Running and Me – An Insight into My Journey in 2014

Certainly not in my wildest imagination had I ever thought that I would become a Marathoner. My solitary slow and regular trots along the Marina beach early in 2012 drove me into the arena of marathons, triathlons and the journey has been immensely self-satisfying. 2014 had been a hall mark in this journey since for the first time I attempted running long distances on the hills and was part of some of the core team which organised marathons.  

Marathons – Cities and Meeting people – Unique Experiences:

Training for a marathon, planning the trip and travelling along with likeminded runners were some of the wonderful experience I always cherished. I should acknowledge that running took me to different parts of India and I am confident that in the years to come the journey would be lot more interesting and am looking forward to it. I planned my travel mostly in trains but the best journey was when I missed my train to Mysore to participate in Kaveri trail marathon. I travelled alone in a jam-packed bus and reached Mysore at 2 a.m with just 4 hours for the run to begin.

What popular books about running, scholarly articles written by experts on diet, and advice provided by seasoned runners could teach me, I learnt travelling to different cities with fellow runners and running in different events. My best lessons about running and more fully about myself was learnt when I was attempting to push myself on the roads, on the hills, swim in the open waters and pedal against the head wind and on the hills.

Out of the few events I participated some events treated the runners like a ‘hero’, few events was busy selling their sponsors, but the best events were the ones which was organised ‘by runners and for the runners’. In this regard Cochin Marathon 2014 stays close in my heart, there was no title sponsor, and the entire event was very simple, heart-warming and I had unique experience running on the roads of Cochin. I ran the following full marathons this year:

1.   Mumbai Marathon – January

2.   Auroville Marathon – February

3.   Hyderabad Marathon – August

4.   Kaveri Trail Marathon – September

5.   Bengaluru Marathon – October

6.   Cochin Marathon – November

7.   Chennai Marathon – December

Discovering my Love for Hill Running:

This year I unearthed my passion for running in the hills. For me hill running is a nirvana, I have made a decision not to run in any event being conducted in the hills, I would choose to go for hill running with my running buddies and run for days on the hills and feel the overwhelming humbleness. For me to run on the hills is like returning to the place where I belong. Some of the most interesting running and camping I did this year are set out below:-

1.   Shevroy hills 90 kms in 2 days

2.   Palani hills 80 kms in 2 days

3.   Kalryan hills 100 kms in 2 days

4.   Munnar hills 120+ kms in 3 days

Triathlons – Discovering hidden potential:

I was never a swimmer or a long distance cyclist until I put myself into test by participating in triathlons. When I first attempted to cross the Nagalapuram east dam, when I dived inside the Ottiambakkam quarry with a hope to swim across all that I had was only the confidence which later transformed into courage and strength to take up open water swimming confidently. For me triathlon is an event where you put your mind and body to fight against each other and discover your hidden potential.  

Organising Marathons – Thanksgiving to Runners:

I consider organising and volunteering in marathons is a platform by which I can serve, and give back to the running community. I have been part of the core team which organised the Chennai Trail Marathon and Jawadhu Hills Ultra Marathon. Planning the trail, getting permissions, promoting the run and conducting both these marathons far away from the city was a very challenging task and I am very proud for having involved myself in organising these runs. While running has taken me to different places I volunteer in these events as a thanksgiving to my fellow runners and volunteers.

Running for a Cause:

My little and slow running gets its meaning, life and real purpose only because of the cause I choose to run. I believe running is a very powerful tool in taking forward a good cause, as always, I consider it as a god sent opportunity to run for “Isha Vidhya” garnering support for their good cause ‘Educating Rural India’. It was extremely a humbling experience when I got the good opportunity to run 100 kms at the Kalrayan hills raising funds for these rural children. I feel proud about myself when I run marathons sporting ‘Isha Vidhya’ t-shirt. I also feel happy that I demystify the popular myth that marathons should not be run sporting cotton t-shirts.

Overall, the year 2014 has been very kind towards me and helped me realise my hidden passion and explore my passion. I am extremely thankful for all my friends who were part my journey. However, my dream is to run a barefoot, bare-chested marathon in ‘Dothi’ and I wish to find an answer for the same in 2015.

Namaskaram,

Durai Murugan

A Simple Road Trip to the Western Coast – Enlivening!

