Weekend Getaway to Munroe Island

Written By: Ashmitha Prakash

The month of October was all set to start off with a bang. Onam season had just got over and I was back from vacation with my family. We had gone for short sightseeing trips in Kerala. I had signed up for the boating trip to ‘Munroe Island’ with ‘Appooppanthadi’.  This would be my 2^nd outing with the group. I was eagerly waiting for it.

Munroe Island is located at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River in Kollam district.  The place has been named so in honour of Resident Colonel John Munroe of the former Travancore state.

There were 14 people altogether who were joining this trip.  Minu, a friend from my previous trip with the group was also joining this trip. She was at my place the previous night itself as she was coming from Kochi.  Most of the fellow travellers were from Trivandrum itself except a few.  My hubby dropped us at Sreekaryam in the morning. Our pickup time was around 6.20 am. We met Liji also there.  Soon, our tempo traveller came.  Sajna Ali, our group leader and the brain behind this whole concept, came out. She always reminds me of the idiom ‘good things come in small packages’ for the multifaceted personality that she is. We exchanged pleasantries with her and got in. 

A few more people had to be picked up from Kazhakoottam and Kottiyam too.  I was comfy in a corner seat by the window and already feeling a bit sleepy because of waking up earlier than usual.  Meanwhile all of us were getting to know each other.  After all had been picked up, around 8:15 or so we stopped for breakfast at a restaurant in Kottiyam.  It was a nice and clean place and lots of tables were available.  All of us sat together in nearby tables.  

My table mates (sounds similar to a product from Telebuy, eh?) were Deepa, Sreelakshmi, and Minu.  They were very lively company what with talks about Marathon running, fundraiser events and so on.  We ordered Appams, Idiyappams, egg roast, chickpea curry and coffee. Once all had finished breakfast and freshening up, our van started off again with its enthusiastic bunch to ‘Munroe Island’.

Around 9 am we reached the Island.  Two boats were waiting for us; it had a roof overhead, railings on the sides and chairs for the passengers to seat themselves comfortably.  We got separated in to 2 small groups and occupied the 2 boats respectively. We were accompanied by an elderly man and the boat driver (of course) in our boat.  Soon, we started moving.   

The lake was breathtakingly beautiful.  We took turns to climb on the elevated part of the deck and click pictures near the bow of the boat.   It was a great feeling to feel the wind on your face and the sun smiling down upon you as u stood there free of all cares.  As our boats moved on, we were able to see fishing nets, narrow waterways, mangrove plants and coconut farms on the lakeshore.  

We also got to see a train passing over the Peruman Bridge. Ducks going in a row on the water was a truly rustic scene!  All were in full-fledged photography mode.  At times, when our boats crossed each other we waved to each other like teenaged school girls! No matter what the age range was, maybe 20s to 40s (except for Shiffa’s daughter Aysha who’s a teen) that naughty giggly little girl in each woman’s heart came alive, I guess.

Next we anchored at the “Marthoma Dhyana Theeram” at Perungalam.  It was a serene and ideal place for meditation and relaxation.  Two Fathers from the Church welcomed us as we arrived there.  They asked Sajna about our group and its activities.  We wandered on the grounds of the retreat centre for some time.  There were some pet rabbits and a few birds and visiting schoolchildren were feeding grass to the rabbits.   Soon, we went back to our boats again and started exploring the remaining part of the backwaters.   

The elderly man in our boat kept us entertained by narrating stories about the island, about the fishing there, the losses suffered after the Tsunami and all. Lunch was planned to be eaten on board.  Large vessels containing our lunch were brought in to our boats by two men.  Around 12:15 pm we started our lunch.  Hot, home-cooked meals and beautiful scenery around was a sure-shot combo for total relaxation.

Post-lunch, most of us were in the mood for a siesta.  Shiffa had brought some yummy halwa which served as dessert.  There was great demand for the ‘Naaranga Mittai’( lemon and orange flavoured candy) too which Minu had shared around.  We all chit-chatted for the remaining time on the boat and Sajna also shared with us some tidbits from her travels.  The boating came to an end around half past one and our next stop was at St. Mary’s Church; an old church built in the late 19^th century.  

