Monsoon Magic - Athirapally-Kochi !

Trip : Chennai - Chalakudy - Athirapally - Kochi - Chennai
Trip Dates : July 27 and 28, 2013
Trip Mates : Karthik and family

The aim was to see Athirapally when it is on full flow during the monsoon. And we ended up seeing it amazingly running bank to bank after 15 years - as per the locals. We had booked tickets from Chennai to Chalakudy. We had booked Ecogreen Homestay at Chalakudy based on the reviews we saw in TripAdvisor and they were bang-on ! We also took the package for 2 days in car - Athirapally and Kochi. A homestay run by Mr.Suresh Mathew had a car waiting for us at the railway station and received with warmth. This place is around 2-3 kms from the railway station. After a good breakfast, we started our day.

Athirapally Falls is around 32 kms from Chalakudy. As expected the weather was gloomy, but, no rains luckily. However, it was drizzling now and then. First place to visit was Kauthuka Park. (http://www.kauthukapark.com/) 

Kauthuka park is a very different kind of park, where the theme is bio-co-existence. Also, the place is rich with innovative ideas like Ariel roots, Walking trees and grand simulation of natural sanctuary with selected animals, fishes, amphibians and birds. Though the place is small, still is is a great place of learning and awareness. It is a great place to go with children as they get to learn about lot of things. One can spend about a hour here and is worth it. There is no entrance ticket; however, the owner requests for donation to maintain the place. Its one's wish to pay him as they could.

Next stop was the view point of the grand Athirapally falls. YES ! The falls was running bank to bank and the sound of water was so heavy. We decided to go to Charpa and Vazhachal falls before we get to Athirapally. Charpa Falls is 3 kms from Athirapally and Vazhachal is 5 kms further. Charpa Falls was almost falling over the road with roaring sounds ! It felt out of the world and an amazing experience in the peak monsoon.

Vazhchal falls - Rs.10 entrance and this can be used for the Athirapally falls as well. The place was so clean and serene, well maintained. The water was so full that bathing was banned and security all around. We did a walk along the banks on well-laid platforms for about a km. We had some hot tea, pazham pori, Bajjis in the cold weather. After dipping our feet on the cold water for few minutes, we walked back and drove to Athirapally.

Water was running like milk and one could not see the bottom of the falls because of the water scattering all around. After spending few minutes there and none being allowed to take bath because of the heavy water, we started our downward trek towards the bottom of the falls. WOW ! The falls was flowing well beyond the rocks we used to see normally. The visibility was so low that when attempted to take a photo, the background was always virgin white !

The driver aptly took us to a small, but, tasty veg food hotel - Saravana, few kms from the falls. Next, we went to the Thumboormuzhy dam. There is a small park for Kids to play and a nice view of the flowing water. This is closed for entry by 4 PM and exit by 5 PM. We reached back the stay and ordered food. The food was amazing. Though we ordered only Parattos, Chappthis and little rice with curd, we got lots of extras like Dhal, more rice, Sundal, papadams. This is an apt display of hospitality from My.Suresh of Ecogreen Homestays. Breakfast was also ready and Tea served all through our stay was so good.

Day-2 -> Kochi. The first place we visited was the Hill Palace Museum at Tripunithura. This place is around 50 kms from Chalakudy. We spent an hour there going through some history of Kerala Rajas. Mobiles and cameras are not allowed inside. One can deposit in safe lockers at the entry of the palace. This place is located around 10-12 kms from the mainland of Ernakulam. A small kids play area is also available at the parking place. Overall, a place to go around and see a wooden palace and some history about Kerala.

Next, we visited the area of Mattancherry. First, was the St.Francis church. This place is a piece of history - Kochi, Vasco Da Gama, Portuguese, Dutch ! The church is really old and says renovated in 1779 !! A quick peek into the church makes one understand how old it is and services are still going on. The surroundings are greenly and within 1 km from there one can reach a small beach too. Few kms from there is the Mattancherry palace - A small place in Fort Kochi area. Here, one can read in detail about the Kerala Rajas history - Rama Raja, Kerala Raja, Ravi Raja. One can also learn how Kerala was formed.

We drove to the Marine drive and spent some time there before we left to catch the train back to Chennai. We got parcel for dinner.

One more piece of information: We had our return ticket from Trissur to Chennai, whereas we were going around in Ernakulam (Kochi). What we did to board the same seat from Ernakulam -> Bought sleeper unreserved tickets between Ernakulam and Thrissur on the same seats.