Scores of interesting accounts about Gokarna and Goa in particular - and the western coast beaches in general have been told and heard. It took solid number of years for me to get an opportunity to visit this part of the western coast and to be honest this trip touched my heart, especially the moments I admired the sun slowly dipping inside the sea, gazing at the twinkling stars packed sky, feeling chillness of wind in the night and the most touching part was sitting peacefully on the rocks to witness the waves pound on rocks and break the silence in the air. Consciously I surrendered to peace and silence. 

The Ride from Chennai to Honnavar:

The crowded city roads, unending national highways, bumpy interior roads and the peaceful ghat roads all headed to Honnavar for us. It was about 800+ kms drive on a single night with few pit stops. However, the drive was relaxing since it gave a good break to unwind ourselves from many tedious chores we were doing in city life. Dinner at the night dhaba, tea at the road side shops, breakfast at a remote village, power nap inside the car, experiencing the fresh wind on my skin and the unending natural sceneries all made the car ride to Honnavar a remarkable journey.

Amazed at the Gigantic Jog Falls:
Our first destination was the mighty and gigantic 253 mts tall jog waterfalls. It is a marvellous piece of creation by nature and to witness water dropping from this height into a gorge with a thunderous thud sent chill waves into my nerves. While sitting on the cliff of the opposite side and admiring the waterfalls, I wish I had the feathers of a bird to dive inside that beautiful gorge. The breath taking views were tempting at the same time it was extremely peaceful and serene to watch a beautiful natural poetry unfolding in front of my eyes. I should confess that this is one of the breath taking views of a waterfall I have hitherto witnessed in my life.

On the Refreshing Sands of Honnavar, OM and Kadal Beaches:

This stretch of the Indian western coast is comparatively very calm, less crowded and peaceful in nature. It is incredible to evidence the mountains dipping into the sea which is abnormal to evidence in the eastern coast. Energised by the beautiful landscapes and the refreshing beaches, for some time I slept on the sand, for some time I swam on the sea, for some time I climbed the mountains. Beyond all, I was in complete love with this stretch of the beach.

Camping on top of the Gokarna Mountain on a Star lit sky:

I don’t remember a place where I have admired the sea as I stood on top of this Gokarna Mountain and admired. As long as my eyes could penetrate, it was serene and calm, with thin moonlight igniting the waters; the waves leisurely dancing on the rocks of this mountain. We camped on this mountain watching the sun set into the sea, and the bright half moon taking over the sky. All these impeccable beauties conspired together and took me to a new ‘high’, a ‘high’ I have never ever experienced before and a ‘high’ which will remain in my heart forever. I woke up early morning to sit on top of the rocks for the first time in my life to witness dolphins jumping in the beach. A wonderful early morning sighting that will be cherished for a life time. 

Dandeli and Refreshing Kali River dip:

From the refreshing beach sands we rolled into the neighbouring Dandeli reserved forests to take a rejuvenating dip in the beautiful Kali River. Dandeli is a natural habitat for black panthers and we went on the hope to spot at least one. Unfortunately, the safari bookings were closed and we re-routed our drive to Cintheri rocks only to be stunned at the view of the 300 feet humongous piece of rock. Further, we drove into the Anshi national park and enjoying the peaceful ghat roads. Before, I could move out of this forests I decided to come back and explore Dandeli. Hold on, my beautiful Dandeli until I come, you are at present living in my dreams!

Night Party at Palolem beach and Morning Drive inside Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary:

For a conservative Chennai city folk who has not seen the ‘entire beach partying’ on the eastern coast, it was very interesting to witness the entire Palolem beach partying hard on Saturday night. Foreigners were more in number compared to the Indian counter parts. There were few guys singing songs aloud and many dancing on the beaches, walking on the sands, playing in the sea waters and completely having thorough fun. We walked from one end of the beach to the other end of the beach watching all the craziness unfolding the entire night. After the fall of mid night we happily slept inside our sleeping bags underneath the star lit open sky on a cold night. 

Next day morning I bided a good bye to Palolem beach for showing me a different world, and from here we headed straight inside the Cotigao wildlife sanctuary located in the southern tip of Goa. The early morning drive inside the sanctuary and peaceful atmosphere inside the forests provoked my running legs for a short trail run that was short lived until we saw a leopard crossing in front of our vehicle. After a short stint inside the sanctuary we rolled our car on the interior roads of Karnataka and hit the National highway and reached Chennai safely in 14 hours – I was just wondering how google maps could be dot accurate in predicting our travel time. 

