8Qk1BDak7eXFcITCeB9k8hs25Ecv1sLm-_oZV6Yf195PMkQogxO2sprjTmcayyUoeq0dAYxahq0yIp5vYfhClzmQetrP6oubjfk4zyoKSL3jDPeXJETSHwNKFxL/s4001/IMG_2536.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3001" data-original-width="4001" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTW0rSO_hrQl5E-P1LEiEPpq3MgVZ7pxVefZ8in9lJzbwboZgiDFPVcsY700iX8Qk1BDak7eXFcITCeB9k8hs25Ecv1sLm-_oZV6Yf195PMkQogxO2sprjTmcayyUoeq0dAYxahq0yIp5vYfhClzmQetrP6oubjfk4zyoKSL3jDPeXJETSHwNKFxL/w640-h480/IMG_2536.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Had the first glimpse of the expansive lake as I entered
Thally village, but it hardly looked like a village, with numerous
shops, pushcarts and vehicles. A narrow mud road from where the old man guided, led me to the lake. With lush greenery lounging along the fringes, the tranquil
lake was absolutely captivating. The quite surroundings were infiltrated by a
couple of men having a dip in the waters and laughter of a few boys enjoying
their camaraderie. The lone tree here with a stone platform is an ideal place to
gaze in oblivion at the placid lake. A while later, I took a stroll along the
shore of the lake, which led me into bushes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></p></span></i><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIvBTAhGb5eAQkeKcjW__ZtbQPw81Sn5q0GXv2WtImtKTPwVxeXkxl5yzfegJEbv7olvX0wxFiN-6BxzQM_GXiwlSSBqS-h-T_Ldfl6p2PIUKBtJFmbHYscGh50U7cRDuhjAvSYwrPj27KInBYHVjYMUQxLIQLBixEsdZV3udmDrly5PFC2Ef80ag/s4032/IMG_2556.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIvBTAhGb5eAQkeKcjW__ZtbQPw81Sn5q0GXv2WtImtKTPwVxeXkxl5yzfegJEbv7olvX0wxFiN-6BxzQM_GXiwlSSBqS-h-T_Ldfl6p2PIUKBtJFmbHYscGh50U7cRDuhjAvSYwrPj27KInBYHVjYMUQxLIQLBixEsdZV3udmDrly5PFC2Ef80ag/w640-h480/IMG_2556.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></i></div><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSldOt0trXzo_NKV3eg8Xps_lLtwTCKkgg56MX6bk5PLfeQJt-tn-9agVg9uCcAMx_Y7jmP-k89SLUActO_2mncLju28092T0wexHj18FpuxhQSPhliEpFZj9DwJZIzhQ1yYbPOyOVFzrGrmvDHZTC58Xo-HCseNEhZMJlMEKi0PXVuA2OrleTDGS4/s3947/IMG_2546.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2960" data-original-width="3947" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSldOt0trXzo_NKV3eg8Xps_lLtwTCKkgg56MX6bk5PLfeQJt-tn-9agVg9uCcAMx_Y7jmP-k89SLUActO_2mncLju28092T0wexHj18FpuxhQSPhliEpFZj9DwJZIzhQ1yYbPOyOVFzrGrmvDHZTC58Xo-HCseNEhZMJlMEKi0PXVuA2OrleTDGS4/w640-h480/IMG_2546.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdm5TnBlK_YrE5gydzm-seAIjhnn91jS0HQzlkWL-yYVvOIkvgsuFSwd4nYzhaB8a-BBf8VmtKEt99abOM_zSFinswRJ2fjSdaGA-nMPh8zPMkC3DOaE9fqFYqntBONDF-NyLlgCN1HavimeDQl4L9b5Q782w91rPlQ4DeszIe--a2aa09PztNpEM/s3971/IMG_2542.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2978" data-original-width="3971" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdm5TnBlK_YrE5gydzm-seAIjhnn91jS0HQzlkWL-yYVvOIkvgsuFSwd4nYzhaB8a-BBf8VmtKEt99abOM_zSFinswRJ2fjSdaGA-nMPh8zPMkC3DOaE9fqFYqntBONDF-NyLlgCN1HavimeDQl4L9b5Q782w91rPlQ4DeszIe--a2aa09PztNpEM/w640-h480/IMG_2542.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></span></i><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Shortly after that, I headed back to explore the opposite shore, which was
laced with open farmlands. Narrow muddy tracks led to the farmlands, where I
parked my bike and walked across. The spectacular sunset with a silver lining
caught my attention as I trudged forward, oblivious to the fact that I was
walking on a ploughed and uneven surface. Standing by the shore and gazing at the
setting sun that played peek-a-boo behind the clouds, I could hear people chattering
and walking towards me. Two local men who had come to check their farmland had
walked up to see a new visitor grazing their land. Warm and friendly, we spoke
about the dead fishes that had washed up the shore and about the next farming season. They also advised against visiting
Devarabetta Hill, which offers an aerial view of Thally Lake and surroundings.
