Monsoon walk of Appooppanthaadis!

Since Appooppanthaadi completed 6 journeys with 30 lady nomads who already joined in our multiple trips and formed in our WhatsApp group was demanding a Monsoon walk in the month of Monsoon. Those who loved to join was stucked with Ramzan fasting, especially Amina who was with us on our Chikmanglore trip. But Azbara teacher was the first one who get in first in the que!

As usual the preparation started and people gathered at WhatsApp group and meeting and introducing each other and waiting for the day to go hand in hand. 

We have 5 hour journey but still we started around 10PM day before as our driver sahib wanted to get sleep in later or might ask rest in between. When we started, our first pick up point was Infosys campus, Where 2 techies of UST was waiting near by after their duty - Reshma and Dayana. Coming directly from Office with their back pack and ofcourse their lap top. Next one was Gayathri who was working with D+H in Technopark and mother of 2 kids and top of all who was eating my head since the plan was started with titty-bitty questions. She was waiting with her husband on the way when we headed to pick Azbara teacher and her 11year old son. Next was our Susan teacher with her 20 year old daughter and Jyothi who joined at Susan teacher's home for this trip. This both characters are very familiar for those who joined our trips and read our blog before. Jyothi - Energy bomb got in the vehicle and started her blah-blah and she was a perfect match for Gayathri who was turning down by age and not better than our Azbara teacher.

Our next pick up point was Railway station where Nidhi and Nitha was waiting. Nitha who was continuously in touch with me since I know here from one of my friend and finally turned up for a trip, coming all the way from Calicut. Nidhi also was the same who joined on last minute and on leave from an NRI life. 

This time Azbara teacher dragged one foot of her friend, thats Mrs. Shini and she was all set at her stop with her husband to wave off for a wonderful trip. Everyone was packed to Vehicle by 10.30PM and the journey began with a scary movie - Conjuring 2. Jyothi bought it but our player in the vehicle was not supporting it. But our driver got a better copy and when it started playing, those who was scared to watch (I didn't mentioned you Gayathri :P ) was fallen asleep and finally me and Jyothi was the one who was watching till the end. 

We took breaks in between and it was dawn by the time when our vehicles started climbing up the tea plantations. In between a Porcupine crossed our way and this excitement made the sleepy heads to wake up and waiting for the next gift which early dawn will bring, but unfortunately there was nothing left. 

Google was our guide but it has a very wrong way shows to Ramakkalmedu where all travelers get confused, so we also got the wrong path. But by 7AM we gathered at Vinayak's home stay and allotted rooms and announced to get fresh at the earliest. Me and Azbara teacher was fasting so after fresh up we have nothing to do till others have their breakfast. 

Soon after the breakfast we headed towards Wind mills fields. To be true- we were not expecting the wind gonna be this strong when it said this is the place in India where Wind blew to its strongest form. Yes, it was Ramakkalmedu and we enjoyed till next day we live the place. 

Girls were having fun in the wind and no body could get a good photo without their hair being a real mess. And at times it was hard to stand properly but still spent quite a lot of time there. Next destination was Aamakkallu which we need a off-road drive. We said bye to our Traveler for a while and started heading to the hills in two jeeps. 

It was first time seeing and experiencing such a hard core off road drive, our jeeps were literally climbing over rocks. We took two break points, one is to view the Theni's outskirts and next is near by a small pool which is formed by the Monsoon. Next was the real point where the rocks are formed like a Tortoise and obviously thats the reason to call it "Tortoise hills". But the real fun was scrolling inches below the rocks to reach the others side. Everyone's dress got dirty while scrolling through the recently rained mud, and few got their sandals broken. Jyothi was one among that main stream victim :P

Reshma was the spoiled brat in that pack, who was supporting and dragging everyone to the adventure spirit of the trip. Spent quite alot of time there clicking snaps and posing photos. As it was reaching Lunch time and everyone was getting down on energy, we slowly packed back to the home stay. The return journey was much amazing as we were climbing down the hill in through a steep off-road in Jeep. yes, I told you it was one of the best jeep ride ever!

