| |||||||
 |
| Search this Thread |  13,093 views |
7th November 2019, 13:11
| #1 |
| Distinguished - BHPian   Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 5,216
Thanked: 18,244 Times
| A search in Secret Idukki - Dual sport motorcycling trip to Idukki, Kerala Preview Idukki. The name brings to mind sweeping memories of Misty fog creeping up towards you  Twisties for the soul (and two wheels)  Glorious landscapes  Verdant forests  Fresh mountain air  and sensational Waterfalls  But what we went looking for was something else. It was this. It was our version of the famed Idukki Gold!  Last edited by Red Liner : 7th November 2019 at 17:19. |
|  (23)
Thanks
|
| |
|
7th November 2019, 16:44
| #2 |
| Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 5,216
Thanked: 18,244 Times
| re: A search in Secret Idukki - Dual sport motorcycling trip to Idukki, Kerala Let's start from the beginning (Duh!). There was an upcoming three day weekend, and Nasirkaka with whom I share a love/hate relationship messaged me over Whatsapp mentioning "we HAVE to ride". We quickly created a group, added 3 others in and started discussing options. We circled towards the Western Ghats like a convocation of voracious eagles (no really, I had to google that up) and zeroed in on Idukki. [center]  As the countdown began, we saw cyclones building up on both sides of the Indian coast, with massive rains and red alerts being sounded all across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. We began contemplating plan B's and C's (including Goa), but we finally stuck to Idukki to brave it or bust. The bugle (or a meek alarm of chirping birds in my case) was sounded for 3.00 AM as the departure time was fixed at 4.30 AM in the morning. Yup the lights work  The moon was still high up over the horizon reminding us about our cozy beds at home  But fortune always favours the brave and the reward of a fabulous sun rise was never far away   I heard a huge rumble and groan from below and behind me, and for a second I was wondering if something from the bike had broken off. But no, it was our collective tummies begging for mercy.  These idli's looked good on the plate, but bad on the palate. We had to send the lot back because they were terribly undercooked.  Enough with the food art piss. We aren't cows. We're MEN Goddamit! We had to get back on the road. The sweet smell of burning tar, wind in our face, dust in our eyes, and flies in our teeth - yeah that's what we're here for! But not before I cuddle this little cutesy pie babylove smooshie wooshie fluffy woofie  ENOUGH! We MARCH! NOW! Soon, I had happened to split away from the group and so gathered some time to watch Ma Cauvery flow gently but sternly under my watchful gaze.  And there stands Tashi. Passed on to me like heirloom for a while by a dear friend.  You never say no to Coconut Water in Tamil Nadu  And the mountains were beginning to make an appearance. Things were coming together  Last edited by Red Liner : 7th November 2019 at 20:55. |
|
| (13)
Thanks
|
|
7th November 2019, 20:45
| #3 |
| Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 5,216
Thanked: 18,244 Times
| re: A search in Secret Idukki - Dual sport motorcycling trip to Idukki, Kerala We were soon off the main highway. As I was split from the group and ahead, I inadvertently crossed Dindigul town. Missed the exit on the right (as usual, no surprises here) to cut in towards the state highway to Theni. So off we go through a slip road and a few quaint villages to get back onto the state highway and meet my comrades.  The nice part was we were soon getting a good taste of what was to come.  Lush green meadows, meandering sheep, a distant waterfall, and the coveted mountains.   #makelifearide #BMW #GS310  We were in Theni. We got split again.  I managed to find the Air Conditioned Dindigul Thalapakatti Biriyani shop, but the guys were ahead of me and were stuck in a massive traffic snarl. They asked me if I could come to them, and ofcourse I said No. Being the men that we are, we had to round this off with Vanilla and Chocolate Ice cream. #Dontjudge. For some reason, I got the urge to do the tinkle when I read this sign. I kid you not.  We were quite quickly back on the road again and were getting awfully close to the twisties.  