[ampere]

Amazing Story there Star! Very nice! The tunnel trek was very nice one.

[mallumowgli]

Thats cool SVB. Entertaining comments. Enjoyed the trip so far

[StarVegabond]

@Ampere, Mallumowgli
Thanks for your comments, happy that you enjoyed reading this

9 AM to 10 AM was Breakfast and Family Time

265 Our First breakfast in Kerala, it can't be more authentic than this.


We had Puttu and Kadala curry. I learnt that Puttu has a cousin Chemba Puttu (which i think is made up by brown rice). My personal view about Puttu is, if there is no Kadala Curry, then i can not eat Puttu on it's own.
But i can eat Idly on it's own as well.

We now saw Manojy playing the role of Resturant Butler. The personal touch, careful enquiry, softer nudging to the kids to eat properly etc, many of these things are found wanting in a hospitality trained, suited booted fine dining resturant manager as well.
This was also true with rest of the guys there. Language was not at all a barrier.

What is the difference ?... Passion for one's work, that is as simple as that.

266 Conversation among dear one at Nature's own Abode.


267 some friendly moments, 3 idiots searching for some explanation for the things they saw this morning


268 This one is for the family album


269 Accomodation area is seperated from the forest by a trench and electrified fence


270 The roof and the supporting pillers are made up of Steel and painted like Bamboo


271 Crocodile skinned Tree


272 How true ?


273 Did it ring any bells ?


274 Some father daughter moments


275 Some Sister-Brother moments as well.


At 10 AM, Manoj returned to accompany us for the second trek.
This time in search of Bears ?

[roamingrao]

Hi,

Thoughtfully taken photographs, very apt and crisp captions, flowing and captivating narration and humble intention in bringing these to us - all the traits of a master story teller !

Captivating, a treat to read.

Hooked !

[StarVegabond]

@romingrao
Rao sir, you are very kind and generous with your comments. Thanks very much
Mine is a simple "been there, seen this, did that, enjoyed" story.
This is just for remembering some good moments of life.

Moving further with the story..

One has to learn the time keeping from Manoj. He was at our tent at sharp 10 AM. Manoj had agreed with us during the breakfast time for one more trek in search of sloth bear trail.

276 with Manoj leading us, we heard plenty of jungle stories


277 Mushroom Art


278 Crossing the bamboo bridge


279 Spottings on the way : Flower, Peacock and Langoor


280 followed by a small climb


281 while the adults huffed & puffed, kid lead. I am the first here


283 a been there done that picture


284 a poor capture of a beautiful panaroma


285 jungle version of sun flower, only the core remaining


285 looks like a typical couple, jointed at the roots


286 we moved further into the jungle


287 Bear's hang out, the place were he rests, hides his honey etc, but we were happy that we did not find him there at that time


288 favourite fruit (core remaining after bear ear the fruit) of the Bear and the tree


289 Different plants : Jungle version of Drum Sticks and creepers


290 Manoj showed us interesting plant, flower is coming out from the roots. leaves looks like "Haldi plant", but no smell like haldi plant


291 we moved in single lane into deeper forest


292 suddenly Manoj stopped, sat down and stated showing us this. Imagine "Leopards dining room" and remains of what looked like "a deer"


We were shocked when Manoj told that this tree is the regular hangout place of the leopard. (Lalu : it might be the same place where you had found the unfinished meal of the leopard)

by this time it was almost 11:30 AM, we asked Manoj, how much more is the distance. he said 8 KMs more. we had to check out by 12:00 So we asked him to take us back. It was a brisk and silent walk back probably because of the Leopard and Bear factor

293 Home Sweet Home from the jungle


294 Tree Flower : Can anyone tell us what is this ?


295 A debate as old as jungle: who should lead ?


Manoj shouted " Look Pythoon" , before we could reacha and see it had vanished into the nearby plants.

296 We reached Fishing Eagle Machan


297 Some Jungle Fauna on route


298 We brought this back from this trek : Rock art and Porcupine's spine or quill


299 We saw different type of tent


300 We were happy that we are back after 2 hours and did not meet the bear and leopard face to face.


It was 12 noon, we soon took showers, packed up, moved our luggage outside the room.

I found that one of the wheels of the tyre was loosing pressure. Manoj who had come with me to fetch the car from the parking took me to the garage at the rear of the acomodation area, brought the keeys of the compressor room, swithced it on so that i can fill up the air in the tyre. He told me that the nearest Tyre repair show is some 18 KMs away, if i want it. I thanked my fortunes that ANHC had tubeless tyres.

