Awfully Appeasing: Pothigai Hills

Prologue

"If this is not paradise, what else is?" i heard someone saying but didn’t bothered to even look back to see who was that. "May be" i said. Surely i was short of words as my mind was busy processing so much of nature at that instance. The cacophonic noise of motor boat was cutting the dam water. The boat took a turn round the corner to take us between two mountains among many mountains that were surrounding the dam water .as we were nearing; the gushing sound of water falling from height became more and more audible. Slowly and gradually as the curtains for a play unfold our sight were opened to view the exquisiteness of Mother Nature. The milky water with garrulous sound falling from the heights was one of the most exotic views i can ever imagine. This may come as exaggeration to many but take my words and you won’t be disappointed. There isn’t iota of sign that nature is holding so much precious view in isolation from the whole world. Surely a ride to remember and cherish for the lifetime.

The Set up

Pothigai hills - heaven of waterfalls. This is where we headed on Nov 28th, 2008 for a natures day out. The occasion was our dear friend Chandru’s wedding in Rajapalayam on nov 30th and we planned to have a great time out around the nature’s hotspots on the day before.

Green signal

A gang of 11 friends boarded the Pothigai express from Chennai egmore on Friday evening. It was an eventful week for us with cyclone ‘Nisha’ showering copious rain over Chennai. This weekend trip came as an escape from the rain and the water logged city. The train was on schedule and we started our trip as usual with great amount of chatting and laughter going on full guns

The train started slowly just to unfold one more surprise that it dosenot have pantry arrangement for food. Some of us had empty stomachs and ears filled with rumors about possible chances of acquiring edibles at upcoming stations.Finally when the train halted villupuram station at 11:30 pm; we rushed to get the first hands on whatever fit for human consumption. It goes in the manner that better to chew what u get rather than eschew. With filled stomach we parted each other to take a nap to recharge ourselves for an exciting day ahead. We reached Tenkasi the next day around 8.30 am and boarded the bus arranged by chandru and headed to Kutrallam where our rooms have been booked.

Here we are

Kutrallam, called the “Spa of the south” is a tourist spot as well as a health resort. It’s situated at an elevation of about 170 m high, on the Western Ghats in Thirunelveli district. There are close to 9 waterfalls (Main Falls, Five Falls, the Shenbhaga Falls, the Tiger Falls, old Courtallam Falls, Honey Falls, Orchard falls and Sitraruvi) around Kutrallam. All these waterfalls have medicinal properties since the water runs through forests of herbs and the water has therapeutic qualities to cure physical ailments.

On reaching the hotel we refreshed ourselves and headed straight to the first falls in our agenda – the old Courtallam falls. This falls situated some 6 km from the main town isn’t really a crowd puller not that it lacks beauty but because of its distance. Still during the season time one can find a huge crowd over there. The falls didn’t had a heavy flow but adequate enough to thrill us. The water here flows down in the form of steps in about five landings before reaching the bottom.

Massage to Shower
Given the therapeutic value of the waterfalls just by taking a shower in the falls would bear a great revitalizing impact on our bodies but in case if we opt for an oil massage before the shower it would double the pleasure of the shower. So did we… slowly one after another took the massage and felt instantly rejuvenated. There were different forms in the massage starting from a usual oil massage to ayurvedic massage. After the massage we all had a great shower in the falls. The water was cold and the force with which it was falling seemed like a natural water massage. The water was pinching and thumping on our shoulders that we were forced to take frequent breaks in between showers.
Finally when we came out of the falls for a brief sunbath it was feeling fresh to a greater range. Then we had some snacks and tea before getting into the bus.

Fruit feast at five falls
Then we headed to the five falls located some 5 km from the main town. We reached the falls around noon and we were welcomed with a variety of sour fruits ranging from green and red amla to mango to palm drink (called as pathaneer locally) to still more varieties of fruits we only know in our local dialect. After having these fruits in alarmingly large quantities we went to the falls. The water falls got its name because of its formation in such a manner that water flows as five streams forming five different channels. The fall was having a very little water flow and it was pretty crowded also that we gladly opted to stay out and click some pictures under a cloudy sky. We left the place as the sky opened up for a slight drizzle.

