What was expected as a sweaty, hard trek through the southern end of the Western Ghats ended up as a walk in the park with a few friends and loads of lighter moments.
Nothing was hard about it, except the sweaty part. February
in Kerala isn’t even technically summer but as is norm for the last tens of
years, the temperature at some parts of it ( Palghat registered a record 40 C
on 28th Feb) is already very high.
Near Neyyar dam (Trivandrum District) there are facilities
made available by the forest department for nature lovers, for a day’s trek and
stay. We chose the least popular and less frequented one by travelers, because
of the remote location and the availability of very minimal amenities.
The travel starts with a boat journey of 40 minutes to reach the catchment area where the stay and trek was arranged. The boat trip is engaging and the route is scenic barring the first few minutes.
En route one can see the Agasthaya mountain peaks to one
side. The peaks are hidden at times as the clouds moves across but view or not,
you will surely enjoy the breezy and lively boat ride.
Once at the drop point, jump on to the forest land with your
baggage ( hope you are carrying loads of drinking water) and walk on towards
the camping site.
The beautiful camp had everything to wish for on a getaway.
Lots of shades, part of reservoir just enough deep for a swim (though there are
areas to avoid and you will be warned against) nice camp fire area, two make
shift sheds used for a kitchen and another for toilet.
scenes from the boat ride
We had also set up fire outside for cooking, so we could
finish all the preparations in less time. Coming back from a trek, everyone
will be hungry, so having food ready will help.
We
only did 2 short treks of one hour each, one before noon and the other in the
evening. It was told that the trek paths were not safe that day as there were
elephant sightings near the camp area the previous day.
Utharam kayam camp site is one where the forest guards wont
take chances with luck if given a chance. The place is has no electricity or
phone connections. They also don’t use wireless to communicate, so once there,
the group will need to stick together. The only way to reach back is to wait
for the boatman to return (with the boat) the next day so you can run off the
island. The boatman is given a time of pick up for next day when he leaves the
drop site.
After the short trek take a dip in the shallow waters, eat, take a nap, another short trek and a dip at the new spot and walk back. Rest and chat enough till dinner, then wait till you feel sleepy.
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| The landing point |
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| the evening trek leads to the creek |
The night was not cold as expected ( blame it on the
changing weather ) but was hot and sweaty, no winds. If possible avoid the
nature treks anywhere in Kerala during Feb to June, as is experienced in the
last many many years. It’s getting unbearably hotter, for the animals too and
they move from the deep to the fringes causing undesired conflicts.
Sun comes up..
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| A morning dip to start the return journey On the way back..
Sambhar and fawn..!
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With Sunil, Sree, Suby, Detty.