With four days of wonderful traveling with close friends to some pristine locations coming to an end with heavy downpour in Chennai city, it was a not just a simple trip for me but it was starting point for many outdoor events to the western coast. Until then I will be dreaming of my dear sea, forest and wilderness.

Happy Traveling,

Durai Murugan

Monsoon Trek In Kabbinale Forest – Life Is Calling!

Quick we disappeared into the thick jungle even before the sun could rise for the day. The chill breeze, the thundering waters gushing in the river, the trees dancing to the tunes of the heavy wind indicating the perfect season to do a monsoon trek. We were all set to explore this pristine forests of Kabbinale were the rains don’t end, were the clouds rub your shoulders, were the grasslands befall your trail, were the mighty natural beauty greet the tiny humanity-

After negotiating with the bushes and thorns we made our initial hike crossing the stream, penetrating into the thick woods, soon to be lost in the thick and sloppy ridges of the Kabbinale forests grasslands. It was a pleasure walking on the ridges on-looking the beautiful streams unfold as waterfalls. That astonishingly beautiful and breathe taking sight and the breeze to which I was part of, tickled my senses and made me realise – “if there is something called as beauty, it has to shy away admiring this forest, if there is something called as delight it has to get some glee from this forest, if there is something called as life, it has to know what it really means after traversing through this creation. The grass, the flowers, the leaves, the roots, the droplets, the tiny insects and even the shade of that little lovely flower had life flourishing here”.

The encounter’s I had during my trek inside this pristine forest has given sleepless nights and dreams about the ‘life’ which emanates from this forest. The fresh water direct from the sky, the magically clouds engulfing the entire forests and peaks, the smell of the lemon grass, the mammoth peaks piercing sky, the spanking fresh grasslands – how will I ever mind the little leech sucking my blood when I am lost in the beauty of nature, when my mind is filled with unbound glitter, when I am not able to differentiate the forest and me. It’s a feeling of not being close to nature but being part and parcel with nature. A unique experience and my words fall short to describe it.

A delightful Encounter above the Clouds:

The non-stop hike through the ridges took us to some of the magnificent peaks while the bone chilling breeze ripping us apart it was a sense of absolute ecstasy. The wind-blown peaks and the incessant rains I loved them both for they made me realise how my mind and soul was badly craving for this occasion. The open grasslands, the beautiful mountain humps surrounding me, the milky clouds swallowing the green valley, the supernatural fog emanating from the thick woods of Shola forest, the soothing drizzles making me feel alive, the melody of the birds mesmerising my soul. The honest portion of my heart prayed to shed my body here to fly with the clouds and sing with the birds forever.

A Bone-Chilling Night Deep Inside the Shola Forests:

Never did I realise that it was time to break for the day all I kept doing was referred as ‘trekking’ but to my mind I was in a state of complete ‘ecstasy’, if I was to define a word for that state of mind. The thin sun light which managed to enter into the forest slowly faded giving its way for the thundering clouds and the heavy down pour, soon we realised that camping near in the open grasslands or near the peak will be quite challenging. Quickly we rapped our bags and moved into the dense Shola forests, the thick woods became our tents to guard us from the rain, wind and the thunders. The whole night I was listening to the thunders, the different sounds emanating from the trees, insects and the birds. I loved them all to the extent that I had few leeches sticking to my body; probably they too loved me the way I liked the forest.

All the beauty in this world will admire you, all the freshness in this planet will cherish you, all the life in the universe will respect you, all the mountains in the globe would love you, all the grasslands in the earth will envy you, and all the clouds in this cosmos would long to visit you. You are the soul and source of life’s existence. You are the incredible Kabbinale forest.

Trekking through Donigal green route:

Cutting across the thick jungles of the Western Ghats from Sakleshphur to Kukke is the green route railway track trekking. We were on the best time of the year to trek in this place with the misty clouds engulfing the tracks and the swollen river roaring on the side. Tunnels, tracks, rain, thick forests, river, peaks, breath taking views and greenery my mind was busy allowing all these spectacular views to sink inside me. The most delightful part of this trek was the waterfalls gushing from the mountain and dropping on the track. I am simply awe-struck with the chill bathe in that refreshing water.

