Tamilnadu Youth Hostel organized state level trek from Kodaikanal to Munnar for five days in this winter (2011).Trek was around 40-55 Kilometers for four days and last day was planned for Munnar Sightseeing. Ours was second batch in the trek and consisting of 21 people across the different part of India.Kodaikanal sits on a plateau above the southern escarpment of the upper Palni Hills at 2,133 metres (6,998 ft), between the Parappar and Gundar Valleys. These hills form the eastward spur of the Western Ghats on the Western side of South India. The whole cluster of hills is spread over many kilometers in Western Ghats. The craggy wilderness around this route is a Trekker’s delight. Considered as the Princess of Hill stations (Kodia) this amazing trek route has plenty of opportunities for the amateurs and professionals alike. Climbs of various grades along with few bolted routes are also present. There are various temples present in routes. The trek was packed with lots of fun events.
Day one was reporting to base camp in Kodaikanal. We spent time in exploring the places around kodaikanal. On 27th Dec 2011, Day2 it was time for our batch of 21 members to march forward and trek to the heart of the jungle. Trek was around 15 KM passing through dense Vallakovi forest. Our camp was other side of Vallakovi village. On day 3, we started around 10 am and trekked around 10 km to reach Kumbkapai village. These two days, we climb down from Kodai via Vallakovi forest. From this point we reached kurangini base camp through vehicle for 60 KM. On fourth day, our destination was Central top through forest tribal for around 9 KM. On fifth day, we trekked around 7 KM to reach top station which famous tourist spot in Munnar crossing Tamilunadu and Kerala boarder. Last two days we climbed the Kurangini hills to reach Top Station. We travelled from TOP station to Munnar in vehicle, enjoying the scenic beauty of Munnar.
In the entire camp, from dawn to dusk, we walked and walked, sometimes passing through lovely palm groves, coffee plantations & sometimes through sun kissed waterways. The Sun branded us with a tan seal of approval and made some of us go pink and brown while others dark brown. The forest experience was truly enchanting. The forests were really dense. And so the atmosphere was dark and clammy. The rugged beauty of the Western Ghats totally took my breath away! We had to reach the tip of the mountain, which was at times very steep and very difficult to climb. We had to halt very frequently to control our fatigue. We enjoyed a lot during camp fires in each camp site.I can’t forget, Rasam in lunch/dinner, tamil translater Gopal,Tharani, Antaksharis, especially with Makarand’s ,Preeti’s Singing, our musicians Bhavin, mehul & co ,Playing UNO with Dharmesh, Shanks, Ravi and Raghu and, finally Aunty from Kolkotta and her nonstop speeches.
We cherish each and every moment of trek and special thanks for Youth hostel Association of India and Tamilnadu state branch for organizing wonderful event.
-Trekker.