Centre of Kutrallam
Next place we headed was the main falls which is located in the town very near to the bus station. The water flow here too was less on comparison to the peak season and again we didn’t bothered to take bath in the falls as we were very much satisfied with the shower that we had at the old courtallam falls. The water falls from the top summit into a pool like arrangement from where it brims and makes another fall down to the bottom. The place was bit crowded unlike the other falls we visited before on the day. And the hygiene at the place too was seriously doubtful considering the amenities over there. There is a temple for Thirukutralanathar(Lord Siva) just opposite to the falls. We roamed around the market place, had hot banana chips and started back to the hotel for lunch.

Surprise pack
After a nice south Indian meal we decided to visit the Papanasam. Some of us initially planned to take rest after the massage and had sent the driver back but later were feeling bad to waste a half day just like that inside the hotel. So we then opted for a ride in autirickshaw which was a kind of experience that we loved to the most just because of the thrill of the ride complemented by a nice cloudy weather with slight drizzle.

The entire ride was greatly adventurous with some of us sitting at the backseat of the vehicle enjoying the sight in full-scale with muddy waters splashing on to our legs from time to time, rain drizzling out occasionally and waving at the school kids eagerly waiting at the bus stops . We spotted some peacocks and multicolored parrots along the fields and on small hillocks through the way.

Place to rid off sins
The Papanasam hill is located around 40 km from kutralam and a ghat road stretching for 20 km leading to Papanasam siva temple and falls.We passed through the agasthiyar falls and temple half way enroute to Papanasam. Due to time constraints we skipped the spot and decided to go to further. On the way we crossed the Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary which is primarily a Project Tiger Reserve. But we could spot some dears, peacocks and macaques. We heard from the driver that there has been a secure fencing made in the forest near the human habitat in order to prevent poaching of tigers. We actually had got a plan to stay at the forest rest house at mundanthurai but couldn’t get any proper response while trying to communicate the forest officials through phone and e-mail. We actually couldn’t visit Papanasam temple and falls too due to time constraints and decided to visit the Karaiyar dam.

Dam (n good) site
When we reached the dam it was almost time for the boat man to leave and we stopped him for one more ride. Luckily we got to make the ride in the dam water. The dam which was actually built by the british across the river Thamiraparani just next to its originating point in the hills. Since it was close to the end of the rainy season the dam was brimming with water level reaching close to 134 ft just 6 ft below its maximum level.

The silence at the dam was so much captivating us and we almost went speechless with the amount of natural beauty laid before us in the form of the cloud clad hills, serene water, charming skies and the green forest around on the hills. Simply put it was looking close to heaven.
Thrill ride
The boat ride proposed by the government there is from the dam site till the end of the dam where we can alight in the dock to have a stroll in the forest nearby with a temple and take a shower at the panatheertham falls at the spot. This motor boat ride which takes us through roughly 6 km roundtrip costs around 20 rs per person. On special request we could go around the whole reservoir where there are close to five waterfalls that we can watch and get enchanted with the serene surroundings.
The only artificial sound that was disturbing the surrounding was the deafening noise of the motor boat but we were too much preoccupied at what we were sighting. The ride would have been even more pleasurable in case it was a less noisy ride. But this nuisance is negligible considering the beauty of surrounding hills and the reservoir. We also spotted some peacocks, kingfisher and many other varieties of birds along the coast through the ride.