No more stops, and therefore no more photo-op's until we reached our little homestay in Nedumkandam, Idukki District. We reached at about 4 pm, and that made it roughly 12 hours on the road covering about 500+ kms. We were losing light and I was desperate to get to Thooval Waterfalls which was closeby and soak myself out of the miseries of existence.  This was what greeted us when we climbed down here through a small trail.  We were not disappointed   I'm sorry, but I'm not jumping.  Now that's a cubicle that I would love to work out of.   Nasirkaka The Joker. No, he really was. He can turn real nasty sometimes. Especially when I split from the group.  We were done for the day. I have a picture or two of us entertaining ourselves, but it might get us all banned from Team BHP. Last edited by Red Liner : 7th November 2019 at 20:49. |
|
| (14)
Thanks
|
|
9th November 2019, 12:26
| #4 |
| Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 5,216
Thanked: 18,244 Times
| Re: Looking for Idukki Gold: Dual sport motorcycling trip to Idukki, Kerala The next day was what we were really here for.   It might not look like much, but slithering back down heralded our first fall of the day (of many many more to come). But it brought us upto some spectacular views of the Western Ghats of Idukki. Enjoy~           After spending quality time marvelling at the wonders of the Western Ghats, we had to head back, albeit reluctantly, little knowing that shit was gonna hit the fan real soon.    But not before we had some chai. And a few more photo ops with the local wildlife.    Our next port of halt was an ancient Shiva Cave Temple hidden in the depths of a mountain. The way there was a climb up a little hillock.   A little shrine to show the way  A surreal walk down a hidden trail   And we come to the Kailasanathar Temple. A natural place of worship hidden in the bowels of a cave.   We were all quite awed. The place was absolutely serene and completely devoid of any distraction. We naturally fell into a an abyss of peace and quiet.   It was time to head back up now. The main course was just around the corner.   Last edited by Red Liner : 9th November 2019 at 17:30. |
|
| (17)
Thanks
|
|
9th November 2019, 21:14
| #5 |
| Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 5,216
Thanked: 18,244 Times
| re: A search in Secret Idukki - Dual sport motorcycling trip to Idukki, Kerala The next port of call was: Slush  Mud  and a Trail  The KTM Duke 390 was running on bald street tyres. Not the best idea!  The BMW GS310 on the other hand was running on the OEM dual purpose tyres, but they had a pretty tough time too, as we will see.  Those tyres are clogged full of mud. Not going to be going anywhere too soon.  The trail was a narrow jeep track, as can be seen by the twin tracks on either side. But we didn't see a single jeep on our route, and that's probably a good thing, coz it was a ravine on one side, and a wall of trees on the other.    The KTM Duke 390 was really having a tough time, and not slipping the clutch excessively was getting frightfully difficult! One of the boys was having a particularly rough day offroad. He had already had a few falls. Being able to get up from a fall (not a drop) and get on your bike and start riding again needs a lot of determination and confidence. Hats off to him!  Here it is standing on two wheels - no main stand needed! Haha. The tyres were so clogged with mud and the track so narrow, the bike could just stay upright. The bike was frying its clutch, we could smell it!   The GS310 had finally given up. Repeated cranks were not showing up in a start. We were stuck! Could neither turn back, and moving front was the only option. So here we are pushing this "light ADV" bike up a gnarly trail! We finally got to a point where we could ride the bike downhill on 2nd gear and hope to god the momentum was enough to breathe some life into the bike! The KTM Duke 390 meanwhile was right in its elements. Being light, low height, and a sprightly engine helped its cause to meander across the trail in right fashion We finally made it out of the trail, and we were relieved! With that limping BMW GS310, we were pretty sure it was a risk to be staying out of civilisation for any more longer.   But not before one last off road decline. Was tricky with the GS310 which wasn't starting. He could not afford to stall (actually he could, it was down anyway, start her up in 2nd gear)  Buddy stick to your left - THIS side!  Nope, I wanna go here  Ah...that's a flat little stretch. We made it.  I think he was going for a Vulcan Salutation (trekkies unite!)  Brother from another mother.  Last edited by Red Liner : 10th November 2019 at 09:17. |
