WAYANAD

The last destination on our North Kerala trip was Wayanad. After the sea and the river, it was time for the hills. From Kannur we drove down to Vythri: the first of the three major places in Wayanad.
In Vythri, we visited Pookot Lake. We went around in a rowing boat all around the lake. You also have a trail for walking around, and the lake overlooks hills covered with tea plantations.



We then went to Kalpetta, the second big place in Wayanad around 20 kms away from Pookot Lake. We checked into the Green Gates resort which was so beautiful that it seemed like a tourist destination in itself. When I saw its picture on the Internet, I thought it could not be like this in real life. It seemed as if somebody had worked on the pictures, but on seeing the place I was amazed. The resort is very asthetically landscaped and artistically designed with a terracotta theme. The washbasin in the restaurant, the lamp, the ashtray in the rooms, they were all made of terracotta. Food is good and inexpensive.




This was the only destination on our entire trip where we decided to spend two nights. One thing that you miss in North Kerala is hot cup of good filter coffee. Even though you have coffee growing all around you, all you get to drink is milk with instant coffee. Though this resort also does not offer filter coffee, they were good enough to recommend a confectionary close by: Walnut Cakes. Along with inexpensive and mouthwatering pastries and patties, Walnut Cakes also offered cappuccino from a Café Coffee Day vending machine: the closest we could get to filter coffee.
The next morning drove down about 20 kms to Soochipara water falls. On the way, the winding road passed through coffee and tea plantations. On reaching the end of the motorable road for the falls, we got ready to trek 1km to the water fall. The trek was nice and comfortable, and I clicked close ups of coffee and pepper plantations. After walking about a kilometer, came the tough part of climbing down the steps: the further down we went steeper the steps became. After a point I realized that young at heart is not sufficient. You need to the physically very fit to go down the last few steps. Water was gushing down at a great speed and the view was worth all the effort. We spent some time admiring the waterfall before climbing the stairs and trekking the one km to the car.





After enjoying a Kerala meal at our resort and taking a little rest, were all set to visit Banasura Sagar Dam when it started raining heavily. We were told that boating on the dam is permitted only till 5 pm. The rain stopped around 4pm and we immediately got into the car and drove to the dam. The 25km drive on the serpentine road took us a good 50 minutes. We just entered the dam area in time. We took a jeep for a km drive to the point from where speed boats are available. The fifteen minute trip in the speed boat was scary in the beginning and enjoyable thereafter.
The rain gods were very kind. It did not rain while we were in the speed boat, though we could see threatening clouds in the sky.



The next morning after breakfast, we left for Bangalore. On the way we passed through the third important place Sulthan Batheri. We visited Phantom Rock and then headed for Ekkadal Caves.
After a jeep ride from the car park on a narrow road, we reached the starting point of the climb to the mouth of Ekkadal caves. We were told the steps are regular. The first few were, and then the tough part started. Still, with lots of courage and the help of our cab driver, we reached the entry point of the cave, but getting into the cave was a tough job, so we gave up the idea. We rested for some time and started climbing down the stairs. After the jeep ride back to the car park, I had refreshing coconut water for the first time on this trip.



We drove down the hill, bidding farewell to North Kerala and saying hi to Karnataka. We were sad our trip was coming to an end, but were happy that once in Bangalore, we would be meeting our children.

KANNUR

Kannur, formerly known as Cannanore, is 65 kms from Nileshwar. It was our next halt in North Kerala. We reached the hotel on Baby beach in the Cantonment area when the sun was about to set. After my wife checked the hotel and checked in, I dashed out of the car to the park in the hotel overlooking the sea to capture the sunset in my camera. It was a breathtaking view: the sun setting and the light from the light house glowing.
The next day at 6am we visited Payambalam: the largest and most beautiful beach in Kerala, which is just one km from Baby beach. After breakfast, we drove through Muzhappilangad Beach, the only drive-in beach in Kerala which stretches over a distance of 5 kms. The sand on the beach is so hard that you can easily drive on it. On one side is the sea, and on the other side coconut groves.

ON THE BANK OF THE RIVER IN NILESHWAR

Just 24 kms From Bekal fort in North Kerala is Nileshwar. You might not have heard of the place. Neither had I, until I was advised to stay at the Gokulam Nalanda Resort in Nileshwar on the banks of the river Nileshwaram.
The resort is on the main road. Its restaurant has pillars and roof but no walls and while sitting in the restaurant, you get an excellent view of the river. They also have rooms with a breathtaking view of the river. The resort has a motor boat which can be hired on an hourly basis to go around the river. The entire experience is a memorable one. I’m sharing with you pictures of the place and the river:

Bekal Fort

Bekal fort is in the Kasargod district of North Kerala and the only history I know of this magnificent fort built on the sea shore is that the hit song Tu hi re featuring Manisha Koirala and Arvind Swamy of Mani Rathnam’s controversial film Bombay was shot extensively at this fort.
Unlike other forts, the construction is restricted to the boundary walls, while the centre of the fort houses lovely gardens which looked much greener in the monsoon.
Who built the fort and why it was built does not matter! Just see its pictures and get a feel of it!

