Blended with Nature

Plan

Parambikulam; When I suggested Manju about visiting there, very little did I know about the place and was thinking just an outing and a getaway from the hectic routines. The blogs or travelogues we read gave  some idea about the place. I was excited about the drive. We never thought that this is going to be an experience which we can’t ever forget.

The travel to Parambikulam

We started at 5.15 am from Ernakulam. As we have seen the map I drove on till Vadakkanchery. Google map suggested to take a right turn at Alathur. I knew there is a way from Vadakkancherry to Nenmara and Kollenkode. Asked locals and they gave clear guidance. Took a turn and went thru Nenmara, Kollenkode. 

Paddy fields of Nenmara

Our stomach started reminding us about the breakfast. We stopped at a small hotel on the roadside. They had idiyappam, appam and idly. We settled for idly. They served idly with chutney, sambar (that was also called sambar), mulaku chammanthi and chutney podi. It was just sufficient. 

At Hotel Narayana

After 6-7 KM from Kollenkode we took right turn towards Chulliyar dam. First we thought we may go to the dam but later discarded the plan and went straight to our destination. We stopped at a place where we could see a portion of the dam, just had a look and continued.

Chulliar Dam

We drove on till Anamalai Checkpost where Tamilnadu check post people checked vehicle and bags to find out whether we were carrying liquor.  Liquor is a strict no no in Parambikulam.

Entrance to Anamalai Tiger Reserve

Took tickets and continued our drive till Top Slip checkpost. It was a bumpy drive as the road is in peril. We understood from others that this road is repaired before 6 years!!!.  It was amazing to see thick forest and teak plantation without a single soul for kilometers together on our way. At top slip check post we were stopped again, to verify our tickets and continued our travel. 

 Top Slip Check-post

There are few shops, a canteen and toilets at Topslip, which is useful. We were excited to see two deer on the way to Kerala Checkpost.

After emptying our bladder we drove on to Kerala checkpost. Parked vehicle and went to take tickets. They checked our details and guided us well. The way they were interacting was too good. They were friendly and informative.

Kerala Checkpost

Two more KM we were at the reception of Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. They verified our payment details and the balance is remitted in their office. One guide came along with us in our car to the “Tented Niche”, which we had booked early.

Tented Niche

We recommend  this accommodation to all those who plan to go there. Our car was parked in one parking lot and we have been provided our allotted tent “Banyan”. It is neatly furnished. They gave lemon juice as welcome drink which was refreshing. There are 7 tents altogether. Ours was on a side where forest is separated by electrified fencing. 

Parambikulam experience

We walked around as our program will start only at 3PM with a safari. We saw the media room and information center and spent some time in it. We saw some uniformed guides were posing for a photo session and out of curiosity we asked the forest officials about the occasion.

That small talk has opened a “Pandora’s Box”. They said that photo session is for an award from Chief Minister which they won for best innovative way to protect environment. The price money is 5 Lakhs and this money is going to be spent for tribes in that region. When we started asking further, we were introduced to a person, Mr. Ajayan, who is also an employee there. He asked us whether we have time to listen. On hearing yes from us, he took us to one building where he opened up a world of information, which made us awestruck. 

Ajayan sir started a session for us and another group about Parambikulam and its environment. We found that to be too informative and it opened an inner eye. That moment I repented not taking kids along. I decided to come back again with them to listen to Ajayan Sir and see this awesome place. If anybody visits this place after reading my blog, please ensure that you are attending the interpretation session. It may be better to do it before the trip as you will see all things though a different eye. 

We had our lunch from there which is for those inmates of tented Niche as buffet. It was good food with both Veg and non-veg. We went back again to Interpretation Centre to hear more from Ajayan Sir. He was giving orientation to another group who were seemed to be not too keen. Seeing us back he started in his regular humorous way. Hats off to him as he made us aware of many things and we felt real admiration to his passion and dedication.  It is understood from him that the Parambikulam is transformed to the current way because of efforts of one DFO Mr. Sanjayan Kumar. Saluting him for his vision and efforts

As planned our Safari started at 3.30PM in their own van. The drive was interesting with herds of deer and elephants all around.

They took us to two dams and for a bamboo rafting.

The last program was a dance by tribal women, which we found not so interesting. The highlight was the return trip in night to our tents.  We could see plenty of animals all around. Deers, rabbits, sambar, Gaur and elephants…. This is the reason why I recommend the stay ay Tented Niche. This trip is only for the people in the tent. The food was served around 8.30, which was delicious again. It was too calm and the weather was very pleasant and cool. We could only hear sound of birds and animals once in a while.

Morning we woke up hearing the sound of deer herd. We were glad to see a big group grazing around our tent. We could hear birds singing and whistling all around. We took off for trekking along with one guide immediately after tea served at 6.30AM.  . We opted for a long trek, which is 6KM through the forest.

 The interesting part was the trekking through the Ever Green forest. It is read in books that light does not fall on ground due to the thick vegetation on top and hence no grass.

We were lucky to see that and understand. There was a slight fear in back of mind about encountering wild animals. Luckily or unluckily we couldn’t see any. We saw the "Malabar Hornbill" (Vezhambal) flying away with a big sound and many more birds. It is known that Salim Ali had spent a few years at Parambikulam due to the presence of various types of birds.

We concluded the trip with the walk and then breakfast.We are determined to come back with our children as soon as possible. The place is so enchanting that you would stay back there forever!!

