A College Tour - Chennai=>Kochi=>Munnar=>Athirappilly=>Chennai

This was the most splendid tour, experienced during my under graduate program. We were 54 people including 3 college staffs, went on a well organised 6days tour to Kochi, Munnar and Athirappilly falls.

 

 





Day 1:

 

20:00Hrs: Chennai to Ernakulam by Alleppey express,our journey started. Three-fourth of the people were occupied in one coach and one-fourth of the people were occupied in the other coach. Fun and excitement went through till 2:00hrs in the mid night of day2.

Day 2:
 

We slept for three or four hours.The rays of sun woke us at 7:00hrs and the day began with making fun on one another. Ernakulam Junction arrived at 9:30hrs and by the time we reached there, a bus was waiting to take us to the hotel.

 

Kochi:Kochi, formerly Cochin, is a major port city on the west coast of India by the Arabian Sea and is part of the district of Ernakulam in the state of Kerala.The city of Kochi (pop. 601,574) is the most densely populated city in the state and is part of an extended metropolitan region (pop. 2.1 million), which is the largest urban agglomeration in Kerala.Kochi city is also a part of Greater Cochin region and is classified as a B-1 grade city by the Government of India, making it the highest graded city in the state. Kochi ranks first in the total number of international and domestic tourists in Kerala. Kochi has been ranked the sixth best tourist destination in India according to a survey conducted by the Nielsen Company on behalf of the "Outlook Traveller magazine".Heralded as the Queen of Arabian Sea, Kochi was an important spice trading centre on the Arabian Sea coast from the 14th century. Occupied by the Portuguese Empire in 1503, Kochi was the first of the European colonies in India. It remained the main seat of Portuguese India until 1530, when Goa was chosen instead. The city was later occupied by the Dutch and the British, with the Kingdom of Cochin becoming a princely state.Kochi is home to the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy and the state headquarters of the Indian Coast Guard with an attached air squadron, named Air Squadron 747.Commercial maritime facilities of the city include the Port of Kochi, an International Container Transshipment Terminal, the Cochin Shipyard, offshore SPM of the Kochi Refineries and the Kochi Marina. Kochi is located on the southwest coast of India at 9°58′N 76°13′E, spanning an area of 94.88 square kilometres (36.63 sq mi). The city straddles the backwaters, encompassing the northern end of a peninsula, several islands and a portion of the mainland. To the west lies the Arabian Sea, and to the east is the urbanized region in the rest of the mainland area. Much of Kochi lies at sea level, with a coastline of 48 kms.Kochi features a tropical monsoon climate. Kochi's proximity to the equator along with its coastal location results in little seasonal temperature variation, with moderate to high levels of humidity. Annual temperatures range between 23 and 31 °C (73–88 °F) with the
record high being 38 °C (100 °F), and record low 17 °C (63 °F).[36] From June to September, the south-west monsoon brings in heavy rains  as Kochi lies on the windward side of the Western Ghats. From October to December, Kochi receives lighter (yet significant) rain from the northeast monsoon,  as it lies on the leeward side. Average annual rainfall is 3,228.3 mm (127.10 in),[37] with an annual average of 132 rainy days.

 

Ernakulam Junction to hotel Star Lagoon was three-fourth of an hour's drive. Star Lagoon was a splendid apartment hotel where one part of the apartment was made as a hotel. We got consequtive apartments in seventh or eighth floor and 4 to 8 people were accomodated in each, according to the size of the apartment.

 

 

Watch showed 10:30hrs and every once checked-in to their apartments.Every one were asked to get ready as we were running out of schedule. At 12:00hrs we were all ready for the site seeing. As none of them had breakfast in the morning, we decided to have lunch. The time was very short.So ferry ride, visiting the fort Kochi and Chottanikkara temple were on the visiting list for the day.

 

 

 At 13:30hrs every one were on the ferry ride. During the ride, we saw Kochi oil refineries, Naval Ships, Kochi Harbour, Vivanta (Taj group) and finally reached the Fort Kochi at 14:30hrs.

 

There were several commercials selling their art. We were able to see the chinese fishing which came in to exisence since 14th century. We walked 500mts and could see the St.Francis Church.It is one of the oldest European Church built in 1503.The Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, died in Kochi in 1524 when he was on his third visit to India. His body was originally buried in this church, but after fourteen years his remains were removed to Lisbon.The gravestone of Vasco da Gama can still be seen here and also several other gravestones & writings were seen on the walls.

