Munnar - Monkey Falls - Azhiyar - Topslip Travelogue

  Munnar - Monkey Falls - Azhiyar - Topslip Travelogue - By pkgaran.


   This occasion was completely different from my previous travel experience.  Every year our company is arranging workmen tour as part of workmen welfare scheme. This year I have got an opportunity to lead 20 members as Team squad. So, it was a very special occasion for me which includes organizing everything right from wakeup to sleep.     We have booked Swaraj Mazda—25 Seated capacity vehicle. Even though the vehicle was not new, seating capacity and performance of the vehicle was satisfactory. 

Travel Date:  2nd , 3rd and 4th July 2010 

Travel Plan: Pondicherry - Villupuram - Trichy - Vadamadurai - Palani - Udumalaipet - Pollachi - Aanaimalai - Topslip - Ahizyar - Monky Falls – Azhiyar Dam - Udumalaipet - Munnar - Udumalaipet - Palani - Dindigul - Trichy - Villupuram - Pondicherry.

2 July 2010, Friday :  We have left 16:10hrs from factory.  We had started tour with unlimited enjoyment, I wish to ensure and want to carry the momentum till last mile of journey.  Our vehicle has took 50Min to reach Villupuram,  first 17km due to school traffic. One of our colleagues was boarded at villupuram. A well laid 4 Lane - NH45 has taken us Pleasant journey and our vehicle has reached top speed - Always Speed is Thrill but our driver has taken extra care to ensure safe driving on every way.  I have taken the  following points to ensure happy moment till the end, Since it was a group tour.

1. Always address with smiley face.
2. To deliver great hospitality to each and every one.
3. To Ensure and put on safety - First.
4. Listen and value for each member of the team.
5. Fun with Team.

While crossing the Ulunderpet, I thought of knowing the best and shortest way to reach pollachi from Pondicherry

Our driver Mr.Boobalne has informed us that from Pondicherry - Villupuram - Trichy - Vadamadurai - Palani - Udumalaipet - Pollachi is the shortest way – 50Km lesser,  compare with Pondicherry – Villupuram – Salem – Tirupur – Pollachi.   So readers can note this point when you are planning a trip.   

As everyone aware of that liquor cost is very much lesser than any other states, Our most of the team member had consumed  enough  which makes, first the two hours of journey plesant with dance, singing and unlimited fun.  our Team members age range from 30 ~ 36.  Even though they had drunken, they have behaved in notable manner. As Leader of the team, I ensured safety and given advise as and when it was needed.

After 3 hours travel, We have spend Rs. 155/- as Toll Fee for crossing 160Km. We have reached Trichy at 20:15hrs and took Dinner at decent hotel. After 50Minuts of dinner break, again we started to Pollachi.  The driver has taken a turn at State High way at Vadamadurai which is 17km from Dinidgul informed me that this is shortest distance to reach pollachi, this road is connecting at palani Bypass.  The road condition was good but witnessed many speed breakers and Traffic less.  Night Tea Shops are always very special for night travelers, Louder old hits songs are ring tones for sleepy travelers boarded at vehicle. We took 15minutes break and had light refreshment and I didn’t have  much interest to know the place, I don’t know why?.  but normally I will always note the place.        

2:30am; We had reached Pollachi and travelled towards Anaimalai which is bottomland of Top slip hill station. We took a small stay home and boarded. The overnight journey tiredness was completely gone.

3rd July 2010

Topslip: Topslip is a part of Anamalai Tiger Reserve Forest is located at about 37Km from Pollachi Town. It is separated from the Nilgiri Hills by the Palaghat Gap on the north, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary to its west and to the Eravikulam National Park and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary to its south. This visit was very special to me, compare to my pervious visit. This time I was the Organizer, Traveler and nature lover. The sethumadai check post is the entry point to the Topslip. We have paid to Forest check post to access Topslip. ,  Rs.15/Head, Rs.25/Camera, Rs. 25/Vehicle Pass.  But if you plan to stay at Topslip, Please book accommodation in advance by confirming and sending a DD to the Wildlife Warden office – Phone Number: 04259 – 222535/238360.  Last minutes accommodation is available for VIPs, Government officials and other foreigners, in most cases.

Nature scenery and beautiful hill station curved path has reminded us the importance of the green world.  After an hour travel we have reached the topslip, Topslip has two checkpost one another one, one from Tamilnadu Government and another from Kerela Government. Topslip comes under Tamilnadu and Parambikulam is comes under Kerela Government which is 6km from topslip.  Private vehicles will not be allowed after the parambikulam Kerala Government check post. But anyone can access the nature scenery and wild animal’s scenery sports through public transport buses from both governments. Both Governments has different plan for visitors to access deep forest wild/nature seneranry.

