Ride to Karur, Kochi, Kanthaloor, Munnar and a visit to Sahayagiri Hospital, Marayoor.
Initial Preparation ;
Last ride was more than six months ago, which made me plan for a bike ride before the Christmas fever begin. I was constantly calling my friends in Kerala to know the status of borders. My friend Seema told to come and were ready to host me at Kochi, provided I come prepared for quarantine, road blocks, as the government rules and norms were changing as per the Covid case statistics.
My initial plan was to go to Valparai and reach Kochi via Athirapally. Since the road was blocked, I planned to reach Karur and to ride next day to Kochi. After a day of rest , I had plans to return home via Munnar, Marayoor, and Udumalapet.
The days before I started my journey, there was so much of rain in Vellore. I was prepared for a wet ride but was seeking God's favour for a pleasant ride.
Two days before the ride, I washed my bike, lubricated the chains and prepared the bike ready for along ride. The bike was due for a service at 55000 km, but I decided to give it a go and finish the ride, as the bike did not have any major issues.
My new accessories were Rynox aqua waist pouch, ambrane power bank and a transparent mobile cover. The mobile cover was helpful to navigate on a rainy day with a mobile mounted on the bike.
Had a half litre water bottle and my purse.
The mobile pouch heated up the phone to the extreme within 30 minutes
Was very helpful to charge safely on the go.
10th October 2021 Sunday
Morning I got up at 4 am and was ready by 5 am. My mom made a black tea and after a small prayer left home and was on the road at 5.15 am. Initially cruising at slow speed of 60 km/hr for 30 minutes. Once I got confidence of the bike control, I started maintaining a steady speed of 80 km/hr. I was singing a hymn "My Jesus I love thee " in a low voice and was praying for a safe journey all throughout. I was also praying for to bring peace to the homes I visit in this trip. The Thoppur ghat accident was still fresh in my mind where a truck rammed into vehicle lined up in traffic killing as many as 10 to 15 people. Many have reported ghost appearance after the accidents. The place remains a mystery of miseries.
I crossed Krishnagiri at 8 am and stopped for a water break and then one more break at the beginning of Thoppur ghat section. I stopped after Namakkal at 10.15 am for break fast. Found a small shop where I could see my bike with mounted luggage. Had Parotta/Omelette. I reached Pugalur, Karur around 11.30 am. I planned to stay at my UG friend Sudh's house in Karur. I missed her street and after calling her over the phone, her son came in scooty to show the way. Had a warm welcome at her house. I had black tea, then tender coconut, then sugar cane juice and lunch with never ending chat with Sudha's family. The lunch was pretty heavy with a long list of non veg menu.
Start ODO 54916 KM
Butt break
After passing Krishnagiri
Accident prone scary Thoppur ghat at Dharmapuri
Salem Highway
Late breakfast near Namakkal.
River Kaveri in Karur
Punjai Pugalur, Karur.
South Indian traditional non veg Lunch (Mutton Biriyani, fish fry, fish ball, country chicken gravy,egg)
In the evening, Sudha's husband took me around to show his Lathe and engineering works. He also works as an engineer in Tamil Nadu paper corporation ltd. He also showed their farm lands around. they were cultivating Sugar cane in that season. I saw some cultivating sedge grass in the nearby lands which is used for weaving sleeping mats. People still prefer these mats over nylon/plastic mats. Sudha's younger son wanted to ride my classic 350 and he did ride inside their farm. I could sense how happy he would have been. Riding a bullet is always a Boy's dream. Then we went to fill petrol. I Pumped up 10 litres for tomorrows ride to Kochi. Came back home, rested a while. In the night I had two dosa with omelette and a black tea. Was chatting for a while. Went to bed early after checking messages in my mobile.
Lathe work
Lathe work
Lathe work
Deepu's bike ride
Kora/ sedge grass
Kora/ sedge grass being processed for weaving mats
Spot the owner of the field disguised as farm labourer.
Seema from Kochi called and said she was kind of busy with her sons's exam and said not to worry and that I could stay in their house. But said that she would not be available. I checked in the internet and found a backpackers hostel at Fort Kochi and decided to stay there instead of disturbing Seema's family at a crucial time.
Evening, Karur had thunder storms. I prayed for a dry ride for the next day. The first day ended happily.
