Day 3: Biking round trip to Pollachi - Valparai – Atirapally – Ooty – Bandipura – BR Hills – Bengaluru

Bengaluru – Kollegala – Satyamangala – Bannari – Pollachi  - Day 1

Pollachi – Aliyar Dam – Valparai – Sholyar Dam –  Kerala Border – Day 2

Ooty – Madumalai – Bandipura – BRHills – Kollegala – Bengaluru - Day 4

Day -3 Journey

27.01.2018

The morning was very pleasant; mist was covered the valley, chilled weather made us to stay back little more time. We wanted to leave early and check the luck to see the wildlife. Forest range is just 5 KMs away from our stay. We come to know that, forest check-post keep open between 6 am to 6 pm.

Intentionally delayed to get sky bright, finished morning hot tea nearby hotel and continued our journey towards Athirapally falls. 

After couple of miles, we stopped by forest official at check-post. Finished the formalities of entry; they give us a pass which mentioned the entry time and exit timelines of two hours.

Our journey continued in the dense forest. The roads are lonely except bird whisper; every 10 meters elephant dung across the journey; beautiful valley glance view in between; there was countless photography all the way. 

Believe me, you won’t get any civilization evidence almost 30+ KMs. It is heaven for nature and wildlife lovers.

We reached the Thottapura view point of Sholayar reservoir. Again, we disappointed for not sighting any wild animals, it’s all depends on luck. Spending some good time, we realized, running short of time to cross the forest trail within stipulated two hours’ time bond.

Not stopping anywhere, reached the check-post. The trail gives you thrilling adventurous journey. Handed over the entry pass to forest officials, the journey is continued towards Athirapally Falls.

Reached the entrance gate around 9.30 am. The place was more crowded; ticket counter kept very far from the entrance, paid Rs.30/- entry fees. Had light breakfast near the gate before venturing the waterfalls.

Since long weekend, the place was more crowded. Water level in the falls is less, however it will not disappoint you to get a glorious glance of the falls. Spent sometimes and continued our journey towards Palakkad.

We were on-time as per our schedule; reached soon Chalakudy. Filled the petrol our bikes; stopped couple of minutes to discuss about further journey. Unanimously decided to take a deviation towards Ooty and stay for the third day.

Soon we hit the busy National Highway of Trivendrum – Salem. Traffic was too much; humidity was increasing gradually; stomach was hungry. We skipped morning breakfast and decided to give a stop near Palakkad. We saw A2B sign board about 3 KMs; decided to give a stop. We filled the delicious lunch.

The journey become boring to ride on the National Highway. Again, wanted to take a break, near Coimbatore toll, stopped for sometimes.

Now the Ooty accommodation planning was running in mind. Sudhakar suggested to call YHAI Hostel and enquire about the stay. We had been at Hostel during our Ooty Bike trip. Googled the number, called the person. We were so lucky; accommodation is booked in Hostel.

Taking multiple short breaks, reached the Mettupalyam. The town was more crowded. The Nilgiri hills are visible from the town. Just continued our journey. I think traffic Jam is universal problem, just struck in very bad location. 

Railway crossing, road work, narrow road made huge traffic. It was miles together. Two-wheeler little lucky to make a space and escape from it. By great difficulty, managed to exit from the traffic.

Journey was not so easy after escaping from the Mettupalyam, the Ooty ghat road is more crowded. Adventurous curve road journey was challenging one in the dark. The atmosphere become more chilled. Skilled rider managed to reach Ooty by 7.15 pm.

YHAI staff welcomed us with smile, the guy was same whom I spoke over phone. Finished the check-in formalities and dumped our luggage. Lucky time was with us; entire hostel was empty.

The chilled weather not allowed us to get refresh by cold water; stomach was hungry; casual walk went around Ooty town in search of dinner. Guys did shopping of chocolate and cloths. Finished the dinner and back to Hostel. We were not in mood to sleep early, again played the Card, adieu for the day around 11 pm.

Highlights Day – 3

Rode around 325 KMs

Places Covered: Tea Estates, Vazhachal Wildlife Sanctuary, Thottapura View Point, Sholyar backwater, Athirapally Falls