Heavenly fall
And gradually as we moved closer to the end of the dam we were thrilled with the splashing sound of the waterfalls and were able to spot some drizzles over the reservoir at a distance. As the boat moved closer and as it came around a corner of a hill slowly the sight of the Paanatheertham falls unfolded before us and drove us crazy at that very moment. One cannot imagine a better beautiful sight of a falls with such a charming surrounding. At this moment the boat man slowed the boat and just the sound of the splashing water in a quite environment. It’s a treat for a lifetime.
We came to know that this is one of the originating points for the river Thamiraparani and on descending the other side of the mountain for about 50 km one can reach Trivandrum. This place beats Kutrallam hands down in its beauty and charm. We actually felt unlucky to be there very late as if we would have reached the falls sometime early during the day we could have had a thrilling shower at the falls and would have spent a lot more time in the surrounding places. The boat circled several times near the falls and we consoled ourselves with a shower in the drizzle created by the water splash. But truly we were very lucky to have come till there and this visual treat would go down as one of the best places in our memories. If the reservoir and the surrounding hills could well called to be close to heaven, the Paanatheertham can well be called a place in heaven.
Fitting farewell
When we alighted from the boat back at the dam site, the scene was looked more beautiful with sun setting at the backdrop of the mountains. The silence and the darkness falling at the dusk were mesmerizing. We then had warm tea and some tasty fries of a variety of fish called 'begas' caught at the reservoir.
We bid a farewell to the Karaiyar dam with enchanted memories of the falls and the mountains. The downward journey from the hills at that time of twilight with sun setting over the hills and the crescent moon smiling at the horizon just added to the list of charms that we witnessed the whole day.

Ever green
The route throughout our trip from the morning was through green agricultural fields, forests and with the hills side by having misty grey clouds over the summit. Rain was playing hide and seek through our journey and casting a magic spell to the landscape.
We returned back to Kutrallam by 7.30 pm. After having a nice dinner we strolled around the town back to the main falls through the still busy market streets. By the time when we returned to the hotel we were filled heavy yet with pleasant memories of the day. We could not ask for more adventures and natural treats in a single day.

Trek Info:
Thirunelveli - is the nearest city for all the places of interest. It is well connected by road and rail from Chennai and other parts of the country.

Kutrallam (59 km): Called the "Spa of the south" is a tourist spot as well as a health resort. It's situated at an elevation of about 170 m high, on the Western Ghats in Thirunelveli district. There are close to 9 waterfalls (Main Falls, Five Falls, the Shenbhaga Falls, the Tiger Falls, old Courtallam Falls, Honey Falls, Orchard falls and Sitraruvi) around Kutrallam. All these waterfalls have medicinal properties since the water runs through forests of herbs and the water has therapeutic qualities to cure physical ailments. Peak season is between June to September and usually flocked by thousands of tourists.

Papanasam (60 km): The famous Shiva temple is located at the bottom of Western Ghats and also very near to the origin of the River Tambraparani. Every year The Chitrai Vishu festival is celebrated in the month of April and another festival Adi Ammavasai is celebrated in the month of July and lakhs of people congregate there.

Panartheertham: 4 km from Papanasam Shiva Temple. The River Tambraparani commences its course from this point. One can reach this spot, crossing the Kaaraiyar dam by boat when the dam is full. During the festival days domestic tourists around Papanasam visit this place.

The Servalar dam nearby to papanasam also serves a good place to visit.
Agasthiyar Temple and falls: Located half way to the Panatheertham. One can reach these Agasthiyar Falls and the Temple by trekking a distance of 3 km. Regular buses available to visit these temples.

Kalyanatheertham This is a holy pool located at an elevation of 125 feet on the Agasthiyar falls and it gets its water flow from this pool only. This is called kalyanatheertham. Near the pool, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary (42 kms): The sanctuary is en route to papanasam. Though this sanctuary is primarily a Project Tiger Reserve, other animals likely to sight are the leopard, sambhar, sloth bear and the chital apart from a wide variety of Indian primates including the bonnet macaque, common langur, Nilgiri langur and lion-tailed macaque. The best time to visit Mundanthurai is between October and January. Accommodation is available at the rest house on prior booking.

Kalakadu Wildlife Sanctuary (47 kms): This falls nearby to Mundanthurai sanctuary. This sanctuary is very popular with botanists and ornithologists as it has a great variety of fauna and bird life. Among the animals that roam here are tiger, panther, jackal and wild dogs while reptile population includes cobra, python and several other snakes. The lion-tailed monkey can be spotted at the Kalakadu Sanctuary. The best season to visit this sanctuary is between March and September. It is a reserve for the Lion tailed macaque.

Tenkasi (53 kms): Tenkasi literally means the Varanasi of the South. There is a beautiful Shiva temple here, which has a flagstaff that is 400 years old

Be a rEbeL...