 

 

We got in to the ferry and were back to the bus at 16:00hrs.Two of my friends missed to get in to the ferry. So we were waiting for them as they were heading to our point by boarding  another ferry. We started at 16:45hrs to make our next visit to Chottanikkara temple which was half an hour drive. Spending time for more than an hour in the temple,we were back to the hotel at 19:00hrs. Moving from room to room, messing around with people, playing and having fun around lasted till mid night of the day 3. It is always a pleasure of having fun with friends and going to bed in the mid night.

 

Day 3: 

 

As per the schedule, it was the day to visit Veegaland. Waking up early and getting ready at 7:30hrs was a little tough task. Our bags were packed,dumped in the bus and checked-out of the hotel. This was our last day in Kochi as we were going to Munnar directly from Veegaland. Having our breakfast, we reached Veegaland at 9:45hrs. Waitng for some time to get the counters open, got the tickets and we walked in at 10:30hrs.

 

 

 Rides in the Giant Wheel, Roller coaster, Ranger, twin flip monster, crazy cars, dashing cars were amazing. Water games were more interesting and spent our time in the wave pool for more than two hours. It started raining heavily and it was time for us to start to Munnar. Changing the clothes/ drying ourselves for some time, we departed to Munnar at 17:30hrs. Travelling for two hours, the bus halted for our dinner. At 20:30hrs, the journey started continuing. At 22:30hrs, We reached the hotel S.R.Annexe in Munnar. Checked-in to our rooms at 22:45hrs, and asusual fun and entertainment went on till 00:00hrs. As every one were tired, it was time to go to bed.

 

Day 4:

Munnar: Munnar is a hill station on the Western Ghats, a range of mountains situated in the Idukki district of the Indian state of Kerala.Munnar town is in Kannan Devan Hills ( KDH ) Village in Devikulam taluk and is the largest panchayat in the Idukki district having an area measuring nearly 557 km².This green hill station is surrounded by the country's highest tea gardens. Layers and layers of tea estates, mountain mist, waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries make Munnar almost surrealistically beautiful. The lofty mountain ranges with misty peaks, sprawling tea estates and serene climate provides a quite and peaceful resort. This little sleepy village atop the western ghats is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams namely Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Panoramic views of lowflying clouds and mistfilled valleys make it a pretty little heaven with a cool, bracing climate. Misty mountain peaks blend  harmoniously in Munnar to create a blissful atmosphere that is hard to describe.Munnar is also famous for the wild orchids locally called Neelakurinchi which blooms once in 12 years. During this time the entire valley turns violet. It is also home to Nilagiri tahr, a rare breed of mountain goat. Munnar was once the summer resort of the British government in South India; it still  wears the old charm of the British plantation days.Munnar has a variety of attractions to feast your eyes like placid lakes, meandering streams, misty mountain peaks, sylvan valleys, rare orchids and wildlife. Plantation visits, treks, tea factory visits, cycling, boating, paragliding, day tours to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary etc. add to the excitement. Here you can also have a glimpse of gaur, langur, liontailed macaque, elephants and Nilgiri tahr that roam the  stretch of grasslands or are seen climbing the pinnacles of the undulating hills. The region in and around Munnar varies in height from 1,450 meters (4,760 ft) to 2,695 meters (8,842 ft) above mean sea level. The temperature ranges between 5 °C (41 °F) and 25 °C (77 °F) in winter and 15 °C (59 °F) and 25 °C (77 °F) in summer.[4] Temperatures as low as −4 °C (25 °F) have been recorded in the  Sevenmallay region of Munnar.[5]The mean maximum daily temperature is at its lowest during the monsoon months with the highest temperature being 19 C. 

 

One person among our friends came up banging all the doors to wake up every one in our rooms.The weather was too cold in the morning and we had a breathe taking view of the greeneries through the window. Every one were ready at 9:00hrs and had breakfast in a restaurant opposite to our hotel.By 10:00hrs, Our sightseeing started. Our first place of visit for the day was Eravikulam National Park. At 10:50hrs, we were waiting for our turn to board a van which will take us to the park. Waiting for quarter of an hour, we were on the way to the park. The Mist covered mountains, the waterfalls and the Bed of greeneries made us to enjoy the beauty of the nature.  At 11:30hrs, we were out of he van and we started our trek to the top of the national park. We were able to spot few Nilgiri Tahrs (Mountain Goats). Trekking to the top gave a Panoramic view of the mountains.

