A Tale of Exploration and Unlikely Friendships at Suryanelli to Vattavada

It had been a lengthy stretch of three months since I last surrendered to the call of the open road; an eternity for a soul that thrives on the nomadic thrill of bike trips. In my world, companions who share an equal fervor for motorcycles and the unscripted adventure of discovering new places under the relentless sun are as rare as a desert rose.

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DR PARVATHY RAJEEV

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Post Date : 08 May 2024

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Yet, amidst the echo of my longing, a serendipitous conversation blossomed in a Facebook group, with a kindred spirit whose passion for travel resonated through his words. He was not just another traveller; his journeys were etched into the digital realms of his site, Billion Trips, a testament to the roads travelled and the stories gathered. Together, we spun the dream of a road trip to Vattavada and Suryanelli into reality, inviting the winds of fortune to bring us companions who were as captivated by the roar of bike engines and the lure of unknown paths as we were.

In the unfolding narrative of this journey, a couple from a friend's social circle emerged, their enthusiasm mirroring our own, completing the ensemble for a tale that promised the essence of adventure, bound by the wheels of our bikes and the shared beats of our wanderlust hearts.

Forming a group for an upcoming trip can often feel like assembling a jigsaw puzzle, where each piece comes with its unique quirks and challenges. In our case, the initial excitement of gathering all prospective riders was soon met with the reality check of logistics, preferences, and personal barriers. Discussions on accommodation and cost of travel led to a dwindling in numbers, akin to losing wickets in a cricket match. We even encountered the full spectrum of personalities, ranging from the perverts and flirts to those battling low self-esteem and outright weirdos.

Despite the dropouts, the core group emerged, comprising the ever-enthusiastic Sarath from Billion Trips whom we affectionately nicknamed 'Thalaivan', the sweet couple Siddharth and VishnuPriya, and myself. Our interactions revealed a unique connection; while Pri, with her shy demeanor, would listen intently to our trip discussions yet flee at the prospect of one-on-one conversations, I found my dramatic flair blending seamlessly into the group's dynamics. The journey of forming our travel group was a rollercoaster of emotions and revelations, but it led to the formation of a tight-knit crew, ready to face the adventures ahead.

By the time our trip was on the horizon, I had meticulously booked our stays, prioritizing cleanliness above all, a testament to my persnickety nature when it came to accommodation. Our transportation was sorted with Royal Brothers, from where Sarath and I dutched a Royal Enfield Meteor. He was to be the rider with me as pillion. Pri and Sid, on the other hand, managed to procure their Royal Enfield Hunter from another rental service within Fort Kochi.

The big day was pegged for Saturday, May 4th, a day before which me, Sid, and Pri, converged in Kochi from our respective locations – me from Alleppy, Sid & Pri from Bangalore and Sarath came from Banglore early morning on the same day of our trip. The anticipation was palpable, yet so were the criticisms and cautionary advice from friends and well-wishers, bewildered by our decision to embark on this journey in scorching heat, with people who were mere acquaintances. But I stood firm on my belief that friendships aren't preordained by blood or birth; they are forged through shared experiences and adventures.

That Saturday morning, I found myself dialing Sarath at 4 AM, ensuring he wouldn’t succumb to sleep and miss his station, but the train was delayed until 5:30 AM. As I grappled with internal doubts, fueled by voices questioning the wisdom of traveling with almost strangers, I silenced them with a resolve to enjoy the journey, irrespective of the outcomes. The assurance came when Sarath called; he had secured our Royal Enfield and was on his way after a quick detour to drop his bag. Meanwhile, Pri and Sid were already en route to our meeting point at Pokkali Park, Kakkanad, signaling the start of what promised to be an unforgettable adventure. This trip wasn’t just about the destinations we aimed to explore, but about the journeys within, discovering camaraderie with those who were strangers only in name.

