Trek down down the valley...!!!
Yes, I am being to Kerala- God's own place after a long time. I was taken away for studies during my fruitful days to over-crowded mutiplex city which I hate the most. The innocence and the serene beauty of my home-town was always missing there.
I just have a vague idea about my native place now. My native place is in Wayanad- a typical Indian Village. Wayanad is the green paradise is nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, forming the border world of the greener part of Kerala. Clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotizing, this land is filled with history and culture.
I just love that place for being like that. I had been and is still continuing the same innocent notes everywhere. Modernization, urbanisation and such complex themes have not yet contaminated this heavenly place. Whenever I get time, I used to rush myself there to escape from all the hurries and worries of worldly-affairs.
We arrived at Kozhikode and spent half a day there to view its scintillating beauty. My parents planned to leave by early morning to Wayanad town. Its just 25 kms from there.
We had a much-delighted journey with green paddy fields waving hands backed with small ponds as chariots to welcome our Visit and seems as if it has lots of things to tell me ( maybe asking why I was away for so long)
We started our journey in the morning .The Hair-Pin curves at Wayand gave us a adventure-sort of feel. I always used to carry my DigiCam wherever I go so as to update my facebook and status. As soon as I got out of the car, I gasped.The view was simply breath-taking and I was sure to take lots of pictures! I can't just stop clicking as each place at Wayanad was awesome. Monkeys were trying to draw our attention misbehaving themselves but my Mom warned not to play with it as it may enter inside our Car.
Now we are passing through Mananthavady- yet another beautiful place of Wayanad. Each place has its own beauty to relish. My brother added that he studied that " It was at Mananthavady that Lord Arthur Wellesley fought a guerilla war with the Pazhassi Raja and British supremacy marked the region for two centuries. When the state of Kerala was created in 1956". I saluted that great soul of Pazhassi in my mind. So, we driving through a heroic place in the history now,that added to my curiosity and enjoyment.
We were tired after the sight-seeing and we returned to our room.Next day morning we started off for morning jogging and while you shed those extra kilos your body and soul will be refreshed by the pure air you take in, which brings the unique rejuvenating smell of the forest, untouched by pollution.
Chembra peak is the highest peak in Wayanad at 2100m above mean sea level. It is 14 kms west of Kalpetta. Trekking to the top of this peak takes almost a day.There are temporary camps erected for tourist convenience. They also provide homely foods prepared with the right blend of Spices. The food there was mouth-watering. We had a very good time there.
Kuruva island is one of the important attractions in Wayanad. This island is uninhabited and an ideal spot for picnic. It is 17 kms from Mananthavady. To reach the island we have to cross a small stream by foot. Ferry service is available to reach the island but could not get one to reach there since it is so crowded. Water level in the river was very low we crossed the river by foot to and fro.
Kuruva island or Dweep is consists of group of islands inside Kabini river and covers an area of about 950 acres of ever green dense forest. Nothing so specific over there in the island except you and the chirping sound of the birds. We acn bath and roll over the seven lakes of Kuruva island.
The Pookote Lake is a breathtaking location. The water is clear and the foliage that surrounds it is a beautiful forest. Visitors are allowed to boat on this scenic lake, but swimming is not encouraged. The area is considered to be a safe place to spend some time, so it is a popular spot to picnic. This beautiful lake will allow you a chance to enjoy nature while relaxing at he same time. You will be well pleased with taking the time for this outing, and pack a picnic lunch so that you will have the time to truly enjoy the atmosphere there.
Edakkal Cave has breathtaking beauty. The Edakkal cave in the Ambukuthy mountain, is not a cave in the real sense.It is a fissure made by a corner of rock splitting off from the main body due to some natural causes. The depth of both the cleft and the fissure is 30 ft. What makes it a cave to the ordinary observer is the fact that in the other portion of the large cleft, an enormous rock, weighing several tonnes, has fallen forming a roof over a large part of it. The rock wall contains some interesting carvings, which represent human and animal figures and objects of human use and symbols. These carvings speak of a highly civilized people of pre-historic age and inspires the archaeologists and historians to rewrite the history of Wayanad and Kerala as a whole.
Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary is located very near to the Karnadaka border. Wild forests covering an area of 345 sq.kms form the Muthanga wild life sanctuary; the biggest abode of wild animals in Malabar. Elephant, spotted deer, bison, tiger, cheeta, wild bear, etc. are found in this sanctuary.
The Soochippara waterfalls are situated near Meppadi and are real treasures of nature. The waterfall ranged from 100 to 300 feet in height and is a luxury to the eyes. This is a prominent place for leisurely destination. This place is a blessed place as its divinity is obvious in the beauty of the nature.
The pool sited below the falls offer a great opportunity for swimming, bathing, water rafting, etc. another attraction is the tree top huts presenting a distinct vies of the western ghat valleys and the shining shallow waters of the spring. Such a scenic beauty cannot be ignored. Swimming is advisable.
Kanthapara falls is located towards the south east of Kalpetta. Kanthapara falls is at a distance of 22 kms from Kalpetta and 8 kms from Meppadi east. This is another significant and charming waterfall at about 30 mts height. Comparatively it is smaller that the sentinel rock falls.
It is not a frequently visited place and so its surrounding environment yet offers a pleasure. It accounts for a comfortable hike from the main road. Kanthapara falls is also an apt place for picnics amidst the luring beauty of the nature. It is extraordinarily silent and gives a feeling of absolute freshness.
Next attraction was Mystic islets which are small land scapes covered by the shades of bamboo shoots surrounded by the waters of the river. The cool breeze gave new breathe to our life. We all got much more refreshed.
After breakfast , We left to Elephant watching towers which has been erected to facilitate a better view of these majestic beings roaming around untamed in the wilderness. Nirvana or meditation spot is a yet another venue to absorb the cosmic power from the atmosphere facing the waters and greenery. An ideal place to discard the unwanted clutters of your mind and take in the grace of nature.
Heliconia Gardens are are another fascinating spot where a valley blanketed with heliconia shrubs is yet another amazement.
Nature seems to be so close and touching. Articificial smells are still unfamiliar within here. Nature seems so untouched and fresh as it could be. Still many of the places remain unexplored. But we have to rush into other place in our hometown because we have lots of relatives in the surrounding areas. All of them keeps on complaining about our absence. So, we have to rush up and head to Thiruvananthapuram-my mother's place and be back in our workplace within these 10 days.
Al the places at Kerala is one better than the other. Each has its own beauty and relics to relish. Dr. Vipin Gopal was right at giving the Sobriquet " Gods Own Place to Kerala ".
