Was exploring options of escaping to nearest getaway location with my Meteor. Just for the sake of ride, i am no birdwatcher, nor a nature enthusiast. All i wanted was to getaway. I was in that state of extreme need to put my riding gears on and go on a ride, but not far enough to put me in a spot of not returning.
In one of those exploration i found this place, Nelliampathy. The youtube video that i saw put me on awe that such a place is near to where i live. So, i decided to explore the place on my Meteor.
Few things i realized during and after the visit, which i reserve it till end. Now, lets get on with the ride.
Plan was to go to Nelliampathy via Pollachi with couple of pit stops. I had planned for Meenkara Dam, Nemmara and Nelliampathy.
Started as planned and took off with my gears on.
First stop - Meenkara Dam
This place was as spooky as it can get as i realized after getting inside. All credits to me since i was in the middle of a lockdown.
I wanted to get to the side of water as i saw on the video, little did i realize that i had no idea where i wanted to go. Just took the outer cut road which was deserted and i just followed the path leading upwards around the dam. Then i reached a village, after crossing, i was about take a curve where i saw a small opening on the right leading to the water bank. I was able to reach near the water banks once inside the fence, though not right. very deserted which scared the hell out of me.
Finished with some snaps of my bike and took off. It was only when i reached the main gate that i realized what i had just done. Getting in and out of a deserted place and that too with no humans around. Bit scary when i think about it.
Putting this along, continued with the ride. The lush greens of Nemmara greeted me. What a sight of Paddy fields
simply loved it. I guess, Nemmara should be called as the Rice Bowl of Kerala, indeed. Looked wonderful all the way. Both side Lush paddy fields with road in the middle and no one to stop you, ideal setup for a solo bike rider.
Right before the checkpost was the Pothundy dam. I had not planned for it though, but still Meenkara dam experience was still afresh in back of my mind. Since it was a weekend, i saw many tourist visiting the spot and there was considerable rush. Decided to get in and have a look.
It resembled exactly Aliyar. I was definitely convinced that the people who build the Aliyar Dam, built this one as well. Not much of a difference in the way it looked. Continued with my journey. Just as i was about to climb the hill, checkpost officer asked me where i was coming from and where am i going to. Then enquired if i will return the same day or having a stay. I just said, i will return. He let me in with getting my details and noting my number, before letting me, he reminded me to be back by 4 PM.
Just as i crossed the checkpost, Hairpin started.
The roads were smooth. The ride was good as i was beginning to think the more higher i go, the more pleasant climate i will encounter. Roads were shaded at places, completely open, curves, Hairpins, all excitement. I was enjoying the new ride.
At some point i thought i had reached the top as i reached viewpoint-3. Only to realize that i still have to make it to another mountain. Now started the downward ride with some very blind curves and dark patches. Then i started to see some tea gardens. That feeling of being at Ooty/Kotagiri was running on my mind that i will get to experience cold climate, not Yet!!
I was welcomed by AVT tea factory wherein i saw a board that i was entering a private property. The some of the people told me not to take pictures of people plucking the tea leaves and the weighing scale (Not sure why they told me, did not dare to ask).
Then crossing the Factory, led me to the open Tea Estate.
Having realized that the climate is not going to get pleasant enough, i decided to call it a ride. The ride was good and thrilling indeed.
Some parting shots
This is where you get to watch the Pothundi dam from above the hill. There is a small place where you can sit and the breeze just is awesome. This place brought back few memories from past watching the small waves on the water. Nostalgic, i went back straight to home and hugged my dad, as if to say sorry to him and love him as much.
What i missed before deciding to ride here was, the video that i had viewed before my decision was taken during a winter/rainy season. I completely missed and was middle of a sunny day that brought down all water i had inside.
But, yet, this was a memorable ride and the lush greens of Nemmara is still fresh on my mind.
Hope you enjoyed this thread.