End ODO 55260 KM
Vellore to Karur
Total distance covered : 344 km
Mileage : 37.8 km/litre
I woke up to the 4.30 am alarm. Started to get ready leisurely. Left Sudha's home at 6:20 am after having a black tea. She wanted to pack my morning breakfast which I declined, gently. Eating a Dosa or idly at a road side shop is much easier. Moreover there is no need for me to disturb her morning chores.I did not use mobile GPS , instead relied on people interaction at every cross roads to find my route.
Start Odo 55268 km
From Pugalur in Karur, I was riding through Muthur, Gangeyam, Palladum and at Sulur got into Salem kochi highway. I was riding in the outskirts of Coimbatore.
Near Karur at the beginning of the ride.
Passing the outskirts of Coimbatore
I was stopped by the Kerala police at the Walayar check post. After pulling to side, the police asked evida pogunnu ? I said Kochi. He asked whether I have taken Vaccine for Covid and I said yes . Then he asked whether I have taken both doses and I confirmed by nodding head and patting my luggage saying the certificate of vaccination was there inside. Then he let me pass through.
The clouds were getting dark and I was praying for a ride without rain. Mainly because, in a heavy rain I cannot continue riding without the GPS mount on the bike. Anyway this time I could try that transparent pouch to cover my mobile while mounted.
I was very excited to go through the Kuthiran tunnel. It is the longest tunnel in south India at present, stretching for 1 km. It has reduced the distance between Kochi-Palakkad to 3 km lesser and also paved a solution to, otherwise, an accident prone zone.
Kuthiran Tunnel
Kuthiran Tunnel
A drizzle on the way made me stop and have a brunch at a small hotel on the highway in Naduthara. Had ghee roast dosai, Vadai and a black tea/ Kattan chaya. I called up my school days friend Ajayan, who lives in Koratty He said he will meet me on the highway near Chalakudy. I got on to the bike after my brunch. I switched on the GPS in mobile and mounted it with a transparent rain pouch. I was able to use the touch screen. Most of this trip, I was not using gloves in order to take more snaps with mobile phone and also with DSLR. But I know I am jeopardizing my safety.
I met Ajayan at Chalakudy signal in Highway and we went to Venus hotel to have tea. Since it was 12 pm and was time for lunch they did not serve tea and so we had Soda that was available. I told Ajayan to join me tomorrow at Kochi to go around for sight seeing.
With Ajayan.
I left Chalakudy and was riding with the GPS in mobile connected to my Bluetooth Headset.
I stopped at hotel Periyar to take a snap at Aluva junction. Hotel Periyar is located on the picturesque river bank and is our favorite spot to stay during family trips to Kochi. I missed a right turn and was redirected in a different route to Fort Kochi. I ended up in a dead end of the sea at Vypin, Kochi and the route was showing dots leading to sea. And there was no road. Then I saw bikes and car standing in Queue towards the sea. Then it flashed in my brain, scenes of cars carried in ferry in Kerala. I asked the auto driver, Can I take my bike in the ferry. He said in funny tone in Malayalam, "that is what it meant for !!!"
It was a great experience. Took ticket for Rs 10/- and rode my bike into the ferry. It was more like standing in a traffic jam on a bridge. I was finding it very difficult to balance my bike in riding position, with the ferry encountering the rough waves. The girls in the scooters , standing beside me, were casual as they were used to that ferry ride
Ferry ride with bike
Ferry ride with bikes
Ferry ride with bikes
I checked into Gostops kochi, a backpackers hostel at Calvathy road, Fort Kochi. I took an air conditioned Dormitory for 2 days. The cost was Rs 400 per day. I was settling down slowly in my dormitory. There was no one to share the six bed dormitory. Thank God. Pandemic Era ! I place all my luggage in the under bed storage metal trolley. After changing into normal dress from riding suit, I set out to find a hotel to have authentic Malabar Parrota and beef curry.
A good budget friendly backpackers hostel, GostopsKochi
Stairs to Dormitory
Passage way leading to Balcony
Balcony, Gostops kochi opposite to Coast guard Office
Balcony, Gostops kochi.
My Bunker bed
I was walking in the direction towards Fort kochi beach expecting to find eateries there. But they were all selling sea foods at Vasco Da Gama square. After inquiring an auto driver, I found that I have to go to Kunnumupuram junction which is 1 km away. Then I walked in those old 15th century streets to reach the Lucky star hotel at Kunnumupuram junction. Had 3 parotta ,a dry beef curry and a kattan chaya. The bill was Rs 124/- I also bought 1 kg Nendram bananas for Rs 40/-
Streets of Fort Kochi
Road leading to Kunnumupuram Junction from Aspin wall, Fort Kochi
Streets of Fort Kochi
15th century Buildings
Streets of Fort Kochi
Chinese fishing nets.