My soul was desperately crying to shed its body and become part of this forest – unlucky I am to be back in this lifeless city – Life is calling!!

Happy Trekking,

Durai Murugan

Sirumalai hills – Nature’s green carpet unleashed

Exploration is an enchanting experience, it is a feel of getting connected with the unknown; it is a feeling to consciously explore the unexplored; it gives an excitement of conquering a new territory; it indicates the fear of being caught in the middle of nowhere. At the end when you undergo all these obstacles and come up victorious the feeling is marvellous and cannot be limited with words.

It was a long time desire to explore Sirumalai hills, except for the desire none in the group had any idea about the terrain, vegetation density, water availability, weather conditions and other details about Sirumalai all that we carried with us is the unshakable determination to make a trail and to explore a new territory never forgetting to fall in love with the nature and to quench our adrenaline rush to summit most of the peaks.

Sirumalai is the eastern-most outcrop or spur of the Western Ghats with Dindigul city or Kodai Road pass separating Sirumalai from the Palani hills. Sirumalai has very similar flora and fauna to that of the Palani’s but the climate is pretty much identical to that of Yercaud since the altitudes are similar. Sirumalai range stretches about 45 kms on the Dindigul-Madurai road with its width being about 15 to 25 kms. After careful study of the Google terrain maps, understanding contour lines our trail was plotted along the streams and ridges connecting the valleys and peaks.

Morning with the darling mountains:

As planned we headed along the stream which took us to the dry Kutladampatti waterfalls from where we negotiated the dense bushes and sprawled in between the grasses and climbed the rocks to reach the top of the waterfalls. The 30 mts hike to the top of the waterfalls indicated the tuff day ahead in terms of climbing and the trailless trail we were about to encounter nevertheless, forgetting the testing terrain ahead we sat for a while on top of the waterfalls to enjoy the imposing views of the neighbouring villages and the plateau below.

Our search for water in the dry streams:

Identifying our direction towards the destination we trekked across dry streams, thick forests, bushes, rocky trails just to discover that the streams are completely dry and we had to depend upon the little bit of water we had with us. Luck favoured us and after 3 hours of trek we found water trickling out of the stream to quench our thirst. While few managed to take a dip and cool their body others finished their sumptuous packed lunch at the water point. Just a peep into the GPS we realised that the terrain is getting steep and it’s going to be test to our body and mind – the kind of adventure that we were looking for. Yes, the heavy backpack, the waterless journey, the sweating body, the trembling thighs and the fearless heart are indicators of a wanderlust heart.

Reaching the Sirumalai Estates:

After the tiresome trek spanning through the rocky trails and ridges we reached the Sirumalai estate. The smell of jackfruits, pepper seeds, coffee plantations welcomed us into the peaceful and silent forest. From the estates we were able to see our next target the rocky southern peak and the chill weather, was a much-needed refreshment to our body and mind.

Summiting the Sirumalai Southern peak:

Understanding the rocky 1,350 mts peak that we are about to climb we geared up with the ropes and climbing accessories. The 14-member squad was prepared to climb the rocks, penetrate into the thorny bushes and to beat any obstacles that we may encounter.

We crawled inside the bushes to rub with the shrubs and to get cut in the thorns and finally reached the rocks and it was the final 100 mts more to climb to reach the peak. Most of the rocks were high and we had to depend upon the ropes to climb them. The best rock climbers went up to tie the ropes in the rock holes while the others holding to it climbed the rocks. One after the other we used ropes at 3 places to reach the 1,350 mts southern peak. The failure of the slippery rocks to stop us was apparent on its face; the thorny bushes bowed down witnessing our courage; the vertical climb became cakewalk with the assistance of ropes and clever climbers.

The pain of undergoing all these barriers was downright forgotten sitting on top of the rocky peak and appreciating the Sirumalai green carpet unleashed before us. We were able to enjoy the splendid views of the mighty Palani hills, the rain bearing dark monsoon clouds, the beautiful adjoining peaks a rare and priceless gift for all the nature loving souls.

A trek in the drizzling rains:

After enjoying the fruits and the hospitality shown in one of the estates we started walking along the Ghat roads to reach our campsite a small hill top village on the Sirumalai hills.

