Tuesday 13 September 2011

Unexplored Ooty- Upper Bhavani - Parson Valley - Emerald - Avalanche - Porthimund

When we started from Chennai on September 3rd, I had the map with me and was thinking about how to make it to those eight lakes covering the Highest to the Lowest catchment in The Nilgiris. Those eight lakes are Upper Bhavani, Western Catchment 1-2-3, Portimund, Avalanche, Emerald and Parson Valley.

Journey from Chennai to Coimbatore was rather comfortable by Duoronto Express and had spent the time tasting some mouth watering non - veggie fries. Mr.Kumar (our driver) was present at the Coimbatore Rly station with his usual smile and was expecting another contemporary bunch of tourists heading for Ooty. However, I exchanged his smile with a witty wink, which was,'Jack, you have a hard road to hit'.

My wife had a slightly thought of me that this guy wouldn't go to a place called Ooty without any unfathomed place to jeer. Nevertheless, she would have to admit the fact in spite of her dislikes. We decided to head for Ooty without much of the options considered. We retired at Hotel Alkapuri after stuffing ourselves with amazingly soft Kulcha's and steaming Dal Fries. It was too freezing outside and the rain was making no man's business.

4th morning was cloudy and when I checked with the Hotel manager, I didn't get a fruitful response about those lakes. He clearly told me that I had to get permissions from the Forest Dept to make it through. I prayed and prayed and finally hit the road. Ooty to Upper Bhavani was 60 km and after a couple of twists and turns we reached the upper hills and there we were surrounded by the dense woods and mists.

                                                    ( Tea garden on the way to Upper Bhavani )

                                                   ( Way to Upper Bhavani )

Suddenly the road became rough and too dark to drive. I was trying to keep both Tuku (my wife) and Kumar ( driver ) hope alive and was boosting confidence. I, myself wasn't too sure about our destination as the weather was changing colors to dark pale in every 10 minutes. We crossed a few wild streams which we presumed as waterfalls. It was almost 11 am and too dense and misty to move ahead. We kept our nerves up and just moved along the visuals ahead. We crossed a few local lads and they were nor too convincing about the place, Upper Bhavani. We were the soul riders on that stretch.


                                                  ( wild stream what we presumed as waterfalls ) 
                                                  ( Wild streams everywhere )
                                           ( Unnamed water sources formed due to seasonal rain )

                                  ( Way to Upper Bhavani, where the mist started to dense )

                                       ( Anytime a 'Urban Legend' in hoods may appear on the horizon )


                          ( For a moment we thought that someone was hung on the logs )

After a few hours of desperate turns and snaps, we finally reached the Upper Bhavani Dam. We were absolutely spellbound and Kumar was uttering the same word 'Nallah' (means amazing in Tamil). We could clearly see that the mist was relieving droplets in the lake and flying up. The place was simply amazing. I wonder and still wonder why people spend so much time and money to visit abroad. It's here mates, just need to open your eyes. I recalled, when I was jotting down the details about this places, my neighbor once said,'Sumit, don't miss The Western Catchments, Porthimund and Upper Bhavani'. I thanked him once and again. For a few moments, I was speechless. Tuku just smiled at me, I knew her gestures, I could bet my bottom dollar, she was happy like anything.

                                     ( Upper Bhavani - Western Bank )


                                 ( Upper Bhavani - Eastern Bank )


                                                                ( Upper Bhavani Lake and Dam )

For a moment the world turned into water, mists and greens. Wherever or whatever we see were all shadowed by the misty curtains. We met a few TNEB folks there and they were even surprised to see tourists in that misty hoods. We exchanged a few 'hellos and thanks' which in return got my camera to wake up. As this is a highly restricted area and photography is a punishable act. With due respect to TNEB and Govt. of Tamilnadu, I was forced by my inner core to break the act and clicked a few shots (above). However the TNEB gentlemen promised us a stay at the TNEB inspection bungalow on our next visit. Unwillingly,we had to glimpse a last look at the Upper Bhavani catchment and drove down the same road back to Ooty. The road already travelled is less travelled. Isn't it? we were not exceptions and with a few hourly counts, we were back in the heaps of Ooty.

5th Morning was a mixed bag of 3rd and 4th, Sun was playing hide and seek, without much preserves we hit the road for Avalanche and Emerald. I was pretty sure that the road was the same for both. Kumar had a glimpse of our vibes,yesterday and he was stopping his 'white horse Tavera' wherever there was a chance of a sight. The distance between Ooty to Avalanche was around 20 kms and road was tarred well. Without much hassles we made it to Avalanche. We were surprised to see that only one narrow bridge connects these two lakes, Avalnnche and Emerald. However we stopped and stepped into the banks of Avalanche, It was stunning. The clear crystal water of Avalanche was visible till the far and Tuku was lost completely. She couldn't stop smiling. I was patting myself with a merry face,'Man you gave your best to your most beloved'.


                                   ( Avalanche - from the Western Bank )

                                                      ( Avalanche - from the Bridge End )


                                                    ( Avalanche from the Eastern Bank )

                                      ( Me and Tuku with the Bridge behind )


We crossed the bridge and went the other side to see Emerald.