Beach, Fort kochi
Streets of Fort Kochi
Vasco Da Gama square, Fort Kochi
The Lucky star hotel, Kunnumupuram junction, Fort Kochi.
The front desk staff, Jorbin, at the hostel was very helpful. I went to bed after having few bananas , checking messages, calling loved ones and making a thanks giving prayer for the safe journey so far. The next day I was planing to do sight seeing around Fort Kochi. But there was rain in the evening. The end odometer reading was 55598 km.
Karur to Kochi route map
Total distance covered : 330 km
No fuel stops and did not hit reserve.
12th October 2021 Tuesday
I got up unusually late in the morning around 7.30 am. Went out to the balcony and found heavy downpour. My friend Rose Mary called and told to visit her house in the evening. She was concerned about my safe return as there was flood alert announced in the Kerala news channels. She told that an orange alert was declared and the Athirapally road were flooded. She told me to go back by train taking by bike as a luggage. But I was confident to finish my ride as planned and did prayed for a safe passage, earnestly.
I took bath and got ready. I had few bananas as breakfast and waited for the rain to stop. I called Ajayan and told him to come and spend time with me. My friend from Vellore, Binu Zachariah called and told me to try the famous Kayees Biriyani in Kochi and the Oysters, Blue mussels called 'Kallumakaya' in Malayalam.
Common living area and visitors lounge
Gostopskochi front office
Dining area in the hostel and the passage leading to Calvathy road in front.
My bike drenched in rain, parked in front of the hostel.
Calvathy road in rain, as viewde from balcony.
Ajayan reached around 1 pm and I was hungry by then. After putting on the rain coat, I took him in the bike to Kayees biriyani shop which was few streets away from where I stayed. We went past the market area and reached the original Kayees biriyani hotel. We had chicken biriyani (Bill Rs 280/-)and it tasted more of ghee rice than the spicy biriyani that is served in my town Vellore. I liked the tamarind sauce that was kept along with biriyani. Later I heard from my friend, Binu, who told it is made with tamarind pulp, dates and dry chillies.
Kayees biriyani, Gujarati street, Fort Kochi
Due to Heavy down pour, I dropped the plan of visiting the Jew town and synagogue which was few streets away. Came back to the Hostel. Had Kattan chaya ( Rs 14/-)at Calvathy road near Aspin wall. Bought a chips packet ( Rs 65/-) too. We were sitting in the Visitors lounge and were chatting till 3.45 pm. Then I walked Ajayan to the Kunnumupuram junction bus stop. He got into a bus going to Aluva. Then I went around Fort Kochi Beach in search of Kallumakaya. The season for Kallumakaya is around December and people were saying that it is rare to get in October. Though, tried asking few shops selling sea foods near Vasco Da Gama square.
Beach road, Fort Kochi
15th century steam boilers, old relics of Fort Kochi.
Beach, Fort Kochi.
Roaming the streets of Fort Koch in search of Kallumakaya.
Named as Delta study center but google identifies as Mattanchery or dutch palace
Finally, ended up buying three shawarma roll (Rs 210/-) near Aspin wall bus stop and came back to my room. Had my dinner at 5 pm .
Shawarma roll in progress
Walk and ride in Fort Kochi on Day 3.
Total distance covered : 2 km
No fuel stops and did not hit reserve.
13th October 2021 Wednesday
Started at 6.15 am after waking up at 4.30 am.Starting Odometer reading was 55600 km. As prayed there was no rain in the morning.
Sign from above as Prayed . A window opening to exit the storm clouds of Kochi.
Nightmares of dam opening, flooded bridges, land slides were very much at large en route to Marayoor. Yet had a smooth ride through out. I was taking pictures and was moving slowly at 60 km/hr via Kollenchery, Muvatupuzha, Kothamangalam.
30 minutes ride after Kochi
Happy to ride without Rain
Road was bifurcating to Idukki dam at many places and I had to choose the road correctly.