Soon with manoj's help we moved all the luggage to the vehicle, parked it near the entrance gate and returned for lunch.

As we were suppose to stay at Honeycomb for tonight, lunch was organized in the Tented Niche itself. We found that the menu was more or less same as yesterday. Everyone (especially kids) being hungry after thier trek, eat their food quietly.

[jaguar.runs]

Amazing thread Star! Wish to take a break @ Parambikulam soon.

[StarVegabond]

@jaguar.runs
I hope your wish comes true. Thanks for your appreciation.

After lunch we started from Tented Niche Dining room by 1:30 PM.

301 Our parting picture from Tented Niche, taken by Manoj


302 Good bye message from Tented Niche


303 Even while we were leaving we were discovering new niches


304 Manoj dropped us back to the Reception and introduced us to the new guide who will take us to Honeycomb


305 Posters at the reception : About Parambikulam


306 Will this forecast happen ?, if we act wise then No.


307 ANHC waiting for us to take to Honeycomb


308 The team ready to board the car


309 High Five to Tented Niche and Save the Tiger Campaign


ANHC was further tested while going to Parambikulam village where Honeycomb is located. Now we were 5 adults + 3 Kids + bootful of luggage. ANHC handled it well.

310 We stopped at Thoonakavadu dam gates for some pictures


311 ANHC at Thoonakavadu Dam..panaroma


312 ANHC on route to Parambikulam village


313 some great thought on route, put up by forest department


314 Map of Vegetation at Parambikulam forests


Notice the thick forests, bamboo forests, teak platations, water bodies and islands. Notice how small is the human presence. Truely a protected forest.

315 As we started climbing, notice the green welcome


316 We stopped at Valley Point


317 Valley View, not from Manipal, but from Parambikulam


318 Interesting flower/plant near the valley point


Soon we reached the village

319 Route to Honeycomb..climb up from Tiger hall


320 Honeycomb 360


321 Butterflies at Honeycomb


322 Save the butterflies campaign


323 Rooms at Honeycomb..we were at Vengoli, our friends at Pandaravarai


We reached Honeycomb by 3 PM. Rooms were ready for us. The Guide and couple of Lady attendents helped to transfer our luggage to the rooms.

Rooms are very basic. There was no hot water facility.

Kids were feeling sleepy, s we decided to take some afternoon nap. We were suppose to leave for boating by 4:30 PM. The guide went to his home near by.

Our guide knocked the door exactly at 4:30 PM, trust these guys to keep the timing. But by the time we started it was already 5:40 PM.

324 Walk to the jetty


325 We were late, most local tribals who operate the boating were leaving.


326 our guide convinced them to take on the boat after a long conversation


327 Some more views from the boat.. Karimala peak (1439m) ?


328 Evening hues


329 Vettikunnu Island, may be we should stay there for a night next time


330 More evening hues


We were having some good time on these bambo rafts.

[laluks]

Amazing time you've had at Parambikulam.

[StarVegabond]

Yes Lalu, It was a perfect vacation at Parambikulam

331 It was snack time for kids, so tiffin boxes were opened.


332 after some 45 minutes of rafting we returned to the jetty


333 the tibals had started a bonfire, we spent some time around the fire, I hoped that we could have a dinner around bonfire.


334 Evening walk back from the jetty..some views


335 Three idiots at the tree top hut.


We diecide to skip the tribal symphony and walk around the village.

336 We went to the village temple


337 Shakthi Amman Temple, along with Ganesha and Shakivel.


338 Temple entrance


339 Temple surroundings


340 Kids too joined in the prayer


Kids and Ladies walked back to the Honeycomb. We continue to have the conversation with the guide. Parambikulam village has a population of 700+ people out of which some 500-600 people are tribals living in some 5 settlements. There is a small community of localites living near the entrace of the village and a group of forest officials from Kerala and Tamilnadu states living in the quarters.

341 Parambikulam at night


342 Hotel Laxmi at Parambikulam, our dinner was suppose to come from here, so we had come to check it out.


343 The Kitchen of Hotel Laxmi


344 Hot boxes waiting to be filled. The owner assured us that the dinner would be served by 8:30 PM. It was suppose to be a regular fair consisiting of Chapati, Rice, Daal and couple of non veg items etc.


We walked back to the Honeycomb. There was a power cut for some 30-45 minutes, we spent the time in total darkness listening to the music of the jungle.