Half an hour later, fully geared up and waiting in the parking lot, I received a call from Sarath indicating he's arrived to pick me up. The moment I saw him, I was struck by his approachable demeanor—clearly a nice guy without any pretensions. We secured our bags with bungees on his bike, where his saddlebags were already neatly arranged with his gear. Off to the park, we saw Sid and Pri awaited us, Sid, a funny guy with a giggle always dancing on his lips, exudes the innocence of youth, while Pri combines warmth, sweetness, care, and humility in one charming package—a surprise indeed that she didn’t take off running. Together, they seemed like an ideal match, seemingly crafted perfectly for each other in the heavens. Surrounded by my new travel companions, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of belonging, although it was unclear then whether they were just travel partners or friends in the making.

Our quartet set off with the boundless enthusiasm of toddlers left unsupervised, embarking on a 'Home Alone' style adventure. True to our word, we ensured Sarath didn't miss his morning meal, enjoying a hearty breakfast near Kolencherry en route. We headed towards Muvattupuzha- Kuttampuzha- Mamalakandam- Adimali and further. The lushness of Mamalakandam, even under the scorch of the sun, was traffic-free and a refreshing sight—thanks to the rains from the previous days, making our forest ride beautiful and utterly enjoyable. My new companions quickly picked up on my love for photography, willingly posing for my carefully framed shots. They easily collaborated on my style of photography of fixing a frame and all characters should hop on to produce wonderful memories.

After reveling in Mamalakandam's greenery, we proceeded to Adimali, stopping briefly to refuel (and for me to indulge in my fuel—chocolates). A sudden shower, though not heavy enough to soak us, found us seeking refuge in a local's shack, a moment that soothed both our spirits and the sun-baked earth. Sid and Pri, ever the spirited duo, celebrated the rain as if they were peacocks greeting the monsoon. Post-lunch, our journey took us towards Anachal, though not without a few wrong turns and uphill challenges, much to the amusement of everyone—a testament to our growing camaraderie.

The journey took a tense turn when our Hunter's engine brake malfunctioned. Thankfully, Sid, showcasing his riding prowess, managed to navigate the downhill path safely, even with the additional load on the fuel tank and Pri as his pillion. A local mechanic assured us it was merely a cooling issue for the brake, offering us much-needed respite. This break turned into an impromptu bonding session, filled with caffeine and surprising revelations—including me sharing my Aadhar card for a birthday verification. Riding off after these moments felt different; it was then that our friendship was officially cemented. (I am sure when Sarath reads this, he will playfully pull my leg questioning - weren't we already friends?) This trip, with its twists and turns, had indeed broken the ice, molding our friendship in the most adventurous way possible.

As we ventured towards Poopara, deviating from our original plan of passing through Bison Valley, none of us had any complaints. In fact, this impromptu change turned out to be a delightful surprise, allowing us to experience the enchanting Gap Road that stretches from the beginning all the way to Suryanelli. Our plan was to cover the second leg of the Gap Road the following morning. This detour not only gifted us ample time to pause for photographs at breathtaking viewpoints and explore private waterfalls that felt exclusively ours but it also led to an unforeseen adventure when my phone, overloaded with photos and videos, decided to power down. This left us without access to our hotel's location in Suryanelli, a newly built property named Paramount Resorts that, frustratingly, didn't show up on Google searches.

Fortunately, after finding a kind restaurant owner who allowed us to recharge my phone, we were soon back on track. Energized, we contacted the hotel staff for directions and embarked on a 4 km ride into what appeared to be a dense forest. Along the way, we encountered folks from the Jeep safari to Kolukumalai, only to learn that the safari was booked out for the morning. We mentally bookmarked it for a future visit. Upon arrival, the Paramount Resorts welcomed us with its decent facade, nestled amidst the forest near Suryanelli town, boasting of elephant pathways that added to its wild charm.

After freshening up, we strolled towards Suryanelli town to pick up some essentials and snacks. The walk allowed us to witness numerous homestays, which, in comparison to our choice, reinforced my gratitude towards our decision—especially given the less-than-appealing conditions and odors we noticed along the way. Later that night, the sound of bass and sight of people dancing around a campfire from another property filled us with a fleeting sense of missing out. However, the cleanliness, comfort, and quality of food at our hotel reassured us of our choice. Despite the initial detour, our journey was lining up perfectly, painting memories we will all cherish in the times to come.