Natural Spa - Courtallam !

Trip : Chennai - Tenkasi - Courtallam
Trip Dates : July 6 and 7, 2013
Trip Mates : Karthik, Senthil, Pranesh, Premkumar, Ramkumar, Ilangathir, Velmurugan, Sanjeev, Harish.P, Balavasanth, Jagadeesh

Balavasanth had booked the rooms for us at Tenkasi, We stayed at Krishna Tourist Home. This was very close to the bus stand.

General Info : There are several falls in Courtallam. Only few of them are reachable for public. Tenkasi is 6 kms from Courtallam. The best time to visit Courtallam is from 15th of June to end of July. One has to know how monsoon has performed in this area and then travel. The most prominent falls are Main falls, Five falls (Aintharuvi), Old Courtallam, Citraruvi and Puliaruvi (Tiger falls).

Old Courtallam falls is located 7 kms from Main falls and Five Falls is located 6 kms from Main Falls. Tenkasi is very closely connected to Courtallam. Once can get very food accommodations at Tenkasi. Local food is good and once can take chances to taste authentic south Indian food.

Stay Options : There are several options to stay in Courtallam. Once can reach there and look for stay options. The main falls is located near to the Courtallam bus stand. The Citraruvi is 200m from the bus stand on the main road, while the Puli aruvi is 1km from the main falls. The old Courtallam and Five Falls are connects by government buses and lots of share autos. The buses are available from 4 AM to 11 PM and are there for every 5 minutes.

Day-1: We reached Tenkasi by Podhigai express from Chennai by 8 AM. We checked into hotel, refreshed and had breakfast. Then, we went to Main Falls. This year, looks to be the highest water in 12 years time in Courtallam. Surprisingly, we had very less crowd than we expected. Each of us took showers until satisfied. Next destination was Five Falls. Few of us had Oil massage. The crowd was too high here and we waited around 30 minutes for a 3-min bath.

From Five falls, we took share auto to Citraruvi. This is a very small falls bound by walls - size of the bathroom. But, the water was speeding and we really enjoyed big time in this falls. We spent more than an hour here and had some quick lunch based on preference. We then returned to the rooms for a quick nap. We went for dinner to the Border Parotta near Senkottai.

Day 2: We started the day after excellent breakfast at Dosa kadai. The plan was to goto Old Courtallam and Tiger Falls by bus. Old Courtallam was really crowded but the police have managed really well. The water was pouring in surplus and the climate was also very good. The first day was little sunny. Then, we went to Puliaruvi. This place was also crowded and we decide to go to the top and the place was very secluded and fresh. The Saral climate was amazing and we had an excellent time in the chill water. We spend around 3 hours in the water and returned without choice.

On the way to railway station, we bought some Halwa, Paal gova, Kai suthu murukku, Kaara Sev and Mixture and boarded the Podhigai express back to Chennai.

Golden Triangle - Delhi-Jaipur-Agra

Trip : Chennai - Delhi - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Mathura - Delhi - Chennai
Trip Dates : May 4,5,6 and 7, 2013
Trip with family

We had booked a 4 days package as below with Invitee India, that included 4-days site seeing, AC Innova for 4 days, 3- night stay - AC Deluxe rooms - one night in Jaipur, Agra and Delhi. This also includes breakfast and airport pick-up/drop.

Itinerary

Day-1 - Airport pickup from New Delhi at 9:30 AM - Travel and site seeing at Jaipur including Chowki Dani -; Night stay in Jaipur
Day-2 - Local pending site seeing in Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri and Night stay in Agra
Day-3 - Taj Mahal visit - early morning at 6 AM, Visit Sikandara, Mathura and Night stay in New Delhi
Day-4 - Site seeing in New Delhi and drop at Airport.

Day-1

We started the day with a drive to Jaipur. We took some snacks from home and some in the airport and flight and were ready to start the day while we landed. Started the trip on the hot climate by 10:30 AM and stopped around noon on a road side Dhaba for lunch. The trip goes from Delhi into Haryana and reaches Rajasthan. Wearing seat belts is mandatory and most importantly, safe !

I have put some tips on eating outside and some learning of the trip at the end of this post !

Reached the outskirts of Jaipur around 3:30PM. First, we stopped at a view point of Amber Fort took some photos. Next stop, was Jal Mahal. Here, this is only a view point and not allowed to go in. We then, preferred to check-in to the hotel. We stayed at Laxmi Nivas - this was located on the other side of the town and the driver was not aware how to reach it. However, after 30 mins reached the hotel.

