In and around Kuttikkanam

Trip goes on….

5th May 2018 to 6th May 2018:

We as in me, Rakeu, his father and mother started our journey early morning to Kalvary Mount. We wanted to reach early morning at the mount to watch the fog. The previous time when we went there valley was clear and we got a picturesque view of the beautiful valley. This time we got to see another view, the complete valley was covered with fog which gave us a feeling that we are floating in top of clouds. It was really a wonderful experience. We would suggest you guys to go in the morning and wait till the fog is cleared. That way you will get both view of the valley. We also went to Anjuruli about which we have already covered in our earlier blog.

Smog - felt like floating clouds :)

Suruli waterfalls:

After spending some time at Anjuruli we went straight to Suruli waterfalls which is located some 56 kms from  Theni. We were expecting a nice big waterfall as we saw many people coming back drenched. But after a quiet long walk from the entrance when we reached the falls we were really disappointed as it was not like any waterfalls we have seen so far. It was a small waterfall and it was very crowded. Disappointed we headed back . If you have not seen any big water falls, Suruli can be included in your list , if not it's not worth it.

Suruli Waterfalls

Cumbum grape farm:

On the drive back we saw many Grape farms. Visiting one grape farm was always been my dream so we stopped by one of them and asked the permission of the people there and entered the farm.

Cumbum Grapeyard

Wow!!! We got a  real good view with rows and rows of grapes hanging in the grape vineyard. At entrance itself it was ripened black grapes and when we went inside and took a right turn we saw many unripened green small grapes hanging around the farm. We took many snaps. Visiting a grape farm was one of the items in my wish-list and now I can properly tick it off the bucket list . We bought some grapes from the farm itself and started our journey to Kuttikkanam. On the way we had a sumptuous lunch. We heard about a hiking option so we went in search of Vallakadavu Sathram. After enquiring with few localites finally we found it (better not to depend on Google for these areas as Maps are not updated for these spots). The jeep rates was 1500 for 2 hours. As we wanted to reach Kuttikkanam early we dropped the plan and off we go.

Kuttikkanam :

By around 4 PM we reached Kuttikanam and we went on the way which google took us but in vain. The Kuttikkanam castle which was our hotel where we booked our rooms were no where to be seen. Finally we ended up calling the hotel guy to enquire the route and realised that we went totally in a wrong direction. Even after the hotel guys instructions we were quite confused and called the guy 2-3 times to make sure that we are in the right path. On the way we saw some beautiful tea plantations, a small temple which reminds me of ancient temple which I have seen in many a movies.

A Small Temple on the way to Kuttikanam Castle

 Finally we reached Kuttikkanam castle by around 5 PM. The hotel guy told us that the hotel is usually seen from main road itself and due to the mist it was not visible at that time. And that was true the mist filled whole Kuttikkanam and the next day we were able to see our hotel from main road. Our hotel as the name suggests had a castle like structure. The mist filled night in the castle gave us a feeling of haunted house.  We had few fruits and snacks with us so we filled our stomach with these snacks plus a cup of coffee provided by the hotel guys.  We enjoyed the view of the whole valley filled with mist. On top of that it was drizzling which was an add on to the climate. I thought of getting up early next morning to take few snaps of the mist filled valley but the very next day when I got up from bed and viewed the valley from the balcony I was shocked to see a glass clear valley with mist to be seen no where.

Kuttikanam Castle

Parunthum Para and Tagore Rock :

We got freshen up and checked out early morning. Off we go to "Parunthum Para". Parunthum para is a scenic location on the way to Peerimedu. Parunth in local language means eagle and para means rock. As the name suggests the place gives you an eagle view of the valley. This location is also famous among Sabarimala pilgrims as from here they can view the Makarajyoti. Another attraction of this place is Tagore rock. The rock is said to have the shape of the famous Indian poet Tagore's head and hence the name. There is a pathway where people can walk around and there are also few benches placed from where you can sit and enjoy the view. I would say if you are tired or not sit here for a while to enjoy the natures beauty. We went down near Tagore rock and took few pics. And then we walked along the path way.  There were many photographers who were taking pics of tourists with the beautiful background which was something we didn't opted for. By around 9 AM we started from there and on the way we had our breakfast. 

Ammachi Kottaram:

Our next destination was Ammachi Kottaram. We reached Ammachi Kottaram without any hassle. Even though we were in a doubt whether this is the right place. We saw an old lady and enquired about the place and she said we are in the right place. So we parked our car and climbed the steps which was in between in a jungle I would say.  This was the summer palace where the wife of the Travancore King along with her servants stayed long back. The palace is in near ruins now. The entire palace consists of 3 rooms, 2 halls, Dining hall, Kitchen, store room and 2 secret passages. One secret passageway is for movement within the palace and the other secret passageway will take one to the Sree Krishna Temple in Peermade. But that passage is now closed for security reasons. The palace is being taken over by a business man from Bangalore. When we went there was an old guy who was the caretaker of the palace who took us around the place and showed up the entire complex. He explained us about each and everything. There were separate rooms for maids. The kitchen had an exquisite collection of washbasin which he said was imported from outside. He also told that this was the location for many a movies.We felt bad by seeing the condition of the palace. The whole building may collapse anytime. Part of kitchen was already collapsed. After paying a tip to the guy we started off. 

Way to Ammachi Kottaram

Valanjanganam waterfalls:

This is a waterfall located in Kuttikkanam. Waterfalls is situated in the high way itself. Unfortunately during our visit the falls was dried up. 

Panchalimedu:

Panchalimedu is a hill station and view point near Kuttikkanam in Peerimedu. According to myths, Pandavas along with their wife Panjali stayed here temporarily during their one year exile. That's why it is named Panjali medu. Medu means hill. There is a temple; the idol of the temple is believed to be gifted by Pandavas to the tribes who lived here and helped Pandavas during their stay. Several Shiva lingas and Trisulas are placed near the shrine. A small circular pond named Panchalikulam is also situated here, in which Pandavas and Panchali took their daily bath. 

On one side of the valley we could see many crosses being placed and on the other side it was Trisulas. We walked the whole way from one side to the other. There were many view points, and few shelters were also provided where many people were sitting. During our visit there was a construction going on to make this spot more attractive. After strolling around we started to Vagamon.

Vagamon Pine Forest:

Vagamon is a hill station and Pine forest is one of the attractions here. The entry fee is Rs. 10 per person. You can park your vehicle outside and walk through a narrow path to reach the  Pine forest. The forest is a valley full of acres of lofty pine trees growing on steep edges, which look out over the edge of a cliff. You could take a stroll through the alley watching the trees towering above you. Whatever be the climate once you enter the valley you will feel the coldness. Though this was my second visit to this pine valley I felt the same level of excitement when I reached the place. This was our last destination of this trip.

Hoping to meet you all soon with another list of places...:)

Among the Pine Trees ... ;)