[laluks]

Originally Posted by lloydofcochin

That's the spirit

Superb effort. Keep it rolling!

I'm driving down to Kottarakkara on Saturday and I've almost fixed the route - Blr-Dindigul-Kambam-Kuttikanam. It is a day drive, so hopefully we will be able to enjoy the beauty coupled with an engaging drive. I just love driving in the ghats

That's an awesome route. How about return via Senkottai Thenkasi Madurai Dindigul Bangalore. When I start with logs for Poovar, I'll put up the pictures from these areas.

[laluks]

Day03, 31.08.2010
Vagamon Heights

We reached the reception area by 10:00AM.

This is what we see. PPGs have woken up and came out in search of us by then. They found Gobels grazing around and became friendly.

PPGs with Gobels.


He was once a race horse.

Gobels


Gobels love to eat carrots.



Wifey giving carrots to Gobels



Mr. Harish caught a Cicada and shows it to PPGs.



This is the one that breaks the silence in our forests




We then had a wonderful breakfast.

After breakfast Mr. Harish takes us for Boating in an modified open SUV


Some panoramas from a vantage position







continued..

[lloydofcochin]

Originally Posted by laluks

That's an awesome route. How about return via Senkottai Thenkasi Madurai Dindigul Bangalore. When I start with logs for Poovar, I'll put up the pictures from these areas.

Yeah, very true.

Planning a return via Thenkasi, haven't traveled that route so far, but have heard that it is pretty scenic

[laluks]

Originally Posted by lloydofcochin

Yeah, very true.

Planning a return via Thenkasi, haven't traveled that route so far, but have heard that it is pretty scenic

That route is pretty scenic.
The old hanging bridge at Punalur, the arched railway bridge, Thenmala, Palaruvi, Kuttralam, Thenkasi - just so beautiful greenery.

Roads are narrow curvy two lane.

After Thenkashi you can either continue on this narrow two lane all the way to Madurai or from Thenkashi reach Thirunelveli and catch NH7. The latter though 45km extra is faster since you touch NH7 at Thirunelveli in 50km from Thenkashi, than the 150Km to Madurai from there. I have done both, but prefer the Thirunelveli route due to time savings due to the super NH7.

[bhp_maniac]

That was an amazing read lalu. Really enjoyed each and every bit of it, especially since Wagamon-Kuttikkanam stretch is one area through which I ride once in a month or so. Yes, I am kind of a localite there. My home town is called Pala in Kottayam district. Wagamon is 37 kms from there. Also, the shots were very scenic and classy. Man, you got very good composition skills.

Between, I think you missed out "Parunthumpaara" which is near to Panchaalimedu. Or have you been to this place and missed out posting? Sunset from Parunthumpaara is a treat to watch.

Also, there is a suicide point near Vagamon. In early days, they used to allow us to drive through this place to the tip of the point. But after all those issues regarding Simi camp and all, the local police have closed the entrance, but we can walk through these area. You will find some old abandoned houses in the route, if you're interested in shooting such things. Planning to pen down the experiences from these places. Hope the lazy man in me doesn't hinder

If anybody is planning to visit these areas, and if you need some guidance you can always contact me.

[laluks]

Originally Posted by bhp_maniac

That was an amazing read lalu. Really enjoyed each and every bit of it, especially since Wagamon-Kuttikkanam stretch is one area through which I ride once in a month or so. Yes, I am kind of a localite there. My home town is called Pala in Kottayam district. Wagamon is 37 kms from there. Also, the shots were very scenic and classy. Man, you got very good composition skills.

Between, I think you missed out "Parunthumpaara" which is near to Panchaalimedu. Or have you been to this place and missed out posting? Sunset from Parunthumpaara is a treat to watch.

Also, there is a suicide point near Vagamon. In early days, they used to allow us to drive through this place to the tip of the point. But after all those issues regarding Simi camp and all, the local police have closed the entrance, but we can walk through these area. You will find some old abandoned houses in the route, if you're interested in shooting such things. Planning to pen down the experiences from these places. Hope the lazy man in me doesn't hinder

If anybody is planning to visit these areas, and if you need some guidance you can always contact me.