Tamilnadu Government: Rs.700/ for 25 seated capacity Van

Kerala Government        : Rs.150/Head.

Parambikulam has more nature sanctuary and wild animals than Tamilnadu Topslip. I will suggest for travelers to plan for kerala Government plan even though the cost is more or Travelers can access parambikulam through public transport. 

At Kerala Government check post I have met Mr.Sujit, Forest Guard who is very friendly and known to me from my pervious visit.  He informed me that at least 3hours will take to access the Parambikulam forest since the day was crowded by travelers.  We don’t want to waste the time and want to adhere the as per schedule which we had planned.

We booked a Van from Tamilnadu Forest Department for visiting deep Forest, Animal scenery and Elephant camp.  Tamilnadu Forest is running a canteen and we booked for breakfast. A van has taken us to very deep forest, some areas only wheel path from both side.  The guide has informed me that fallen trees will not be taken away and it should be as it is for life time.  This deep forest has designed to enroute with great nature cure medicine trees, deep valley, sky scrapping trees, high feet grass and small water paths.

We have witnessed elephant’s foot in wet mud in many places. The Van has reached Elephant camp which is running by Tamilnadu government, there we have taken 30 Minutes.  We were informed that more than 40 elephants at this camp, It has categories based on skill level, some may use of train other elephants, some for wood trees work,  some for safari for travelers and some for specific forest department needs.  Also informed that Every year January 15, Elephant parade will take place at Topslip which is similar to Kerala’s elephant Parde.  We had an opportunity to take some snaps from male elephant, 30 year old.   It was unlucky that we couldn’t see many living animals in topslip forest. While returning, We took another path to reach topslip. The way is more n more of scenaries and I and my team was enjoyed with ulimited sprits.  When crossing one area, we witnessed King Cobra - Not  less than 2 Meters long,  crossed the road. We were informed us that the King Cobra will eat only snake as food – Snake is food for another Snake. This live monsoon session has makes more greenery from my earlier visit.

We had breakfast at Forest Canteen. Forest Department Museum has large scale of collections one must see those collection when visiting to Topslip.  Our team has extended greetings and thanks to Forest officials and left towards Monkey Falls.  We had witnessed Deer and Forest Birds towards down hill.

Distance Guide:
Pollachi to Topslip   : 39 Km
Coimbatore to Topslip  : 100 Km
Palakkad to Topslip      : 98 Km
Distance Between Topslip & Parambikulam office : 4 Km.

Bus Timings from Pollachi to Topslip & Parambikulam

From Pollachi to Parambikulam via Topslip: 6:15am. 10:15am & 3:15pm
Parambikulam to Pollachi Via Topslip : 8:45am, 12:00pm & 5:45pm
Pollachi to Topslip : 11:20am
Topslip to Pollachi : 1:00pm

12:00: Monkey Falls:  Monkey Falls is located at the 29th KM junction on the Pollachi – Valparai road. An entry fee of INR 15/head must be paid at the check post located along Azhiyar – Monkey Falls route. Since this Monkey falls is coming under Anaimalai Forest range we have not paid again to access Monkey Falls. Readers should aware of this information if you plan to visit both Topslip and Monkey falls.  12:00PM, The climate Sunny & dazzling was simply amazing. We loved to have this climate, Water falling in Monkey falls is truly beautiful and enjoyable,  Water force was notably above moderate, I found small child also can take bath in monkey falls.  The force of water has resulted very good massage to everyone those who took bath.  Out Team members has taken more than 2 hours and they don’t want to come back, resulting further delay in our planned schedule.  Everyone has return back to van with half minded and want to enjoy with water.   As per name of the falls, we were witnessed lot of monkeys everywhere and some of them stolen our belongings forcibly.  Visitors should ensure to keep their belongings with more attention.

Distance   : Pollachi to Monkey Falls : 29 Km
Transport : Public Transport is available every 30 Minutes from Pollachi to Valparai  route.

