Oct 26, 2004 09:06 PM
7144 Views
(Updated Oct 26, 2004 09:06 PM)
If you consider yourself a nature enthusiast or even an adventurer or just that typical NIPPON traveller hooked with cameras, then Kariyar is the place you must head to this divali.
The beauty of Kariyar Eco-Reserve (although it's not officially an eco-reserve,it definetly deserves that) is that it is not know to the outside world,not even among the residents of Tirunelveli,the nearest city of approach. Yes,Kariyar is about 50-55 kms from Tirunelveli,the nearest Railhead and city.
Tirunelveli is very easily accessible from anywhere in Tamil-Nadu,and is also connected to Other Indian cities like Mumbai,Chennai,Delhi,Bangalore and many more by train.
Once you reach Tirunelveli,you have two options:
1>The best option would be to hire a private cab.Because Access to Kariyar is difficult and one has to make through cratered roads through resplendid Western Ghats.
2>Another not so good option is to take State transport Buses.However,one needs to change buses twice en-route and then trek about 10 kms to the place.So,unless you are not a Healthy Adventurous Tamilian(yes because tamil is the only thing understood here!),Please Stick to Option 1
OK,having helped you with the accessibilty options,let me tell exactly what Kariyar is! Kariyar is basically the site for a small check-dam cum power station under Periyar-Vaigai River Project.It is located on the fringes of the mesmerising Western ghats,typically the Malabar Ghats.A person would definetly spell-bound by the natural beauty of the Eco-Zone,one can smell deodar and do not get surprised by large number of Wild Teaks and exotic orchids.After 10 kms of Winding journey from the Tirunelveli-Sengottai Road,one finally arrives at Kariyar.
The Beautiful Kariyar Lake is formed due to the dam and the water flowing from what is coloqually called ''Kariyar Falls''.The Falls will not be visible from the Lake and one has to take a boat to reach The ''Falls-Bank''.It is a pretty long journey from dam bank to the falls bank by motor boat(about 15 min) and be prepared to make Inter-boat transfers in the midst of a lake(that's just what happened to me) because the locals have very few boats which are badly maintained.
The Journey through the lake is the second most important feature of my review.I'm sorry but i'm very poor at expressing my innr most feelings but in a word it's simply ''Too good to believe''.
Now,after 15 minutes of treat to your eyes,you arrive at falls bank.From here,You need to hone your trekking skills.Because this is an unexplored paradise,there are no facilities for tourists here. You need to do some simple trekking upwards ,making your way through rocks and sludge.For those who worry about this part,be assured that it's kidstuff!After 6-7 minutes of trekking through safe forest,you finally hear the gushes of a big fall blended with milky white water drops.
The falls are too strong for anybody to venture in,even during summer!!!The base offers unbelievingly plain rocks that we used for our lunch when we picniced here!
Right from the Detour you take from the main road,It's simply God's Play! How else would you describe that you need to wade through forests,then through a lake,then trekking before you finally make it to your destination.It's like God Tresuring his gems from the hands of demonish civilised humans!!!!
