Visiting Chola temples had been on my mind for a very long time. Finally, the day came, I could make this Chola trail covering the temples at Thanjavur, Chola Puram, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, Darasuram and Srirangam,  during  August 11-14.  Day 1 (August 11) We started our journey at around 4 am from Kochi. The journey continued via Kottayam Kumily road. While passing through the high range road, we all were awestruck to see the glorious sight of mist at the backdrop of the mountains. We had a pitstop at Peruvanthanam  at  around 8.30 am for breakfast. Th ..read more

  I was searching for an ideal spot to spend one-day near Kochi and finally spotted Mango Meadows which is an agriculture theme park located at Ayamkudi near Kaduthuruthy, Kottayam District in the Indian State of Kerala. It is a beautiful place, away from the bustle. Spread across 30 acres of land with more than 4500 species of plants and trees, it is a paid attraction privately owned and managed by Mango Meadows Agricultural Theme Park. It is one of the popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering a range of activities such as swimming pool, pedal boats, ro ..read more

  Kodachadri had been on my mind for a very long time. After having kept it in my bucket list I couldn't go there for various reasons. So finally, the day came, I could make this trek happen in July 22-23.  Almost every one of us booked our seat in Okha express which starts from Ernakulam Jn at 8.30 pm. I met few of the team members in Ernakulam Station itself. Day 1 We reached Mangalore Station at around 4 am and proceeded to hotel for refresh. So, we got ready using the basic amenities provided by the hotel. After having rest for some time and a deserved hot tea, we started our ..read more

Two weeks back, when I went for the Chimmini trek, I missed the Choorathala Waterfall and a bath beneath it since there were no rains. However, since then the State witnessed heavy rains. I was looking for a one-day outing with family, and so decided to visit Areekal Waterfalls, near Kochi. We set out from Kochi in the early hours of the morning, fully prepared and thrilled by the journey ahead. The distance to Areekal from Kochi is about 40 km and takes around one hour to reach. And of course, I could have a joy ride in my new car with an amazing view of nature and rubber estates on both sid ..read more

It was almost an year since I went for a trek.  So, when I was free for a day, I planned a trek to  Chimmini Forest. At 6.30 a.m. we boarded the van from Kochi. When each one of us boarded from different locations, some of them tried to greet others and introduced themself. It was drizzling outside which made our travel more enjoyable on the Ernakulam-Thrissur National Highway. After Amballur, we diverted to Palapilly Road. I craned my neck out of the Van to get a closer look at the rubber trees on both sides of the road. We reached Chimminy check post at around 9'o clock. Chimminy ..read more

Vagavanam is near to the famous hill station Vagamon, which is located in Idukki district, in the Indian State of Kerala. We started our journey from Kochi in the early morning. Had a pit stop at Thodupuzha for breakfast. From Moolamattom onwards, the journey uphill having narrow roads and curves, was not at all comfortable. We stopped our car before reaching Vagavanam and collected our packed lunch. Reached Kerala Forest Department office at Ottamarapara, which is 8 kms from the Junction. There was a small shop selling honey and tea dust and we decided to purchase those when we return ..read more

I already had a couple of treks to  Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary but trek to Moodalmala is a new trek path opened recently by the  Kerala  Forest Department. This is one of the highest trekking point in Peechi WLS.  Our reporting point was Forest Office, Peechi, near Thrissur , Kerala ,  at 9 a.m.   After getting the required permission from  the Forest office, we started our trek at around 9.30 a.m accompanied by two  forest guides. We walked through the jeep road until we reached the mouth of the forest. This is the real starting point of th ..read more

  I had the pleasure of staying at the Tea County Munnar in March 2022. It was a memorable stay especially as a break from my regular routine. The weather as was cool. I stayed in the first floor of a cottage which had a balcony with a clear view of the picturesque Munnar valley and adjacent hill. The chair in the balcony was my favorite corner in the room and I enjoyed the magic of the mist and the mountains. The bed was comfortable leading to a good sleep all around I enjoyed complimentary buffet breakfast and lunch as well as dinner from the hotel.    I walked around the ..read more

No matter how many times you  have visited Munnar, you may never discover it enough.  A vista of how Munnar was this season was the blue Jacaranda  flowering  at its crazy best. This is what I love about repeated visits to Munnar, it is new everytime! This time I got an opportunity for sightseeing by bus in quite a different way and enjoy a unique ride through the tea-carpeted hills.  Munnar KSTRC has come up with a special package that will take you on a budget-free tour from Munnar to Kanthalloor.  Kanthalloor is located 57km from Munnar. The costs for o ..read more

When I was standing at the top of Kathirumudi mountain a year ago, I got the magnificent view of Agasthyakoodam. Since then it was a wish that I had kept in my mind to reach  the top of Agasthyakoodam and take the blessings of Agasthya. I booked my seat in December for the 3 days Agasthyakoodam trek which started on 12 th Feb, I started my preparations both physically and mentally. With a simple mission of being fit I started walking each morning. And was extra cautious in my diet to maintain my health. Usually Season pilgrimage to Agasthyakoodam starts in January for two months. This ..read more