Soon after entering the Malakkapara-Valparai route, it started to rain. I wanted to ride this route in the peak monsoon time and God answered me in the best way possible.
BHPian FueledbyFury recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
A Trip to Valparai: The 7th Heaven
The Onam holidays were coming. I was very keen to go somewhere like a one-day trip due to the limited time period. At the time, I got to know that one of my childhood friends had returned from Bangalore in his semester break. I told him an idea about a small one-day trip and left the matter. I came back home and went to sleep early. In the middle of my sleep, my phone rang.
- It’s Kurian. (Now called Mr.K)
- Mr.K: What’s your plan for tomorrow?
- Me: Nothing much. I’m free.
- Mr.K: Okay. What about going to Munnar or elsewhere?
- Me: We usually go to Munnar right? Why can’t we change some locations?
- Mr.K: Yeah. I’m ready.
- Me: Let’s go Valparai.
I gave Mr. K. some details about the route, to plan a basic itinerary. I was fast asleep and tired during the journey. In the morning, woke up around 5:30 AM and saw his message to start the trip by 8:00 AM.
Route: Perumbavoor>> Athirapilly>>Malakkappara>>Valparai>>Kolengode>>Pe rumbavoor
We started the trip around 8 AM. Initially, we thought about going via the Malayattor forest-Athirappilly route. But due to the heavy rain, the road might be worse than ever. So we have decided to skip that and go via Angamaly. Apart from the usual route, we have gone to Athirappily by taking a deviation from Muringoor taking Muringoor- Ezhattumugham route. There wasn’t much crowd in the Athirapilly area and we reached the checkpost. We need to take a travel pass from the forest department once we reach there to continue the journey to Malakkappara. There are no fees deducted for the pass. There were NSS volunteers asking whether we have any plastic bottles and if we have any, they have created an awareness on not to throw bottles or litter anywhere along the road.
Lush Greenary all along the way.
Upon entering the forest route to Malakkappara, he greeted us with a good smile.
CB blends with nature.
Sholayar Reservoir’s view along the way.
The last session of Athirapilly-Malkkapara has very bad roads.
There was a little bit of road construction going on the way. We need to wait for 15 minutes as the road was fully closed due to the work.
Reaching Malakkapara, the first thing to drink is a hot boost. It was so good for that climate.
Here comes the real beauty of Malakkappara.
Soon after entering Malakkapara- Valparai route it started to rain. It was too good to ride in the rain. I wanted to ride this route in peak monsoon time. God answered me in the best way possible.
Sholayar Dam’s viewpoint was amazing in every way possible along with the secret sauce of rain. As there was heavy rain, we didn’t capture it.
Beauty of Malakkappara after a gentle rain.
Reaching Valparai Town
Route from Valparai to Pollachi
Adds a mystic feel to the road.
How about some hot maggie in this weather?
And the maggie has some special taste. Maybe the additional ingredient is the vibe around the shop.
Aliyar Dam’s view from infamous Valparai hairpin curves.
Until next time! Bye Anamalai Tiger Reserve
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