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Anniversary in Wayanad – My First Ever Travelogue!
At first, I planned to publish a very detailed TL while planning for this trip. However, making it short for reasons you guys obviously know. Few bitter experiences turned this trip not to be so great, but yet, a good one to cherish and few lessons learnt.
It was our 7th Anniversary (am I getting old?) and we wanted to celebrate it elsewhere than just normal. Refer to the Prelude @ http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/travel-itinerary/13943-prelude-anniversary-wayanad.html. We always have some friends to join together for any trip and proposed to few such. Few of them agreed and in which one couple had their son’s 3rd Birthday on the same day of our anniversary. They too wanted it to be celebrated in a different way as we did our son’s last Birthday in Shivanasamudhram (http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/travel-itinerary/8555-shivanasamudram-talakad-weekend.html). One couple were from Chennai and they too wanted to join. Welcome all… So, 4 Families with 3 kids… Whatte Fun!
All set, Homestay Booked, Bags Packed, Tank Filled, Drinks Stocked, what else? Route as suggested by all – Bangalore – Mysore – Gundalpet – Sultan Bathery – Kalpetta. We started by morning 4:30 AM, which was originally planned for 4. IST, can’t help it. We again spent 30 mins to cross the twin railway crossing before Tumkur road due to heavy traffic. Took a Tea Break @ somewhere after Ramnagara and entered Mysore without any breaks. That’s where we broke… I don’t want to detail it again, it’s all here. http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...3-prelude-anniversary-wayanad.html#post321370
Lesson: In case of such accident, be cool, get the police to the spot and settle down with some amount.
Anyways, had Breakfast at Kamat in Mysore and headed to Gundalpet. After few KMs, the A/C stopped working all of a sudden. Rather, the blower wasn't throwing much of air as it should be and the cooling is almost none. Moreover, there was some strange noise more than the air blow. I switched it off for an hour or so and started again. Worked well. (Had the same issue again while returning at the end of the trip just before reaching home. It again worked well the next morning... Couldn't guess the issue. I anyways had reported this issue with FASS while I gave it for Body Work.)
Drive from Gundalpet to Wayand was a pleasure being inside the Forest and on great roads though it’s just a single lane. But worth to mention, Speed Breakers do the Spoilsport.
Stopped for Tea after entering Kerala border, while still in the end of forest (RTO Check Post) and had nice Kerala Kattan Kaapi (Black Coffee). Here we start our Mallu Food Festival!
From there, we had to cross Sulthan Bathery, Meenangadi to reach Muttil which is where our Homestay was booked. It took about 40 Mins.
Homestay - As we all wanted Homestay against Hotels/Resorts, we happened to get one called Karakkatt Homestay for good rates. The tariff was just Rs. 750 Per Night / Per Couple. As we wanted 4 rooms for 2 nights, it totaled to 6K and he was ready to give it for 5K. Everyone was happy and readily agreed to pick this "after seeing the pics in their website" (karakkatt holiday home) and paid an advance of 1K by net transfer.
One family which was coming from Chennai reached there as early as 7 AM and had their shock of their life by seeing the condition of the Homestay. It's no where near to what is shown in the pics... At least somewhat? NO... It was old, unpainted, untidy, dirty with all insects and their ****s! Our friends had asked the owner to clean it at least for which he replied the maid hasn't come yet. Then our friend cleaned the rooms herself as we were getting kids which is not a place to be.
They then called us and have updated about the Homestay, but not to the extent of all of these, but just said, "Don't expect too much". And when we reached, we shared the shock they would have had... All were upset and especially me as I was organizing this trip including this Homestay and just had an accident few hours ago... I said, we are not staying here, whatever be it. Let's go out, have lunch, come back and check out. We did so, however, the owner wasn't ready to refund the advance or even some of it, which we very well expected to be. But the reason he said was agitating to all that "we already have used the rooms and he now need to clean it". Everyone shouted at him for their satisfaction and moved out.
Went to couple of places and checked. Finally, landed in a place called Green Mount Homestay, in Kalpetta which was quite good and reasonable. It had 4 rooms in Ground & 1st Floor. Each room with a Bigggggggggg Bathroom and a small living room type arrangement with a sit out / balcony. He quoted 1200 per night including breakfast. All liked it and especially after seeing the 1st one. The service was good too and on time. Bonfire was arranged once for a cost of 500 which is a bit high. However, he didn't charge for the Tea/Coffees which we had numerous times. On the whole, it was a good and pleasant experience being there. I would highly recommend, rather command to stay away from Karakkatt.
