I stay in Palakkad and wanted a one day trip to Neliambathy hills which is around 65 kms from my house. My Yatra Holidays provided me with a competitive package. Overall, our(my family's) experience with this tour operator was quite pleasant. Mr.Arun PK, responded well to all my queries that helped me to take a quick decision. Also the car they provided was in good condition and a special mention about the driver, Manu, who was very amiable and resourceful.
Neliambathy is a less popular tourist destination, hence less commercialized. Also, we went there during the lean season of June, soon after the rain had just begun. So it felt as if we had entire neliambathy to ourselves. Barring a few lone bike packers, we were on our own. We started early and decided to tour Pothundy dam on our way back as it would be open to public only at 8a.m. Even from outside it looked like a promising place. We proceeded to Neliambathy with a sense of eagerness and excitement as the town scene slowly gave way to a more rustic and green scenario. Neliambathy would definitely not disappoint,I felt. The cool moist air was an elixir to my city tired lungs.
Covering some hairpin bends and awesome viewpoints on the way, we reached Kesavapara. The view was breathtaking. The mist and clouds added to the serene scenic view. Further on the way up, we stopped at a few spots with waterfalls. The place seemed to be blessed with waterfalls, both big and small at every turn and bend. Also, the ariel view of pothundy dam, from these various points were amazing.
The stop at the tea gardens and the government orange and vegetable farm was also worth it.
Then came the unexpected! Nothing really had prepared us for this adventure. The Jeep ride along slush and boulders up the hill moved every bone and muscle in our body. We squeaked in delight even while we thought of the aftermath of such an adventurous trip. If you are looking for ADVENTURE, this trip should be in your bucket list. As I sit here typing this out, I am happy that I survived to tell the tale. The Jeep ride cost us cost us an additional RS.1000/- that included an entry fee into the reserved forest. If you are lucky, you get to see wild animals too.
The ride took us to seetakundu, a breathtaking viewpoint from where it seemed you could could view the whole wide world in its greenest of glory. Ride further up would mean shelling out another R's. 1000. We chose to return . On our way back we had a brief stop over at poab's organic farm. Good to know that people believe strongly in organic farming. It is said that monkeys are trained goatherds here. They take the goats to the hillside and back everyday to graze. Amazing isn't it?
On our way back, a stop at the pothundy dam was picture postcard scene. Very beautiful. Waters in the foreground and green mountains in the background. The garden surrounding the dam didn't catch my fancy though. It seemed like all gardens you find adjacent a dam. The regular thing.
Everything thing else, was a anything but regular. A visit to remember. At many places clouds caressed us leaving on us telltale signs of water droplets. It was truly a walk in the clouds!
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