Everyone was rushing to lunch table when we reached home stay and ready in one hour for the next ride to near by waterfalls which was not much explored. So the expectations were high but still few, including me, was dozing off on the way in that one hour journey. We parked our jeep near by and walked again few meters to see the source of sound which is coming from the near by running water. Finally when we found it, we were dumbstruck to see the height and the beauty of the untouch water. Thankfully it was not polluted with plastics as it was hidden from the outskirts. Next task was finding a way to get a bath in the falls, when our driver and the owner of Homestay, Vinayak gone to explore the way, we patiently waited at down near the stream but not idle ;) Yes offourse dipping our foot in that icy cold water. 

Vinayak came out to see the way to the top but warned us not to get in water, as the water level was high. But still we could manage to get few good clicks and bath at down streams. Time was flying like anything and it was soon 6.15PM. Nitha- who was in the water initiated to get out of it first and following her Reshma. Dressed up and gathered things around and headed towards the jeep in few minutes one by one.

On the way Gayathri bought us fruits and it was me and Azbara teacher's Ifthar along with the food which was waiting Home stay's dining table. Others dinner was also served before 8PM when everyone changed the damp clothes and ready for a camp fire. 

Electricity was coming and going in between due to the wind and it was adding up the cold in the air. When we gathered around the fire, those who were joined 3 trips before us shared their experience - Susan-Azbara Teachers and Jyothi. Those who were coming for the first time shared their experience too. But this time wind came as a villain to our fire which we have stop in few minutes. Then it was Jyothi who demanding an early morning sunrise next day morning. I asked her whether she will wake up at this temperature that early but she said she will wake up and wake up others too. 

And Jyothi was right when the alarm ran at 5.15AM, she sprung up in the bed and started calling others names. Nithi and Nidha was the last one in the row but still we started to the peak- Ramakkalmedu by 5.45AM. Shivering in the morning air and following the foot steps of our guide- we reached the mountain top in half an hour. Sun was already up when we reached there but the fun was getting on the top. Nidhi was about to give up all the way and very scared of heights. But she too made it! Offcourse this time our driver and Reshma was the mentors to give her support to reach the top rock where Lord Rama's foot was marked under a concrete binding. Rama – kal – medu literally means "Land of Rama’s Stone" or "Land where Rama kept his leg" (Rama is a Hindu God in the epic Ramayana). One story says that Lord Rama kept his feet at the tip of Ramakkalmedu to search Ravana the King of Lanka, who abducted his wife Sita. We, Appooppanthaadi's sat there facing the waking sun and enjoying the spreading mist-ic beauty down. I announced to stop selfi when Jyothi was not stopping with a single click and she got paid by one click as her hat blew off in the wind. 

We were the first one in that morning to reach that top, and by the time of another gang started climbing from downhills, we climbed down and started exploring the other side of the hills. It all took almost two hours and we rushed back to home stay to get fresh and pack up for the next destination. 

When we check out of the homestay our next destination was Kuravan-Kurathi statue of Ramakkalmedu.  The large statue that depicts the Sangam Period and Sangam landscape of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The monument provides a panoramic view of Tamil Nadu villages and towns, including Cumbum, Theni, Kombe, Thevaram, Uthamapalayam, Bodinaykannor and Vaiga. Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. Few minutes we roamed around the statue and then in few minutes we bid our bye to Ramakkalmedu and its vigorous winds. 

Next destination was Idukki. Yes offcourse the one of the highest arch dams in asia. But something was awaiting on the way and that was Calvary mount and its Panoramic view. We reached around noon and then explored around to view the reservoir view. It was lunch time when we hit by the view of Arch dam and we parked our vehicle near by the spot where film "Maheshinte Prathikaram"'s climax scene was shooted. Photography inside the dam was prohibited and this made our wanderers stepping speed little higher. The same entrance ticket can be used to visit the bottom of the dam. We were close to the time when we reached the bottom of the dam but there was some restriction stopped us few meters ahead and the restriction was good as we cant predict what will fall from the top to our head. Even a small stone can cause death. It was a long conversation with the security staff of the dam and then by 5.30PM we started packing the bags back to home. 