The pleasure of walking along the tree swamped Ghat road, the gentle drizzles dropping on us, the chillness in the rainy atmosphere; the happiness of summiting the southern peak all gave us an eternal feeling and sense of far-reaching ecstasy. The night went peaceful re-calling the day filled with fun, adventure and gazing at the starlight sky.

Summiting the Sirumalai Central peak:

The target of the second day was to summit the central peak that has a shrine on top called as vellimalai. Satisfying our morning hunger with the hot idli’s from the village we climbed yet another peak, which offered scenic views to all major peaks in Sirumalai hills.

Walking along the ghat road on a cloudy day we reached the base of the central peak welcomed by chill mountain breeze and energetic weather.

Unlike the difficulty faced in climbing the southern peak the central or Vellimalai peak had a clear trail leading to its top providing wonderful views of the entire Sirumalai valley.

On top of the dark monsoon clouds:

Once we reached the top of the Vellimalai peak the monsoon clouds engulfed us, making us sign and jump to the tunes of Mother Nature. Standing on top of the peak with our arms spread we invited the monsoon clouds and the chilling winds a unique experience as if we are almost standing on top of the world encircled by the misty clouds. The pain on my thighs; the cuts in my skin all flew away with the magical clouds and I became part and parcel of nature. I could not ask for a better feeling to wind up this two days trek.

At the end of the two days ‘Exploration’ my heart confesses:

“We find inner peace on lonely trails,

We find tranquillity in man-less territory,

We relish the melody in chirping of the birds,

We realise mountain water sweeter then the taste of honey,

We climb peaks to feel the breeze and perceive the mood of sun,

We ramble upon the ridges to appreciate its beauty,

We wander in the valley to appease our adrenaline rush,

We come back to concrete jungle with great respect to nature realising how miniscule we are before nature.

While we are busy with our daily chores we take pledge to explore.

One thing which I am very certain, while I trek on the ground I get the feeling of flying above the clouds”.

May be this is called as the feeling of an ‘explorer’

Happy trekking.

Durai Murugan

Top slip – a rendezvous with wildlife

 “The shade of each leaf,

The moisture on each grain of sand;

Every little hill fold that you see;

Gives to the river that flows to the landmasses;

Gives life to all our lands”

- Conserve Nature

A touching phrase found on the roadside wall at Parambikulam reserved forest.

This trip to Top slip, Pollachi was utterly different from serious treks we do since it was formulated to implant the seeds of “conservation” in the minds of participating nature loving souls. This trip gave us few insights about animal behaviour, trekker’s conduct in wild life sensitive areas, inspiring true stories from a wildlife conservationist, observing the beautiful peacock’s dance, watching the spotted deer’s graze, understanding the pug marks of wild animals. It had so many varieties and different flavours that a nature enthusiast would have sought for.

Watching the deer’s graze on a peaceful morning:

A peaceful morning with the mountain birds breaking the silence in the air, the chill breeze kissing the early raisers, trees dancing to the tunes of the wind, the Anamalai peaks covered with thick fog and the sky becoming chilli reddish. We saw that spectacular herd of spotted deer’s along with their kith and kin grazing the grasses. A very rare sight for a city dweller like me, I enjoyed clicking pictures and watching them graze for almost 30 minutes before some noise came inside the bushes, which chased the deer’s into the woods.

The protector of deer’s:

This black little ancestor of human beings is considered as the protector of deer’s from predators. Nilgiri langur sitting on the top of trees alerts deer’s that unmindfully stands below grazing, unaware of the predators. It emits a unique sound and alerts the deer’s about the presence of strangers and predators in the vicinity. See the below photo carefully and check how the Nilgri Langur alerted the Sambar deer. 

The Great Kannimara Teak:

The great Kannimara teak tree honoured by the central government with ‘Mahavrisksha Ouraskar” award and around 450 years old stands tall in the Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary. Certainly the largest, tallest and most revered teak tree I have seen or heard so far. Hugging its trunk I realised how insignificant is mankind in front of nature, quite a unique feeling.

I had goose bumps watching the Peacocks dance:

It was 2^nd day early morning we entered the Parambikulam reserved forest in the forest department’s vehicle. We were the early ones into the forest welcomed by herds and herds of deer’s on both the side of the road. Unable to believe my eyes and digest the happiness what I saw was absolute exquisiteness. Yes, I saw with my jaw opened the beautiful national bird opening its wings and dancing. It was a glee watching them dance to the tunes of nature. Wish I had all the time in this world to watch this magnificence unfolding before me.