We settled in and had Coffee / Tea etc. and decided to relax for the rest of day as it’s already 4 PM. After a while, we went out to buy snacks etc. for the party. Got some Hot Hot Freshly prepared Banana Chips and Spicy Mixture. Those were the Heaven on Earth, really. We also wanted Mallu Spl. Beef Ularthiyathu (Roast) and Chicken Snacks and ordered those in the nearby hotel. With all stuff, we back Home, got freshened up and SAT… Had an amazing time with all friends for few hours. The Fun & Joy is immeasurable. Ladies too joined us to finish of those delicious Chips & Mixture and the soft drinks. The Room Service was available to get the food parcels from the same hotel. All stuff we got from that hotel weren’t good and especially Beef Ularthiyathu. It was just a Chinese Chilly Beef. This hotel is called “New Hotel” but there since 1979 or so… Stay away if you want authentic Mallu Food. Retired for the day by about 1 PM or so as we all decided to leave early in the morning for sightseeing. We planned for Banasura Sagar Dam, Meen Mutty Falls (Small), Lakadi View Point for that day.
Saturday, our Anniversary and friends’ kid’s B’Day. As decided last night, we all woke so early in the morning by about 8 AM… Finished BF, Idly, Chatni & Sambar. Yup, disappointing as it wasn’t Aappam, Puttu, Kadala / Mutta Kari etc. but requested it for next day at least and he agreed. All got ready as early as 11 AM and headed to the Cake Shop. We already have ordered it for the kid’s B’Day, so picked it up and moved to Banasurasagar Dam. The parking is about 500 mts from the entry point. There is a jeep service for Rs. 100 from the entry gate till the dam and return too. The views were splendid and likely to be rained. Found a pretty small and neat place to celebrate the B’Day. Decorated the place and had a cake cut session.
Had some Photo Session and enquired about Speed Boating. Two Hours waiting period… Yup, just saw the boats from a distance and moved back Jeep point. We all were damn hungry but had wait for about 20 mins for jeep. Meen Mutty Falls was ahead of Banasura, however, since we had to have lunch, we came back about 5 KMs for a hotel. Had an awesome Fish Curry Meals, with some Fish Fries which weren’t so great to mention. Headed back to Meen Mutty Falls and found a paid parking place. We learnt there that, we need to trek for about ½ KM to reach the falls. Still, you can’t take bath as it’s far from the view point. Started climbing… All were dead tired while we reached the falls but the kids 4 Yrs & 3 Yrs were so enthu and fresh. They walked all way up & down on their own. We gave a big round of applause for that… The Falls isn’t very great, but kind of OK. Way down back, stopped at a place and had Lemon Tea, Sharbath, Bread Omlet etc. and jumped in to the cars for Lakadi View Point.
The Lakadi View Point is about 27 KMs from there and we reached there by about 7 PM. It was pitch dark there then and couldn’t see anything. However, it was very misty and so we thought it would be a good idea to come back there the next morning. While moving back home, saw an accident which could have just happened as we didn’t see any while going to the view point which was just about 20 mins back. A Santro & a Lorry had Head On Collision. Can’t see anybody in the car as they would have been taken to hospital. But can see the Engine Bay is almost done… Maybe because of the Mist as it was absolutely Zero Visibility there… Hope they all are doing good and nothing major.
Way back home, stopped at a different hotel and the first thing we asked was Kerala Parotta & Beef. He nodded and we jumped in. It was simply amazing… Even the Chicken Masala with rich Coconut Oil flavored was mouth watering. Done till nose and reached home. The Care Taker arranged for Bonfire and we all sat encircle. The Bonfire was supposed to be of the previous day, but couldn’t do as it was slightly drizzling. So, we had a couple of Beers and did justice to the Bonfire. It wasn’t so cold to have a Bonfire, yet, it gives a good feeling of being on a trip right.
Day 3, Sunday – Started again with Kaapi and Break Fast (Aappam & Kadala Curry). The Kadala Curry was bit disappointing as they have used White Channa instead of the traditional Black Channa and the taste too wasn’t so Mallu… So somewhat OK…
We thought to cover Lakadi View Point, Pokode Lake and one among Chembara Peak, Soojipura Falls or Edakal Caves. The first two were covered and nothing much great about it and were thinking which one to take for 3rd as we have very less time left. We learnt, none of it is doable having kids as we have to trek. Moreover, the Chennai friends got to reach Calicut by 5 PM for the bus. So ideally, they should leave Kalpetta by at least 3 PM. Hence, we thought go to Homestay, Check Out, Have Lunch and head to Edakal. The Chennai folks can board Calicut bus from Sulthan Bathery instead.
For Lunch, again the same hotel of last night, we ordered almost all that was listed in the Menu. Most of it was good and some were excellent. Nothing was disappointing at all. By the time we finished the lunch, it was already 2:30 PM and the Chennai folks were to leave. Hence, thought the rest can cover Edakkal if possible.