Periyar river bridge on the way to Munnar
Periyar river bridge on the way to Munnar
Periyar river bridge on the way to Munnar
Break fast at Chillathodu. I love the Appam and Kerala Meen curry especially the Churai/Tuna fish
View from the Hotel to check on my luggage mounted on my bike
Filled petrol when I hit reserve at 55650 km at Kollenchery. Road was very scenic with rivers, falls and at a point I lost count of the unnamed falls on the road.
Bum break near Kollencherry
Bum break near Kollencherry
Bum break near Kollencherry
Periyar River
Cheeyappara water fall, Chillathodu, near Adimaali, Kerala.
Cheeyappara water fall, Chillathodu, near Adimaali, Kerala.
Valara Water fall, Chillathodu, Kerala
Valara Water fall, Chillathodu, Kerala
Toddy shop seen in every village in the Kerala road. We could speak a lot about socialism in procuring and selling Toddy.
Munnar
Munnar
Munnar
Marayoor road, Munnar
Rajamala, the infamous land slide (2020 )spot In Munnar
Munnar
Munnar
Eravikulam National Park, Munnar.
Tea Estates, Munnar
Tea Estates, Munnar
Tea Estates, Munnar
Communist flag can be seen in every frame of Kerala.
some where here is the south india's tallest peak, Anaimudi.
Munnar Marayoor road.
Munnar Marayoor road.
Tea plantations Munnar Marayoor road.
African Tulips, Munnar Marayoor road.
African Tulips, Munnar Marayoor road.
Lakkam water Falls Just befor Marayoor.
Reached Brethren church and the Pastor, Titus,was welcoming me, identifying me in the riding suit. I kept my luggage in church and after refreshing, went to Pastor Titus house and had lunch.
Brethren church, Kovilkadavu, Marayoor.
Brethren church, Kovilkadavu, Marayoor.
Brethren church, Kovilkadavu, Marayoor.
Brethren church, Kovilkadavu, Marayoor.
Pastor Titus ( titusilja@gmail.com +91 9497143467) comes from a third generation Tamil family, hailing from Munnar. He did his graduation and was working in a textile shop as a sales executive. His ambition was to have a textile showroom of his own. But God's plan was different for him and when he had his call, he left the textile business and did his bachelor in theology from Rajasthan and joined as Brethren church Pastor. His wife a Keralite and is from Kasaragod. She has a degree in Fashion technology but has joined her husband in ministries. They have three children; elder son, Jeremiah, elder daughter Jennifer and younger daughter Jerusha. All the children were studying in Kerala Government school. The children were speaking a little Tamil and were fluent in Malayalam. Pastor Titus was well known in Marayoor town. While passing by a temple, with Pastor Titus in my bike, I was surprised to see the priest at the temple wished cordially to Pastor Titus. Humanity is beyond religion.
We had rice, sambar, fish curry, carrot poriyal and beef curry (Pothu curry to be specific). After lunch, I got ready and went to Sahayagiri hospital.
About Sahayagiri Hospital
Sahayagiri hospital was established in the year 1986. The Catholic Nuns, specifically in the order of "Sisters of destitute" run this hospital. Two of them were qualified physicians. Sr. Dr Jean Rose (Anaesthetist) and Sr Dr Jansi Tresa (General surgeon). There were visiting doctors as well. Primarily the hospital function as a maternity hospital. Also caters to general surgical conditions and medical conditions. A Dentist have recently joined the Hospital and the Sister, in charge of administration, told that they were in look out for a physiotherapist to start physiotherapy unit.
The Sahayagiri hospital generate its own fund through its medical services. We left the well maintained premises of the hospital, satisfied observing their services to the Marayoor town and nearby villages which were predominantly of Kerala tribal population.
Sahayagiri Hospital, Marayoor Kanthaloor road, KovilKadavu, Marayoor, Idukki district, Kerala. Ph 0486 552245.
OPD, Sahayagiri Hospital.
OPD, Sahayagiri Hospital.
With Sr Dr Jansi Tresa (General Surgeon)
With the Sister In Charge of Administration
Duty Room, Sahayagiri Hospital.
In Patient Ward, Sahayagiri Hospital.