We had to cross railway tracks as we headed on our way to the church.  Some of us including myself took selfies on the tracks.  Thankfully, there was no approaching train anywhere!  We reached the church soon.  It was painted in yellow and white and had a tiled roof. The inscription on the front wall of the church showed that it had been constructed in 1878. One thing that struck me was the existence of good and evil (symbolically) in the church compound.  I’m talking about the ‘Suicide trees’ (Cerbera odollam) that grew on the sides of the churchyard which bears poisonous fruit known as ‘Othalanga’ in Malayalam.  One couldn’t believe that those white blossoms on the tree would soon grow into a deadly fruit!  Just as how in this world, good and evil coexist but ultimately it’s purely a matter of choice made by our free will.

Philosopical thoughts apart, the church facing the lake and its surroundings also gave good scope for clicking away.  Minu Marie (ART~ery) made a pretty picture posing with her dainty little umbrella in front of the church. In spite of the blazing sun, we all clicked selfies, groupfies etc.  Dhanya was in full-on ‘Titanic mode’(no Jack though) with arms outstretched while Nidhi was trying to “trap some air” with her colourful dupatta held high against the wind! It reminded me of Rani Mukherji in some song sequence in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai!( No Shah Rukh here, mind you, strictly ladies only! Lol!). 

It was soon time to wind up. We took the ‘Pezhamthuruthu-Peruman Jhankar boat service’ (ferry) to reach the other side along with our Traveller proudly standing on the deck.  It was the first time for me to travel in a ferry and I loved it! I made sure to click a few pictures of myself sitting in the ferry.  After reaching the other side of the shore, it was time to troop back into our van and head home. 

The return trip was relatively quiet except for the songs that were blaring from the player.  We started around 3.30 pm.  Soon, we were bidding good-byes to each other and promising to keep in touch.  Liji and I got down at Sreekaryam.  I was back home by 5.15 pm.  For me, it had been a pleasant experience. I got to know a lot of new people from different walks of life, doing different things, following their dreams, living their passion.  It was amazing and inspiring.

Though the lovely trip ended, our WhatsApp group was very soon flooded with pictures of the trip and all were meeting there in the group, sharing messages and looking forward to many more such trips in future.  Above all, “Appooppanthadi group” stands true to its name – making each one of us feel light as it is and to fly freely in the wind…

Vattakkottai!

It was a hangover after a loong trip to Chikmanglore and time for a one day trip, especially to those who cant join us with long trips. That's how the plan made with 10 Appooppanthaadis. Karthika was the first one in the list who was high on energy after her first picnic with us to Udayagiri Fort. So this time also she joined with Paathu and she was the first pick up. Unlike last times we started by 7 in the morning. Devika and Janus was new to the team and one of them was visiting other at Capital city and joined us with pleasure to meet new friends. Azbara Teacher- That name is inevitable for Appooppanthaadi trips now. Whenever a trip is announcing in group, she will be the first person to join so this time too she joined but this time without her son and she was in fasting as like me.

Sara and Bindu who joined in Udayagiri trip joined this time with us their little one Neha and Neil and also invited one new friend of theirs to the team. Nimmy was there this time who was still in the dazed look after the Chikmanglore trip and happy to know that one from the same trip is joining here also. Thats none other than our Azbara teacher.

When we started heading towards the Tamilnadu direction, Rajani chechi joined us on the way who was a muti-time joiner of Appooppanthaadi.

By the time when we left Thuckalay everyone was hungry and halted for Brekfast where Me and Azbara teacher was after the kids. 

After fooding we slowly moved to our first destination, Vattakkottai. As the name says its a Fort in circular shape near Kanyakumari. Another construction by Travancore kingdom for defense fortification at coastal area during 18th century. You must have heard the captain name De Lenoy in our previous visit to Udayagiri Fort, the same captain constructed this fort also. 

Its build by granite blocks and a part is extend to sea where it rich with black sands. 

Our team took 2 hour to explore the fort, meanwhile Neil, Neha and Paathu became new fond friends and it was hard to capture a snap of them as they were running all around. In between they took a break and ate few snacks from their mommy's hands, watching the seat at the walls of Fort. 

Later everyone walked to the sea shore where it was almost like untouched and clean (I am almost sure that next time when I go there, it will be piled up with plastic wastes!) Almost one hour everyone played with the waves but except Neha and Neil who were scared of water (Kids!!)

 

It was 1:00PM when we left Vattakkottai and reached the same hotel before Thuckalay for our lunch.

