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You are here: Home / Travel / Motorcycle Rides / A Ride Through Wilderness- Day 3 – Athirappilly to Valparai Cruise

Mar 17 2015

A Ride Through Wilderness- Day 3 – Athirappilly to Valparai Cruise

This post covers Day 3 of the 4-day ride through wilderness. Day 1 and Day 2 have already been covered in an earlier post. Day 4 has also been posted now.

Today was the day we were all waiting for. The stretch going from Athirappilly to Valparai is perhaps one of India’s most amazing forest routes.

Obviously, we were all excited, to say the least.

Route: Vattavada – Pampadum Shola National Park – Top Station – Kundala – Mattupatty Dam – Munnar – Adimali – Kothamangalam – Perumbavoor – Karakutty – Mookannoor – Vettilappara – Athirappilly Waterfalls – Vazhachal – Malakkappara – Upper Sholayar Dam – Uralikal – Valparai

Distance Covered: ~275km

Day 3 MapGoogle Maps: http://goo.gl/cNuEPV

Our preparations for today’s ride started at 5 AM. The manager at Anand Resorts was kind enough to serve us all a hot cup of tea as soon as we woke up.

Anand_Resorts_Balcony_View
The view from our balcony. It was quite picturesque.

The sun was still crawling up in the sky. As we’d reached Vattavada late in the night, we hadn’t seen Anand Resorts or its surroundings. It was a pleasant surprise to witness the picturesque surroundings of Vattavada with Anand Resorts in the forefront.

It was very cold here. The water was just brisk warm, and we had to make do with it. The room I took bath in didn’t even have a light (or there was a power cut; don’t remember it now). We took our own time in getting ready for the ride ahead.

Pramod was very eager to ride to Munnar without his upper clothes on. I guess that’s a good start for a guy who spent the previous night with his hairdryer for warmth 😀

We had a small photo session in the resort’s parking area. The background was quite scenic, and we sure didn’t want to miss out on capturing this moment.

Anand_Resorts_Vattavada
Anand Resorts is quite amazing.
Anand_Resorts_Vattavada_The_Scenic_Side
Surrounded by hills, it is quite scenic. One could spend a day or two here.
Anand_Resorts_Vattavada_Gearing_Up
Gearing up.
Cat_at_Anand_Resorts
Rawrr!
Anand_Resorts_Starting_our_Bikes
Heating up the engines. Pramod still deciding whether to ride bare-chested or not.
Anand_Resorts_Assemble_Bikers
Well, here we are. The Five.
Anand_Resorts_Parking_Area
Spacious parking area at Anand resorts.
Anand_Resorts_Board_Vattavada
Don’t forget to halt by here if you’re anywhere nearby. It’s totally worth it.

It was 7:30 AM by the time we started on our journey. A bit late than what we’d planned for, but at least we knew what we’re up against this time around.

From Vattavada to Munnar, we travelled the same way back we’d traversed the previous night.

While riding through this area, we just realised what we’d missed out on.

The road going through Pampadum Shola National Park to Top Station was stunning. With tall trees surrounding us on both sides and not a single soul in sight, it was amazing to ride through this forest area.

Tall_Trees_Pampadum_Shola_National_Park
Stunning stretch amongst tall trees. It was a small stretch though.
Pampadum_Shola_National_Park
Time to move on.

Unfortunately, we didn’t come across any bison in the day time either.

Pampadum_Shola_National_Park_We_Are_All_Stardust
“We are all stardust.”
Arun_Pulsar_Pampadam_Shola_Park
The lone ranger in the forest.
Pampadum_Shola_National_Park_Wildlife_Board
That advice Martin will never forget!

Once we got out of the Pampadum Shola forest area, the skies started drizzling. We continued on regardless.

The_Scenic_Bridge_View
Somewhere between Top Station and Munnar.
The_Scenic_Bridge_View_with_Bike
The same point with the Classic in the forefront.

The route from Top Station onward was full of greenery. Tea plantations surrounded us on all sides, and with the rain picking up its pace, our morning ride turned out to be much better than we’d hoped.

Top_Station_Kundala_Scenic_Curves
Amazing curvy roads. The weather was just perfect too.
Top_Station_Kundala_Amazing_Tea_Plantations
Tea plantations all over.
Top_Station_Kundala_Smooth_Roads
Notice the man walking?
Roman_Catholic_Church_Yellapatty
Some church along the way. Making sure god is everywhere.
Top_Station_Kundala_Single_lane_bliss
Curvy never-ending roads.
Mattupatty_Dam_or_Kundala_Dam
Mattupatty Dam or Kundala Dam? Damn, can’t remember.

The sloping hills were a pleasure to ride on. Even though we’d come through this same route uphill the previous day, this was a different experience altogether.