245 Once the power was restored, everyone played a UNO card game, which was a hit with the kids as well as adults.


Promptly at 8:30 PM Dinner was served, We were the first one to use the dining room. There was another (all men's) group, which followed. Our guide agreed to take us on a early morning drive till annapady so that we can spot some morning blues and potentially spot some animals.

346 It was a very quiet night.

[StarVegabond]

Day 3: 28th Dec 2010

We woke up at 5:30 AM and got ready by 6:00 AM and waited for the guide. But eventually he came sharp at 7 AM. These guys even in their dreams probably following the rules of the forest.

We had planned to drive till Tented Niche and return prior to the breakfast. The opter option was to go for a morning trek, which other members of the team were not agreeing with especially considering the two treks already done yesterday.

347 Morning blues at Parambikulam


348 Morning blues at Valley view point and Dam view point


349 Two key aspects that enabled this experience our ANHC and Guide Satish


350 Scenary was beautiful making us stop every few meters


351 Delta Turn & ANHC


352 Twisty Roads and ANHC


353 Some areas were still not well lit due to thick forest


354 Foggy Roads and ANHC


355 We wanted to take a stroll, but prevented by the guide


356 Found a heard of spotted deers


357 Guys were in good mood, hence posed for a picture


358 but not for a second one


359 Reached Thoonakadavu dam



360 It was a pleasure to sit here for a while


361 and watch this view


362 It can't be more low down than this


363 Soon we reached this tree top hut


364 for another "we have been here" picture


365 An example of "Serenity"


366 Stand still water indicator of calmness of the morning


367 a panaroma for memories


368 Some Wild life messages : Hope reading them in the morning will help to remember them


Soon it was 7:45 AM, and we decided to go back and check out as we had some un-finished business at Top Slip, we did nto wanted to miss it.
So we drove back to Honey comb

369 Tribal Heritage Center at Parambikulam, it also has some cottages for stay


370 Inspection Bunglow that belongs to TN govt.


We returned to Honeycomb by 8:10 AM, Our breakfast was waiting for us. Very Soft, Fresh, Hot Idly Sambhar, What more one wants, followed by wonderful Tea. As there was no hot water, we decided to postpone our bathing activity to the evening, got freshened up, packed the baggages and checked out.

While guys were freshing up, i used the time for some pictures

371 Wild Boar in the vicinity


372 Flower Power in the Garden


373 Experiment with Focus


374 Winter Effect


375 We too had stayed at Honeycomb


376 Bidding bye to Parambikulam Village.


It was 10:20 AM and day was still young

[StarVegabond]

Left the guide Satish (along with his tips) at the Annappady Reception.

377 Bidding Good bye to Tented Niche @ 10:50 PM


378 We were taking only the Sweet Memories with us


379 Saying bye to Kerala border CP @ 11.04 AM


380 We would visit again - ofcourse


381 We were heading towards Top slip to complete the un-finished tasks


382 Took a detour towards Chital House


383 View I from Chital House


384 View II from Chital House (Top Slip reception area)


I took the ticket for Elephant Safari from the forest office, We need two elephant rides for 7 people (4 max at a time)

385 Waiting for Elephant Safari


386 Here came the majestic ride (s)


387 Getting down the slope was not at all a probelm


388 We are feeling like "royals" for the first time in our life


389 This is the trail we followed


390 We also found other other family happy and beaming


391 Applause for the 30 minutes elephant ride


392 Message at the Top Slip check post


393 Saying bye to Top Slip Check post @ 12:20 PM


394 It was not over, A Sambaar deer crossing our path


395 ANHC at one of the hiar pin bends


396 We wanted to tell them our experience, but they were in a hurry.


397 But this guy has seen it all : how sad we were leaving this heaven.


398 At last we were out of Sethumadai checkpost @ 13:00


399 About Forests : We agree with this quote from the great poet.


400 We would visit again : that is a promise.


We had a long drive ahead, but day was still young.

[KRRaj]

Nice Captions Star. Agree with you on the Night Safari thing. It was indeed a great experience returning in the Dark.

Next time I am planning staying at the Island Nest and Thunakkadavu Tree Top also if time permits. Missed the chance about 4 years ago, lets see.