GOD'S OWN COUNTRY

IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN KOLLAM, YOU HAVE NOT SEEN KERALA

This was the punch line of an email I received from an old friend who, after spending many years in Delhi and Bangalore, had gone back to his native state: Kerala.

Having visited Kerala twice in 12 months a few years back and being satisfied that I had seen Munnar, Kochi, Thekkday, Kumarakom, Alleppy, Kovalam and Trivandrum, Kollam stirred my curiosity and I checked it up on the net. Not satisfied, I thought I would go and check it up personally!

In mid-January 2009, my wife and I flew to Cochin, and after spending two days in Cochin, one in Kumarakom and one in Allepy, we headed for Kollam.

On reaching Kollam, we checked into the Tourist Bungalow on the bank of Ashtamudi Lake. In the evening, we went for a speed boat tour of the magnificent lake, which was lovely. At dinner time, I met my friend who advised me to visit Varkala beach, which is 40km from Kollam. Here are some pictures from Ashtamudi Lake:











The next morning we went on the DTPC tour of Munroe island. First we were taken by bus for around 25km and then we sat in a Punting boat which was navigated through the small canals. The bridges on the way were so low that many times we had to lie down to avoid hitting them. In the boat, we were the only two Indian tourists, and the rest were from the West. During the boat ride, we were served fresh Coconut water.The boat ride was an experience of a lifetime. I’m sharing a few pictures with you.

After lunch, we went to Varkala beach, another wonderful destination. Clean beaches and clean water. Accommodation was on the expensive side, but worth the price. The room had a comfortable bay window with an excellent view of the sea, and the next day’s breakfast was served on the balcony of the top floor restaurant overlooking the sea. We went early for breakfast and enjoyed the breakfast and the view for two hours. Breakfast was nice and the view breathtaking.











In the afternoon, we went to Trivandrum Airport, another 40kms away, and took a flight for Bangalore to meet our daughters.

Yes Mr Koshy (my friend), you were right. If one has not seen Kollam, one has not seen Kerala.

This month, I have been to North Kerala, so I will amend the statement. If you have not seen Kollam, you have not seen South Kerala.

HOLIDAYING IN INDIA

Holidaying in India can be fun and inexpensive if one knows a few facts.
First, India is beautiful and as far as natural beauty is concerned, India is second to none. Yes, we do lack in facilities, but is not difficult to find good destinations with clean accommodation. It may not be very luxurious, but it’s comfortable.

Holidaying can be dividend into two categories: weekend travel and week-long or longer trips.
Weekend trips are best made within a 300-400kms range of your home. Overnight travel saves time and cost. If it’s a planned trip, one can book accommodation through any of the various travel sites. Usually, if you reach Friday morning, hotels do permit you early check in at no extra cost.

If, like me, you do not like night travel and would love to drive yourself or take a cab, then the best thing is start early to reach your destination by lunchtime.
Most of the destinations in India offer a comfortable accommodation in the price range of Rs1500-2000 per day and if you avoid the peak season, you can get 15 to 40% discount on the tariff.

I venture out in North India four to five times a year on such trips and the total cost does not exceed Rs10,000/- per trip for two persons for three days two nights. Sometimes in this amount one can do four days and three nights.

For Longer trips, one has to plan early and, if possible, avoid the peak season. If you are prepared to sleep in different cities each night and are an early riser (even when on holiday), you can easily manage for Rs 4000 per day for two people including food and travel by A/C cab (travel to the starting point and back home not covered). A six-day trip to Kerela from Delhi inclusive of air tickets just cost me Rs 40,000/- for two people (shopping not included).

Fagu

Fagu is a tiny village aside a saddle-like mountain along Hindustan Tibet Road. A rare range of views is visible from here, which include vivid dales and snow clad peaks. The picturesque countryside is dotted with clusters of villages, fruit gardens and nearby terraced fields. Fog characterizes the hillside landscape endowed with romantic ambience. Most of the area is covered with conifers of Himalayan cedar and spruce. Located at an altitude of 2,450 m, Fagu, perhaps have derived its name from the fog itself.
ACCESS: The closest airport is at Jubbar-Hatti, 45 km away. The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Shimla, 22 km away. By road Chandigarh is 139 km and Delhi is at a distance of 392 km.
THE PEACH BLOSSOM: The hotel has been rebuilt and converted into a modern and commodious Deluxe Hotel. It provides a rare opportunity to enjoys nature's serenity and magnificence. The hotel presents a rare and kaleidoscopic view of the landscapes dipped in mysterious mist all around. The suites at the hotel offer a great view of Sun Rise as well as the Sun Set

Read the above on the Himachal Pradesh Tourism site. Last weekend I reached Fagu with my wife and daughter after halting for a night at Barog.
I have no words to describe the beauty of the place, only pictures which I am sharing with you.