We stopped at a place nearby Mattupatty Dam for our breakfast. I didn’t like the Idlis served here and passed them on to Bala after having just one. The Vada was good though. The tea was great as usual, and why not? Tea is literally being grown around this place.

Inviting_Roads_to_Munnar
It was raining in bursts. We continued on nevertheless.
Breakfast_on_way_to_Munnar
Our breakfast stop.
Top_Station_to_Munnar_Breakfast_Vada_Bonda
Crispy Vadas and Bondas. The Vadas were really good.
Top_Station_to_Munnar_Breakfast_Idli_Vada
The simple breakfast. Enough to sustain us for a very long time.

The rain had almost stopped by the time we finished our breakfast, but it picked up pace once we started moving towards Munnar.

Munnar_Greenery
Entering Munnar. The roads are getting even better.

We reached Munnar at around 8:45 AM and fueled up at a BP petrol bunk (or was it HP?). The rain had stopped yet again, but it was still cloudy. Once we had our tanks full, we were on our way to Valparai.

Munnar_Town_Refill_Stop
We stopped in Munnar to refill our tanks.

Munnar-Adimali route was a great ride. There were a few buses plying through this area which made overtaking them frustrating, especially in the narrow ghat sections. The roads were smooth and pleasant though.

Once we’d left Munnar, the rain picked up its pace too. We didn’t stop though and kept surging ahead. I believe we rode for around half an hour or so in heavy rain without stopping anywhere. Thanks to the rain, we didn’t take any pictures here. There were a lot of waterfalls along the way; most of them very small.

Adimali_Kothamangalam_Waterfalls
Roaring waterfalls along the way.
Amazing_signboard_traffic_police
Excellent statement. The signboards can be pretty creative too.
Kothamangalam_to_Perumbavoor_Roads
Martin asking for directions while we wait ahead.
Waterfalls_in_Kerala
Pramod reminiscing about his personal life. Or whatever.
Arun_the_Dangerous_Poser
Arun: The Risky Poser!
Salman_Classic_500_RE_Waterfalls_Background
A pose of another kind.

We reached Adimali soon enough. The temperature had changed dramatically. It was also a lot more humid now, but the rain was still on. Adimali-Kothamangalam route was a breeze even with heavy rains on. There was virtually no traffic here, and the roads were in excellent condition.

We moved towards Perumbavoor after bypassing Kothamangalam. It is a busy town with quite a bit of traffic. The rain had stopped now and the climate was very hot and humid. We were just a few dozen or so kilometers from the Arabian Sea. I was wearing a rain liner inside my jacket and could really feel the warmth creeping in.

We stopped at a small roadside bakery just before Kalady for tea and snacks.

Kalady Tea and Snacks Stop
A quick stop for snacks before we enter the forest area.

There were various routes we could take to reach the forest check post at Vettilappara, and this short break was a good idea to decide on which one we’d end up going through eventually.

We had tea and egg puff at this place. Pramod had Veg Puffs and some sweet snacks (I don’t remember what it was). This small break also made sure that our sore asses finally got a bit of rest.  It was around noon now.

After crossing Chenkatti Bridge, we descended towards the right at Karakutty. The roads here were small but easy enough to travel. There weren’t any vehicles plying through this area.

The rubber plantations nearby Mookannur caught our attention, and we halted to check them out for a while. Apart from the fact that this route was quite scenic, it was also interesting to see how rubber sap was harvested.

Rubber_tree_Plantations_Mookannoor
Rubber plantations. A different kind of route.

We took the Mookannur-Ezhattumugham Road to go towards the Chalakudy River. There were a lot of plantations here throughout the route. We even lost our way through here at one point. Thankfully, Martin sorted it out after a quick conversation with the locals there.

When in doubt, always ask the locals for directions. They are usually very helpful and will be glad to help a tourist.

Roaring_Falls_nearby_Athirappilly
Some more waterfalls along the way.
Small_Stop_nearby_waterfalls
Stop. View. Go.

We found our way soon and followed the road alongside Chalakudy River to reach a small forest checkpost (Adirappily Estate). We had to make an entry at this checkpost. There were only mud roads after here for a few kilometers.

Adirappilly_Estate_checkpost
Adirappily estate checkpost. Muddy roads till we joined the highway again.

We passed by Silver Storm Water Theme Park after crossing Vettilappara Bridge. I’m not sure how it’s inside, but didn’t see much crowd here either.

Close_to_Athirappilly_waterfalls
So close, yet so far!

We passed by Athirappilly Waterfalls after riding for a few kilometers. However, we didn’t go towards the falls because of time constraints (our late morning start plus rains were the main reasons). Still, it was good to see the falls from a distance.

Pramod was tasked with picking up a few water bottles here. We got rid of all the empty bottles we had and filled our bags with enough water to last through today’s ride.

Vazhachal Waterfalls was just around 7km from Athirappilly Waterfalls. We didn’t linger around here either.