Azhiyar Dam: 14: 15 We have reached Azhiyar dam, it is a reservoir located 27Km away from Pollachi on the foothills of Valaparai, in the Anamalai range of the Western Ghats. The dam offers osme ideal getways including a very big Park, an Aquaium and Mini Theme – Park maintained by Tamilandu Fisheries Corporation. It is a ideal Picnic Spot. Rs.4/head is Entrance Ticket. Most of the tamil filims were shooted at this location.  The Park was occupied by many love pairs nuke and corner of the park. We found many of them were underage, School and College students. Here they are studying different curiculam. Where we are going ????.... It remembers me that parents should be constantly watch their children activity to lead more meaningful morel life to their childerns.  Azhiyar park is a leisure place to enjoy the natural scenery of Azhiyar Dam and mountains of the Western Gahats.

Distance   : Pollachi to Monkey Falls : 27 Km
Transport : Public Transport is available every 30 Minutes from Pollachi to Valparai route.

Always schedules are breakable during the tour. We took our lunch at 15:45hrs at Pollachi.  We were not able to enjoy the food since it was delayed.

Munnar:  16:45hrs, we have started from pollachi to Munnar, enroute to Udumalaipet and Maraiyur.  We were to divert again and again due to work progress at Udumalaipet, eat considerable amount of time to catch udumalaipet – Munnar road. Chinnar Check post – Tamilnadu Govetment has welcomed at starting of Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park Forest.  Maraiyur is located at kerala and Tamilnadu border and it’s belongs to kerala state. There are 2 checkpost back to back, one from TN and another from Kerala Government. Eventhough all the records are clean, Each and every vehicles must to pay bribe money to cross the checkpost.  I wish to quote how they are all survying only with bribe money.  The deep forest doesn’t have any survilance and controlling office, from there they are taking advantages and taking bribe irrespective of poor and rich people.  If you are the one of the concern officier  to read this blog, I request you kindly take necessary action to control worst behaviour. 

Munnar is located at the Idukki district of Kerala State in South India. Munnar's mesmerizing greenery, mountain scenery, calmness and cool refreshing air attracts honeymooners and tourists throughout the year.

Munnar is at the junction point of three rivers. In Tamil, the word 'munnu' means "three" and 'aar' means "river". Hence "Munnar" is a shortened version of 'Munnu Aar'. The 3 mountain streams joining together here are Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.

Munnar is a commercial centre with one of the world's best tea estates. There are about 30 tea plantations in and around Munnar. Among these, majority of the plantations are owned by Tata Group's Kannan Devan Tea Estate. A visit to Munnar can tell us the nurturing of tea in plantation to the process of manufacturing and packing. 

The tea estates, hills, lakes and forests inside Munnar area expose its beauty. The tea plants covered Munnar hills makes the feeling of seeing a wide green carpet.  The session is rainy in Kerala and western Ghats; Drizzling rain has welcomed us entire stitch of the deep forest. Sandal wood forest has got both side mesh protection,  its leading a path towards Munnar.  The roads are good and wide, our experience driver has taken a lead and drove beautifully, and we enjoyed the journey.   We reached, top of the Munnar town at 21:20hrs. Our team members has taken dinner at Saravanabhavan ( it’s not a branch of Chennai Saravanabhavan Hotel)  Hotel, Meanwhile I went to Munnar Tourist Home for boarding and lodging.   The Hotel Rooms and environment was neat, clean and pleasant Environment.  This off - Season brought down the room rent from Rs.900 to 600/-. We booked the room before starting the tour, We have enjoyed the benefit otherwise we could have struggled with this kind of rainy environment.  I returned to the Hotel Saravanabhavan and took parcel for me and carried our team member to Munnar Tourist Home.  Overnight,  We enjoyed chilled and rainy climate.  Some of our team members had shown good entertainment with dance and loud shouting.  I heard the sound till 2:00am in the early morning. 

Next Day 4^th July 2010:        The day was final day of our tour. As per our last night plan everyone was ready with more enthusiasm.  We had finished our breakfast and headed towards Mettupati Dam.  Munnar, This session is belongs to monsoon.  Rain and Sunny climate came back to back approximately every 20 minutes.  The climate was optimum level to the enjoyment.  Tea Estate and Greenery valley has lead the path and took us to Mettupati Dam.  It is full of scenery and makes pleasant environment.  Nature’s beauty with enlighten girls given more attraction to our eye sight.  More shops are there to make shopping but found expensive.

Mattupetty (13 km from Munnar)

Situated at a height of 1700 Mts , Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialised dairy farm, the Indo-swiss live stock project. Over 100 varietes of high yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm

Visit Time : 0900 - 1100 hrs and 1400 - 1530 hrs.
Rate : Rs. 5/- per head. (Liable to change)

The Mattupetty Lake and dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed Launch and slow speed motor boats are available on hire.

This hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile british government in south india. Sprawling tea plantations, picturebook towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years

    
Pothamedu (6 km from Munnar)

Pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.

Devikulam (7 km from Munnar)

 This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.

Pallivasal (8 km from Munnar)

This is the venue of the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala and a place of immence scenic beauty.

Attukal (9 km from Munnar)

A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treks.

Nyayamakad (10 km from Munnar)

Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters. The enchanting surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.

Chithirapuram (10 km from Munnar)

With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old world charm. Home of the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.

Lock Heart Gap (13 km from Munnar)

This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.

Rajamala (15 km from Munnar)

The natural habitat of the Niligiri tahr , Rajamala is 2695 Mts above sea level. Half the world's population of the rare mountain goat or tahr which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here.The Niligiri tahr in Rajamala are now to be found in small herds found in Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Niligiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated to be over 1300.

Visiting Time : 0700 - 1800 hrs.
Visitors are not allowed during the monsoon.
Entry Pass : Rs. 10 for adults, Rs. 5 for children below 12 years, Rs. 50 for foreigners.( liable to change)
Permitting Authority : Wild Life DFO, Munnar.

Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar)

The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695 Mts) is located in the Southern region of the park.

Originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex), the Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. It covers an area of 97 sq kms of rolling grasslands and high level shoals (evergreen forests). The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world. .

  

Due to time factory we went only Mattupetty lake, Mattupetty Dam and Pothamedu.   Then returned to Munnar town and  did shopping and lunch.  The Time was up for us to make next destination, we were in the situation to reach before early morning to Pondicherry due to next day All India Bharat Bandth. As a team we all absolutely enjoyed with maximum level of fun and enjoyment.  

We started to return back to udumalaipet from munnat at 14:45hrs. Out Eye’s enjoyed with  large slope vally, tea estate and greenery spots.  The monsoon session has created more small falls everywhere, such a small falls had created beautiful sounds within it. 

Lakkam Falls:  25km From Munnar, We witnessed Lakkam falls had more water with heavy force came down to the hill,  We were advised not to take a bath due to force of water course,  some stones also coming along with water from hill. Water was very chilled where one can not take a bath within it. 

Sandalwood forest is nice scenery to our eye sights.  Near to the Maraiyur check post, we found 4 wild Elephants were roaming near to the forest road. We stopped the van and get down from it and spent some time to saw.  Meanwhile one guard came to us and warned not to do such activity.  We knew that it was not a right exercise to stop the van in thick forest and get down.  We excuse to the guard and moved forward to down hill. Since the time is short, our driver has taken maximum care and did wonderful driving.  We reached Palani at 7:45pm.

Distance Chart from Munnar  :

Udumalaipet    : 88 Km
Coimbatore    : 180 Km
Palani     : 140 Km
Kodaikannal    : 185 Km
Pondicherry   : 499 Km
Trichy    : 570 Km
Chennai     : 614 Km
Bangalore    : 492 Km

Buses are available every 1 hour from Udumalaipet / Palani

Palani:    As soon as reached palani, we rushed and did dharshan at Lord Murugan Temple sicne the time was running to close the temple. Our team member has taken 2 hours time for Shopping. Finally 10:30pm, we have started to Pondicherry.   We finished dinner at Ottanchatram which is a small town between Palani – Dindigul.    5th July 2010 was a Bharat Bandth for Fuel Price hike.   Driver has rushed the van toward pondicherry at it’s maximum speed.   We came to pondicherry through Planai – Dindigul – Trichy – Villupuram – Pondicherry.  

5th July 2010

5:35am, We reached our factory and thanked driver for his wonderful job, I should register my thanks to him for his safe driving, throughout this journey we never ever found fear driving from him – We found only safe and sound driving.   I thanked each and every one for success of the tour and wishing forward to have more like this in coming years.  I would like to congratulate to Mr.Ramesh babu and Mr.Kumaravelu has contributed and extended their support as on when it was needed for smooth journey.  A Special congratulation to each member of the team associated with me.

I wish to register a very special thanks to Mr.Karthik for his wonderful association and co-ordination with me, as well as Mr.Srinivasan and Mr.Parikumar for their kind assistance throughout the journey.

Also not the last and not the least, I wish to register my thanks to the management as well as my bosses  Mr.N Gopinathan and Mr.Javid. 

Have a Great Day.


Thank you,


P Karunagaran
pkgaran@gmail.com