[sandeepmdas]

Originally Posted by kozhissery

This reminded me of my visit to Chitharal (Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT - A foray into the world of adventure biking) some time back and I had just penned down a visit log only.

my quest -to post a travelogue to a place where no TBHPian has gone before- continues.

On a serious note, thanks for posting the entry timing in your thread. This was something that I really forgot. Very important information

[mallumowgli]

Originally Posted by sandeepmdas

This is my first travel story on TBHP. I'm writing this because, AFAIK, there hasn't been a thread about the Chitharal Jain Temple ruins in our forum.

Thanks for this wonderful travelogue.

Havent visited this place in spite of spending my entire childhood in Nagercoil. Almost everyone around me have been to this wonderful temple including my parents, sister and friends. And I've been at the receiving end of ridicule from everyone Have to make a plan next time I visit Trivandrum

[Voodooblaster]

Originally Posted by sandeepmdas

However, most of the journey would be on the dreaded NH66 "highway". I chose to take a different route, avoiding the highway and going through the rural eastern side of the Trivandrum District. This increased the distance to 92 kilometers, but the drive actually made me more relaxed, with a meandering route that brought a smile to my face as I drove my 7-year-old Duster 110 AMT.

Had visited Chitharal Temple in the first week of Aug 23 in a friends Ecosport , enroute a weekend trip to Kanyakumari; and meant to pen a travelogue. But then procrastination got the better of me.

We went via NH 66 bypass and there was very sparse traffic. Route taken was Kazhakkoottam Flyover - Enchakkal Jn - Thiruvallam (watch out for vehicles in wrong side at Thiruvallam Bridge ) - Kovalam - Vizhinjan - Mukkola and joins with the Trivandrum Nagercoil NH near Kaliyakkavilai.

When coming from Varkala in this route, the only major pain points are Attingal and Kaniyapuram Jn.

Roads from Eenchakkal Jn till KL-TN border is butter smooth and is difficult to go at speeds less than 3 digits. However the AI Cameras and strategically hidden police interceptor MUV’s with speed cameras ensure we drive in 2 digit speeds

Once we cross Kaliyakkavilai it’s back to the old Trivandrum Nagercoil NH and there is some traffic. Also we took advantage of the lower petrol price in TN (almost Rs 5 difference per litre) and tanked up. The Nayara pump near Kuzhithurai on the left side when going towards Nagercoil has clean washrooms.



The hike will get a bit tiring in the noon time, so try timing the visit in morning or evenings (the gatekeeper said no one will be allowed inside the premises post 4 PM)

Carry plenty of water, as there are no shops in the trek route. There are 2 small shops near the parking spot that stock cool drinks and will make you lemonade if desired. The parking spot can easily accommodate 20 cars (provided people park sensibly). There is a toilet but it was non functional. Do take umbrella, hats to escape the heat




Be careful when straying off the paved ASI path in the quest for scenic panoramas as you may intrude upon the privacy of love birds ( Don’t ask me how I know)

Attaching a few pics:

[sandeepmdas]

Originally Posted by Voodooblaster

When coming from Varkala in this route, the only major pain points are Attingal and Kaniyapuram Jn.

Also we took advantage of the lower petrol price in TN (almost Rs 5 difference per litre) and tanked up.

Attingal too is not a big bottle neck now, but the Attingal - Kazhakkoottam NH is so boring.

I also refueled from TN. Tank full . This is an extra attraction, forgot to mention it. Thanks!

[kiki_13]

A very nice travelogue.. It is very nice to see travelogues of not so common destinations. During our backpacking days, back in 2012-13, my husband and I had visited this place. It was in June 2013, and the monsoon rain added to the beauty of the place.