Change of direction:

With the onset of the nesting season for this year, we planned to head to pulicat lake. As a great boost to our idea a huge number of friends (say close to 25) showed interest in participating in the nature drive. Just about when we started to have some perfectionist approach towards our planning, a cyclone 'Khai-Muk' formed over the bay played as a destination changer.

We decided of having a final call on the morning of the trek. Slowely the number of trekkers started reducing and by sat evening it had reached to less than 10. It rained really heavy on sat evening stretching through the night and by the time when we had to make the final call on the trek it was quite overcast with the met department predicting the cyclone to cross the shore during the day before noon and we decided to change... not our mood to trek but our destination of trek.

Never say NO:

A very handfull of us.. Vivek,Suyog,Prasad,Raul,Sashi and Rakul didnt want to mark an empty sign to the calendar for that day after getting tuned to the trek mode.


There's a Trek Trail virtually everywhere:

And here comes a contigency plan of a micro or even it can well be called a nano trek. A trek to a dilapidated site well within the city and near one of its lifelines. Trisoolam hill - a place which had featured in most of the tamil movies as one of the prime most crime scene. As with the topography for the place goes.. the hill is located opposite to the chennai airport across the GST road and the southern TN railway line.


'Nano trek':

On visiting the place one can get the actual meaning of why this trek can be called a nano trek.Everything that's involved with this trek is of very less magnitude except for the amount of adventure that's been thrown by the place which is large in magnitude. A drive up the hill takes us through small winding roads through a very less dense jungle and scene of the city as one climbs up is scintillating. The road ends at a temporary barricade before a building that looks like a weather or radio centre with some police persons gurading the place.



Midst of Ruins:

The buildings over there perfectly shapeless giving a very ghostly look to the place. We then headed towards the summit where more ruins welcomed us. We passed through some huge banyan trees adding a novel touch to the scare scene.The place would be really scary if one goes there alone.


As we climbed a short distance of steps to the top, we came into the ruins of what looked like a mosque with some tombs outside the building.


There were plants and bricks and structures left over around the main building and it had quite a few inlets. We could see the other sides from some angles through the destroyed building.


Sunning on the mount:

It was a perfect evening with sun seeting over the horizon and the sight of sun through the ruins gave a better setting for our hungry cams...


We went around the place,enjoyed the city scape and involved in a small discusion of finding the places and its directions.

Final showdown:

It was totally a different experience over there that evening amidst the ruins,sunset and trees. But the best part of the place is the view of the airport from the top. I doubt even the viewer's lounge inside the airport will have a better view of flights taking off and landing. It was looking awesome especially at night with all lights over the runway and the airport.


Masti ki Paatshala...

By the time we started to return it was pitch dark through the ghat way with city lights casting a magic spell below. With the lights from our bikes searching for a route in the dark, it reminded similar scenes from Rang De Basanti where the Aamir and gang descend from the mountain in bikes.


The hill could well be the perfect spot for an evening of adventure.


P.S: It was bright sunny through the day with cloudless sky. But no complaints as we got a great adventure in trisoolam and it actually helped us to have some bigger plan and a much bigger group for pulicat... Thanks to the met dept for their consistency! :-)

Gudiyam Caves

Gudiyam Caves

(A journey to the centre of the evolution.)

Prologue:

It all began with the moment when ‘matter’ combined with ‘spirit’ to give birth to the most complex species in the world both anatomically & psychologically... the humans.

Then started the ever going process of evolution, the other name for the phrase ‘Survival of the toughest ’.

One such link in this process was the ‘homo erectus’ and we, a bunch of nine

‘homo sapiens sapienses’ resolved upon going back in to the history of our existence to find out

how simple & basic lives our remote ancestors had.

(Another purpose was to get a break from our boring monotonous

lives & most importantly,utilize the weekend ;-))

Gudiyam ??? what’s that !

Gudiyam Caves, known by the village name situated @ the
foothills comprises of 16 natural
stone shelters which were used for dwelling nearly 100000 years
ago. It’s actually very surprising that in this age of
information technology,
very less information about this place is available. Reason…?
‘Actually very less information is available’! but as
they say ‘Himmat-e-marda to madad-e-Google ’ So after a
weeklong digging on the internet and courtesy people like
Mr. Chandra from R.E.A.C.H. foundation who gave us some
useful tips ,
we finalized Sunday ,the 5th of Oct.’08 for this adventure.And as the old saying goes... fortune favors the brave. The day started beautifully without any rain and remained cool till we reached the Gudiyam village.