We came back and rested for a while. Then pastor and I went for a trek climbing the small hillock opposite to their house where the megaliths were there.The view on the hill top was beautiful but I forgot to bring the camera and so managed take few pictures in the mobile.
view from the Hillock
View of Kovilkadavu, Marayoor from the Hillock
Megaliths, Marayoor
Megaliths, Marayoor
Megaliths, Marayoor
Then came back home and had kattan chaya. Pastor Titus family wanted to visit the hill top as the kids were not taken out much during the lock down in the pandemic period. So we decided go in two bikes . I took the eldest son and the daughter in my bike. Jeremy and Jenny were pretty excited to ride in the Royal Enfield bike. We took a long motorable route to reach the top of the hillock. Pastor's wife had brought Kattan chaya in flask and also gave Pazhampori which was a favourite Kerala snack.We spent a nice time in the evening enjoying the sunset from the hillock.
Sunset from the Hillock, Kovilkadavu, Marayoor
Jeremy,Jenny,, Jerusha and I
Pastor Titus family
Sunset from the Hillock, Kovilkadavu, Marayoor
Night view from the Hillock, Kovilkadavu, Marayoor
In the night pastor took me to bazar in Marayoor to buy groceries. Came back to Pastor Titus home. Had dinner. We had kappa fish curry, Parotta and kattan chaya. I was little worried for the Pastor Titus 's younger daughter as she developed severe cold. I told them to get Benedryl cough syrup to suppress her dry cough. I went back to church where I was staying and slept comfortably in the bed arranged in the floor in the front altar.
The next day plan was to visit Kanthaloor. Pastor's son and elder daughter were planing to come in my bike and we decided to go to Kanthaloor packing afternoon lunch and travel in two bikes.
End Odo 55787 km after reaching Marayoor from Kochi
End Odo after local trips at Marayoor 55795 Km
Kochi to Marayoor route
Total distance covered : 187 km (from Kochi to Marayoor). Plus 10 odd kilometer in local, Marayoor
One fuel stop in Kollenchery and after hitting reserve at 55650 km.
Mileage : 40.2 km/litre
I had a very pleasant sleep.Woke up at 4.35 am, only to the alarm from a deep sleep. Got ready by 6am as Pastor Titus told that he will take me around Marayoor reserve forest known for sandalwood trees. Pastor Titus also said it is possible to spot Bison and Deer.
Exactly by 7 am Pastor brought Kattanchaya. I liked the Kattanchaya made at Pastor's house with mint leaf added to it. After drinking it, we left to see around the sandalwood reserve forest. .
My Comfortable bed inside the altar.
Inside the Brethren Church, Marayoor.
Morning sunrise as seen from the Church
The watchers were there all around the reserve forest and the forest was mostly fenced. Some of the watchers greeted pastor and told the locations to spot bison and deer. Pastor Titus told me that, most of them he knew as his Sunday school students.
Some women and children were picking up sandalwood tree seeds. Pastor told that the seeds were procured by plant nurseries. They soak the seeds and peel of the coat and try to grow sandalwood saplings for sales. Pastor told it was successful partially and sandalwood tree grows only in wild.
A deer group were grazing faraway as they were scared of women and children picking the sandalwood tree seeds near by.
Sandalwood reserve forest, Marayoor.
Sandalwood reserve forest, Marayoor.
Sandalwood reserve forest, Marayoor.
Sandalwood reserve forest, Marayoor.
Sandalwood reserve forest, Marayoor.
Sandalwood reserve forest, Marayoor.
Natives collecting sandalwood seeds, Sandalwood reserve forest, Marayoor.
We moved to a different location in the bike and spotted a Bison and a Barking deer called Kelai aadu. I remember my grandfather telling me about their life in Peermedu estate where his father Mr Gnana Prakasam worked as a Writer under British, and these Kelai aadu were local hunting delicacies of the by gone era. Pastor Titus, hearing my story told that his father too worked as a supervisor in Tea estate and that was how their family migrated to Kerala.
Bison, Sandalwood reserve forest, Marayoor.
Barking Deer or Kelai Aadu Sandalwood reserve forest, Marayoor.
On the way back we saw workers harvesting Sugar cane. Marayoor is famous for its Jaggery. We went back to church and Pastor told me to come to his home around 9 am for break fast. I went and had break fast. We had Idli, vadai and of course Kattanchaya.
Sugarcane Harvest, Marayoor
Sugarcane Harvest, Marayoor
Sugarcane Harvest, Marayoor
Pastor's wife started preparing for lunch and were busy packing it for the ride to Kanthaloor. So I went and waited in the church. Around 11.30 am when the pastor's family were ready we went to Kanthaloor in two bikes. Jeremy and Jenny were in my bike.
with Jenny and Jeremy
First on the way, we went to a water fall called " Irachi para Falls", that was in Marayoor. The place was very beautiful with a river down below and the falls above with a small cement road inclined at 45 degree angle in between.
