Nagalapuram ( Feb 11th, 12th 2012 )

Nagalapuram ( Feb 11th, 12th 2012 )

Latitude : 13°24′00″N  
Longitude : 79°47′00″E

I went from Coimbatore -> Chennai -> Nagalapuram

This is my first trek with CTC .

I started from coimbatore on friday noon and reached chennai by 10 .

DAY 1 : 

Then after a sleepless night with my friend i started out at 3 A.M. SO i was waiting at 

Thiruvanmiyur RTO bus stop for the organizer Jayanthan was also starting from there . 

Then we started out and the whole thing  was very silent . I my self got introduced to 

Saravanan(photographer of our trek). 

Then after reaching utthukottai we had our lunch at 6.30 A.M saturday . We reached the dam 

near  Nagala Hills at 7.30 or 8 . And the food was distributed for everybody to share and carry 

out as it was common food to be prepared.

So after an hour walk we reached the First pool . I was eagerly expecting to swim . 

We had a good bath and started out for the Dead End Pool . On the look itself 

it scared a hell out of me as how to climb the rock over the Dead End pool . So i 

swam across another way around to avoid climbing . As am a bit phobic with heights . 

Then the bags were ferried around the Dead End pool and Non-Swimmers were also made to 
cross with the help of tubes.

So after crossing the Dead End pool they set up the lunch preparation . Our organiser 

Jeyanthan had bought 60 eggs . They made a wonderful podimass in the jungle . It was 

taken with chappathis . 

Then we started to walk and had a stone and water like pathway . 

At one particular gorge we were to walk just like hanging , my soul was nearly out on 

seeing people before me walk . It also was slippery . Bala and surya helped in crossing . 

 
Then we crossed the gorge . At that time some members had gone down to see whether 

we can climb by the rope .And all returned because it was very tough to climb . 
We had decided to climb down when we return . We also crossed a way where chill water 

was nearly to our waist and we had to walk it . So my jean got wet . After that i decided 

to go alone to have some thrill . After all were gone i started after 20 mins later . I also 

did not know the trail . So i was walking thinking whether i was in correct path to Picnic pool . 

I was tracking the wet footsteps and i just joined to the Picnic Pool . Already most of them 

had plunged into the pool . 

After reaching i just put my clothes to dry as all was wet before the sun sets . 

Then i went to swim in the PicniC pool. I enjoy reading novel in middle of nowhere . 

So i sat for a read before sun dies out . By the time our cooks had started preparing for 

our nights dinner with Bisi Bela Bath (Sambhar rice). Shreedhar learnt how to cook 

Bisi Bela Bath and also made a good dinner . He plunged into water at night to cool himself 

as he was cooking the whole thing and could not tolerate the heat . As in case of Kajar Alwa 

went  on till nearly 12 . Nearly it was 6 hrs to make the water to dry out . Some had that water 

as Payasam . Meanwhile some tried to catch fish with the knife . Which probably did not work 

out . They managed to catch fish using clothes . And all fed up with cooking of Kajar alwa 

went to sleep . The night was damn cold .In morning i found dew drops on my cover .

DAY 2 :
 
At morning the breakfast with some Bisi Bela Bath , Fish fry and Kajar alwa atlast . Then 

we had a good bath enjoyed a lot in morning in the pool . We already had decided to 

cancel to go to Treasure Hunt Pool . But some suggested that it was very small and 

spoilt water . So we had a bath for a long time in the Picnic Pool . By the time the rice 

was prepared for the  noon as it will save some time . So rice was cooked and packed

for noon . I think we started nearly by 10 .

When we came near the gorge we just climbed down the rope this time . I was sure not 

to go climbing the ridges when we first came . Than that i was ready to take any way . 

Actually cimbing down was easy and a wonderful Cave falls waited down there . 

Then we ferried and took the luggages and Non-swimmers to cross the gorge . Then 

literally we just ran to the Dead End Pool and had our lunch with morning packed rice

and chappathis . Also Tang was refeshing . Then Some of us went front to ferry . 

I dived in Dead End pool untouched Dark water . Was thinking whether any snakes 

are down there . 


Then i did not climb . I fully went to otherside of Dead End Pool and we by swim started 

ferrying .Then we started to First pool amd had a rest and then walked to dam entrance . 