After a lot of mails, messages & phone calls the count was finalized to be NINE! Eight Indians & a very jolly Chilean guest who works in the same company as I do. And the composition was 5 members in car & 4 on bikes. (It’s actually safe to go on bikes as well as cars and also advisable as you can enjoy the lush green terrain with sun playing hide n seek behind clouds, parking in the village which is at the foothills of the caves is also safe except for if you can excuse the mud wash by the curious village kids who are happy on some biscuits & junk stuff to keep a watch on your vehicles.)

Chale chalo…

So we kicked off our journey from IIT madras at 5.30 a.m. where we (myself Suyog & Vivek on bike) joined Prasad & Santosh in Santro(thanks to Prasad’s PR’s) later joined by Rohan-Jitendra @ kattipara Jn. On pulser & Abhimanyu & Patil at porur. Meanwhile we picked up raul our Chilean friend who awaited us @ office entrance patiently.

After the breakfast @ porur we halted again @ poondi for a break and some re-planning. As none of us had been there before we went slow & steady to reach our destination still well in time to be able to explore the place.After some basic enquiries with villagers who helplessly tried to give us directions... we decided to trust our gut feelings (some arrow markings on stones are also helpful).one good thing about having less information is you don’t miss out on surprises. With Some beautiful patterns & colorings on stones and the terrain fully rich of greenery, the place looked virgin. The sun was blazing but the trek was pleasant thanks to the breeze which brought a faint scent of eucalyptus.

After an hour long walking on rough & stony route we reached the first cave formed of porous stone.
If you climb a bit more you can spot the other caves from there. It requires another 2-3 km’s of walking to reach there through the thick veil of branches you will think twice before touching them to make your way through fearing your touch will spoil their purity & the wonderful envelope. Thus we reach the destination,

The Amman Temple which has got nothing to do with the band of civilization of our interest (the hominids). Just take step back & look up @ ceiling I bet you will be awed at the sight of massive beehives clinging to the porous & damp roof of the cave.
Excuse the foul smell & take a stroll but don’t go too far & be over adventurous as there is not much room to escape if queen bee decides to send the forces after you.
Some ruined clay statues attract your attention but that’s it... There’s no info about what they are doing there and we shouldn’t bother coz the beauty of the place demands more attention & deservedly so. Try to inhale as much fresh air as you can but be careful you metro adapted lungs may not be able to process it ;-).

Returning to modern civilization:

Very slowly we started our return journey back (for a rather late lunch near one of fields which treated us with beautiful scenery & sweet water, escorted by a faithful dog who accompanied us from the first cave who was later rewarded by a pack of goodday butter biscuits) mainly because of fatigue and pondering over what we actually got to see in the caves but many a times “It’s not the result, it’s the journey that matters”.

While descending the only thought that revolved in my mind was

“The Earth has not anything to show more fair,

Dull woody be of soul, who could pass by,

A sight so touching,

In its majesty”

That’s not the end:

The icing on the cake was the humble museum maintained by the government about 10 km’s from the cave site which gave us the confirmation that the unusual stones we simply dodged en route the caves to be weapons were actually the tools used by the pre-historic man and a beautiful dam built on poondi reservoir. The shining water and beautiful scenery concluded the day as we drained the remaining charge of the camera battery.

The day was destined to be beautiful as the orange-yellow torch of sinking sun shone the trails of the path we left behind.

Some useful info & Tips:

Route : (Approx. distance from Adyar – 80 kms. (Max.))

To reach Poondi (about 65-70 kms.):

drive down the Poonamallee Road -> then take the Tirutani Road -> head to Thiruvallur -> turn off to Poondi reservoir

Poondi-Gudiyam (15 kms. Max.):

Palayam -> Seettancheri -> Pennalurpettai ->Right diversion(Gudiyam)

Note: Athirambakkam is another place of interest to visit.