At that time someone in the group noticed the family living near the entrance. 3 little girls and their sick mom who was suffering from heart disease and not able to speak to us. They were showing us the paperclip which was printed in some news paper for her treatment cost. My Appooppanthaadi's without even a request shared the sum in their wallet and all together give them an amount and Azbara Teacher's son initiated to pack the snacks for the kids which we brought in trip. There was a boy too in the family, 7 year old and twins to other girls.

It was their faces in the mind when headed back to home, we did our best and they still need other's support. Next day early morning 3AM every one was back to their nest expect me, Nitha and Nidhi who were heading to their home towns.

Kurishumala -Reloaded

As you all have read our first attempt to raise our Appooppanthaadi in the air and get a gang of lady nomads on the go was quite an effort but once we are back from the trip, their friends and those who knew about our last trip later was demanding to let them know on our future trips and first one among them was Ruchi, who is a North Indian and married to a Keralite and settled at Thiruvananthapuram. My next destination for Appooppanthaadi was Chikmanglore but still a short trip was in need. Thats how the registration for next trip started with Ruchi and the location is same, Kurishumala :)

Geethu, was next girl who sent a personal message asking the details of next trip soon after our first trekking and this time she joined with her another friend Archana. 

As the number of joinees are getting added to the list, as usual we created a WhatsApp group for the team and they started knowing each other and chit chat, 2 weeks before the trip. 

Itinerary and other details shared in group and then finally we started our last minute preparations for the trip, night before that I received a call from Pushpa who is a known Photographer and traveler, unexpectedly reached Trivandrum and would love to join the trip. Then it was all of a sudden, tracing her location and rearranging the pick up points. 

Finally we started our pick up from Archana's home who was talkative from the beginning and next one was Surbhi who was another North Indian in the team and working at VSSC. After them we headed to Pushpa's location and then Ruchi was waiting at Muttada. It was packed with Girls and Ladies. Nimmy was waiting at Ulloor junction. 

Chinchu who was colleague of mine and waiting close to Kavitha who is another one from my friend list, Volunteering for Tejus as me. Geethu and Keerthana, both got an extra one hour to wake up late as they were on the last pick up points. 

Unlike last time, this time we have girls who is friend of another one in the gang, Keerthana and Surbhi was the last one in the list and most of them were working in Technopark. But one this was common, one girl stayed with me as last time. This time it was Sruthy Pradeep from Trichur and joined our trip for the day.

This time team reached early to our usual breakfast point and then everyone shifted to Jeep and rode to Kurishumala. This time the meadows was greener than last time as the monsoon showered its prime symptoms on Kurishumala. 

We couldn't spot Bison this time but each frame was flourished with the blueish hills and greenish lemon grass. In between, Sruthy got a leach bite (and she was praying to get bitten by a leach, her dreams came true at Kurishumala). 

After the trekking team came back for the sumptous lunch which our Kala chechi prepared and then next ride to Rosemala. This time crossing streams were full and water was overflowing. Reaching on the view point, it was time for relaxasation and clicking snaps as much as you could and for few of them it was "signal" point for mobiles. 

By 5PM everyone got down from Rosemala and started heading back to Trivandrum from Aryankavu in our travaller. On that last moment we spotted Peacock. In lightening speed it passed by us but luckily few snaps got but most of them gone out of focus. After the view, everyone got back in vehicle and we needed to hurry as Geethu's shift starting at 8PM. Dropped everyone on same location from where we picked them. 

Another bunch of girls were added to the team Appooppanthaadi with new stories and memories

Appooppanthaadi's first trip to Chikmanglore!

Our fourth trip but still few old faces are there and new faces too..and more than that, we are going on a long trip together first time (Offourse its not my first long trip but managing a group of 12 Appooppanthaadis for 2-3 days was first time). 

Everyone in the WhatsApp group which was created for the event was excited to meet each other and as per plan Tarini landed at Trivandrum by noon and stayed half day at my flat, Amina reached Kazhakkootam junction where she met Sindhu, Nimmy was packed and ready to be picked. This time Bindu was the first traveler who got in the traveler and directed the driver to collect Azbara and her kid from Kumarapuram and then Ambili from Karyavattom. By then I collected Nimmy and reached Amina and Sindhu with Tarini. 