The rooms were spacious and okay. I shall post the comments on each of my experiences in detail in TripAdvisor with regards to stay.



















Then, we went to Chokhi Dhani Village. Entrance fees - 2 options Rs.500 and Rs.650, first one for Rajasthani authentic food while the second one is continental. Best option for Indians would be Rs.500 package. Inside Chokhi Dhani Village, one can kill time by going around and having some authentic Rajasthani chat/fast food. Most of them come at a nominal price - Rs.10/15/20 and also some fun games for children and the grown  ups at Rs.5/10. One can go for elephant and camel rides as well inside for Rs.50 for 4-5 mins. At the outset, people have to shell out money but, fun is guaranteed; family with kids will enjoy a lot. There is also number of shops for purchases like chappals, clothes, lots of bangles, home decors, bed utilities, etc.; some are affordable and some are expensive. Choose as per the need; not for comfort/luxury !

The dinner is a good authentic Rajasthani Thaali - unlimited -> Do no miss the Sabjis, Dhal Baati, Sweet - Mal Powa and Lashun ki chutney (hot garlic paste). The most memorable one was Chaanch - Butter milk. I took seven servings of Chaanch. After the feast, went back to rooms and had a good night sleep.

Day-2

After Poori-Bhaji breakfast, day started visiting the Amber Fort. The driver told us that he would drive us to the Fort through the back gate and save lot of money. Rs.900 is the charge for the elephant ride for 2 persons. We were 4 and we got lot of money covered through this option. Elephant ride is fun, but, we did it at Chokhi Dhani at Rs.50 per head! And avoided, long queues waiting for elephants, ride on a bright, hot sunny day (around 43 degree Celsius). This was the only brighter moment with driver :(

The views are stunning from the Amber Fort and one can easily spend 1-2 hours wondering at the architecture, views and clicking photos. We did not use guide service at any point, rather roam around and explore. Next destination was, City palace of Jaipur - Another 1-2 hours of roaming inside the premises under hot Sun. This palace had very good paintings and carvings.

We had checked-out of the hotel in the morning itself and sited Hawa mahal from outside. At Jaipur, as per the rules, even new buildings are all of same architecture and colour, and this added a uniqueness to the city ! We planned to go for shopping and on the Sunday morning, almost all the shops were closed. We had some hot, spicy and big samosas and start the journey to Agra.

Some useless-inedible food at a road side Dhabha on the way to Agra made us look for reached Agra faster. We stopped at Fatehpur Sikri next. The highway goes through Bharatpur, take left to Mathura, go straight for Agra or turn left for Fatehpur Sikri !

On reaching the parking area, we got guides and vendors all around us :( We swiftly moved to board the government operating buses to reach to top of the small hill to the Jama Masjid - south wall of this Masjid is the grand Buland Darwaza - 54 mt high entrance - the highest in Asia. Also located in the same premises is another Tomb - Tomb of Salim Chishti, a Sufi saint; this is built with white marbles. Hot air was blowing from all the directions - we felt like 50 degree Celsius ! Took the return bus to parking for Rs.10 per head and moved to the vehicle as quickly as possible. On reaching Agra and tasting some horrible food on the way, we located the South Indian restaurant - Dasaprakash and swiftly completed our dinner by 7 PM with excellent Idlis and Dosas with filter coffee ! :)

Check-out at hotel Taj palace - this was one amazing location. 500m from The Great Grand Taj, and from the rooms, we were able to see the beauty ! Early to bed by 8 PM, since our plan was to be at Taj by 5:30AM.

Day-3

On enquiry at the hotel, they told that the tickets counter shall open at 6 AM at Shilpagram - parking area and also to Taj at the same time. Being my birthday, I want to be the first in the counter and went at 5:15; and the counter was open - Foreigners were already there buying tickets and I was the first Indian to get the tickets :). And also, the counter person told that, the entrance is open at Taj as well as the sunrise is early in summer. We moved to the entrance and entered with no queues there ! At 5:50AM, we saw the Taj, one side shining and reflecting the early Sun ! Amazing and spell bound and hardly 100 visitors inside. Comfortably, took lot of photos and went around the Taj. We entered the main chamber in one hour and slowly walked out after capturing Taj in different angles - alas, it was only 7:30AM that we came out.

