Originally Posted by laluks (Post 1833574)

Infact Khoj only gave that much needed push for me to get out :)

Originally Posted by MX6 (Post 1833564)

I understand Laluks. I'm not finding time to complete three of my travelogues. Khoj is behind me full time for that. :D

Originally Posted by MX6 (Post 1846190)

That last post made some good tense moments while reading. Great show laluks.

Originally Posted by khoj (Post 1846217)

This seems to be the perfect juncture for me to take a bow (modesty where art thou :D).

Originally Posted by khoj (Post 1846217)

I am glad to have pushed you especially after seeing the fire flies photos and now reading about it, as also after going through the experiences at Nenmara. It so reminds me of the road trip I took with my parents last year around the same time as your trip but from Kanyakumari to Varkala. We too got into innumerable temple processions starting just before Trivandrum and all the way to Varkala. Infact the 'Sri Vishnu' temple at Varkala (2000 years old) had the best decoration and processions. The drum beats on the final night when the lord comes back to his abode were stronger than anything I have felt, not heard but felt in my entire life. The beats made your whole rib cage vibrate and the entire populace at the Taj Gateway was out in strength to see the majestic procession.

Originally Posted by khoj (Post 1846217)

Laluks I may be repeating myself but I follow you & your likes for my own selfish motives. To go and see places (where I have almost no chance to go) through your eyes and words. I do not smoke but now I know what addiction is all about, the craving can get to you.;)

Originally Posted by khoj (Post 1846217)

But it does not seem to be working. I think I should pay you a visit next time I come to Poona.

Originally Posted by laluks (Post 1846228)

Infact I have not realised till I had that mail from you, that my logs were being followed and liked that much. Infact I must admit I felt humbled by that mail of yours.

Originally Posted by ampere (Post 1846271)

Wow ! I read Chevy_Lover and HVK do 900 and 1700 long drives but that was point to point routes. (HVK though stopped Munnar before going to Mumbai)

This is even better ! 833Km with whole lot of sight seeing !

Waiting for the snaps at dawn !

Originally Posted by ampere (Post 1846308)

Thanks to the good NH7/NH47 I am thinking of attempting Valparai in a day.

Originally Posted by hvkumar (Post 1846373)

Yes, like laluks said, doing Bangalore-Valparai in a day is a no-brainer and can be easily done thanks to the good roads. You have to be careful about going on to Chalakudy since you have to have a clear 3-hour daytime to drive through before it becomes dark. Once the rains start, I would not do the Valparai-Chalakudy drive without research on the condition, since it being a narrow road, lots of trees fall down, etc., etc, which can disrupt traffic for hours.

Originally Posted by hvkumar (Post 1846373)

Yes, like laluks said, doing Bangalore-Valparai in a day is a no-brainer and can be easily done thanks to the good roads. You have to be careful about going on to Chalakudy since you have to have a clear 3-hour daytime to drive through before it becomes dark. Once the rains start, I would not do the Valparai-Chalakudy drive without research on the condition, since it being a narrow road, lots of trees fall down, etc., etc, which can disrupt traffic for hours.

Originally Posted by ampere (Post 1847148)

The basic reason for me is that I am not comfortable at speeds more than 90-100. Hence my average comes down to around 60-65. Hence it takes more time to reach.

Originally Posted by laluks (Post 1846145)

Day 1, April 2nd 2010 continued

Nenmara - Nelliyampathy (28Kms)


Drove carefully on the roads to Nelliyampathy. The officer was right, some hairpins were too steep and sharp turns and I could only see the sky while taking the turn , such was the angle. It was almost like turning blind!!


A little later the roads became non existant, and the tea estate started. The roads to the resort was almost a 4x4 type, but Swift managed it quite well.

I was carefully negotiating the road, when my wifey says sh... look to the front! I look around and saw a herd of big deer, as big as sambars, dark coloured in the roads. Waited for a while for them to clear, only to be greeted by small deers. Again waiting only to be greeted by wild hares, and again only to be greeted by Owls, and again to be greeted by mongoose. I was like where is the resort, am I into the forest already??

I almost screeched halt the car when I heard an exciting cry from my wifey. Now what? She says switch of your head lights - and I am like what??? She insists I switch off the lights and look up to the trees. I did - That was the most wonderful thing I have ever seen - The Fireflies. I cannot explain it in words -You have to see it to believe it.


We were quickly greeted by the resort cook, and showed us the room. He says by the time you freshen up he'll make the chapathis that we orderd for. I was floored, at 1:00AM we are being given our food and that too hot hot. That's hospitality - amazing.