[StarVegabond]

@KRRaj
Thanks for your comments

We still have following things to do at Parambikulam/Top Slip

Vettikunnu Island Stay
Sambaar Machan Stay
Tree Top Hut Stay in Thunakavadu
Kariyanshola Trail
Cochin Forest Tramway Trek
Visit to Salim Ali Center
Jeep/Bus Safari at Top Slip.
Chintal House Stay at Top Slip

I don't know when i will be able to make it, All this might need 2 more visits to Parambikulam alone.


I was told by Sathish (guide for the second day) that Parambikulam village has school only till 4th grade. For the 5th grade to 9th grade children need to travel to Sethumadai and for 10th grade to Pollachi. He himself could study only up to 9th grade.

This Wild Life Tourism has resulted in creating several jobs and income possibilities for these tribals. I was told that the IFS officer Sanjayan Kumar is the brain behind this initiative. I would like to salute him for the vision, influence and ability to work through the government machinary, get the local tribals involved and trained, getting the needed finances, resources and assets in place, processes set, ensuring that it is a success and continue to remain the success.

One thing, which is different that makes all this possible is Passion. It converts men like Sanjayan Kumar, Manoj and Sathish (and all others at Parambikulam) into self standing and successful role models for others.

[BaCkSeAtDrIVeR]

Not sure if this was asked or answered before, but what camera is this?

[StarVegabond]

We left from Sethumadai Checkpost by 1 PM. Our original plan was to go to pollachi and have lunch at the same place (where we had our breakfast 2 days ago).

After some 10 KMs we reach a small village called Anaimalai. We saw a board which stated Udumalpet - 40 KMs. We asked the local people how is the road. They said very good. So we decided to postpone our lunch till we reach Udumalpet.

I pulled the ANHC aside and switched my footware from chappals to shoes. Kids got rearranged. As lunch was a hour later, some snacks got transferred from the book into the main cabin. I used the time to take below pictures

401 Near that village was Aliyar river view point


It was a quiet drive to Udumalpet. only sound heard is that of munching by kids.

402 Once we hit NH209 this view delayed our lunch, but now i feel it was worth it.


403 some glimpses of Udumalpet


on route we asked several people (at least 4-5) for some good place to eat our lunch. Everyone suggested Ariya Bhavan. It is on the route towards Marayoor within 1 KM after turning from NH209.

404 So we reached there. Parking is on the road side in th emiddle of the busy street.


This place adapts pre-paid system for meals. one need to pay first and buy the coupon and then handover the same on the table to the waiter. Dining room was full. We got seated on different tables.

Serving is super quick, No questions asked or answered. No choices were given. No expectations of any tips. None was given.

From the expression on the face of the girl one can image how much she liked the food. The expression was more so beacuse of the way the place was organized and the way the other customers were consuming thier meals. It was the first time she was experiencing the same.

The banana leafs show the Before and After status. Now we know why everyone recommended it. For some RS 25 or so, it was a great meal, simply outstanding in taste and filling the stomach.

We would recommend this place for (only, don't keep any other expectations) vegetarian meals if you are in Udumalpet. It was quick, we were back in the car within 40 minutes.

The route through Udumalpet was under construction and we were detoured couple of times through bad stretches.

405 How do we know we have to go left or right ?


Soon with some enquiry with Transcoding (We asked in Hindi/English), reply comes in Tamil) Local language and Voice assisted Human Positioning System, we eventually reached the right road towards Marayur by 3.15 PM.

406 Some hutments on the way


407 Roads were good


408 So were the landscapes


409 we reached the checkpost, everyone was sleeping inside the car. I provided the details to the officer, handed over the fees RS 10/-.


410 About Udumalpet range


411 Annamalai Tiger Reserve has several ranges


412 ANHC taking brief rest while i take pictures


We moved onwards. Soon stopped for this

413 Wild Tuskers


414 another view at the wild elephants


I drove further on, while everyone slept on

415 Landscapes and Roads provide pleasure to drive


416 a candidate for landscape painting


417 Rival candidate


418 some water bodies


419 We had two more road blockers Squirrel and Elephant, both have same power - that of attraction.


420 approaching Chinnar WLS


421 Welcome to Chinnar WLS checkpost


This one belongs to Kerala State. I need to register again. This time after registration i heard "Saar Christmas ?, New Year ?" I pulled out some money (RS 30/-) from the pocket and said happy new year.

422 There are plenty of moneys around this checkpost.


422 We found this observatory somewhere further


423 We were still some 50KMs from Munnar.


Heavy lunch had cast spell on others. I started driving up the winding roads. Kishore Kumar was singing.