This ride was unique in many ways. We had our first female rider captain, who quickly rose through the ranks after getting her hands on a Royal Enfield Hunter.
BHPian Mrs&Mr_Shenu recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
A New Route by the Kerala Forest Department and we were the first group to try it out.
It had been three months since our rider group last planned an adventure. This time, we decided on a 75-kilometer ride to Chimmini.
Chimmini has become an Instagram sensation, known for its picturesque dam and stunning surroundings. The final 5 kilometers of the route are particularly breathtaking, offering a visual treat to all who travel it.
While planning our ride, we spoke with officials from the Kerala Forest Department. Initially, we were looking for an easy 3-kilometer trek. However, they informed us about a new trek route set to be introduced in the first week of February 2025. We were thrilled to be the first team to explore this pristine route.
This ride was unique in many ways. We had our first female rider captain, who quickly rose through the ranks after getting her hands on a Royal Enfield Hunter. Additionally, we welcomed new riders, new trekkers, and new bikes to our group.
Ride Plan:
- Edapally
- Ambalur (right turn)
- Chimmini (trek)
- Chokkana
Expense: Rs. 800 per head, including snacks, Kerala-style meals (lunch), and a coracle ride.
We gathered around 5:30 AM and set off towards Chimmini. The route was mostly along the national highway, allowing us to comfortably ride at speeds of 60 to 70 kilometers per hour. This stretch from Kochi to Thrissur had some ongoing construction work.
As the sun began to rise in the east, by the time we turned towards Chimmini from Ambalur, it was shining brightly. The route offered a unique experience with the increasing sunlight and a carpet of cold mist over the fields. It was truly something worth experiencing.
By around 7:50 AM, we reached the gates of the Chimmini Forest Reserve. We had shared our names and vehicle details a few days earlier, so the formalities at the gate were already completed for us.
From there, we moved to the Inspection Bungalow, where they arranged our parking and extended the courtesy of a small but tasty breakfast. We quickly finished it and were ready for the adventure.
As this was the first trek through this new route, we were accompanied by 2 Beat Forest Officers and 4 guides. They gave us a brief on the purpose of the trek and the precautions to be taken. Then, off we went.
The area around Chimmini is very beautiful, especially if you visit during the monsoon or afterwards. Unfortunately, our timing wasn’t ideal as the route had less greenery and no water in the streams. However, this also made the trekking easier. We walked past fallen leaves and slowly got onto the trail, which had only been trodden a few times before by the guides.
A key part of this trek was the non-stop live commentary from the guides. They spoke about the ecology, the food chain, and the importance of treating nature with respect. The guides emphasized why it is critical for all of us to be part of the ecosystem and actively contribute to it. Some of the examples they mentioned were eye-opening for us.
By noon, we reached the other side of the dam reservoir, where coracles were ready for us to cross. One of our groups had taken a different route and was far behind the other two groups. Each coracle could take 4 people along with one person to steer it.
This part was especially exciting with the heavy breeze. At the end, we even managed a few 360-degree spins before reaching the shore.
We had a delicious lunch and then set off back to Kochi through Chokkana. On the way, just after Chimmini, we stopped at a small stream for a refreshing splash of water. It was a great spot for some hearty water fun.
Chokkana was our last leg of the ride. This place is more vibrant during the monsoon, with lots of twists and turns through the countryside roads. Sometimes, local buses would surprise us around the corners. We stopped at one of the famous hanging bridges, took some snaps, and later gathered for some delicious snacks and tea. Some of our fellow riders even indulged in a game of football on a local ground.
From there, it was a dull ride back, mainly due to the hectic traffic back to Kochi. In retrospect, it was a day well spent, a happy ride, and an even happier trek.
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