Tips:

· Carry ample water & sufficient food

· Also carry some biscuits to feed yourself & dogs...lol.

· Also keep some basic first-aid & glucon-D if some feels tired.

· Cap, full sleeve T-shirts, cargo/jeans, sports shoes, backpack advisable

· Start early in order to start the trek before afternoon.

· I am sure you would take few carry bags along unless you bent of turning the place into a dumping ground.

Avoid having food in the caves as the smell is rather unpleasant and it takes lot more to clear up the mess...than to create one.

(Images : Suyog & Prasad)

Happy Outing!!!

Maiden Trip of trek avocation: Kolli Hills

Kolli hill is small mountain range located at in central Tamil nadu in namakkal. The mountains are about 1000 to 1300 m in height and cover an area of approximately 280 km².our journey to kolli started from Chennai at Friday night to Salem, total of six ppl and later 2 joined us at Salem bus stand. From there we caught the bus for rasipuram which is located at some 30 km from Salem. From rasipuram after finishing breakfast we boarded bus for kalapanayakkanpatti(k.n.patti), we continued our remaining journey in a private vehicle which can be hired from k.n.patti. The total 30 km journey consisted twists and turns through whooping 70 hairpin bends taking over the Eastern Ghats. The journey that started by 10.30 PM the night before, ended at kolli hills at 11.30 AM next day morning.

Entire journey through the Ghats was of great picturesque value and every glare outside the window was peep into a totally different world for life less known to the city dwellers. One good thing about this place is, unlike ooty and kodai kanal its still untouched by tourism beyond tamilnadu and least exploited by travelers and hence it preserves the natural aura of its own. Be ready to disconnect ur self from all the manly comforts and even cell phones (network available at very selective spots)

Youth hostel. Kollimalai

After boarding at Youth hostel in Kolli we prepared ourselves for visiting the most heard about this place the "AKASA GANGAI" waterfalls which is near Arappaleeshwarar temple. Our hungry heads caught the attention of small fruit vendor selling guava which was one of the special delicasy of the hills. The relatively low fare fruit was best thing we had for that time thoroughly drowning ourslef in its red savory color from inside, cherished with bit of chili powder and salt. After having our hungry souls satisfied, we all headed towards the falls. Reaching the falls required descending down of thousands of steep steps which is yet date the most adventures steps one can ever descended.

The sheer enthusiasm to see the falls made us to take quick steps in spite of all the steep and dangerous which at last paid off largely when the sheer sight of such big fall of water occurring at such a height of about 300 ft with water touching us through breeze from at least 100m from the actual site of fall. The entire sight was truly mesmerizing. The green flora of the region which was nurtured by fall water was also indication of perenilaity of the water fall. The large amount of pressure created by water falling from the top kept us away even from reaching the vicinity of falls.


After having bath at relatively still water, as compared to falls, we dried ourselves to prepare for some rounds of photo shoot at the rocks which were adjacent to the steps on which we had to ascend back now. the climbing on the rock to have us parallel to the falls and have some clicks was also an experience of a kind. The only regret we had in our mind is our failure to capture the entire falls or the exact spot of the falls where it reaches ground because of too much water droplets flying in the air in all directions which may have damaged our lens. Then came the most difficult part, to ascend back up on the same steep steps. As the slope was very high and the size of the steps was very small and irregular we had to take multiple breaks through the upward journey only to be deeply tired physically. After leaving our wet clothes in the hostel we all prepared our self to satisfy the most demanding thing at that point "FOOD".

The food we had was prepared by some localities and the perfect way to enjoy that food was in open location. Adjacent to that place there was stream of water flowing down which was directed. The food was simple and consisted of sambar and rasam along with tomato curry cooked in local flavor, spices and methodology of that region along with rice and curd. We had our food in biodegradable plates made out of betel nut leaves. After finishing up with the delicious food we quenched our thirst with the water coming out of the stream to end our perfect eco dining experience.