My new friends, who had become quite adept at observing my eating habits, concluded that ordering food for three instead of four would be more efficient since I tended to eat less and waste more. I was entirely on board with this arrangement as I found myself enjoying a meal to my heart's content without the usual guilt of leaving too much uneaten on my plate. The next day, after a restful sleep that seemed to recharge us all, three of us—myself, Sid, and Sarath—ventured out to explore Sree Lakshmi restaurant, a place recommended by a passerby who claimed it was the best around. Pri decided to skip this early excursion and would meet us later. At the restaurant, while the guys opted for tea, which disappointingly failed to meet their expectations, I indulged in my morning ice cream—a habit they found amusing yet endearing. Back at our breakfast table at hotel, our discussion humorously shifted from the subpar tea to my unconventional breakfast choices, including my penchant for consuming sambar as though it were soup.

Eager to continue our journey, we loaded our bags onto our motorcycles, Meteor and Hunter, and set off towards the scenic routes leading to Munnar. Thanks to Sarath's foresight in starting early and a bit of luck in avoiding the overbooked safari jeeps, we managed to skirt around the bulk of Munnar's notorious traffic jams. Even a brief hold-up couldn't dampen our spirits as we approached the gateway to Sholayar Forest, heading to Vattavada. Here, we were sternly advised not to stop amidst the forest's captivating beauty—a directive that piqued our curiosity but one we respectfully followed.

Our journey led us to shack beyond Koviloor town, near to Eira Homes, for lunch, a decision not based on any recommendation but simply a desire to test our luck. This gamble paid off beautifully as we stumbled upon a quaint, welcoming place that served delicious, homely meals, a testament to the warmth and friendliness of its owners.

After our satisfying meal we rode 5 minutes to reach our temporary home Eira Home Resort. This charming property offered us 3 room antique building with a private garden with a breathtaking view of whole Kottakamboor Village. As the nature greeted us with gentle showers, the sense of tranquility was undeniable. Our undampened spirits, revitalized by the our brief but perfect symphony of relaxation, soon set out to explore Chilandiyar Waterfalls, 5 km drive from Eira Homes.

On our way to the waterfall, we encountered a few showers along the way. These weren't heavy enough to drench us entirely, but they left the road muddy and slippery. Yet, nothing could dampen our spirits; we were determined to reach our destination. Once we arrived, we were greeted by the endearing cute Paatti Samudhira Kanni, who proudly claimed to be the owner of the 15-acre land surrounding the waterfall, backed by a government-issued pattayam. Her innocent face and captivating smile made us instantly believe her tale.

As we ventured closer to the waterfall, we mistakenly took a path meant for workers and had to backtrack to the correct, albeit daunting, route. This path required us to choose - crossing over two thin wooden logs, navigating slippery stones within the waterfall, or simply wading through the water wetting all our foot wears. Faced with these options, I opted to stay behind, admiring the bravery of Pri and Sarath who managed to cross using the logs, and feeling grateful for Sid, who guided me across the slippery rocks without letting my boots touch the water. Returning to Samudhira Kanni's shelter, I found solace in her cozy chair by a small, comforting bonfire. The moment was so serene and memorable, we took photos with her before reluctantly making our way back along the now familiar muddy road. Little did we know what lay ahead on the muddy roads of our safari adventure.

Our experience took an unexpected turn when two safari jeeps that had overtaken us earlier suddenly veered towards each other, almost in a dance, ending up in a peculiar ‘lip kiss’ position on the slippery track. Choosing caution over valor, we decided to wait it out, giving the jeeps a moment to unravel themselves and soon they managed to disentangle themselves without wreaking havoc on themselves or our bikes.

Now it was our turn to conquer the mud with our bikes, lovingly nicknamed Hunter and Meteor, lead by our coolest riders, Sid and Sarath. We girls, decided to proceed on foot, while the guys reveled in the muddy escapade. Impressively, both of them helped by each other managed to successfully navigate the treacherous off-road conditions, while we captured this on our camera for our adventure reels cementing their status as bona fide riders.

