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Published: March 13th 2007
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Creator was in a great mood. He folded the earth crust to form several lofty peaks, dribbled a few drops of water to form 3 rivers and gifted it to several species to make their habitat. Homo sapiens decorated it with tea plants and Niligiris and call it “MUNNAR”, place where 3 rivers flows.
This weekend we decided to explore this part of the creator’s creation and to feel its terrain on our bikes. Before going further I would like to introduce the team. Team of six includes- Anand, Arvind, Umesh, our bikes, Yamaha(YBX), splendor and myself Vinay. Arvind had come from Bangalore on some work and wanted to make his weekend in Kerala a memorable one.
We powered our machines to an 135kms odyssey towards Munnar at 8:30am. It was a longest journey on bike till now for all of us and a real test to drivers and their machines.
First 60kms was an easy drive on the highway after which we entered Neriamangalam forest. Snaillike movement of our bikes on the snakelike road, in the thick forest of Western Ghats was halted by a waterfalls right next to the road. Water in
the falls was very less but still their. Don’t know what it was trying to say- lost vigor, future vehemence, or its willpower and never say die attitude.
Journey continued, with few more stops at some more waterfalls till bikes lost our control and halted unconsciously, when it saw the first sight of stupendous tea plantations. All carefully cut to the same height showing the accuracy and precision to its fullest. Different thoughts aroused in everybody’s mind. Umesh took my camera and started capturing the brilliant workmanship in front of the camera lens.
Anand became very desperate to take his single photo to show it to his future wife. He was never satisfied with all our attempts. Was it, humans persistent aspiration or his obstinate desire to impress a stranger.
We reached Munnar at 1:30pm and without wasting time had lunch and continued towards Top station-40km from Munnar. The way was carved on the hills, embellished on either sides by tea plantations and scented by Niligiries. Next stop came at Mattupatty dam.
Stillness of water on one side and thundering effect of it on the other,
preaching mankind the extremities of nature while watching it, standing on the dam in between.
Understanding the clandestine truth we moved to echo point. Formed by mountains around and water at its base, reverberate the sound we make, telling us that we will always be heard, observed and will be replied. Showing us its motherly love.
At last the Top station…one of the highest peak in Tamil Nadu… Yes, you heard it right. This place is in Tamil Nadu, just across the border. It was sunset time when we went their. Tongue did not roll, mind stopped looking for the word to describe it. We just nodded our head with all respect, admiring the creator’s marvel, by then covered by mist.
Top station is just 60kms from Kodaikanal, another hill station. Arvind got a big idea of traveling to Kodaikanal, from there to Ooty and comeback through Mysore. I realized that this trip for sure has made us think big!!
We returned back from Top station, took some lodge, had dinner and slept early, very much eager to explore and experience on the next day.
I woke up early next
morning and went out to have a look at the early morning mist on my bike. With just 100mts of travel, blood in my capillaries started freezing. I accepted the defeat with nature and returned back. Provoked by the outside view I went out again, purchased pair of gloves, a woolen cap and started to wander the place.
All got ready soon, and we started traveling to Marayoor. We were disappointed when we were not allowed to Rajamallai (National park) as it was the breeding season of Niligiri Thar (an endangered goat found in Munnar). Seeing some more drying water falls, wondering at the nature, having more whimsical photo sessions, we reached the second highest peek in south India (6000 feet above sea level).
Traveling down the hill we reached Marayoor, the only sandalwood forest in Kerala. Umesh spotted a tree house (meant for security), and guided us to climb the tree to have a bird eye view at the sandalwood forest. Till that time I had misconception that sandalwood trees give off its aroma. Then I came to know that it gives off its fragrance only after cutting it. How delicately nature holds
its secrets.
Our return journey was interrupted by a sign board showing us way to a view point, just a Km away. Among the tourists were two beautiful girls from foreign country. Beauties in a beautiful place to make the place most beautiful. We thought the nature is giving us a dreamlike climax. But it had different plans. It was dark and we were completely drenched as rain started thundering upon us. In fact nature was very angry for infringing its territories, and knowing its secrets. Man and our machines had to battle our way out through Niriamangalam forest to reach a highway and then cochin. Traveling over 450kms in 2 days.
Munnar is complete, with rivers, waterfalls, beautiful landscapes, forests, eye-catching tea plantations etc etc. My tongue is afraid of using a wrong word to describe the beauty, ears can only listen to breeze and birds sounds, nose can smell just the scent of Niligiries and tea, eyes still calculating how much it has captured, skin still feeling the wind and terrain. I one word I have lost all my senses to MUNNAR. Anand, angry, as no one was able to take his beautiful single
snap had started taking photos all by himself.
Until next trip this is vinay signing off.....
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vijaya
non-member comment
tough tighed
hey brother its too good kano....i feel its better u leave the company u are working in and start travelling to different places and write a book .i really mean it...i am not joking...