To be Contd...
At first, I planned to publish a very detailed TL while planning for this trip. However, making it short for reasons you guys obviously know. Few bitter experiences turned this trip not to be so great, but yet, a good one to cherish and few lessons learnt.
It was our 7th Anniversary (am I getting old?) and we wanted to celebrate it elsewhere than just normal. Refer to the Prelude @ http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/travel-itinerary/13943-prelude-anniversary-wayanad.html. We always have some friends to join together for any trip and proposed to few such. Few of them agreed and in which one couple had their son’s 3rd Birthday on the same day of our anniversary. They too wanted it to be celebrated in a different way as we did our son’s last Birthday in Shivanasamudhram (http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/travel-itinerary/8555-shivanasamudram-talakad-weekend.html). One couple were from Chennai and they too wanted to join. Welcome all… So, 4 Families with 3 kids… Whatte Fun!
All set, Homestay Booked, Bags Packed, Tank Filled, Drinks Stocked, what else? Route as suggested by all – Bangalore – Mysore – Gundalpet – Sultan Bathery – Kalpetta. We started by morning 4:30 AM, which was originally planned for 4. IST, can’t help it. We again spent 30 mins to cross the twin railway crossing before Tumkur road due to heavy traffic. Took a Tea Break @ somewhere after Ramnagara and entered Mysore without any breaks. That’s where we broke… I don’t want to detail it again, it’s all here. http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...3-prelude-anniversary-wayanad.html#post321370
Lesson: In case of such accident, be cool, get the police to the spot and settle down with some amount.
Anyways, had Breakfast at Kamat in Mysore and headed to Gundalpet. After few KMs, the A/C stopped working all of a sudden. Rather, the blower wasn't throwing much of air as it should be and the cooling is almost none. Moreover, there was some strange noise more than the air blow. I switched it off for an hour or so and started again. Worked well. (Had the same issue again while returning at the end of the trip just before reaching home. It again worked well the next morning... Couldn't guess the issue. I anyways had reported this issue with FASS while I gave it for Body Work.)
Drive from Gundalpet to Wayand was a pleasure being inside the Forest and on great roads though it’s just a single lane. But worth to mention, Speed Breakers do the Spoilsport.
Stopped for Tea after entering Kerala border, while still in the end of forest (RTO Check Post) and had nice Kerala Kattan Kaapi (Black Coffee). Here we start our Mallu Food Festival!
From there, we had to cross Sulthan Bathery, Meenangadi to reach Muttil which is where our Homestay was booked. It took about 40 Mins.
Homestay - As we all wanted Homestay against Hotels/Resorts, we happened to get one called Karakkatt Homestay for good rates. The tariff was just Rs. 750 Per Night / Per Couple. As we wanted 4 rooms for 2 nights, it totaled to 6K and he was ready to give it for 5K. Everyone was happy and readily agreed to pick this "after seeing the pics in their website" (karakkatt holiday home) and paid an advance of 1K by net transfer.
One family which was coming from Chennai reached there as early as 7 AM and had their shock of their life by seeing the condition of the Homestay. It's no where near to what is shown in the pics... At least somewhat? NO... It was old, unpainted, untidy, dirty with all insects and their ****s! Our friends had asked the owner to clean it at least for which he replied the maid hasn't come yet. Then our friend cleaned the rooms herself as we were getting kids which is not a place to be.
They then called us and have updated about the Homestay, but not to the extent of all of these, but just said, "Don't expect too much". And when we reached, we shared the shock they would have had... All were upset and especially me as I was organizing this trip including this Homestay and just had an accident few hours ago... I said, we are not staying here, whatever be it. Let's go out, have lunch, come back and check out. We did so, however, the owner wasn't ready to refund the advance or even some of it, which we very well expected to be. But the reason he said was agitating to all that "we already have used the rooms and he now need to clean it". Everyone shouted at him for their satisfaction and moved out.
Went to couple of places and checked. Finally, landed in a place called Green Mount Homestay, in Kalpetta which was quite good and reasonable. It had 4 rooms in Ground & 1st Floor. Each room with a Bigggggggggg Bathroom and a small living room type arrangement with a sit out / balcony. He quoted 1200 per night including breakfast. All liked it and especially after seeing the 1st one. The service was good too and on time. Bonfire was arranged once for a cost of 500 which is a bit high. However, he didn't charge for the Tea/Coffees which we had numerous times. On the whole, it was a good and pleasant experience being there. I would highly recommend, rather command to stay away from Karakkatt.