Jumbo quenching its thirst:

Unable to come out of the beautiful sight of the peacock’s dancing we proceeded ahead just to watch a lonely elephant entering into the water, quenching its thirst and disappearing into the woods. With the bamboo trees at the background, huge mass of water body in the front, the jumbo seen drinking water was elegance personified.

Wild boars – the cleaner of forest:

Wild boars seen in great numbers act as a cleaner of the forest. I remember one incident that Mr. Anand recollected from his experience about how 10 wild boars cleaned the remains of a dead elephant within a week. Indeed, the forest and the other wild life should be indebted to wild boars for their assistance in keeping the forest clean.

Mr. Parambikulam of the wildlife Sanctuary:

The Indian Gaur or popularly called as Indian Bison seems to be one the most regular member of the Sanctuary gymnasium. With muscles projecting from every possible part of its body Mr. Bison is a pure vegetarian.

Since it is the human being who wants to venture inside wildlife territory and wish to watch them and take pictures. Whomsoever it may be, keep in mind we are basically trespassing into their territory and it is our duty to follow certain basic Do’s and Don’ts.

Do’s and Don’ts when you venture inside a wildlife territory:

1. Wear only green or brown coloured dress and avoid wearing any flashy colours. Elephants are colour blind and they may approach towards white colours.
2. Wear full-length dry-fit trousers and t-shirts as the same could minimise the effect of insect and reptiles.
3. Avoid using perfume or body or pain killer sprays since, they spread fast in the air and reaches the wildlife before you can spot them.
4. When you are in a wild life territories never leave the group and venture alone. Always obey the instructions of the guide.
5. Avoid shouting or screaming if you spot an animal and you can take as many photos one wants maintaining silence.
6. It is advisable to keep your eyes and ears alert and look out for animal movements while you venture inside animal territory.
7. Don’t litter or throw plastic anywhere, it may have serious consequence on the life of wildlife eating plastics.

For the love of Nature,

Durai Murugan 

A wanderlust trek to Top Station and how we encountered the Kolukkumalai trail

A trek to ‘Top Station’ has always been on my to-do list and it took a lot of planning for us to complete it successfully. A well-laid Ghat trail from Kurangani  to Top Station was quite apparent on google maps indicating that the help of GPS would be very minimal since, there would be a clear trail unless we choose to take a different trail and make an attempt to explore the virgin peaks and grasslands.

The hike to Top Station is a moderate 4 hour-long one. It starts at an altitude of 400 mts and reaches an altitude of 1950 mts traversing beautiful waterfalls, middle station, a nice, calm and serene village in the Kurangani hills, majestic shola forests, sky-piercing peaks, colourful birds and one can also have the rare delight of a rendez-vous  with few locals who regularly use this trail.

The agenda for this two days' trek was not concrete since we planned only for a stay in Top Station, somewhere near the tea estate and in the morning after visiting few places, a hike back to Kurangani.  But the entire agenda under went a sea change when we saw a ‘zig-zag trail’ that lead to kolukkumalai.

Early morning visit to Kurangini village:

On reaching the Kurangani village at around 5.30 a.m, we were welcomed by the chill breeze that rushed through our nostrils and engulfed by misty clouds. Kurangani is a very serene and peaceful hamlet concealed by mountains, beautiful trees and river waters filled with the harmony of signing birds.

Our trek started along the Ghat trail leading to Top Station. As we started hiking along the trail we had a glimpse of the beautiful peaks that were intruding into the sky while the misty clouds rubbed the peaks gently. The friction between the white clouds and the brown peaks made us feel that we were on a foreign land that barely had  any throughfare for men. It was a mind-boggling view for city dwellers like me and was a brilliant start.

A dip in the ice-cold waterfalls:

The trail leading to Top Station hosts a beautiful waterfall, which brings in chill waters from the valley above. The waters were freezing cold and the dip in the pool in front of the waterfall is nothing but a ‘scintillating experience’. If you follow the stream to the top of this waterfall, there rests another beautiful waterfall that drops from a greater height, with much more beauty. Kurangani waterfall is a rejuvenating dose for any trekker who takes this trail to reach Top Station.