 

 

 

Watching the view, Playing here and there, making fun around and dancing, passed our time and that was 13:30hrs when we boarded the van which headed us to our bus. Fun and excitement was at its peak.It was 14:30hrs, we had our lunch.at 15:45hrs, our visit continued. At16:25hrs, our bus was at our next visiting spot which was the Echo point.

 



 

 

The climate was slowly changing. Watch showed 17:10hrs and we visited Mattupetty dam. With in 5 minutes it started raining heavily. So we clicked few snaps and rushed in to the bus.

 

 

 

 En route to our hotel, we visited a nursery. Spending some time there, we returned back to the hotel at 18:00hrs. We refreshed ourselves and went out for shopping and dinner. From 20:30hrs till mid night of day 5, we were having the utmost fun. We do not know when we were asleep.

 

Day 5:

 

7:30hrs in the morning, We Checked-out of the hotel and had breakfast. Our last Place to visit in our tour list was Athirappilly falls which was six hours drive from Munnar and hence the journey started.

 

 Athirappilly Falls: Athirappilly Falls is situated in Athirappilly panchayath in Thrissur district of Kerala, on the southwest coast of India. Located on the west-flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and the Sholayar ranges, this 24-metre (80 ft) waterfall and the nearby Vazhachal Falls are popular tourist destinations. It is nicknamed "The Niagara of India".Controversy about a state-proposed hydroelectric dam on the Chalakudy River  above the waterfalls began in the 1990s and has continued through 2011.The 145 kilometres (90 mi) long Chalakudy River, originates in the Anamudi mountains of the Western Ghats
and flows through the Vazhachal Forest toward the Arabian Sea. The river initially runs smoothly but becomes more turbulent  as it nears Athirappilly. At Athirappilly Falls, the water surges around big rocks and cascades down in three separate plumes. Below the falls, the river remains turbulent for about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) until it reaches Kannamkuzhi. Then it calms and flows smoothly until reaching the dam at Thumburmuzhi.

 

Where ever we turned, we could see the green bed. Taking pictures in between the tea estate were complete fun. The nature was at the extreme at its beauty.

 

 

 

All through the journey, we passed our time hearing songs and dancing in the bus.Had our lunch in between and by 15:30hrs we reached athirappilly falls. It was the most scenic beauty as we were at the top of the falls. Most of them started enjoying in the river while the others started going here and there and clicking pictures.

 

 

 Watch ticked 18:00hrs and we started to Thrissur where we have to board our train to chennai. We were enjoying the last few moments in kerala. Every one danced to the songs played in the bus.We reached Thrissur station at19:30hrs. We dropped our bags, had dinner and were roaming on the streets of Thrissur.

 

 

Day 6:

 

1:30hrs: Thrissur to Chennai by +TVC Chennai Express,Our return journey to chennai began.Switching off all the lights in our coach, we were playing hide and seek till 4:00a.m and fell asleep. By 12:00hrs, the train reached Chennai. The tour experience was really amazing and unforgettable.









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A Road Tip - Chennai=>Salem=>Yercaud=>Hogenakkal=>Chennai

To start of with, I am writing my latest (i.e)2012 trip experience which was a very memorable one. It was a funfilled road trip from the start till the end. I was accompanied by two of my friends in a car from Chennai and one person came from bangalore directly to Salem.We covered 850kms all around and the trip was planned for three days.

DAY 1:

We started from Chennai at 8:30a.m in the morning filling up the fuel for the car. We took NH 45 - Nagapattinam - Chennai Highway and it was 10:30a.m when we halted for our breakfast at Melmaruvathur.

We started our journey in NH 45 at 11:00a.m from Melmaruvathur and travelling for nearly 2 hours, we took NH 68 - Salem - Ulundurpet National Highway.

Salem: Salem, which is also called Mango city, is located in the North Central part of the state, about 340 kilometres (211 mi) southwest of the state capital Chennai. Salem is the fifth biggest city in Tamil Nadu in terms of population after Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy respectively. The average elevation is 278 m (912 ft).The city of Salem is surrounded by hills on all sides viz. Nagaramalai to the north, Jarugumalai to the south, Kanjamalai to the west, Godumalai to the east and the Sheveroy Hills to the north east. The Kariyaperumal Hill is situated within the city to the southwest. The Thirumanimuthar river flows through the city, dividing it into 2 parts.Salem in general is characterised with scanty rainfall and a dry climate. Salem has moderate-dry weather throughout except during the monsoon season. Generally the first two months of the year are pleasant, but in March, the mercury gains an upward trend which persists till the end of May. The highest temperature is normally recorded during May. The scanty showers during this period do not provide any relief from the oppressive heat. There is a light improvement in the climate during June–July period. During this pre-monsoon period, the mercury reverses its trend and by August, the sky gets overcast heavily but the rains are meagre. the north-east monsoon sets in vigorously only during September–November and by December, the rains disappear rendering the climate clear but pleasant.