All together journey began by 7PM. The ambiance inside the vehicle was so alive and no one was closing their mouth for while. With that chit-chat we reached Kottiyam and had our dinner. Then Next pick up was from Trichur, Jishana and Aparna. Till then few fell asleep and few were still wide awake. It was 2AM when we reached Aparna's home where her mother was waiting with steamy-hot black tea (and coffee those who are in need of that :P)

Dozzed and awake, early morning our first view was the dense green forest of Muthumala and their wildlife. Deers was either side of the road as we saw goats at home ;) and then a peacock crossed out path waving its dark green-blue feathers and as soon he crossed three elephants was out for their morning walk. Early morning 6.30 every one was so excited with the views and only Nimmy was still sleeping at back seats without knowing whats all happening in front of vehicle. Meanwhile Lissa, who joining our team from Chickmanglore and came all the way from Banglore was already checked into the hotel and was waiting for us.

It was 10AM when we crossed Mysore and had our breakfast and continued our journey through the Belur route. On the way took breaks at time and had tender coconut and few were running for selfies. And that last 1 hour when we saw Chickmanglore is 60km away, the music inside the vehicle was louder than before and all was started moving their foots along with the music, so vibrant!

We checked in the hotel by 2PM. As per previous instructions everyone checked into their allotted rooms with their roomies except Azbara. Yes, she got her own 11 year son as her room mate! Then everyone ran to see Lissa and after quick handshake ran back to their own rooms.

It was perfect than as I expected when everyone was ready in 30 minutes with their bags for lunch and sight seeing. Lunch was done faster than that and then everyone got in vehicle and we headed towards Belur Chennakeshava Temple. 

It was drizzling by then and few were holding umbrella and few were ready to get wet. It was nice to see the mesmerized faces of Appooppanthaadis who is exploring the sculptures of Hoysala Architecture. As it was getting late we headed to Halebidu next and on the way every one was sharing the laddu that they bought from Belur.

The rain which threatened us at Belur was no where near when we reached Halebidu. Temple complex was less crowded and as it was the last location of the day, we roamed around the sculptures till security broke our ear drums with his whistle. This time Azbara came for my help as she was an ex-teacher and she was leading the team and calling everyone to get back to the vehicle. When I was relieved that I have much less tasks, I heard from behind "Hey Sajna, what yo doing..we are getting late, get in". I was dumbfounded with her reaction but it was really funny and was thinking if she can accompany me in all future trips with Appooppanthaadi, I have much less workload to manage the team :P

Everyone had a quick shopping by buying Shiv Linga and Budha statue and then back to Vehicle. 

We were back in hotel in 2 hours and it was 8PM and with their pull overs and jackets, everyone was out for their first night out walk at Chikmanglore town (Was it that cold? :P)

After food, the team wandered through the town for one hour and few snaps taken. Then head back to hotel through the road which is bathed in yellow mercury light.

When reached hotel, Lissa demanded our next day sunrise to be at Mullyanagiri. Then next was calling jeep people to arrange them be on time. 6AM was fixed and everyone promised to be on time and then I get back to room which I shared with Tarini and without much chit-chat we both fell asleep. 

Next day morning when I got up and ran to other rooms to make others awake, I was wondered to see lights in all rooms and sound of running water from bathrooms, yes! all are ready to explore the coffee city.

Then it was my turn to get ready and one open jeep and another Sumo was there in front of hotel by 6.30AM. We were not expecting to see the sunrise but was expecting to see the misty mountains bathed in clouds which is much alike cotton balls :)

Open jeep was tightly filled with Appooppanthaadis and Jishana didn't forget to take the sapling which she bought all the way from Trichur to plant at Chikmanglore. 