It was quite late, and apparently the place is not safe after sunset.</span></i></p></span></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Taking in the final glimpses of the setting sun and the
placid lake, I walked back on the narrow path to my bike, and bade goodbye to
the two men and ‘Little England’. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">There isn't much to explore in Thally beyond the lake and the farmlands, but it definitely makes a wonderful day trip from Bangalore.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>How to reach Thally:</b></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Thally lake is 55 km from Bangalore, and the closest main town in
Hosur, 32 km away. Though are buses from Hosur to Thally, it is recommended to
take your private vehicle to visit the lake, as the buses are not frequent.</span></i></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-4513390938944445262022-07-12T10:35:00.000+05:302022-07-12T10:35:59.748+05:3013 Years of Tales of a Nomad!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnT1gPqYWRrIrYvrZNz8_xesvUnvvz0-GqxwTb1scGmC1X947mimMRHSImcx_zopyoAoZlvgKjVUdJT7VrEqY71MKfxDLvC0GF3HnHcl7QjvxlVSHyOLE80KsYytjSn9rQHtW5GnhK7kuSmHlcv2sJaJcFrEVa_w7qL37hgiT2mJhJHIYVuyn7taI/s4032/13%20Years%20TOAN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnT1gPqYWRrIrYvrZNz8_xesvUnvvz0-GqxwTb1scGmC1X947mimMRHSImcx_zopyoAoZlvgKjVUdJT7VrEqY71MKfxDLvC0GF3HnHcl7QjvxlVSHyOLE80KsYytjSn9rQHtW5GnhK7kuSmHlcv2sJaJcFrEVa_w7qL37hgiT2mJhJHIYVuyn7taI/w640-h480/13%20Years%20TOAN.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p> <br /><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">The last few months have been dull for Tales of a Nomad with hardly any posts published. However, there will be more posts published consistently in the coming months. Let me start that with this birthday post!</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>Thank you all for the continuous encouragement and readership over that last 13 years.</i></span></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-7227036974426139522022-04-04T08:11:00.000+05:302022-04-04T08:11:01.108+05:30As They Bloom!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjEZs5eOrFz6K8Vo_DLGxjzoBgT1q9FbXYlDQAe1OoZobtGHPxBMKt91OiudwTpNngN02wDOZmwz487Sq0rdOs_xZu3fUzGBb1RHJ12Qm4nsb0x9mks2B82Ko1g7bHQ7DjE4Ed755GCLAGM-cW5uMOrFKo8SCA_niIvZ4tDcB5E183rZo-bW37-dA/s4032/As%20they%20bloom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjEZs5eOrFz6K8Vo_DLGxjzoBgT1q9FbXYlDQAe1OoZobtGHPxBMKt91OiudwTpNngN02wDOZmwz487Sq0rdOs_xZu3fUzGBb1RHJ12Qm4nsb0x9mks2B82Ko1g7bHQ7DjE4Ed755GCLAGM-cW5uMOrFKo8SCA_niIvZ4tDcB5E183rZo-bW37-dA/w640-h480/As%20they%20bloom.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Manapattu Chira, Malayattoor, Kerala. February 2022.</span></i><p></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441777609106928347.post-27532665368584187542022-03-21T08:17:00.000+05:302022-03-21T08:17:14.413+05:30Illithode: A Secluded Getaway!