 

We reached salem at 3:00p.m and by the time the other person from bangalore was already there. Had our lunch in Hotel Saravana Bhavan located near the bus stand and we rested in salem till 5:00p.m.Then our travel to Yercaud began.

Yercaud: Yercaud is a hill station in Salem district, in Tamil Nadu, India. It located in the Shevaroys range of hills in the Eastern Ghats; the Yercaud hill area is called the Shevaroy hills. It is situated at an altitude of 1515 metres (4970 ft) above sea level., and the highest point in Yercaud is the Servarayan temple, at 5,326 feet (1,623 m). Yercaud is also called as Jewel of the South. The temperature never rises above 29 °C (84 °F) or goes below 13 °C (55 °F). Coffee and citrus fruits, most notably oranges, are grown in abundance apart from bananas, pears and jackfruit. Scenically, Yercaud is as enchanting and picturesque as the hill stations on the Western ghats and trekking here can be one of the most pleasurable ways to pass time.The range Yercaud situated is Archaeon plutonic rocks of charnokite series, and the these have weathered into the rugged masses of hills. There are three routes up to the hills, the Shevaroys range is covered with green grasses, and has not any considerable growth of forests. Bamboos are grown up to an altitude of 3,000 feet (910 m), and on the higher levels some teak, blackwood and sandalwood are seen. There are about 9,000 acres (36 km2) planted with coffee in the hills.There is a huge planted population of Silver Oak {Grevillea robusta}trees that are part of the coffee cultivation estates..The climate of Yercaud is moderate. Winters are fairly mild, starting in September and ending in December. During winter, the hills are covered in mist. Winters range from 12 °C to 25 °C, and Summers from 16 °C to 30 °C. Rainfall is 1500–2000 mm. The coffee bushes blossom in April and offer a spectacular view. The climate is also particularly pleasant.

We took the SH 188 Yercaud road of Salem - Yercaud Ghat road.

The journey from Salem to Yercaud was just an hour's drive with 20 Hair pin bends. We enjoyed the drive and as the altitude was going higher and higher, the weather was cold. At 6:00p.m,we reached Yeracud. The Tamil Nadu tourism hotel was booked in advance as we were there on a weekend.

By the time we checked in to our room, it was 6:45p.m. Dropped our bags, make a quick refresh and planned for a visit to some place. First of all, let me list the places that can be visited.

• Lady's Seat
• Pagoda point
• Lake
• Servaroyan Temple
• Kalliyur Falls

There are lot more places to visit, but we visited only these places as we were running out of time.

 

 The lady's seat view at night was the first in our list of places. One can have a spectacular view of twinkling lights of Salem. It was 20 minutes drive from our hotel. We were there at 7:20p.m. The weather was cold and there were no lights at the telescope house. The most beautiful view from the lady's seat were seen. It was a difficult task for taking picture of the view in the normal mode. We used our tripods to hold on the camera. We used Shutter speed priority mode & finally we took a long exposure shot.



Spending time by enjoying the view, we started back to our hotel at 8:00p.m. On the way, we loved to eat hot chilli Bajji's and drink Tea.We were back to hotel at 9:00p.m. Had our dinner and went to bed early as we would have to wake up early the next morning to head to the Pagoda point for sun rise. Day 1 on our trip was successful.

DAY 2:

Alarm rang!! it was 5:30a.m. Waking up early in the morning & getting ready in the cold weather was definitely a tough task. As it was cloudy, the sun rise was not visible. At 6:30a.m ,we reached Pagoda point. It is also called as vantage view point. The mountains and trees were surrounded by fog and mist where we spent more than an hour enjoying the view.

The Sun was slowly peeping out of the sky. It was 7:30a.m, we drove back to our hotel.Our car was almost running out of petrol as we forgot to make a tank fill before climbing the hill. Finally found out a fuel filling station near our hotel and it was the one & only fuel filling station in the hill.so we filled up the tank. We planned to check out our rooms as we have to start to hogenakkal by noon. Handing over the keys, we dumped the luggage in the car.