We had our group photos and started to the van . Then after dinner at uthukkotai 

we reached Koyambedu at 10 P.M .

From there i had my bus to coimbatore and reached here by 11 A.M and thus 

starting to write the Post - Trek experince to you ....... 




 

Munnar( 1st Feb.2010 )

This is abt munnar

PALANI - UDUMALPET - CHINNAR - MARAYOOR -MUNNAR

Latitude : 10°05′21″N
Longitude : 77°03′35″E

We planeed for a 3 days trip to munnar . Totally 4 guys . Madhavan and Madhan from Oddanchatram were planned to join Me and Siva at Palani . We planned to meet up at palani at 7 A.M , but as usual we met by 8 A.M . Then after guys meet we started to Udumalpet at 8.30 A.M from Palani .

We reached Udumalpet by 9.30 A.M .Had our Breakfast at outer of Udumalpet and then started on the way to Munnar . This is the bridge on the way we reached at 10.30 A.M .





Then at nearly when we were nearing Marayoor nearly at 11.45 A.M we had a breakdown in my YAMAHA CruX bike and we were in lag of 15km to Marayoor. So we were stuck up in chinnar forest and just before when we had crossed the border check post we were informed about elephant crossing and were confused as what to do .

If we returned back to repair the puncture there was no point but had a downhill with 20kms . Uphill was Marayoor with 15kms .Atlast we got a Matadoor and had the bike lifted to Marayoor .
That Matadoor guy really helped us . At that point we were really F__ked up so that anybody did not click.

Then after repairing we thought to do something and turned downhill for 5kms as we had seen some trekking which was done by Chinnar Foreet Department .
Actually our plan was to do trekking by Parambikulam Forest Department of Kerala. per head it was Rs.100 and then some guide came with us .
This is the Pre-Historic Burial site . He told us a story that there is something 100feet deep cave and now its closed .....




This are the Pre-historic drawings of stone age people .



Then we went to LAKKOM FALLS . Entry Fee was Rs.5 each . We had a bath and strated to Munnar at 5.0 P.M .We reached Munnar at 6.30 P.M . it was raining when we started from Lakkom Falls.



So we had our room for Rs.300 for 4 members . Really cheap . Dont remember the lodge but it was opposite upper floor to the Petrol Bunk near the Gandhi Statue .

The next day we were caught by Kerala Police for not having Helmet . Rs.200 Per head . We went to a View Point here





then to a Haunted Dam where only we 4 were there .....



Then Water Falls . This is the remaining water used and let out after power generation . They call this as waterfalls .


Park




Then on nght we planned to start next day morninng cancelling Mattupetty Dam trip and started at Early morning 7 A.M .

VELLIANGIRI HILLS TREK (4th June 2010)

So our plan atlast has been Success . I and my friend Risi had been planning this Trek to Velliangiri Hills for nearly 4 times and due to some reasons each time it got Failure . This 5th time we are going . We 4 friends started our trek ...

Latitude : 10°59′23″N
Longitude : 76°41′9″E

First of all i say to keep the following for your journey :

1.Water as per your requiremnts (you can fill uphill because springs are there on the way).
2.BamBoo Stick.
3.Knife (For safety purpose).
4.Bread,Fruits,Glucose.
5.Wear loose clothes.

We started from Gandhipuram at 7 P.M at evening . We reached Poondi nearly at 8.30 P.M .
We had already heard that locals near the foothills will maximum tell you stories not to climb hill at night . They advice to go on Full Moon and No Moon days . Because in other days there will be nobody in the hills and the path will be danger with animals .

But i advice you guys to climb in other days other than No Moon and Full Moon days , so that you can feel the real solitude and peace . After 2nd hill you will not get Signal in your mobiles . We did not mind any people down . We got Bamboo sticks for 15 Rs. Its very useful to climb .

Totally this Velliangiri Hills consists of 7 Hills .

The 1st hill will take 1.5 Hrs to climb . We started to climb from FootHills at 9 P.M .
Its really tough . The end of first hill is marked by a Ganesh Temple . This First hill is called as AanaiMalai by the locals because Elephants and Deers are seen in this Place . We did not see any !!!! We were joined by a local person who keeps shop at Sixth Hill .

