This blog reflects my experience of my tour to a wonderful destination in Kerala known as Thekkady. I hope, you enjoy reading it....
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Thekkady / Idukki (Kerala) ( 157 km from Kochi)
destination was Carmelia, a resort nestled cosily on a hilltop amidst acres of lush plantation. The drive along the NH-49 to Carmelia, 157 km from Kochi, is a treat. Driving past the rubber country of Thodupuzha, with miles of neatly lined rubber trees, you see how rubber is harvested and processed. As you begin the gradual climb to the uplands, it is pineapple next the hillside on either side of the road covered with thorny pineapple bushes with the ripening green and yellow fruit nestled in the centre. The road soon winds past some of the innumerable rivers in Kerala with quaint inns by the riverside adding to the charm. At Moolamattam, take a short deviation to visit the hydel project or turn left to the Thekkady / Idukki road.
The undulating hilly terrain then takes you to the Idukki arch dam, a magnificent parabolic structure that impounds the water from the river Periyar here. In the late afternoon, with the monsoon on the verge of breaking on the Kerala coast, the sky is grey with pregnant clouds and a swift breeze brings with it a wintry chill and you are compelled to pull over and hop out of your car. As you saunter on the road atop the dam, you feel magic in the air. The placid water in the reservoir, stretching far into the distance, gleams like a sheet of glass. On the other side, the dam plunges deep into a forested valley. Sheer granite cliffs rise majestically upward on either end. Flocks of birds sweep across and disappear into the surrounding woods. Birdcalls, the caterwaul of crickets and the whistle of the wind are the only sounds... Soaking in the scene, we linger a while before driving on towards Vandanmedu.
Half an hour later, I am seated in the cosy reception lounge of Carmelia After a sumptuous dinner later in the evening, I retire to an elegant cottage early.
Magnificent view
Day two begins with a trek along a winding nature trail early in the morning. The toot and tootles of birds and the rustling leaves provide soothing sound effects in the background. On the way, there are creepers of vanilla, cocoa, and tall elegant trees of cloves and cinnamon. Near the cottages at the end of the trail are clusters of trees bearing fruits like orange, mangosteen, butter fruit, chinese guava and rose apple.
After a breakfast of appam and stew in the open-air restaurant, we head for Calvary, a peak about 23 km away that offers a magnificent view of the surroundings and the Idukki reservoir. Vandanmedu, a quaint, hilly town falls on the way. Cardamom and other spices are auctioned here once a week and traders come from all over the country to bid here. Indeed shops and storehouses brimming with spices are everywhere.
The mild afternoon sees us at the Thekkady tiger reserve, 25 km away. A cruise on the extensive Periyar Lake atop a double-decker boat is a must here. Grassy meadows vied with wooded forests for attention on either side, as the boat glided quietly on the placid lake. Herds of trumpeting elephants, curious clans of wild bison, sambhar and a pack of red foxes made up the wild life on view. "Big cats are sighted rarely and only at dawn or dusk," says a tour guide on the boat and adds, "even if you don't see the cats, a cruise here in the twilight hours is an extraordinary experience." I nod in agreement.
Day three dawned bright and sunny after intermittent night showers and it was back to Thekkady, this time for an early morning guided trek in the forest. Not much of wildlife on view again, except for giant flying squirrels, bears and the State bird: the great Indian hornbill. But trekking in a densely wooded forest at this hour is an experience you are not likely to forget soon.
Attractive package
Back at Carmelia and after a quick lunch of some superb seafood we head for the annexe. About 23 km on the road to Munnar (which lies 80 km from Carmelia), the annexe is a sprawling, extensive estate of tea and cardamom with its own processing factories for both. An expansive private lake with boating and angling, an adventurous drive along narrow dirt tracks hugging the hillside to the windy, rugged summit offering a breathtaking view of the landscape all form part of the package for guests. There are also some outlandish novelties here like the tree-top wood cabin and the quaint underground cellar room; both tastefully furnished inside.
The next day, after a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage followed by a dip in the pool, I pack my bags. It was time to bid adieu to a magnificent country and a great holiday.
FACTFILEAltitude: 4000 ft above MSL.
Clothing: Wool & Cotton
Monsoon: June to September
Season: All year round.
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