The more fulfilling eco dining experience made us lil bit lazy and our foots heavy and eyes looking for lil power nap made to return back to hostel wherein we slept for sometime only to prepare ourselves to enjoy the special jackfruit of this region. The Jackfruit grown on these mountains is well known for its delicious taste and fragrance, was our savior for the evening. After one more fulfilling experience we left for Arappaleeshwarar temple in the dusk of falling lights of the evening sun. The temple is Shiva temple located on the stream Aiyaru. It is dedicated to Arappaleeshwarar. After having darshanam at the temple our foot carried us to a local tea shop.our activity for the day ended with glass of chai and darkness taking over the entire hillock.
After refreshing ourselves with some night strolling at the lawn in hostel, we had night snacks that consisted of dosa with coconut chutney and special "Ceylon parotha" eaten along with spicy curry. Spending night at totally unmanned place with only trees and wild life as our companion was enthralling experience to be cherished for which is not easily available even at many other hill points.

Next day morning was even better than day before with entire mountain range soaked in bland sunlight. The garden around the hostel saw a breather with fresh dose of sunlight after mild rains at night, there were dew deposited on the soft petals of flowers which resembled no less than pearls shining in sun. Most of us at that time were either strolling lazily over the garden lawn enjoying the warmth of morning sun and some were trying to capture the ecstasy with lens but overall the place above the ground was no less than heaven.

After having morning breakfast we all left for our last point in the trip, the VIEW POINT. Frankly speaking it’s a man made construction in form of round balcony like structure to make safe passage for humans to view the panoramic view of the valley and the whole mountainous area. Just a peek from that place will take you to a place which totally disconnects you from rest and brings oneness with the nature as a whole. The sight from the height immensely delivers exaliating feeling for both mind and body. After this point we started our journey back to the point or ground zero only to stop at Solakadu to relish country pineapples. The small sized red pineapple, specialty of this place was really quite a savor to our taste buds. this last stop was the last retreat of our journey in kollimalai only make us wanting for more of this place which will surely reside in the deep memories of everyone of us who participated in this enthralling journey would like to end this with Cynthia ozick's lines which describes it all “Nothing is so awesomely unfamiliar as the familiar that discloses itself at the end of a journey."

Trek demographics

Location: Kolli hills, Namakkal district, TamilNadu, INDIA
Reaching there: From Chennai/Bangalore one can reach Salem bus depot which is very well connected with other parts of the country. From here either one can get a direct bus to kolli hill or break up the journey as salem-rasipuram-kalappanayakkanpatti-kolli hill since the frequency of the straight buses to kolli hills are very less. Kalappanayakkanpatti which is at the foothills falls on the state highway between rasipuram-senthamangalam-namakkal. There are buses to kolli hills from namakkal too. The last trip from kalappanayakkanpatti to kolli hill (also known as kollimalai in local dialect) can be carried over in a bus or a private transport can be hired.
Places of intrest:
· Arapaleeshwarar temple
· Akasa Gangai waterfalls
· Seekupaarai (Suicide point)
· Kolli Paavai temple
· Solakkadu view point
· Siva temple,Pungulam
· Valvil ori statue
· Herbal forest
· Vasular Patti Lake Boat house
Time to visit:
Generally throughout the year since the climate is pleasant all through. Difference in the season is with the amount of water at the water fall and the fruits available in the hills. Best season would be between Mar-august when the waterfall is normal and the fruits are at abundance.
For boarding and other details:
Commissioner, Kollimalai Panchayat Union, Semmedu
(Phone No. 04286 247425).
Cottages (Panchayat Union) - 247425
Youth Hostel (Panchayat Union) - 247425
Hotel Nallathambi Resort - 247227, 247257, 247463
PA Lodge - 247488, 247466

basic rules

1) The main aim of any trek is to enjoy nature.

2) Any act under the name of enjoyment which in term may disturb the flora, the fauna & the local inhabitants of the place should be avoided.

3) Adherence to the schedule should be respected.

4) Arrangements (that includes transportation, food and the likes) for the trek should be planned well in advance.

5) Trek should not be carried in absence of basic first aid kit.

6) Littering should be avoided to the utmost.

7) Use of intoxication such as smoking or liquor should be avoided.

8) Any matter regarding expenses should be in adherence with the treasurer and expense outlay.

9) Change in rules or schedule or any other matter should be in consent of all the members taking part in that trek.

10) Taking care of self or of belongings should be individual responsibility