trip to wayanad!!

Friday evening 10 pm. There was eagerness and ecstasy and enthusiasm exhibited on everyone’s face. We were planning for a team outing to Wayanad in Kerala. It’s me organizing the show again. It’s the third time I am doing such a stuff since my college days. Wayanad is located 280 kms to the southwest of Bangalore. The activities for both the days were roughly outlined after discussion with a few members in the team. Some team activities were also planned to add fun.

The journey begins and the coach was filled with jubilance. There was a huge demand for the Super Star’s recent mega hit Chandramukhi. That was screened and thanks to the subtitles (in English) as there were hardly few who could understand Tamil.

The next day begins after the folks got refreshed and had their breakfast. We headed towards Kuruva Dweep, a picturesque island located 35 kms from our hotel. We had a professional guide accompanying us. The activity he had planned for us was just to walk across the river and get on to the island, no boats.

Walking across the river, forming a human chain.

Photo Courtesy: Pranav Patel

The folks are getting ready. A few already came ready wearing just half pants and a few folded their full pants there. The suggested dress code was half pants and slippers to have a comfortable walk across the river. We got down into the water and started walking. We were expected to form a human chain and cross the river to minimize the effect of river currents on us. It was also helpful in the way that we were unaware of the surfaces below and neighbours could always come in rescue for us in case we stepped upon some stones or tree branches underwater.

It was exciting and soon we became familiar. We soon reached the main island. We had quite a few games organized and we played that for around an hour. The games were quite common, nothing from the sky; but still it was very exciting and interesting – kept the hour very lively. It was almost noon by the time we finished them and so we started back.

We, together!!

Photo Courtesy: Guide who accompanied us

Way back was even more fun. We had little more than hip deep water. We started playing with a soft ball that we had carried. Time keeps flying and the food was getting cold. We continued back to the main island and we almost took a different route going back. We had requested the hotel to cater our lunch in the island. Any food would be great when we are completely exhausted and that was the case there.

It started drizzling and we were rushing up. We went back to the hotel and it was evening. Got freshened; munched some snacks and were out for some indoor games. Sun had set long time back, we thought of having a bon fire. Again we had some music, dance, games and of course there’s always fun when it’s in a group. Dinner and done for the day.

We missed out to visit a wonderful lake, Pookut Lake, the previous day as we learnt that it was raining there during the time we planned to visit. And we had planned Soochipara falls for the day. So, we were in a dilemma, whether to miss what we have missed or make up the losses. India, being democratic, elections and votes everywhere. The results seem to indicate “falls” unanimously. We reached a place from where we have hire jeeps and thereon proceed towards the falls, as the road is not motorable for luxury buses. It was another 28 kms and took nearly 45 minutes to reach a place near the falls. The route, which takes to the falls, is very scenic. Lush green indeed.

Enroute falls...

Photo Courtesy: Savita Nair

The falls is another kilometer walk from the place where we were dropped off the jeep. The terrain was very hilly. After so much of pain, we reached the spot finally. wow! what a falls!! The summer has played havoc on the falls :-(. Still, there were not many left who decided not to bathe in the falls. Soon, people got ready for the shower under the falls.

Soochipara falls

Photo Courtesy: Savita Nair

Way back to the assembling point was a kilometer walk uphill and everyone was tired after bathing and walking uphill. Everyone invariably had limejuice and proceeded to board the jeep.

Returned back to the hotel. Had a late lunch and started back to Bangalore.

We still wanted some more fun. We had planned for some more games and activities to happen during travel. We had them too. The drive touched upon Bandipur reserve forest and some mild wildlife were to be seen from the bus.

Once everyone was almost exhausted, we saw Anniyan, another blockbuster that hit the screens competing Chandramukhi.

Thanks to Green Gates Hotel, Kalapetta (Wayanad) and SRS Travels, Bangalore for making the trip more pleasurable.

It was simply F⋅U⋅N⋅.