So we 5 members were climbing the Hills . At the Second Hill We encountered some animal . At that time we did not put any light . So there was very confusion . And in that situation 3 members got Hurt , not by the animal but because of each other .

That was a good lesson for us . Dont Panic in any case in the jungle ...

So then the local said that we shall stay at a saadhus shop which we had crossed before 10 minutes . As we were bleeding we went downhill , Just a few Steps . At that time Saadhu(Actually Agori) had wakeen hearing our sounds .Then we spent the night there and started at 6 A.M in the morning .


The 2nd andd 3rd Hill will rip your legs Off . But dont lose confidence . The 2nd Hill has " KAI THATTI SUNAI " , as the legend says if we clap our Hands the flow of water increases . Take as much short rests as you want and go on .


Long Time Breaks will make you more tired . As i am more weight we went slowly . The 3rd Hill is known to have Bears , so be careful .

From 4th Hill it will be Evergreen . Its an Easy Hill .

GREENERY

HUT OF THE CLOSED T-SHOP


RISHI HAVING THE SPECTACULAR VIEW

And also 5th Hill is easy . The end of 5th Hill has a large Rock called " BHEEMAN KALI URUNDAI " .

BHEEMAN KALI URUNDAI (HUGE ROCK)

UPHILL CLIMB OF 6TH HILL



Then 6th Hill has a Spring . We can Bath there . It is good for health as the water has no pollutio .


VISIBILITY OF 7TH HILL

Its 100% Natural and Herbal . Its " AANDI SUNAI " . You will find some shops at 6th Hill . In 6th Hill you will find YAKs .



AT THE REACH TO CATCH THE CLOUDS

ROCKY PATH AHEAD



7th Hill is small but it will take 45 minutes to climb . Last part of this hill is steep .
Climb this hill with Bare foots . As its nice for grip also and also this hill is considered the head
of LORD SIVA . Its holy . So we atlast reached 7th Hill at 12 P.M at noon . It has SHIVA and PARVATHI sanctums .

FINAL DESTINATION . THE LORD IS FOUND IN NATURAL FORM IN A CAVE .

Lord SHIVA is In " SUYAMBU " form which means naturally formed Lingam . 5 Lingams are seen in the cave known as PANCHALINGAMS .

So we started from 6th Hill downhill at 1.30 P.M . The journey down is easy except in 6th to 5th Hill , as we have to climb there . We reached Foothills exactly at 5 P.M . We waited for bus and Bus came at 5.45 P.M . So we reached Coimbatore .

Really this is only for those who have Confidence .

Thirumoorthi Falls(April 26th 2010)

Thirumoorthi Falls

Latitude : 10.457212N
Longitude : 77.161134E

Palani - Udumalpet - 34 Kms
Udumalpet - Thirumoorthi Falls - 18Kms

So at a Monday we planned to go out somewhere as it was so hot to be in home , I and my Friend
Rishi planned to go any of 3 places . The places were Kodaikanal , Thalakuthu Falls(Local falls about 30Kms) or to Thirumoorthy dam . We decided to go to Kodaikanal at 11.30 am . Then on the way we changed it to Thirumoorthy dam as Kodaikanla was our Frequent trips .


We started at 12 and reached Udumalpet at 1 pm . After that we went 17Kms to Thirumoorthy Hills .We first went to Thirumoorthy dam . It was like a beach . BOATING is allowed here . About Rs.25 .


Then we decided to first to go to Falls and then come here to bath . We reached Thirumoorthy falls at 2 pm . The water here is superb . Nothing can beat up with NATURE . Crystal Clear water for this Scorching heated Summer was Heaven . We bathed there till 4 pm . Then we went to Thirumoorthy temple .


Amanalingeshwara Temple

Thirumoorthy temple is situated at the foot of the hill adjacent to Thirumoorthy Dam. Importance of this temple is three Moorthy (syumbhu) Idols originate in same place.Legend says that a few thousand years ago, sage Athari Maharishi along with his wife Anushiya Devi lived here. Moved by their prayer, Lord Shiva along with Brahma and Vishnu (3 moorthis or Thirumoorthy) came in disguise to test their devotion. Overwhelmed by their appearance the couple offered them their tribute. The 3 moorthis refused to accept their offerings as such and demanded that Anushiya Devi should make the offering in nudity. She accepted their demand, and with the power of her devotion, she changed the 3 moorthis into babies and fed them. On seeing the devotion of Anushiya Devi, the 3 moorthis blessed the couple and so the place gets its name. There is an old temple here on the foothill.