As we started climbing the small ghatt roads, jeeps were stopping at intervals to enjoy the view and greenery. In next one hour when we reached Mullyanagiri, it was completely misty as we cant see each other who is standing 3 meters away from us. Among them Lissa was much excited and literally jumping up and down. Slowly everyone picked the pace to climb up the hills and then stopping on each step for photo. Everyone was getting wet with the mist and then explored the hidden caves at the top hill. Almost 2 hours were spent over there and when I warned if we don't get down now, we wont get our breakfast which we ordered on the way. Everyone was hungry so the statement make its toll and everyone was ready at downhill in next 30 minutes. 

Few had spicy popcorn masala and it tasted double in that climate. Next destination was Sheethalayanagiri, it was the destination where we planned to plant Jishana's sapling and then visit the shiva temple. Rain was after us there but it disappeared in few minutes seeing the flock of madness :)

After planting sapling and visiting the temple, everyone was back to jeep and headed to the small restaurant which is running by old couples (its more like their own home). Pulav with coffee was our breakfast and then few asked their blooming rose's stumps to take home. All this was happened in one hour and this time more than me, others were rushing to visit maximum location in coming hours. When we headed to Kavikkal Gandi and waited till the mist clear the valley for a better view and I asked whether everyone is fine with a postponed lunch, and they said they dont even need lunch but to explore more. As a result of prayers, the mist cleared the top hill for few microseconds, revealing the green valleys down. Few from our team were whistling in excitement and much energy to step down and see the next destination. 

Be frankly, there was no particular destination but exploring again and again the different phases of meadows and that's how we reached Gallekere. Everyone was silent and exploring their own world in the given time (yes one hour else its hard to get a "hook" in flying appooppanthaadis). When me with Sindhu and Lissa was sitting silently watching the valleys and enjoying the nature, I could see Jishana with Amina, Aparna and Nimmy is heading up one hill and Bindu with Ambili exploring the opposite hills. Azbara with kid was running all around. Tarini was sitting on another corner. Everyone was lost in their own world and when the jeep is ready everyone was back and headed towards the Datta peeda. 

I was watching and waiting outside when they got in and they came up with lots of questions on significance of the cave. But to say, in name of God, humans are damaging that hill tops with plastics and other toxic things to nature. 

Green land view point was near by only where the same as Gallekere everyone wandering and in short time everyone was disappearing to near by hill and I called them back. This time Jishana came back with a hug and said "This is the way of me, expressing gratitude". I smiled and this time everyone was asking lunch and stopped on the way on a restaurant where the rush and demand of food made me supplier to our own team and this made things little faster.

Next destination can be covered only in the one open jeep and I am with Bindhu and few other were standing in back. It was the most adventurous part of journey. Driver was moving the jeep in a limited speed even the zigzags were throwing us at back side. In a short time we reached Butter milk falls.. This time everyone was relaxed and silently was in prayers for next trip and discussed for the next destinations. By 5PM we started climbing down the hill in our Jeeps. Soon after reaching the hotel Tarini was packed with her bag and I assigned one of the Jeep driver to drop her in the Bus stand and she called me when she got bus from there to Manglore where her journey starts to Chennai.

Others were ready in short time and room was vacated, except Lissa's whose return bus to Bangalore was by 11PM. 

Those who met up as strangers was bidding good bye as they were gathered for a college re-union. There was different age group and professions, as always they shared one common passion, Travel.

On the way back we dropped everyone in the same order as we picked them. At the end every one got down with a smile and statement "See you in next trip"

Udayagiri Fort Picnic

It was time for the first trip lady nomads to meet. They were planning and postponing and again planning and postponing. So finally, I made a plan to meet on a weekend and the location was 55km away from Trivandrum city. The Udayagiri Fort. Some of them had already visited the place whereas for some, it was the first time. Therefore, for the first timers, I posted few pics and shared my blog to read and see the place.

 

All were excited for that day and this time, the registration was closed days before. Few new faces also joined the trip who was the friends of our first trip women.

 

Sunday morning 11AM! We started picking everyone from different areas of the city and we missed the presence of Bindhu, the senior most in our group. In her language she was "trapped" in some situations and promised to join our next trip to... Yes Chikmanglore!!!

 

This time we had a kiddos gang in Appooppanthaadi. Rajani's 9 year old Kuttus, Sara's 11 year old Sania and Karthika's 2 year old toddler Paathu. It was more like a family trip for us- Fun filled!!!