The crowd started to get dense as we approached the Kerala Forest Department checkpost at Vazhachal Division. Just realized how big a tourist attraction this place is after passing through here. There were cars and motorbikes parked all over the place.

The_famous_Athirappilly_to_Valparai_Checkpost
Vazhachal division checkpost at Athirappilly.
Kerala_Forest_Department_checkpost_Vazhachal-Divison
We crossed the famous Athirappilly to Valparai checkpost. Martin had gone to bring the verification slip.

Finally, the Athirappilly-Valparai forest ride that we’d planned this ride for was just within our reach.

We had to enter all our vehicle details (and more) at this checkpost and get a verification slip. This slip was to be handled carefully and handed over to the checkpost at the other exit (i.e. Malakkappara).

Athirappilly_to_Valparai_Checkpost_Verification_Slip
Don’t know how the time slipped by after this.

We’re told that failure to show the slip at the other end would attract a hefty fine. The officials also warned us that the vehicular details on the slip should be kept recognizable (or be fined Rs. 1000/-).

This was challenging because it was raining now and then; Bala kept it inside his jacket’s waterproof pocket.

Pramod_fixing_his_DIY_diapers
Pramod adjusting his DIY anti-diapers.
Bala_waiting_for_Martin_to_return
You lookin’ at me?
Martin_The_Forest_Rider
The Forest Rider
Athirappilly_to_Valparai_Roads
Getting ready for the ride ahead. Hurry up Martin!

The roads after the checkpost were still crowded with people and vehicles. I was worried that this might be the situation throughout the route, but my fears were unjustified.

After a few minutes of riding, the crowds vanished completely. It was just us and the forest, and the occasional fellow travelers.

It was a brilliant ride with beautiful roads.

Athirappilly_to_Valparai_Damn_Great_Roads
Smooth, curvaceous, amazing, single-lane roads, through the forest.

According to Martin, aka The Forest Rider, he’d rate this one as the best of all the 59 forest routes he’s ridden through. Well, even though I’m not as experienced a rider as him, I agree with him; this was the best forest stretch I’ve ridden through yet.

Martin warned us to be careful of the lone bus plying through this area. Apparently, there are only two running through this route (Valparai-Chalakudy) daily; one runs in the morning and the other at noon.

Not surprisingly, we did come across the bus near Vazhachal.

As we were riding, we spotted a bunch of people gathered on the side of the road. Apparently, they’d spotted a wild elephant and were curious to have a look at it. We stopped here for a minute or two. Martin and I walked a few meters back to check it out.

While we did see an elephant far away, we decided it’s not worth risking ourselves out here. We were back on our saddles in a jiffy.

And that’s when it started to rain again. At first, it was just a drizzle, but then it started pouring with increased intensity. We rode a few minutes through this, which was entertaining at first, but soon we realized that it’s not a good idea to continue with our visions blurred.

Packing_Our_Precious_Belongings
A short halt until the rain falters. We also packed our mobiles and cameras carefully to protect them from rain.

We decided to halt at an old abandoned shed by the side of the road. Arun wasn’t interested in getting down from his bike; he’d decided to get drenched in the rain. While he was roaming around on his bike, we safeguarded all our valuables from rain by placing them in zipper storage bags.

Arun_Pulsar_Athirappilly_Valparai_Forest_Route
Arun going back.
Arun_Pulsar_Athirappilly_Valparai_Forest_Route_Turning
Arun coming back.
Arun_Pulsar_Athirappilly_Valparai_Forest_Route_ComeBack
Arun wanted to have this picture taken. Well, he got it.
Arun_Pulsar_Athirappilly_Valparai_Forest_Route_LastManStanding
I don’t fear rain.
A_Man_in_the_Wild
The strange guy we met. He kept us occupied with his story for a while.

We met a strange guy at the shed. He was probably a tribal, or someone living in a nearby village. We didn’t have any language in common to talk much about, but he seemed to be pretty high (or just excited to see us, I guess) and continued with his story anyway.

He told us that an elephant had come by this shed just yesterday and damaged the footsteps, pointing towards it. There was also elephant shit lying around, so we didn’t bother questioning him. We didn’t stay here for long and left as soon as the rain slowed down a little.

Classic_in_Athirappilly_Forest
There are posters put up on walls even here.
R15_in_the_Wild
R15 looks beautiful in rain. It doesn’t control that well on wet surfaces, though.

There was elephant dung over the road for the next 5 km. We had to be careful. Martin had instructed us not to honk or stop anywhere; we followed his orders diligently.

In our excitement, we’d forgotten to have lunch. Time passes by quickly without any realization when riding through a thrilling forest route such as this. Naturally, our stomachs were grumbling. We stopped near Sholayar Power House to look at its surroundings; it was fantastic. Arun had packed some biscuit packets in his luggage; he said they were for an emergency. Well, this was an emergency of sorts too. We finished them all in an instant.

