BAMBOO RAFTING ON PERIYAR : EXCERPTS FROM A TRAVELLER’S DIARY
November 23, 2015
TRAVERSE THE ROAD AND RIVERS LESS TAKEN
January 4, 2016
Next time when you are in Thekkady never miss out the chance to experience the true goodness of it. A close walk through the common mans livelihood. Responsible Tourism Initiative by the Department of Tourism organises trips with escort. So let us start the journey through the soul of Thekkady
Vincent’s house
Let us start our Journey from the house of Vincent Joseph, a traditional medical practitioner. The way he makes the coffee in coconut shells without the use of any modern vessels is just amazing and portrays the art of coffee making in another era. How to leave this place without a piping hot coffee prepared in coconut shell ?
Bee-Keeping
After the refreshing coffee we are at the house of Philip who practices sustainable Bee-keeping at his house. Here, you can collect honey from the cardamom plantation and relish its fresh taste He gives us some quick tips to distinguish between the natural & artificial honey.A big salute to Philip’s passion & patience for Bee- Keeping
Valiyapara
After the short & sweet visit at Philip’s house we move on to a destination in Thekkady named Valiyapara, which translates to ‘huge rock’. This destination is comparatively less familiar. This huge rock can be approached by making our way through the dense bamboo forest. Once you are on the top of this rock you a have a spectacular view of paddy fields & vegetable farms in Tamil Nadu Villages.
Pappad Making
The next place which we are about to visit is quite interesting one and would certainly remind you of the Kerala meal if you ever had it in your life time. Yes we are at Pappad Making Unit. This unit is managed by Rajeev and his wife Priya as a part of Responsible Tourism Project. Before you leave make sure you take home one packet.
Ashram
Now We move on to Shanthigiri Ashram.We get an opportunity to interact with the Spritual Guru ,Sawamiji. We will also be served with a good meal here.Post lunch we could see around the spice farm where the Cardamom & Pepper is cultivated. The traditional craft of mundu making can seen from the power loom in Asharam
Ottakathalamedu
After the spice farm visit we head to the next view point which is known as Ottakathalamedu. Once your reach this point you feel you are out of the World . Now you are at 1300 meteres above the sea level. Thekkady Dam Site and near by hills is the view from here. Heavy winds often blow here.
Jomsy’s House
And now it is the chocolate time. We are at Jomys house to watch the chocolate making activity. Taste the home made chocolates before you leave we are sure you will love it!
With hand full of chocolates we now arrived at Spice Farm where we could see various spices like cardamom, pepper, vanilla, coffee plants and livestock. We could also know about fruit plants and Ayurveda Plants. There is a fish pond where you could feed the fish. Interested in buying spices, this is the right place where you could get fresh spices directly from farmers.
We are about to wind up our day trip. We are now with a traditional cane craftsman. Here you can watch & learn how the beautiful handicrafts like baskets, light shade, trays, pen holders etc are made.
This trip gave us an experience of life time. How we could be happy about little things. The goodness of Thekkady wraps you after the trip and to we wrapped this moments back home.