Irachi Para Falls, Marayoor
Irachi Para Falls, Marayoor.
Irachi Para Falls, Marayoor.
Irachi Para Falls, Marayoor.
When I was thinking about how I would be able climb the 500 meters road with above 45 degree inclination, I was told that there was an alternate route which would join Kanthaloor - Marayoor road.
Kanthaloor is located at an higher altitude from Marayoor. Kanthaloor is famous for apple and other fruit gardens. It is in fact located close to Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, separated by thick forest. In the British era, there existed an Escape road for British from Kodaikanal to reach the port city, Cochin, in order to escape the country in times of uprising freedom struggle. There is still a hidden forest road connecting Kilavarai of Kodaikanal to Vattavada of Munnar.
We reached Kanthaloor and Pastor Titus was going in front in his TVS Star city bike.He chose a narrow path and I followed him in my bike. Soon the road was non existent but saw Jeep tracks. I understood the route was meant for off roading in 4 wheel drive with steep down curvy path. Finally after 15 minutes of ride, we reached a beautiful picnic spot on top of a rock. It is called "Kulachivayal rock" . The place was beautiful with scenic view all around. We walked through the lemon grass that was growing wild on the ground.
Dirt track leading to Kulachivayal rock, Kanthaloor.
Dirt track leading to Kulachivayal rock, Kanthaloor.
Kulachivayal Rock, Kanthaloor
Kulachivayal Rock, Kanthaloor
Kulachivayal Rock, Kanthaloor
Lemon Grass, Kulachivayal Rock, Kanthaloor
Kulachivayal Rock, Kanthaloor
Kulachivayal Rock, Kanthaloor
Scenic views from Kulachivayal Rock, Kanthaloor
Scenic views from Kulachivayal Rock, Kanthaloor
Scenic views from Kulachivayal Rock, Kanthaloor
Pastor Titus Family, Kulachivayal Rock, Kanthaloor
With Pastor's kids at Kulachivayal Rock, Kanthaloor
Pastor Titus family, Kulachivayal Rock, Kanthaloor
Scenic views from Kulachivayal Rock, Kanthaloor
Scenic views from Kulachivayal Rock, Kanthaloor
Scenic views from Kulachivayal Rock, Kanthaloor
Pastor's wife spotted a new pair of ladies sandals on a corner of the rock. Pastor Titus, said, Must be Jeremy teacher's?! and giggled. I got curious and inquired the Pastor about it. Then he told the story. Jeremy's class teacher fell in love with the man and since their love was not accepted by the parents, they decided to commit suicide from that rock. On a fateful day, they both cut their veins at wrist and jumped from the cliff. The local people were able to save the life of Jeremy's teacher but the man lost his life. Why men alone ?! Blame on the huge parabolic curve of the jump away from bushes in the cliff!!!!
After Lunch, we left to see the apple and fruit gardens. Forest honey was sold at a very cheaper cost. 1 litre was only Rs 500/-
We reached Snowline fruit gardens in Perumala road, Kanthaloor. The care takers of the garden were known to Pastor. Fruits were available for sale at the entrance and they also charge an amount as entry tickets to the garden. Pastor Titus told the farmers have become lazy because of the tourists. The farmers show no interest in selling the fruits as they could earn through the entry tickets a lump-some amount. The sale of fruits were easy at the entry ticket counter which reduces transportation of fruits to the market.
There were wide variety of fruits that were commonly available in Hill stations. I saw Apple, Orange, Lemon, Tree tomato, Passion Fruit, Custard Apple, Berry, Pear and Straw berry. There were also some flowering plants around the garden.
Straw berry, Snowline Fruit Garden, Kanthaloor.
Mandarin, Snowline Fruit Garden, Kanthaloor.
Passion fruit flower, Snowline Fruit Garden, Kanthaloor.
Lemon, Snowline Fruit Garden, Kanthaloor.
Passion fruit, Snowline Fruit Garden, Kanthaloor.
Pear, Snowline Fruit Garden, Kanthaloor.
Oranges, Snowline Fruit Garden, Kanthaloor.
Orange, Snowline Fruit Garden, Kanthaloor.
Oranges,Snowline Fruit Garden, Kanthaloor.
Custard apple,Snowline Fruit Garden, Kanthaloor.