Sholayar_Power_Damn_Pipe
Sholayar Power House. The water flowing through these pipes will turn the turbines, thus generating power.
Sholayar_Power_Dam_What_a_picture
What an amazing view
Martin_Pramod_Salman_Bala_with_Cameraman_Arun
Pramod, Martin, Salman, and Bala, with cameraman Arun.
Resting_our_sored_hungry_asses
The view was breathtaking. The photos don’t do it any justice.
Kerala_Electricity_Board_Valve_House_Sholayar
The Valve House
The_Dancing_Car_in_Forest
The Dancing Car
The_Non-Dancing_Bikes
The Stationary Motorbikes

We stopped at an eatery inside the forest (which I guess was the only one inside). I think this was in Malakkappara. We didn’t feel like having food, so we settled for just coffee and cake. Arun had a plate of Parota I think. We were so hungry that we hogged 4-5 pieces of cake (cue to ze Germans). A few bananas later, our partial lunch was complete.

Bala_Hands_After_Rains_in_Gloves
Bala’s hands, after removing his gloves. Riding through rain does this to your skin.

The rain had stopped completely by now. We continued on our ride and didn’t stop till we hit the checkpost on the other side (i.e. the Malakkappara Checkpost). It was a short ride from where we’d stopped for food earlier, but we did take a lot of time to cover the distance, thanks to bad roads with lots of turns.

Malakkappara_Checkpost_Almost_Evening
We finally reached the Malakkappara checkpost.
Kerala_Forest_checkpost_Malakkappara_Division
Kerala Forest Department officers are quite friendly.

We submitted the verification slip (which Bala had carefully tucked away in his jacket) to the forest guard at the checkpost. He asked Martin whether we spotted any elephants on our way here. Apparently, the people who went through the checkpost before us saw many elephants. We might have just missed sighting them by only a few kilometers. Anyway, they let us through the checkpost. It was almost dark now.

Sholayar_Dam
The signboard speaks for itself.

We stopped at Upper Sholayar Dam for a few minutes. The lights at the dam were already switched on. The sun had almost set by now.

Water_Flowing_Away
The dam was overflowing? The water was gliding smoothly downwards.
Arun_Pulsar_in_front_of_Dam
Always ready for a photograph.

We passed through Uralikal Estate on our way towards Valparai. This tea estate is apparently owned by Tata Tea. According to Martin, most of the leopard attacks in this region happen in this specific area, especially when it is dark. Though the chances of it happening are very rare, we hurried on our way towards Valparai.

Back_to_tea_plantations_towards_Valparai
Towards Valparai we go.
Towards_Valparai_Roads
Decent roads. It was getting dark after we passed through here.

Pramod told us later that he might’ve sighted a leopard here. He was unsure of it, and the rest of us were unaware of him.

The sun had set by the time we reached the outskirts of Valparai. We arrived at Treat Hotel, our night’s stay, at ~7 PM. We parked our bikes opposite the hotel and dumped the entire luggage in our room. It was a small room with two beds and an even smaller bathroom. Thankfully, there was hot water available here.

We removed our wet riding gear and clothes and changed into something dry. We let them dry under the fan while we headed out for dinner (which was also our lunch).

There are very few places to eat in Valparai. We had our dinner at a place called Lakshmi Mess, which is not a mess at all; it was a full-fledged restaurant. I ate almost everything on the menu here. The non-veg dishes were not that great. Pramod was surprised when the Kothu Parota he ordered arrived with egg in it; apparently, that’s how they’re made here. Anyway, that meant more food for the rest of us.

Our bikes were still parked opposite the hotel, out in the open. I was worried about their safety. The hotel owner assured us that nothing would happen to them while we were asleep. I was still a little apprehensive, though. We left our motorbikes there, hoping we would see them again come morning.

Valparai_Hotel_Treat_Front_Dangerous_Parking
We parked our bikes here, out in the open.

We retired soon to our room. Some of us had a bath. All of us slept thereafter.

Today’s ride was one of the best I’ve ever had. Athirappilly to Valparai route is the highlight of our entire journey, and I’m glad we did it without much trouble.

This post covers Day 3 of the 4-day ride through wilderness. Day 1 and Day 2 have already been covered in an earlier post. Day 4 will be posted soon.

Written by Salman Ravoof · Categorized: Motorcycle Rides · Tagged: Athirappilly, Forests, Ride Through Wilderness, Travelogue, Valparai

About Salman Ravoof

Eccentric, mildly sarcastic, and very straight forward. A geek at heart. Adventure, science, and intelligence excite him. Likes to keep rummaging through random topics in his free time. Always ready to learn, except when he's hungry. Connect with him on this blog or on salmanravoof.com.

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