WCR 1114

14^th Nov 2014: Wayanad

During our research, we had seen many places to explore in Wayanad. We targeted to cover three of them today. First on the list was Kuruva river island. We stopped at a small dhaba enroute for breakfast.

The language barrier flared up again. But thanks to Rohit’s excellent sign language, we got bread omelets and “kadak” chai.  He was also active in bringing many snacks until the breakfast came. The owner must have been happy to see his age-old items getting consumed. We all joked on how he would bring out an old carton soon, which he shortly did. We would devour anything.

Lunch was expected to be much delayed today so we ate to our full. After parking our motorcycles (special mention that Nilu was riding as pillion) and purchasing the tickets, a bamboo raft took us to the island. We expected to see something unique here. A path led through the circumference of the island. There was a large group already there and we stayed behind for a while to let the noise pass first. Meanwhile the photographers turned into rapid fire mode. Muzzles of their cameras were pointed at leaves and their veins. The funny angles began to show. They also obliged us by clicking the group from time to time. Familiar jokes started on Varun’s height.

There was nothing special on the island. It was as if a landmass was deliberately converted into a tourist spot. The greenery must have been attractive to some but not for us. To the other visitors however, our group was the special sight. Where else would one find so much diversity (Assam, Himachal, Andhra, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab) in a single group.

We came across another noisy spot. Here people were allowed to go into the water. We had already had enough of bathing in Goa, so we just hung around for a while and then started back. We took a group pic with the motorcycles in the parking lot. Other tourists were also clicking the pic.

Next on the list was Edakkal caves. This sight had come into our coverage through scoopwhoop. In fact, the mention of this place had changed our entire itinerary inside Kerala. We had made our way inwards from the coast to cover Edakkal. But on the way back to Pulpally it started to rain, that too heavily. Rohit, Satish and I were together at this point and we stopped outside a house to take shelter. While we put on our rain suits, an elderly lady welcomed us. We would have had a lovely chat if not for the language issue. She was supremely jovial. We caught up with the rest of the group and waited for the rain to subside a little.

On reaching back to the hotel, it was decided to hire a jeep and head to Edakkal. We were not taking chance of riding in the rain now. There would be ample time to do that in the following days. All nine of us crammed into the Mahindra Jeep. We had lots of laughs when the driver insisted on Nilu sitting besides the driver. The gearshift would have been very interesting. Fortunately for Nilu, the Jeep didn’t require much of it. There’s enough torque to carry the Jeep in top gear. We also picked up some croissants to help us on the way.

We reached the parking lot and then started the ascent to the caves on foot. It was a very steep path. Gyan was soon panting and wheezing. Nilu has become fitter than before and didn’t pant as much. I have also become fitter due to marathons and did not tire easily. Satish was caught by a travelling couple to click a photo of them and send it by mail later. We suggested Satish to wait here and continue with other couples while we take the trek. He would’ve made enough to cover his Ride expenses.

It was nice to see that guards did not allow plastic bottles without a refundable deposit. These bottles are the cause of trash lying around in places. This practice should be followed in other states as well.

We reached the lower cave after much climbing. Natural water is used to refill bottles here. Then the ascent to the upper cave started. Although exhausting, the view from above was marvelous. Rocky ridges stood above the greenery of abundant palms. These views make traveling the distance worth it.

The security inside the cave served as guides too. No wonder he spoke clear English as well as Hindi. He described to us the history of the 6000 years old inscriptions.

Right at the corner of the Edakkal (between two stones) cave was a large crack between the mountains. This spot is marketed as a viewpoint. The might of nature can be felt at this viewpoint.

It took us some time for the descent and when we reached the Jeep, the driver was nowhere to be found. While he returned we discussed on the next spot to explore. A sad phenomenon about the state is that all tourist spots close at 4 pm. This left us no time to explore our third spot, the dam. Damn. We asked the driver on suggestions for the next place, but to no avail. He didn’t understand a word we spoke. BK called up a Mallu friend of his to act as interpreter.

So, we decided to return. Along the way, we were on the lookout for a toddy shop. But the driver was again not understanding. He drove non-stop towards Pulpally. We straightaway headed to the restaurant from where Rohit and Zaheer had picked up our dinner the previous night. Beef and chicken dishes were ordered with Malabar parota, and some veg, the spoilsport.

We had a good amount of leftover from the previous night for today’s dinner. So, while some hung around the small market, some rested and Nilu and BK went to pick up supplies for the night. This time we bought in moderate. Our caretaker, Wilson had taken fancy to the coffee maker of Rohit and was ready to buy it from him. No price would make him part with it during the Ride. This was Rohit’s most valuable possession. Wilson had to relent but Rohit promised he would send him one. We had a lot of travelling to do in the following days. Meanwhile trouble started for two riders. Gyan and Satish got upset stomachs. All the hogging of the past few days took its toll. It can cause great discomfort on a ride.