Lone Apple, Snowline Fruit Garden, Kanthaloor.
Snowline Fruit Garden, Kanthaloor.
Snowline Fruit Garden, Kanthaloor.
We left Snowline fruit garden. Pastor bought some fruits and I was not interested to buy and carry fruits to Vellore but had plans to buy only the local specialties
I told Pastor Titus that I wanted to buy garlic from the mountain. So pastor stopped at a shop, a Tamil family selling the local produce. the shop keeper was well known to Pastor. In respect to Pastor he was trying to give away many items for free but Pastor Titus insisted that he should do business properly but despite that he gave me 3.5 kg garlic at a price of just Rs 70/-per kilo.
Buying Garlic at Kanthaloor
Buying Garlic at Kanthaloor
We saw the Kanthaloor falls while sitting and having our lunch on the Kulachivayal rocks. So Pastor wanted to try and see that falls . They have not been there and the kids were excited to see the new place. So, we stopped the bike at the end of the motorable road and kept the luggages in the nearby house ans started trekking deep inside the forest. There were many trekking paths and we did not know which way to go and there was no one who could tell us the correct route. At one spot when the bush become thicker and difficult, I told the exhausted Pastor not to venture any further as we do not have proper clothing and also mentioned his wife and the kids would be exhausted to to go back the way up above after that steep descent.
So we returned without seeing the Kanthaloor water falls. On the way back, I saw a 8-10 foot King cobra which crossed our trekking path. When I called others it raised its Hood and in fraction of a second, slithered away in to the rocks. I could not capture even in my mobile which I took from my Pocket.
Trekking to Kanthaloor Water falls
Trekking to Kanthaloor Water falls
Trekking to Kanthaloor Water falls
Place where I saw the Cobra while trekking to Kanthaloor Water falls
Jeremy was fascinated to handle my Nikkon DSLR camera. I gave him under my guidance . But when he wanted to carry and use it alone, I was not sure how he would manage carrying it on the slippery rocky paths, so gave him my mobile and and taught him the method to take macro photography.
Jeremy Macro Photography
Jeremy Macro Photography
We rested for a while on a view point along the way to the falls. Both Pastor and his wife were completely exhausted and I reminded them, that it was good that we did not go down till the end to see the Falls.
view from Kanthaloor view point on the way to the Falls
view from Kanthaloor view point on the way to the Falls
Jeremy Macro Photography
view from Kanthaloor view point on the way to the Falls
view from Kanthaloor view point on the way to the Falls
After resting a while, we started back to Marayoor and on the way stopped for sugarcane juice. The board said "Marayoor sarkara". Then Pastor signalled me not to show interest in buying Jaggery there. But the whole set up of producing Jaggery machinery was there. I took photos of it but only had sugarcane juice. Each cup of 200 ml cost about Rs 30/- each. Rs 20/- extra compared to Chennai or Vellore.
While leaving, Pastor told it was a set up to attract tourists. The main aim of them was to sell sugarcane juice at higher cost and to sell cheap quality fake Jaggery. The real Marayoor jaggery production will not allow any visitors and are in places away from main roads in Marayoor. The geographical index (GI tag) is given to Marayoor Jaggery as the farmers do not use chemicals in the production process.
Marayoor fake sarkara Factory, on the way to Kanthaloor.
Marayoor fake sarkara Factory, on the way to Kanthaloor.
Marayoor fake sarkara Factory, on the way to Kanthaloor.
Marayoor fake sarkara Factory, on the way to Kanthaloor.
Marayoor fake sarkara Factory, on the way to Kanthaloor.
Marayoor fake sarkara Factory, on the way to Kanthaloor.
Marayoor fake sarkara Factory, on the way to Kanthaloor.
Marayoor fake sarkara Factory, on the way to Kanthaloor.
After reaching Pastor Titus home, we had Kattanchaya. Then Pastor Titus and I went to the Marayoor bazaar to purchase the local specialties. I bought cinnamon (rolled barks like cigar)for 100/-, Tea packets Thalayar tea 500g Rs 110/-, Grass oil 100 ml Rs 200/- and Marayoor Jaggery 1 kg for Rs 70/-.
I did not wanted to buy spices and other things I could get in our departmental store, sold, may be slightly at a higher cost.
We came home and had dinner. I had chappathi / potato curry and Omelette. I waved bye to the kids and assured that I would visit them again as family. I told Pastor that I do not want to disturb in the morning while leaving for Vellore, instead I would meet and bid bye on the corner of their street. I left Pastor's home and came to church. I packed all the bags and kept ready for tomorrows long ride and slept around 9 pm.