<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1YBqWHBWGUpjQvCCQ8H1AVi1so1HGHxMr6qbpHMX-bgWUpi9vwkzBBLjYbx2YQL-tLMJsMs3IXVSEarHgDiJs9Kr42p7u8ewkDNLBlsrreHe6tDCInUihg4lS2mY3GcXxtRNxJZsDWVDgyCHgPcOwvqTplALhx_2MvKPpWsDKW2Dq8rIZ3FKIu0-H=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1YBqWHBWGUpjQvCCQ8H1AVi1so1HGHxMr6qbpHMX-bgWUpi9vwkzBBLjYbx2YQL-tLMJsMs3IXVSEarHgDiJs9Kr42p7u8ewkDNLBlsrreHe6tDCInUihg4lS2mY3GcXxtRNxJZsDWVDgyCHgPcOwvqTplALhx_2MvKPpWsDKW2Dq8rIZ3FKIu0-H=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">It got greener, denser and darker as I drove through the winding road to Illithode, an eco-tourism site along the banks of River Periyar, near Malayattoor in Ernakulam. I was reminded of Paniyeli Poru from the photos I found, and the diverging road that led me to the place.</span></i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtkInBxnVMYKWl-x-eJquM7dxxBwDFK3oScjOohub3iTl_2T9LCK4Iz2JInE46xxD0MRKV-fzSmhmzfkzidH2OE88p1GtbcDs7QaO7RibkWkude9HjWfjqLwz-qMqWBzSx-z83uTmWIH6THntljqJ6CXxXsy2AOk2oOOanKw08b7VS-ZluRm8zEzIk=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtkInBxnVMYKWl-x-eJquM7dxxBwDFK3oScjOohub3iTl_2T9LCK4Iz2JInE46xxD0MRKV-fzSmhmzfkzidH2OE88p1GtbcDs7QaO7RibkWkude9HjWfjqLwz-qMqWBzSx-z83uTmWIH6THntljqJ6CXxXsy2AOk2oOOanKw08b7VS-ZluRm8zEzIk=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></span></i></div><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjX4qcyW4RRDxAJwTYkBYz6UyY9ztyItD55oAaC2H1ZTCKH4wx6c9eZFDk2pNe71eTGy41cKg23Bra4eD2FlzWQJrQ71yhZ9hvs_EItmCrTttb-sAD1TtigMjP3WxPGzI4Da2Kip6kBlyAftGc8kP_RlPSCQtzzPOtA7sNXoVpbh3uuhAHUy8V01HbS=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjX4qcyW4RRDxAJwTYkBYz6UyY9ztyItD55oAaC2H1ZTCKH4wx6c9eZFDk2pNe71eTGy41cKg23Bra4eD2FlzWQJrQ71yhZ9hvs_EItmCrTttb-sAD1TtigMjP3WxPGzI4Da2Kip6kBlyAftGc8kP_RlPSCQtzzPOtA7sNXoVpbh3uuhAHUy8V01HbS=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div></span></i><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Bordering forest reserves, the Mahagony Thottam here is
resplendent with innumerable Mahagony trees intimidatingly staring down at you.
A short trail meandering through the tall trees with bird calls in the distance
made it a delightful walk <span style="text-align: left;">from the information counter</span>. Swirling branches, the sunlight filtering through
the canopy, fallen tree trunks and the rustling foliage made it seem like I was
deep inside a forest. The wind swishing once in a while, and the chattering of
the monkeys made it all the more engrossing, until the break of a laughter
among a few visitors behind brought me back to the moment. </span></i></p></span></i><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhz3rxFvOcKvDOVi8FBMBwU0bbu0yi4fSKysRg5qm1GRdd51bWQLZVI3jnw-rkHiL_buAktwL5bRDwVlc_-EAVeZNWWfpJC5zmtJ5BHINCVRguyScB6__jBwriqdieyUT4_lloJJlRm_jrJSTHrJj-rdWo3ihD7PfTYCdAj_cUuQ8Jxsgjq_n3Slov8=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhz3rxFvOcKvDOVi8FBMBwU0bbu0yi4fSKysRg5qm1GRdd51bWQLZVI3jnw-rkHiL_buAktwL5bRDwVlc_-EAVeZNWWfpJC5zmtJ5BHINCVRguyScB6__jBwriqdieyUT4_lloJJlRm_jrJSTHrJj-rdWo3ihD7PfTYCdAj_cUuQ8Jxsgjq_n3Slov8=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDSrCNlPkNPLXhr9_C2ck5g0trcfMhvaIqvJEjRGscIh7F5IjujPrwa25uWexxciMXQhAZWSyBdW2Tvu-khsUKPjpJU376R3Uqn54MzqKERToLW8JpxAp0_n8p17_udwCXQlSi6Hqd6rsPRbM6CjqMOZpq8taNFkcA_IP8ye1rxKZM0CTJ--wW1OwK=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDSrCNlPkNPLXhr9_C2ck5g0trcfMhvaIqvJEjRGscIh7F5IjujPrwa25uWexxciMXQhAZWSyBdW2Tvu-khsUKPjpJU376R3Uqn54MzqKERToLW8JpxAp0_n8p17_udwCXQlSi6Hqd6rsPRbM6CjqMOZpq8taNFkcA_IP8ye1rxKZM0CTJ--wW1OwK=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQ8lAeF_TUZ7KfkSzcut6HYDKN5psRP8mvHLIbOtNQXh8z8tZsjPSDkirlJsKzb1Dw4FZWjGAyWNzcrtvOL-yA2yjINXT3ku7LMnIjKCAiV6GO3v0ocxbP2RPqR4LSYGybcBD2yrSuAeilZvD7S4CT30JJNuGdn0Zmxnut9qh8E4k4zzohnIED2R9f=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQ8lAeF_TUZ7KfkSzcut6HYDKN5psRP8mvHLIbOtNQXh8z8tZsjPSDkirlJsKzb1Dw4FZWjGAyWNzcrtvOL-yA2yjINXT3ku7LMnIjKCAiV6GO3v0ocxbP2RPqR4LSYGybcBD2yrSuAeilZvD7S4CT30JJNuGdn0Zmxnut9qh8E4k4zzohnIED2R9f=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div></i><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Strolling further, while dodging past the trees, I could hear the
gurgling of waters as we neared a clearing. Soon, I was staring at the Periyar,
flowing relentlessly, and the water glittering like precious stones. Despite
the sun blazing away, I waded into the cool shallow waters, placing my feet with
caution over pebbles, some of which were round and smooth, while a few not so
much. While the waters at <a href="https://www.talesofanomad.com/2021/08/paniyeli-poru-untamed-waters.html" target="_blank">Paniyeli Poru</a> are gushing, and with dips, under
currents and whirlpools, it is much calmer here, and you can into the waters,
which are mostly knee high. Making myself comfortable on a protruding rock, I
gazed at the flowing waters, greenery along the opposite bank, and pebbles,
which were so visible through the waters. The water was so pure and clear that
the pebbles seemed like they were right on the surface, and not a foot below. I
sat there for a while in the midst of the peaceful surroundings, watching in
oblivion the Periyar flowing away.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_npO7LR3QclvoaSPcFZygGdyhuAzE8m1ssTX-EsAjQ857xld0uz37YJgL0PhIFeMSqjM25Bv5cJe33dQcUm1SrrVd4oBnI5XN76sTSwQgA1lxpUIdh5ATszRO94wBP0mdbuQIaYxFIwkE5JsmiSahv0oMk81Dg7mkL_5Xfjz6kHsxP-VncOdZn26S=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_npO7LR3QclvoaSPcFZygGdyhuAzE8m1ssTX-EsAjQ857xld0uz37YJgL0PhIFeMSqjM25Bv5cJe33dQcUm1SrrVd4oBnI5XN76sTSwQgA1lxpUIdh5ATszRO94wBP0mdbuQIaYxFIwkE5JsmiSahv0oMk81Dg7mkL_5Xfjz6kHsxP-VncOdZn26S=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Illithode is a great place to connect with nature, to play in the
clear waters, or sit idle under the shade of trees, watching nature in all its
glory.</span></i></div></div><p></p></span></i></span></i>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>How to reach Illithode:</b> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">The closest city is Cochin, which is 60 km
away from Illithode via Aluva and Malayatoor. <span style="color: black;">Cochin
is well connected to other cities across India by trains and flights. It’s
ideal to take your vehicle or a private cab to get to here.</span></span></i></p><p></p>R Niranjan Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862729636380410290noreply@blogger.com1