Thanks bhp_maniac.

Parunthupara sunset is coming up in Day 04

I too heard about the camps. The police outpost at Thrishanku hills was told to be due to that to me. I did not want to post about those sensitive issues.

Due to the heavy rains, many trekking options were not possible for us. A return is in the cards and now I know who to contact. Thank you

[pramod]

I had not posted nor had any activity on this site for atleast 5 months now.
The photos of Vagamon has forced me to comment/appreciate the sheer beauty of this place. I had never heard of this place btw.

Wonderful perspective to ur snaps this time Laluks!

DCS_5818p is the pick of the lot for me!

Regards
Pramod

[laluks]

Originally Posted by pramod

I had not posted nor had any activity on this site for atleast 5 months now.
The photos of Vagamon has forced me to comment/appreciate the sheer beauty of this place. I had never heard of this place btw.

Wonderful perspective to ur snaps this time Laluks!

DCS_5818p is the pick of the lot for me!

Regards
Pramod

Thanks Pramod.
The year seems to be hectic for everyone.

[laluks]

Day03, 31.08.2010
Vagamon Heights

We go to the lake in the open UV.



Beautiful View enroute





We reach the lake by 10:30AM. Amazing day, blue skies, sun shining, it was a beautiful feeling.





All set to sail


Sr. PPG trying to fish with her indigenous fishing rod


A capsized row boat




We saw a birdie






The beautiful lake






We reached back the shore by 11:30AM, exactly an hour of boating.


We spent some time near the shore enjoying the sun and the breeze.


Sr. PPG wants to go boating again


Jr. PPG too


We left for the safari again.


continued..

[laluks]

Day03, 31.08.2010
Vagamon Heights

We reached the Viewing point


Wifey takes a vantage position and enjoys the vastness of the natural beauty



The beautiful views from there














We start again



We have to climb this steep gradient! 4x4 terittory.


continued...

[laluks]

Day03, 31.08.2010
Vagamon Heights

We climbed the steep gradient and stopped on top of the hill. PPGs enjoy the views and they loved the UV. Wifey and Mr. Harish is in deep discussions of the 4x4 part. See who is at the wheels













We start the ride again.


This time to the same place where Mr. Harish showed us some stunts with the jeep yesterday. Some one wants to try 4x4 you know

continued...

[laluks]

Day03, 31.08.2010
Vagamon Heights

Mr. Harish shows us some more stunts.



























Wifey is all impressed. After some clarifications and advice, she is behind the wheels again.


What happened after that is history. Thank God, I still have excuses like Pajero is outdated, Old good quality jeeps are not easy to find etc.. whenever the 4x4 comes for a dinner discussion. Somebody keenly waited for the THAR, and thank God, Mahindra helped me once again.

Somebody is out there looking for a Gypsy now....and me finding more excuses...


continued...

[laluks]

Day03, 31.08.2010
Vagamon Heights

We drove towards the tree which gives water . Near by this tree there is a treetop setup for a look around the place and a hall type of setup for conducting workshops.

The mudddy roads through the property





PPGs on a bumpy ride


Finally we reached the Water Tree


Water comes from the tree




The tree top setup




Wifey checking out the tree top






Boy! It sure is scary.



A small hall


Jr. PPG decides to run around.


But this fellow chose to crawl



continued...

[mallumowgli]

Originally Posted by laluks

Somebody keenly waited for the THAR, and thank God, Mahindra helped me once again.

That was a killer comment Laluji

But hats off to your better half - a 4X4 enthusiast. Great!

And here I am unsuccessfully trying to get my wife to drive a Santro!!

[laluks]

Originally Posted by mallumowgli

That was a killer comment Laluji

But hats off to your better half - a 4X4 enthusiast. Great!

And here I am unsuccessfully trying to get my wife to drive a Santro!!

She's a rally and 4x4 enthusiast. But satisfying both with the Swifty these days