There are battery cars operated to and fro from the parking area to the eastern entrance of the Taj Mahal for Rs.10 per person. We had Poori-Bhaji again at the hotel and checked out. We skipped Agra Fort and went to Akbar's Fort at Sikandara. This place also, has very good architecture and none are allowed to take anything other than water and camera - like Taj Mahal. After spending around 50 mins there, we started out towards Mathura.

By the time, we reached Mathura, it was 11:50. We had only 10 minutes to reach the temple, however taking a rickshaw from the parking area and going through the security - like airport :(, we made it in only by 12:20. Mobiles, bags, even handbags, water bottles, cameras - nothing is allowed inside. We cited Krishna Janmabhoomi and then the sanctum though it was closed; and had some good lassi outside the temple. I have heard that Mathura is famous for sweets, and we tasted couple of them; however we did not like it! Next stop for lunch was another Dhaba ... another tragedy on the highway to Delhi ! :(

Reached Delhi by 5 PM, and checked in at hotel Sunstar Residency. Everyone took a good bath and decided to take rest, because all were exhausted for the climate and the 3-day road rides with tragic food. The rooms were excellent. Delhi was cooler (!) compared to Agra and Jaipur.

Day-4

After breakfast, we first went to see India Gate, Vijay path, Rashtrapathi Bhavan, Red Fort and Parliament and found that India Gate entrances were are locked down by police. As we entered Vijay Path, all we could see was more police and they asked us to get out immediately and all the above places are locked for visitors for the specific day :(

Next destination was, Humayun's Tomb. We have to walk to little for this - 250m and the structure is gigantic as like any other Mughal well known places. One can spend 1 hour there going around and admiring its beauty. Next hop was Lotus temple. Being Tuesday, all places were less crowded and at Lotus temple, we entered the temple area and spent some minutes meditating and left.

Next place was Qutub Minar. The tall masonry is amazing; yet simple ! There is another minar that was started but left unbuilt - Alai Minar. One can spent 1 hour here going around few places inside the premises and clicking good photographs.

We went for some rich lunch at Hotel Veg Gulati at Pandara Road at noon; and when we asked for visiting Akshardham temple, the driver told we cannot make it on time for our 7 PM flight :( When we asked him to take us for some shopping, he took us to a place where every item started at 9k !!!

We then, went to Gandhi Smrithi and Indira Gandhi memorials.

Alas, trip ended at 3 PM at Delhi Airport. Great memoirs of Jaipur and The Taj !!!!

Now, you have to read the tips below :)

Tips:

• We took a package and all stays were really good - Rs.1500-1800 per room if we book and I strongly believe when we go in packages, we get better deals.
• Make sure you mention the places you want to visit or get the itinerary planned in detail with the travel manager, else, the driver is not going to help you - NEVER !
• Plan your shoppings and inform the same in your itinerary, as you plan to trip - else, it is not going to Happen, unless, fortunately, you get a good driver - which is very very very rare in Delhi !
• Road side Dhabhas are as lucky as you visit a VIP when you walk on the roads. Order what is best locally, Dhal/simple vegetables/Raithas with Rotis. Rice is not staple food in UP/Rajasthan and you do not get them on road-side Dhabas - else, if you get, you will have a special mention like I have done this here ! Do not order RICE !
• Drivers get free food at Dhabhas - the cost would be hidden in our order and one cannot just figure out how you get big numbers at road side! One cannot fight unless you strongly wish to ruin your day !
• Have alternate foods - fruits, biscuits, nutri-bars, breads.
• Drink Lassi everywhere - trustable and edible food anywhere on the road; will make sure you do not drain
• Have a list of favourite/must-go restaurants researched before you travel; when you have reservations or priorities to eat ! Example, south India food, need Idlis, need Rice !
• Do not encourage beggars, you will be crowded always
• Buy small souvenirs whenever possible, do not repent when time not available for shopping; at every site seeing, you can bargain easily and buy less than half the price!
• MOST IMPORTANT : Wear Seat belts irrespective of which seat you are seated. Drivers just drive as if none are on the road and every driver does the same. You will believe THERE IS GOD !

Quick Info on Distances

• ·         Delhi to Jaipur – 264 kms
• ·         Jaipur to Fatehpur Sikri – 204 kms
• ·         Jaipur – Agra (through Fatehpur Sikri) – 240 kms
• ·         Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – 37 kms
• ·         Agra – Mathura – 59 kms
• ·         Agra to Delhi – 207 kms
• ·         Mathura – Delhi – 159 kms