Some facts 

I wish to share some interesting facts about the whole place. It is the Tribals in that region who protect the entire forest along with the Forest department officials. The tourists are taken care by these tribals and they are doing driving, catering, housekeeping, reception and what not. It is really amazing to see the depth of knowledge of these people have. A guide, who accompanied us to the forest for trekking, knew the scientific names of all species of trees and shrubs on the way.  I don’t think a MSc Botany person will know so much.  It is understood from many bloggers and websites that you see Bison in Parambikulam, which is totally wrong. The animal that is seen is Gaur (Katti) which is a specie of Cow.

Panchavadyam from Pakal pooram at Ernakulam Shiva Temple

Exploring Pune Day 3

Shankarwadi

Our third stop was Shankarwadi near to the Somatne Toll booth. I have heard from friends that it is a Cave temple having Lord Shiva as deity . I was curious to climb the hill and see the cave temple. 

We started the ascent around 5 in evening. It was a pleasant evening. The temperature was not really affecting us due to heavy winds that time. But I was exhausted and sat down after the first flight of steps. I drank some water and also washed face, which brought the energy back. 

Then a steady climb brought us to a junction like place at mid of the hill. When asked a person who seems to be Poojari over there, he gave directions. The way to left is for the Shiva temple and the right side way is leading to a Ram temple. We went staright to Shiva temple first. 

The temple / cave is carved out of  single rock. The entrance is made of cut rock pieces. The rooms are rectangular in shape. I prayed silently in the Shiva temple. There are few pond like holes in the rocks nearby, which are filled with water. People who visit there have made the pond dirty by throwing all sorts of waste in it.

In the second temple we saw a swami sitting and reading a book. On enquiring he said he resides inside that temple itself.  It was really cool inside the cave in contast to the heat outside.

 IPL stadium seen from the hill

We had taken few snaps around and was about to walk down. It was then we noticed two young guys climbing the hill above there. That prompted us also to follow them. There was no defined way to go to top. It was not a difficult terrain to climb but lack of a defined path made the climb slightly difficult.

A steep Climb

To our surprise midway of our climb we reached at a courtyard of a house. There were two old people sitting there. We asked them what is ahead to see and they said it’s a flat surface on top and nice to walk around. Most amazing thing we have seen was another big pond in that height with plenty of water inside.

Sumesh was feeling bit tired and was reluctant to climb further. My earlier tiredness has vanished and I was daring to venture as much as possible.  It took another 10 min climb for me to reach the top of hill. It was an amazing sight from there.

I could see Pune, Talegaon, Exp Highway, stadium, Dehu road Ayyappa temple, etc, etc… My binocular had come really handy. I walked around a bit and found that I had enough company on top of the hill. Sumesh also caught up with me without much delay.

The flag post is bend due to strong winds...

We both were in agreement that it would have been a great loss if had left without climbing to the top of the hill. We waited there itself till the sun set. My camera has captured all those images that could swallow by that time.

 It was almost dark by the time we reached down on plains.

Exploring Pune Day 3

Ganesha  statue near to Somatne Toll booth on High way

When one goes to Talegaon or Mumbai from Pune through the old highway, the most striking thing is the tall Ganesha statue on the right side of the road near to the toll booth. Every day when I travel to my factory I see Lord Ganesha  and move with a silent prayer. Its sight  has become a luring factor to climb the hill and see the statue from close range. Today the second spot to stop was this place.

I learned from different websites that this is the tallest Ganesha statue around Pune. This  copper plated RCC structure towers 54ft on top on the small hillock resting on a platform which is around 18 ft. tall. The statue is made by Birlas. In contrast to different Birla Mandirs that I had visited(Jaipur, Bhopal, Hyderabad) this does not have a temple like structure . This  massive will dwarf you due to its humongous size when you go near by.

 It’s a beautiful sight in the night when it is illuminated with good lighting system. A  lawn is made around the statue but the gate to that area is kept locked. The security was so strict that they did not allow me to go on the lawn  to take few snaps from there.

It may not have  big value in terms of tourism but being in Pune, its a must visit place.

Exploring Pune Day 3

Today I had a companion. My colleague Sumesh. As he came to Pune very recently, he was very curious to see places. His company has made the short trip more enjoyable. 

Parshwanath temple near Talegaon

I started from my home late today as it was really hot outside. Picked up Sumesh from his house and went to Parshwanath Temple, which is very near to Talegaon. It can be seen from the old Mumbai Pune Highway. It is temple complex of Jain community. The temple is yet to be completed fully.

The most striking elements in the temple are the pillars carved out of sand stone and the ceiling. Each pillar is different in design. The pillars are decorated with figures of different gods and goddesses.

Many of the gods are from Hindu Mythology. But there are lot of variations in compared to the knowledge that we had.

The floor is completed with exquisite marble inlay work.  As a whole it is really looking good but if we look from an angle of an expert in interior construction industry you can find lot of flaws. The center dome is marvelous.

 

Dome 

 I have seen similar decorative domes at Akshardham Temple, Delhi (Strictly speaking this is incomparable with Akshardham).  The roof of all the structures are similar to that in Orissa.

 It has lot of resemblance to the roof of Puri and Konark. The surrounding complex with statues of different deities looks great with its pillars. 

There are lot of work going on in the complex. It will become a must visit place in Pune for all tourists.