Trip was not iver yet, it was next starting point to Thriparappu waterfalls. After the break, it was almost one hour journey to the falls. Everyone was packed with spare dresses to get into the water. It was hard to find who is mom and who is baby. I was the only one who standing dry with Sara's friend and keeper of their bags. The falls was heavy and crowded with Tamil people. There was a separation for falls for Gents and Ladies. It made us more comfortable. We have to leave by 5PM, so one by one everyone took their turn to dress up. 

We started back to home by 5:00PM and leaving everyone on their door steps as we collected them from the same place. In between our Paathu felt little uncomfortable with her food and made a mess in her mom's lap but later she was okay till she reach home and see her father who was ready to leave after a weekend :)

Vazhvanthol trekking memories

I had been searching for a travel group based in Trivandrum since quite sometime. Last week my eyes fell upon an article in Deccan chronicle about a trip organized by Appooppanthaadi, led by a smart techie named Sajna. Soon I had a chat with Sajna and immediately booked slot for the one day trek to Vazhvanthol waterfalls, Vithura. I'd never heard about this place before despite of being a Tvm-ite. I was ready for the experiences with an unknown group of women.

Soon after the registrations closed, a whatsapp group was formed and members started mingling a bit. I got my pick-up from home at around 5.30am and we were off to pick other members. We stopped at Nedumangad at 9 am for breakfast and got home-made lunch packed for all 15 people. There were two young members in the group too, a lil 1.5 yr old and a smart 7th grade boy.

The road started taking a winding pattern and the greenery around us thickened as we moved ahead. We, the appooppanthaadis sat in the mini bus chit-chatting, songs from a mobile playing in the background. I'm sure that atleast for some of us it was like going for a school picnic i.e going back in time. There were a few other mums like me who were happy to escape the daily routines. It was my first solo trip after a gap of about 3 years because till now my little one accompanied me wherever I went. 

As soon as our bus halted at the forest check post, I started feeling the freshness of air. The shrill noise of cicadas (cheevidu in Malayalam) broke the silence at times. We had to go through a state of anxiety for a short period as the staff denied us entry to the trek due to unfavorable weather conditions. We all waited patiently as one of the group member called her relative who is in the concerned department. Within a few minutes permission was granted and our guide was ready. See how influence matters!! Krishnankutty chettan (the guide) stayed very close-by and explained us about the incidents occurred. He said elephants, bison and wild boars used to visit the area.With a wanderer's mind, we all started the real trek along the forest. 

Soon I got a glimpse of the water flowing along the rocks, shady paths led us further into the woods. We moved along the path parallel to streams.. sometimes it was a steep climb along the rocks. There were a few first time trekkers too but together we climbed like mountaineers. The members helped each other when the other was in need. Coming to think of it, without knowing each other caring for others and lending a helping hand... Isn't that the true purpose of life?

In the woods

The climb

Along the way we all realized small challenges of trekking in woods as leeches started climbing onto the shoes. The best way to get rid of them was to keep walking without halting. It was my first experience with leeches and thankfully the bites didn't hurt. Salt water helped to some extent during leech bites. Soon we reached a location where everyone thought would be the end of the trek.

The view that welcomed us was, a cascade of waterfalls which looked like its a wallpaper. Excitedly the ladies started settling down on the huge rocks and clicking pictures. No matter how much we try, we can't capture the true beauty of scenery that we see through our own eyes. There was a quick round of snacks while some people were busy pulling out the leeches from their legs.

waterfall cascade

KK chettan reluctantly told us there is this path that goes up to the topmost falls but it's more steeper. Some of us quickly said, Lets Go! I guess KK chettan was taken aback, maybe he din't think these ladies are so full of energy and enthusiasm. :) So a few us had a risky climb and reached the top. We were at the mouth of the waterfalls and it felt like an achievement. 

Topmost falls

The water was so fresh and ice cold. What better feeling than to smell fresh air, drink fresh water and see gorgeous nature all at one go! The happy souls started descending as it was already past lunchtime.

The descent

A few members took a quick dip in the shallow waters. Once we reached the bus, lunch was distributed. It hardly took 10 minutes to finish as everyone was damn hungry. On the way back we bid goodbye to KK chettan near his house.

One last group snap!

As soon as the bus hit the road, most of us dozed off. It felt like time went so fast..already time to depart. With a promise to come back for more trips, we all got back to our own routines. On that note sharing an inspiring quote I read - "A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step..."

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.