How we encountered the Kolukkumalai trail:

After dipping in the pool we started our hike on the Ghat trail and to our surprise we witnessed a beautiful ‘zig-zag’ trail to the opposite side of the mountain. The trail, covered with the misty clouds and green grasslands was appealing and my heart just could not stop from falling in love with it, which was one of the most beautiful trail I had ever seen. We enquired with the locals and found that the trail led to Kolukkumalai another gorgeous place. It was then that we decided to take that ‘zig-zag’ trail to reach Kurangani village again.

Middle station a beautiful hamlet on the Kurangani hills

On the trail leading to Top Station there lies a very silent hamlet called ‘middle station’ at 1, 300 mts altitude over looking the beautiful valley and just below few magical peaks. Standing on the cliff of middle station one can witness the brilliant panoramic views of the valley, Kurangani village below and Top Station above us.

Hiking the neighbouring peak:

Our adrenaline rush never stopped with walking along the trail and we wanted to climb some peaks to quench it. It was decided that we would climb the tallest peak, which we would spot. We started our climb on a trailless path to reach the top of the peak. It was an adventurous trek along the misty clouds and grasslands. It took us a solid 2 hours of non-stop climb to reach the peak. The peak was a completely wind blown area with the clouds rubbing our skin and making us feel the freezing chillness. Nevertheless, it was a pleasure to be on top of a nameless peak completely surrounded by misty clouds.

Reaching Top Station to appease our hunger:

We reached Top Station which is considered as a historic transhipment location for tea , delivered here from Munnar and Madupatty by rail and from here it was taken down by ropeway to Kottagudi. Top station is also very popular for the rare Neelakurinji flowers, which blooms once in 12 years. At present Top station hosts tourists who throng this hill lock for the panoramic views of the valley below and to enjoy the misty weather. Top station is also the exit or entry point for the famous ‘escape road’ trek.

Camping near the Tata tea estate bungalow, Munnar:

With the plan of trekking down to Kurangani firming up we decided to camp near the Tata tea estate bungalow. The night temperature dipped as low as 4 degrees making us feel the pain of cold throughout the night and the need for warmth of heat to complete this endless night. On top of the severe chillness what was more adventurous was the visit of the Indian Gaur’s in herds near our campsite. We could easily spot around 20+ Gaurs very close to our campsite and we very lucky not to be bothered by them at any point of time. Indeed, one the most adventurous nights of my trekking life.

Early Morning trek along the dam and finding a transport to reach Kolukkumalai:

I woke up at around 5.30 a.m with my fingers, arms and legs almost numb because of the severe cold and with the laziness that lingers around every morning, we somehow managed to start our trek at 6.30 a.m along a beautiful dam which was emitting out white magical mist. It was a lifetime delight to watch that spectacular early morning scene and I should confess that I was  simply blessed to witness its unfolds. My love for nature keeps growing and my admiration goes beyond my level of thinking solely because of my encounters with wonders like this.

After finding a jeep, which promised us to leave at Munnar, we had shivering moments sitting on the open jeep that had no seats. From Munnar we took a jeep to reach Kolukkumalai tea estate. The ghat road leading from Suryanalli to Kolukkumalai is certainly one of those most difficult and bumpy roads I have ever travelled.

Trekking back from Kolukkumalai estate to reach Kurangani:

Now we all were very excited about trekking on that ‘zig-zag trail’ leading to Kurangani. The entire area was completely covered with mist and the visibility  was very poor. The tea estate workers guided us towards a narrow trail and instructed us to follow it. The trail was completely over grown by dense bushes and grass however, we somehow managed to navigate throw those bushes and reached that dream ‘zig-zag trail’. The joy of reaching that place made us spell bound and I could see only happiness and smiling faces all around the group. After a 2 hour non-stop trek we finally reached Kurangani and soon disappeared to Bodi to catch our bus leaving to Chennai. Overall, a nice two day exploration as our heart went to few less-travelled locations something that is close only to a trekker’s heart.

An amateur poetry before I begin my next trek:

I love walking on that lonely trail but the pleasure on the trailless trail excites me;

I love those gentle drizzles but the joy of walking on a heavy down pour mesmerizes me;

I love standing on the cliff, camping on the banks of a beautiful lake, staring at the beautiful moon;

I love the melody of birds; I love the chill mountain breeze;

These are the pleasures which are close to my heart and very close to my heart…

Happy trekking,

Durai Murugan