|
| (16)
Thanks
|
|
10th November 2019, 11:00
| #6 |
| Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 5,216
Thanked: 18,244 Times
| re: A search in Secret Idukki - Dual sport motorcycling trip to Idukki, Kerala Next up, the famed tea estates of Idukki and the Idukki Dam! After we shook off all the mud, slush, and accumulated shrubs, we rode on some fantastic roads all the way to Kalvari Mount, a phenomenal view point to enjoy the Idukki reservoir. But first, the mandatory pitstop for tea and estates      The animals were not happy with us galavanting around  So back we went to make peace with the steeds   Now was the high point...quite literally. Kalvari Mount with scenic views of the Idukki reservoir and the reserved forests thereon.     This is the lazyboy you need  Beautiful vistas spoilt rotten by our greed  The light was low, and we had more riding to do. Decided we would ride back to Thooval Waterfalls, and this time access the falls from the bottom. What a fantastic decision!   I decided to jump into the water and managed to coax one more to follow me. Was so refreshing! God I could do this everyday.   Light was failing fairly quick, and we had to walk back up the trail for a good 20 minutes through the jungle. It was very difficult to leave this behind though.  Old man Nasir Kaka ambling along with a walking stick   Nasir Kaka working his magic with his OP3  Some more entertainment followed, and we turned in for the night. We had done a LOT of riding today and tomorrow we were off. |
|
| (14)
Thanks
|
|
10th November 2019, 11:43
| #7 |
| Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 5,216
Thanked: 18,244 Times
| re: A search in Secret Idukki - Dual sport motorcycling trip to Idukki, Kerala We had to be up extra early today. Why? Because there was a district wide strike called by the UDF in Idukki! So we were warned to get our butts out as quickly as possible or risk being stopped at every checkpoint and asked to participate in the bandh.  Still had time for this little one though.   We came up to this absolutely angelic waterfall on the Pooppara Bodimetu road and we just had to stop to soak it all in.     Heartbroken, we had to keep trudging on. Luckily we hit a stretch of quickly enveloping foggy mountain mist which lifted up our sagging spirits.         We had to go down THAT curvaceous beauty. Ooh la la!  Come on! Lets GO!  And just like that the trip was over!  Adios folks! Hope you enjoyed this instalment. Until next time! Safe travels! PS: Most photos and videos courtesy Nasirkaka and the other boys. Muchos gracias to them! Last edited by Red Liner : 10th November 2019 at 11:47. |
|
| (34)
Thanks
|
|
11th November 2019, 08:41
| #8 |
| Team-BHP Support   | |
|
| (1)
Thanks
|
|
11th November 2019, 12:11
| #9 |
| BHPian | |
|
| (1)
Thanks
|
|
11th November 2019, 12:12
| #10 |
| Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 5,216
Thanked: 18,244 Times
| |
|
|
|
11th November 2019, 14:04
| #11 |
| BHPian  Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 37
Thanked: 86 Times
| |
|
| (1)
Thanks
|
| |
|
11th November 2019, 14:06
| #12 | |
| Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 5,216
Thanked: 18,244 Times
| Re: A search in Secret Idukki - Dual sport motorcycling trip to Idukki, Kerala Quote:
PM incoming. Last edited by Red Liner : 11th November 2019 at 14:18. | |
|
|
|
11th November 2019, 14:55
| #13 |
| Distinguished - BHPian  Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: KL-2/KL-7/GA-06
Posts: 1,110
Thanked: 4,348 Times
| |
|
| (3)
Thanks
|
|
27th December 2019, 16:37
| #14 |
| BHPian  Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Pune, India
Posts: 144
Thanked: 181 Times
| |
|
|
|
27th December 2019, 17:39
| #15 |
| Senior - BHPian  Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 1,353
Thanked: 3,213 Times
| |
|
|
|
Most Viewed