  

We left hotel at 8:15a.m and had a wonderful breakfast in a small fast food. Our next places to visit were Shervaroyan peak, Bear Caves, Lady's Seat, Kalliyur Falls respectively. As the road to the Bear Caves was damaged due to the earlier rain, visiting that place was ignored from our plan.

Time was very short and hence we hurried to Shervaroyan peak and reached there at 9:15a.m. Had a breathe taking view.

The camera batteries were running out of charge and we decided to get to the reception of the hotel which was vacated by us and charge our batteries. As it would take more than an hour for having an adequate amount of charge, we planned for boating in the lake. It was 10:30a.m we were on a boat ride and the instructor said us to be back at 11:30a.m. pedalling the boat around the lake was amazing. We were having complete fun during the ride. It was 11:40a.m when we returned to the hotel. By the time the batteries were charged which was enough for taking pictures till we reached Hogenakkal. Two more places were left in our visit list (i.e) Lady's Seat in the morning view and Kalliyur Falls. We reached Lady's Seat at 12:00p.m and viewed the beauty of Salem from the peak. One can view the Hairpin bends in the hill.

We ate Cauliflower pakoda's which was hot and crispy. Our watch showed 12:45p.m. The last place to visit in our list was Kalliyur Falls. At 1:00p.m we reached Kalliyur Falls. When we were about to get to the entrance, people there said there was no water. As it was waste of time for visiting the falls, decided to click some pictures where we were and started to Hogenakkal.

 



It started raining heavily as we started our journey to Hogenakkal.

Hogenakkal: Hogenakkal Falls is a waterfalls in South India on the river kaveri. It is located in the Dharmapuri district of the southern Indian state of Tamin Nadu about 180 km (110 mi) from Bangalor and 46 km (29 mi) from Dharmapuri town. It is sometimes referred to as the "Niagara of India". With its fame for medicinal baths and hide boat rides, it is a major site of tourist attraction. Carbonatite rocks in this site are considered to be the oldest of its kind in South Asia and one of the oldest in the world. This is also the site of a proposed project to generate drinking water.The best season to visit is soon after the monsoons, when the river is in full spate. But some tourists prefer to visit during off-season to skip the crowd. The temperature in summer varies between 23–34 °C (73–93 °F) while during the winter it is still pleasant and ranges from 13–27 °C (55–81 °F).

We took the SH 188 Yercaud Ghat road and reached salem by 2:30p.m. From Salem, we took NH 7 - Malur - Hosur - Adiyamancottah road and drove for 1hr 45 minutes. Then driving on SH 60 - Dharmapuri - Hogenakkal road for 3/4 th of an hour, we reached Hogenakkal at 5:00p.m. The room were booked here in advance at Hotel Tamil Nadu tourism. We dropped our luggages in the room and quickly headed to Hogenakkal Falls which was jus 5 minutes walk from our hotel. Two of my friends went to have a shower in the falls while myself and the other were watching the beauty. Around 5:30p.m those two people came back after shower. Started clicking the pictures, we walked through the hanging bridge to see the other side.As it was not a season, not much of water was flowing. however by admiring the falls, we spent there till 6:15p.m.

 It is always a pleasure, having friends beside and making fun all the time. By 6:40p.m we were searching for the vegetarian restaurants but couldn't find any. Finally there was a small road side shop. Had the best dinner there and returned to our room at 8:15p.m. Spending time by uploading the photos, watching movie, making fun were the most memorable one. That night we slept at 12:45p.m. Day 2 was also successful.

DAY 3:

Everyone were so tired and found difficult to wake up. Some how we managed to get ready by 7:00a.m. It was the day which our destination was gonna end. So we planned to visit Hogenakkal once again. We packed our bags and everything was kept ready so that, as soon as we return from falls, we can start our journey. By 7:15a.m we were at falls,moving to all the corners, admiring the beauty and clicking pictures.

Watch showed 9:00a.m. We started moving out from the falls and had breakfast. at 10:30a.m the room was vacated and the luggages were put in the car and hence our return journey started. Driving on SH 60 - Dharmapuri - Hogenakkal road for 3/4th of an hour, we took NH 7 - Malur - Hosur - Adiyamancottah road. We dropped one guy in Krishnagiri at 12:00p.m, as he was heading back to bangalore. From krishnagiri, Driving for 5hrs on NH 4 -Sira Bypass, We reached Chennai at 5:00p.m. Thus it was a wonderful and a memorable road trip.

 



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