[gvk]

I have more than 1300 pictures of the trip. Hope I am not boring you with lots of Pictures.

[ampere]

Can you provide some information on this temple? Have no idea about the place.

Pardon my ignorance.

[gvk]

Ampere,
Thirunelli Temple (also Tirunelli) is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu on the side of Brahmagiri hill in Kerala. The Temple is located at an altitude of about 900m in north Wayanad in a valley surrounded by mountains and beautiful forests. It is situated 32 km away from Manathavady its nearest town.
[edit]History

No proper records of the exact dates of establishment of temple exist, though it is beyond dispute that Thirunelli was once an important town and pilgrim center in the middle of inaccessible jungled valley surrounded on four sides by mountains. There also exists documentary proof that Thirunelli at the time of Chola king Bhaskara Ravi Varma I (962–1019 CE) was an important town and pilgrim center in south India. In the dense jungles surrounding temple, the ruins of two ancient villages can be found. Also recent excavations at the time of paving roads have yielded period coins of 9th and 10th century. Noted historian V. R Parameswaran Pillai in his book "Thirunelli Documents" clearly states that this temple was once an integral part of the early history of North Kerala.
Check out the following sites:

Thirunelli Temple - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thirunelli Temple Wayanad,Thirunelli Temple Wayanad Kerala,Thirunelli Temple Wayanad Kerala India,Tours to Thirunelli Temple Wayanad,Thirunelli Temple Kerala India Tour,Tour Thirunelli Temple Kerala India,Wayanad Temple Tour,Kerala Tours,Thirunelli T

Thirunelli Temple

[gvk]

This is part of my existing thread "Summer South Trip - 2010" :

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ip-2010-a.html

During our visit to Valparai druing 11th May to 14th May, we were told that we can see Bison at Puduthottam if we reach the tea estate by 6.00 a.m.

On 13 th Morning we have visited Puduthottam tea estates at around 6.15 a.m, where a "Jata Swami" temple is located adjacent to the Tea Estate. Unfortunately, we couldn't site the Bison, except it's Hoof marks. However, we were able to see a "Malabar Squirrel" on that day.

On 14th Morning, we have visited the place again at 5.15 a.m and waited till 6.30 a.m and didn't found any Bison. When we were planning to return back to our cottage, we saw a Gentleman walking into the Tea Estate.

Mr. Thomas, Factory Superintendent at P.K. Tea and Produce Co. Ltd., who's living at Valparai for the last 40 years, was kind enough to allow us to join him and we went to the tea estate again. Unfortunately, even on that day there was no Bison.

However, he took us into the Jungle and showed us a Tree - which he said, is a "Hollow Tree".

I shall post all the relevant pictures shortly.

[unoczar]

PICS?
pics pics pics...

[gvk]

I am uploading few photographs now. If any one wants more pictures I shall upload some more.

[Shan2nu]

Wow, i'v been to Valparai many times but never noticed this.

Where exactly is this tree. Is it close to the town?

Shan2nu

[aargee]

Pics 888 & 894 are simply superb & the weather at that early morning, no dust, no pollution, sounds of birds are simply nostalgic right?

OT - Why did you start a new thread only for Valparai? Anything special?

[gvk]

Originally Posted by nandans2005

gvk,

by the way, how much did your Xylo return? Did you try the max speed? how much you could do without feeling uncomfortable?

i hope i didnt make a mistake by not opting for this vehicle, when i was looking for another car last year. I did take a test drive of this car, but somehow it didn't figure in the final three. Reading your thread is reminding me of Xylo more. i seem to observe the Xylo more these days.

During the trip I have checked only once.. After travelling from Hyderabad till Anantapur I refilled the tank, noticed I got some where around 11.5 kmpl. At a small stretch I have touched 160 kmph. Most of the four lane roads we were travelling at around 130 kmph. Once the 135 kmph mark crosses the Xylo gives a beep for 5 times. We have traveled on lot of Ghat sections, where I didn't notice the speed. 120 to 130 kmph we are comfortable on highways.

Though there is a body roll, no ABS and airbags still I feel Xylo is VFM. It all depends on individual taste and Budget. For me, it's a great choice within my budget

[nandans2005]

Gvk,

is that you posing alone in the picture? The temple picture is beautiful. keep posting, its quite interesting.

130kmph is quite decent speed. should have been pretty comfortable.
Keep posting more pictures.

[nandans2005]

gvk,

any stories about the footwear with nails on it? whats the story of this hollow tree all about? did you get into the cave kind of thing at all?

[ampere]

Thanks for that info. Have some relatives in Waynad. Will plan to go some time. The place sure looks amazing for a visit!

[ampere]

What a place ! The only other guy who I have seen wear those chappals was the fakir in TinTin's "The Blue Lotus" !

So many hidden places in Valparai. Is there one comprehensive list?

[fazalaliadil]

GVK,

Interesting!
The hollow tree I think is a parasite, a creepers which scaled its way up the host tree, grew until it consumed it. The hollow you see is where the original host was many years ago. These kind of parasites are found in the Amazons.
Wonderful weather and photography. Would like to know the story behind the nails of penance.

Regards,

[gvk]

Originally Posted by nandans2005

Gvk,

is that you posing alone in the picture? The temple picture is beautiful. keep posting, its quite interesting.

130kmph is quite decent speed. should have been pretty comfortable.
Keep posting more pictures.

Yes Nandan, that's your truly... me. The journey was very comfortable.

Originally Posted by ampere

Thanks for that info. Have some relatives in Waynad. Will plan to go some time. The place sure looks amazing for a visit!

My pleasure ampere. You can cover Thirunelli and Kuruva Islands on the same day.