End Odo 55851 km.
Marayoor - Kanthaloor route map.
Day 5 riding statistics:-
Start Odo 55795 Km
End Odo 55851 Km
No fuel stops
15th October 2021 Friday
Started at 6.20 am after getting up at 4,30 am. Pastor told to come home and have tea and then to leave. As I could not refuse his affectionate call, I went to have tea. The children were sleeping . I said bye to the Pastor and his wife and thanked again for their hospitality.
After riding for 2 km, I joined the Marayoor - Udumalapet road.
Marayoor
Udumalapet - Marayoor road.
The road goes through two wild life reserve, Chinnar and Anaimalai. Pastor Titus advised me to go slow and if possible to tailgate a truck. He also told about a single elephant which has killed, a girl in their church, while riding late in the night with her husband.
All these information made me more alert and pumped up my adrenaline. Riding through the elephant and tiger wild life sanctuaries were only fascinating in the four wheeler. I was in the fright and flight mode.
But the morning sunrise at the top of the mountains lighting up the clouds in the valleys was beautiful and made me forget about the scary animals.
Morning sky, Marayoor
Morning sky, Marayoor
Morning sky, Marayoor
Sun rise, Chinnar wild life sanctuary.
Karimutty Water falls, Chinnar wild life sanctuary.
Chinnar wild life sanctuary.
Chinnar wild life sanctuary.
Chinnar wild life sanctuary.
Chinnar wild life sanctuary.
Chinnar wild life sanctuary.
I saw a Lion tailed white Macaque on the road at Anamalai tiger reserve. I stopped my bike and slowly took my mobile out as did have time to take the dslr in my tank bag. While I was taking a shot, the monkey ran away. I was only able to capture its back.
Lion tailed Macaque running at the far end of the road, Anamalai tiger reserve.
Lion tailed Macaque running at the far end of the road, Anamalai tiger reserve.
Signs of night party by elephants at Anamalai reserve. Few sign boards were bent and broken.
After crossing the forest check post, I had breakfast at Naidu Hotel on the road side. Two Dosai , a Vadai and a black tea. I guess I paid Rs 60/-.
Naidu Hotel, After the forest check post
My bike , parked for breakfast.
Then I started riding through Udumalapet, Palladam, Thirupur, Bhavani, Mettur, to reach Thoppur ghat road at Dharmapuri.
I had a pleasant riding through the villages on that route. Stopped once in a while to take photo or for a rest.
Last view of Western ghats
Rear view. "Bye bye" mountains
Wind mills, Udumalapet.
Wind mills, Udumalapet.
The road became very bad after Bhavani and worse after Mettur to Thoppur with lot of Potholes. After joining the National highway at Thoppur,
Near Mettur
National Highway at Thoppur.
I started cruising at a constant speed of 80 km/hr. I was in a dilemma whether to stop and have biriyani at Ambur for lunch or to make a home run for food at my house. When I reached Ambur, I felt the urge for home run and I cruised at 90 km/hr to reach my house in Vellore at 3.45pm. I had chappathi and chicken at my house. My mom was excited to see the garlic and Jaggery I bought from Marayoor.
I thanked God for providing yet another safe and pleasant journey amidst Covid lock down rumors, unexpected Kerala rain and floods.
End Odo 56334 km
Marayoor to Vellore route map.
Day 6 riding statistics:-
Start Odo 55851 Km
End Odo 56334 Km
One Fuel Stop near Mettur and filled 10 liters of petrol. Hit reserve at 56042 km
Mileage : 39.2 km/ liter (Measured reserve to reserve after filling 10 litres petrol)
Really a lovely ride with a lot of places covered and lovely people met. Missed it this time. Will join you God willing in your next trip in the new year 2022.
ReplyDeleteMade a nice read.... Was nice to see Sudha's family... and hear about Rose Mary...you didn't meet her though right.... I would have loved to meet my juniors... maybe some other time. God bless. Ride on bro.
Thank you Jacob. Yes we will ride again next year before summer.
DeleteOh WOW, what a visual treat! Your travel experiences have always been enjoyable and amazing. I could imagine your travel by connecting the dots and virtually traveling with you in your story. Great job and please keep blogging!
ReplyDeleteThank you Subhasree.
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