Feb 13, 2007 05:47 PM
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Second part;Its first part is:https://mouthshut.com/review/Wayanad-119085-1.htmlKuruva IslandNext day morning, we checked out from the lodge by around 7O’clock and started our journey towards Kuruva Island after breakfast. The journey was through a road surrounded by various trees and huge hills. From Kalpetta, we took the route towards Mananthavady and from there the route towards Mysore and from the Mysore road, a deviation towards right and driving for 5 km. That road was completely surrounded by bamboo shoots and we saw few tribal people on the way. The Kuruva Island is 17 km east of Mananthavady.
We reached Kuruva Island by around 9 O’clock and we ordered our lunch there before going inside the Island. It was a thrilling experience to cross the Kabini River which is not so deep, but contains slippery rock here and there. We were managed to cross the river by foot and we reached the starting point of the Island. From there we took the entrance tickets, and along with a guide we started walking through the island. It is 950 acres of ever green forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabini. It is uninhabited and is far away from the disturbance of city life.
Rare species of birds, orchids, herbs, deer, snake and wild pigs are the sovereigns of this supernal kingdom. It consists of 7 small islands with Kabini flowing as several streams with luxuriant vegetation. There are naturally formed tree bridges to cross the river during heavy water flow and hanging roots of trees which connects two islands. We can also see roots surrounding the tree which resembles a huge snake on the tree. The bamboo shoots on some part of the lakes are amazing. We reached back the parking area by 1.30 and had our lunch there.ThirunellyThirunelly is situated 29kms north east of Mananthavady and 27kms from Kuruva Island under the Brahmagiri hills in the reserve forests. Surrounded by Kambamala, KArimala, and Varadiga, the Thirunelly temple is a marvel of temple architecture.
We have a panoramic view of huge mountains like Udayagiri on the back side of the temple. The crystal clear chill water of the Papanashini River running downhill adds to the enchantment of the place. It is believed that a bath in the holy river of Papanashini will wipe of all the sins. The main deity in the temple is Lord Vishnu and it is believed that this temple is “South Kasi”. Pakshipathalam, an interesting trekking centre for bird lovers, is just 7kms away from the temple. The Tolpetty wild life sanctuary which has excellent moist deciduous forests is just 6kms away from here.Rajiv Gandhi National ParkWe left from Thirunelly by around 5 O’clock and started the return journey. Karnataka border was not far from there and we entered Rajiv Gandhi National Park in Karnataka.
There starts the worst road I have ever seen in my life, but that desperation vanished soon upon seeing wild pigs on the road. Then all of us were on high alert looking both sides of the road and saw deer herd consisting of buck, hind and prickets on both sides of the road many times. Also we were lucky enough to see peacocks and peahens on the way. Then after traveling around 40kms, we came out of the jungle and the roads are back to normal. The bird’s eye view of the Kabini Dam on the way was fantastic.
Then we reached Mysore and saw the famous Mysore Palace, bright with bulbs from the road. After dinner in Mysore we came through the Bangalore-Mysore 4-lane highway and reached Bangalore by 11.30 PM.Some useful information:Distance from Bangallore: Around 300 kms Best time to go: June till JanuaryIn all spots the entrance fee is very nominal: (Rs 10 or US$ 0.2 for entrance as well as for still camera).
Guide charge in Kuruva Island is Rs 50 (US$ 1). Cost of food in Edackkal caves and Kuruva Island is negligible (For a good lunch the cost is around Rs 20 (US$ 0.5).Where to stay: We stayed in Hotel Kamelia, Pinangode road, Kalpetta Ph: 04936 207448Break fast from Hotel Affas (Vegetarian) near Kamelia on the left side of Kozhikode road.Other places to see: Soochippara waterfalls Muthanga wild life sanctuary, Mananthavady Pazhassi tomb, and Chembara peak (highest peak in Wayanad district).We will get good herbal/health/natural products from all the tourist spots.Expense for the trip: For us, it came to Rs 1400 per head (US$ 32) including travel, food, accommodation and entrance fees.