Later, seeking a moment of respite, we stopped at a nearby shack for a refreshing lemonade break. It was there we observed three men on a motorcycle, boldly heading towards the same mud-laden path we had just conquered. Despite Sid's well-intentioned warning, they dismissed his advice with the arrogance of locals familiarity with the terrain. Predictably, their motorcycle began to wobble uncontrollably, forcing the passengers to disembark and leave the "expert" rider to battle the mud alone—a classic case of pride leading to a near fall.

Unperturbed by the interlude, we continued on our journey, heading towards Pazhathottam to enjoy the beauty and taste of local strawberry cultivated in organic farms. Along the way, we were treated to breathtaking views that demanded to be immortalized in photographs. We were warmly welcomed by a local family, where a young man juggling his MCA studies in Muvattupuzha showed us around his vibrant backyard strawberry garden. Our visit culminated in the purchase of fresh strawberries, passion fruit, and homemade strawberry jam, a sweet souvenir of our trip. Ending our day back at the shack near our stay, we relished crispy onion fritters paired with tea, and the warmth of local hospitality.

We reached Eira Homes around 7 PM, having being welcomed into a world where ambient lights adorned every corner of the property, enhancing its beauty manifold. It was an enchanting abode to our eyes even from a distance. We quickly freshened up, gathered for a hearty vegetarian dinner, and subsequently gathered around the campfire. The night even when chilling cold, the campfire and the togetherness kept us warm and alive with dancing and singing that made it an unforgettable experience. The thought of sleep was pushed to the back of our minds as we savored every moment, finally bidding farewell to the flames at 11:30 PM, a night well spent.

The following day greeted us with a splendid morning view, complemented by hot coffee in our private garden, a delightful change to beat the cold. We soon checked out from Eira and had breakfast from the charming cute shack which never failed us. Vattavada bid us goodbye with hearts full of joy and stomachs filled with delectable fare.

Our journey then took us through the scenic Sholayar and to the Top Station, where breathtaking views awaited. We meandered through tea estates before pausing at Ripple Tea for a break, a moment that allowed us to immerse in the tranquility of Munnar.

As we ventured towards Adimali, the journey was punctuated with lunch, tea, and even ice cream breaks, including an impromptu mulberry hunt, drawing our adventure closer to its end amidst Edappally's heavy traffic at 6 PM.

At Edappally, where lemonade served as a sweet farewell gesture before Sid and Pri set off to Fort Kochi. The air was heavy with emotion, particularly for Pri, whose eyes filled with tears. It was at that moment, amidst the farewells, that I realized the depth of our connection; strangers turned family, bound by an unparalleled journey into the heart of beauty and camaraderie. Truly, the essence of our trip was the creation of an unbreakable bond, proving that sometimes, the most unlikely journeys lead to the formation of everlasting friendships.

Sarath and I were the last to part ways after this unforgettable journey. I nestled into the cozy embrace of my Uber, en route to my home in Alappuzha, my heart full of memories and newfound friendships. Meanwhile, he headed towards Ernakulam South to return our rented meteor, and then he was off to catch his late train to Trivandrum. As we bid our goodbyes, promising explore more places on our next adventure. It was in these moments, under the fading light, that I realized I had made friends for a lifetime.

The Uber driver, curious about my day, asked if I was returning from a ride. I mentioned Vattavada, and he looked at me, perplexed, as though it was a place of little consequence. But for me, Vattavada was where I found three precious gems of people, where I collected a wealth of good memories, and where I learned that genuine kindness and positivity still thrive in this world. The experience reaffirmed my belief that sometimes, strangers can turn into the most incredible friends. As the car hummed towards Alappuzha, I couldn't help but feel proud of my decision to embark on this journey. Little did I know that a simple trip would end up enriching my life in ways I never imagined, reminding me once more of the beauty of connecting with people from walks of life different from my own.