There we found members already waiting for Boating They said 300 for 15 members . We already had 16 members so it was not a problem . After boating we ate and Started back to palani at 5.30 pm . At 6.45 pm we reached Palani .



Good Place to Spend in Weekends .
And a HIDEOUS PLACE FOR this SCORCHING SUN .

500 Kms BIKING Adventure in SINGLE DAY(April 5th 2010)

ATHIRAMPALLY FALLS

Latitude : 10°17′19″N
Longitude : 76°32′54″E

Palani - Athirampally Falls(To and Fro) - 480+ Kms
Athirampally - Valachal - 5Kms

This is the Great Falls and Quoted as the "NIAGARA OF INDIA" . We went at Summer on 3rd April 2010 . And the Climate there was Rainy Season in the hills . According to Locals they had Rainy season till September .



Many Films LIke GURU (Barsore Mega mega Song) , PERAANMAI (Thuppakki penne Song) , now RAVANAA movie is Shot here .....

Our famous Punnagai Mannan by KAMAL HAASAN was shot here only .

I and my friend planned to go to Athirampally Falls on Monday . We saw the google map planned the route .
But it was not the right map and we did not know whats going to happen on the coming day ! Google itself has made mistake in their road route . VERy POOR !

I called my friend on sunday ni8 and told him about the plan . Our estimate was around 350kms and starting by 7 a.m .
But the next day as usual for our time keeping we started at 8 35 a.m from palani . Reached Udumalpet at 9 30 .
Then to pollachi at 10 15 a.m as it was good road .

We had our lightbreakfast outside pollachi and webt on tthe way anaimalai . On the way to topslip in between we asked the locals whether this was the
correct route for Chalakudy . They said to take the road from Vettaikaranpudur . So we drove back with a doubt .... Because i did not see any route in the map from google .

Thus began our DETOUR !!!

Then we went to Nemmara -- Wadakkanjerry -- Mannuthy(at THRISSUR) . Still we were told Athirampally was 100 kms from there . It was 1 15 p.m at noon .
We were really tired and decided to find a Browsing Centre at Mannuthy . We saw the route and planned to return on the previously Planned route as it was short and the route we came was a mere DETOUR from the destination .

On the way to Thrissur



After 7 Hrs of Drive we Arrived at Athirampally .



At the centre we were at a Diabolic Situation as to go to the falls or just to return seeing some other places because my friend had work at he was sying he should be there at 7 p.m at Udumalpet . I said its not possible now if we go to the falls .Only if we return now can we reach atleast at 7 30 p.m .
Then we came to know that Athirampally falls was 67 kms from Mannuthy . Atlast we decided to go as we have travelled nearly 5 Hrs . We were not ready to miss that chance .



So we started and reached ATHIRAMPALLY at 4 30 p.m . We had a very close encounter with 3 Deers nearly at touchable Distance . I felt that this 7 hrs drive was worrth it at that very moment .


Then we visited Valachal 5Kms of athirampally . We started from Valachal at 6 p.m .
We gott into the thick Forest and my bike came to reserve . We were worried as we were going through the forest it began to get dark .



Valachal Falls Blushing at Speed...

It was like haunted Forest and we were driving in a Haunted road . Nobody was seen and we had NO TOWER . NO PETROL . NO WAY TO CHECK THAT WE WERE GOING RIGHT WAY .



Then we reached some Vilage . Got 3 LITRE of PETROL in BLACK . Then we were shocked to Here that we had to go to Valparai and then only can go Downhill.Then at 12 we reached Udumalpet . We came Via Valparai -- Sungum (Near Aaliyar) -- Udumalai .
Dropped my Friend at Udumalpet at 12.30 and came home at Palani at 1 30 p.m .


This was our 500 Kms BIKING adventure IN A SINGLE DAY !!!!!