 

Rajani and Jyothi were the main stars who made the team active throughout the journey. In fact, they were not even sitting in their seats!

 

By the time, we crossed the Tamil Nadu check post, everyone was screaming "We are hungry". Within few minutes, we parked our vehicle in a vegetarian restaurant and everyone got down for lunch. We spent around hardly 1 hour, as everyone wanted to rush to see whats there in Udayagiri Fort. During lunch, those who sat in the front seats of the vehicle had lunch with those who were at the back seat. It was the beginning of another bond of new relationships.

 

We reached the Fort by 2.45PM. We got the tickets and started wandering here and there. I promised them a walk through the woods but my real intention was to get them to the top of the Udayagiri hill, assuming they haven’t closed the path. 

 

Chasing ducks and swinging in the children's park's swing, ladies moved on ahead slowly. In between, me and Paathu made a bond of friendship. At times, she hung on my hands to walk or at times on my hip. Together we headed to the path where it head to the hilltop and luckily, it was open. Then we waited for some minutes for those who were at the back, still strolling through the Deer park . When they reached us, one by one we started climbing up. I mentioned before that the path wasn’t frequently used for climbing. Bushes on the either side of the path were over grown. Kuttus was leading us and he was climbing faster than any ladies in the group.

Karthika was doing this trekking after a long time. So Neelima, Babitha and me were helping her in each step. I was wondering about the sudden growth of friendship bonds that the gang got in this short journey. Hema, Manju and Sara were handling Paathu at first and then later I held her and started climbing. Sania was nowhere in the scene. Yeah she too was way ahead of us. Those who climbed faster, started taking selfies and those who were done with selfies, waited for us.

 

In between, someone suggested to drop the plan for climbing up. However, I could persuade them to climb suggesting that it is not that hectic and within few steps we can see the handrails to help us climbing.

 

Within less than 30 minutes, breathing and puffing, everyone reached at the top of the hill. Greenery and blowing wind was amazing. Kuttus was the first one who ran and had a "semi-bath" in the small pond at the top. Then one by one, everyone took their turns. Hima was advising everyone to dip our legs in the water, which felt amazingly cool and will help in getting rid of our tiredness.

 

Running around and posing for photos, everyone was busy. While Paathu and myself were exploring the top hill rocks. At times she was whistling. According to her mother's perception, Paathu whistles when she gets excited.

 

After spending some time there, everyone started climbing down the hill to explore De Lenoy's Tomb. While climbing down too, Paathu was in my hand. She tried to hold the handrails and put her head against the wind. She was not knowing how I was climbing down. :P If I put her down for a moment, she will climb her own way and I will have to run behind her for her safety, stepping over the rocks where she is stepped.

 

Once everyone got downwe all took a break and started walking towards the Tomb. This was my main persuading point to make this trip a reality. I tempted them using this tomb as my major point through out the planning days of this trip. Either side was with dense forest. There was an eerie silence except the sound of Paathu's anklets.

 

Kuttus took care of Paathu for few steps and then Sania too came along. When the team went to explore the Tomb, I waited with Paathu in near the Gazebo.

 

We started heading back to the main entrance of Fort at 5.30PM. On our way, many newly married Tamil couples’ post marriage photo shoot was happening here and there inside the Fort. Watching them, we went to the water source near the entrance to wash our face. Then we went back to Vehicle.

 

As usual, the Balaramapuram Traffic blocked us and it was getting late for Babitha. So we changed our plans and dropped her first. Then the scientist of our team, Jasna and her friend Sudakshina (whom we call, Sudu). Rajani with Kuttus and Hima got down at the city where their husbands were waiting. We dropped Susan teacher at same spot where we picked her; Sara, Manju and Sania at the crowds of Keshavadasapuram; Hema at Karyavattom; followed by Karthika and our Paathus at their door steps. Jyothy and Jagu (I am still calling her Jagu as I forgot her real name) at Jagu's home; finally Neelima, the pro-driver of our team with me in my flat. 

 

Once again a wonderful day wrapped in fun and happiness ended with memories.