We settled in and had Coffee / Tea etc. and decided to relax for the rest of day as it’s already 4 PM. After a while, we went out to buy snacks etc. for the party. Got some Hot Hot Freshly prepared Banana Chips and Spicy Mixture. Those were the Heaven on Earth, really. We also wanted Mallu Spl. Beef Ularthiyathu (Roast) and Chicken Snacks and ordered those in the nearby hotel. With all stuff, we back Home, got freshened up and SAT… Had an amazing time with all friends for few hours. The Fun & Joy is immeasurable. Ladies too joined us to finish of those delicious Chips & Mixture and the soft drinks. The Room Service was available to get the food parcels from the same hotel. All stuff we got from that hotel weren’t good and especially Beef Ularthiyathu. It was just a Chinese Chilly Beef. This hotel is called “New Hotel” but there since 1979 or so… Stay away if you want authentic Mallu Food. Retired for the day by about 1 PM or so as we all decided to leave early in the morning for sightseeing. We planned for Banasura Sagar Dam, Meen Mutty Falls (Small), Lakadi View Point for that day.
Saturday, our Anniversary and friends’ kid’s B’Day. As decided last night, we all woke so early in the morning by about 8 AM… Finished BF, Idly, Chatni & Sambar. Yup, disappointing as it wasn’t Aappam, Puttu, Kadala / Mutta Kari etc. but requested it for next day at least and he agreed. All got ready as early as 11 AM and headed to the Cake Shop. We already have ordered it for the kid’s B’Day, so picked it up and moved to Banasurasagar Dam. The parking is about 500 mts from the entry point. There is a jeep service for Rs. 100 from the entry gate till the dam and return too. The views were splendid and likely to be rained. Found a pretty small and neat place to celebrate the B’Day. Decorated the place and had a cake cut session.
Had some Photo Session and enquired about Speed Boating. Two Hours waiting period… Yup, just saw the boats from a distance and moved back Jeep point. We all were damn hungry but had wait for about 20 mins for jeep. Meen Mutty Falls was ahead of Banasura, however, since we had to have lunch, we came back about 5 KMs for a hotel. Had an awesome Fish Curry Meals, with some Fish Fries which weren’t so great to mention. Headed back to Meen Mutty Falls and found a paid parking place. We learnt there that, we need to trek for about ½ KM to reach the falls. Still, you can’t take bath as it’s far from the view point. Started climbing… All were dead tired while we reached the falls but the kids 4 Yrs & 3 Yrs were so enthu and fresh. They walked all way up & down on their own. We gave a big round of applause for that… The Falls isn’t very great, but kind of OK. Way down back, stopped at a place and had Lemon Tea, Sharbath, Bread Omlet etc. and jumped in to the cars for Lakadi View Point.
The Lakadi View Point is about 27 KMs from there and we reached there by about 7 PM. It was pitch dark there then and couldn’t see anything. However, it was very misty and so we thought it would be a good idea to come back there the next morning. While moving back home, saw an accident which could have just happened as we didn’t see any while going to the view point which was just about 20 mins back. A Santro & a Lorry had Head On Collision. Can’t see anybody in the car as they would have been taken to hospital. But can see the Engine Bay is almost done… Maybe because of the Mist as it was absolutely Zero Visibility there… Hope they all are doing good and nothing major.
Way back home, stopped at a different hotel and the first thing we asked was Kerala Parotta & Beef. He nodded and we jumped in. It was simply amazing… Even the Chicken Masala with rich Coconut Oil flavored was mouth watering. Done till nose and reached home. The Care Taker arranged for Bonfire and we all sat encircle. The Bonfire was supposed to be of the previous day, but couldn’t do as it was slightly drizzling. So, we had a couple of Beers and did justice to the Bonfire. It wasn’t so cold to have a Bonfire, yet, it gives a good feeling of being on a trip right.
Day 3, Sunday – Started again with Kaapi and Break Fast (Aappam & Kadala Curry). The Kadala Curry was bit disappointing as they have used White Channa instead of the traditional Black Channa and the taste too wasn’t so Mallu… So somewhat OK…
We thought to cover Lakadi View Point, Pokode Lake and one among Chembara Peak, Soojipura Falls or Edakal Caves. The first two were covered and nothing much great about it and were thinking which one to take for 3rd as we have very less time left. We learnt, none of it is doable having kids as we have to trek. Moreover, the Chennai friends got to reach Calicut by 5 PM for the bus. So ideally, they should leave Kalpetta by at least 3 PM. Hence, we thought go to Homestay, Check Out, Have Lunch and head to Edakal. The Chennai folks can board Calicut bus from Sulthan Bathery instead.
For Lunch, again the same hotel of last night, we ordered almost all that was listed in the Menu. Most of it was good and some were excellent. Nothing was disappointing at all. By the time we finished the lunch, it was already 2:30 PM and the Chennai folks were to leave. Hence, thought the rest can cover Edakkal if possible.
To be Contd...