                                            ( Emerald from the bridge )


                                              ( Emerald with the misty mountain backdrop )

                                           ( Emerald from Porthy Village Road )


                                           
                                    ( Emerald on and from the top of the world )

As we planned earlier, later on 5th we proceeded towards Mudumalai and Waynad and further to Kochi. We spent each day at Mudumalai and Waynad and when we observed the much anticipated flock of tourists in Kerala for Onam, We decided to come back to Ooty and rescheduled the entire plan. Tuku was not happy at all and was giving me a soulful sight of less unlighted soul. She had plans to act as my guide for Kochi and Munnar what she had planned for years. I had never been to those places before. With a swamp of sacrifice for much awaited 'guided tour','Uru's at Beypore' and 'Jimikis' we reached Ooty on 8th. She winked a smile in between for Soochipara Waterfalls. That was not enough though. Rest, she had her justification in her kitty which holds enough to push me to the Guillotine.


                                                     ( Soochipara Waterfalls )

                                             ( Me, at Soochipara Waterfalls )

After reaching Ooty on 8th, We found our old room at Hotel Alakapuri and Tuku was silent still. I was bit happy though and somewhere at the core my unfinished trip to Porthimund and Parsons Valley was playing a symphony. Well, I didn't disclose it to the audience.

9th morning was a cloudy again and with a few drops of heavenly drops. Kumar was asking about the day's program and without any other options concerned, I uttered Porthimud and Parson's valley. Tuku gave me a doubtful look as if, ' what do you want to deal with?' . I replied with a look,'Need the same trust, you have been there for me for years'. Kumar repeatedly was asking about the roads and the routes and I said,'same as Avalanche'. After a an hour and odd minutes drive we reached the Forest Checkpost at the Parson's Valley - Porthimund point. The forest official pounced in and showed the door immediately after hearing we didn't have permissions to visit those two lakes. Kumar was not too convincing too. This is where I had to step in and have been doing for years, 'negotiation'. Tuku had fired all her guns in between, and i dodged her bullets left and right. The forest official (as requested, keeping his name undisclosed) was firm on his grounds and i had my hand closed, with all my skills and experience. Finally, I played my triumph asking him to join us and be our protector. After a few minutes spent, he agreed and I thanked Sai Baba once again. When guard becomes the guide what else you could expect. He hopped in the front seat and Kumar pulled the throttle. The first statement from the Forest guy took the 'morning thing' out of us,'Please at any cost do not get down or stop the vehicle, as this place has a growing population of 36 tigers'. Kumar rolled his window up and Tuku gave me a witty look,'Hey man, gotcha sweat in?'. I looked forward to spot one. The forest guard was describing the places inside the core area and sharing his experiences. We spotted a few Sambhar, Barking Deer, A herd of wild buffaloes, and a couple of Nilgiri Black Monkey (Langoors). The road was horrible, rather 'no road' is a better word. Kumar was trying his best to settle us with utter comfort. At many places the forest guard and his mates ( he asked 2 more of the guards to join us ) were clearing the road as it was blocked by trees,branches. Twice the Tavera needed a bump and the guards did. En route we spotted a few Tiger Pug marks and the remainders of a wild buffalo and per the guards, it was fresh and hunted not more than 6 hours ago ( I am not posting that picture as it might be disturbing for a few ). I could see Kumar sweating as he never been to these places before and never had this kind of experience. After a couple of hours of sweaty and bumpy rides, we reached the Porthimund Valley. The catchment was as amazing as the others. And I bet, it would be tough to chose the best. Each catchment has it's unique surroundings and wilderness which would be unwise and derogatory to map their unfathomable beauty.I was pretty much sure that whoever has visited these lakes will nod to me. We had to park the vehicle and walk half a mile to reach the bank of the Porthimund catchment,and for the first time Mr.Kumar joined us as he was so scared to stay alone in the cab. We all were simply lost in the herbs and herds. I wouldn't prefer to describe a much, rather be there, see there. that's it. I heard, someone said to me,'Thank you'. I knew who she was. It was getting dark and we drove to the Parson's Valley catchment. Once we reached the Eastern Banks of the Parson's valley catchment, Our Forest Guard whispered,'Tiger on the other bank'. It was spine chilling. I am describing mine. The catchment was about 500-600 feet wide and on the other bank, I was convinced with an animal which had some yellow marks on his skin. The first bet goes for the tiger. However it was mist and distance which had the hindrance, I am still confused whether it was a tiger. My '1000m ranged Bushnell' confimred it was a cub not a full grown tiger, still I failed to capture any photograph as my standard Nikon zoom refused to reach that far. I may have had a chance to picture him and I lost.

( A wild Sambhar was spotted en route )



( Porthimud Catchment )


( Porthimund Lake and small isles )

( An unfathomed deep , Porthimund )

( The Forest Guy with me )

( A herd of curious wild Buffalos )

( The leader was more curious )

( The Parson Valley Lake from the Eastern Bank, We spotted the Tiger Cub on the other Bank )

( The Nilgiri Black Langoor )
( Pug Mark of a Tiger )

61 comments:

  1. Hi great places these...
    By any chance, can you tell me how and where you got permissions to visit these places?
    I would be in Ooty & Coonoor next month, and I am staying in one of the estates in Coonoor. Would love to visit these places in Ooty as well if I am lucky to get permissions.
    I would appreciate any help.
    Thanks,
    Deepak

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Deepak,

    usually you don't need permission to visit Emerald,Avalance and Upper Bhavani. Unless if you want to stay in those places.For Porthimund and Parson's Valley, I got a local forest guy who took us to those places for 1000 bucks. So obviously no permission needed. Western Catchment is much less accessible and definitely requires permission. Try you luck at the Forest Dept: office in Ooty.

    ReplyDelete
  3. very informative blog about Ooty. It is one of the famous hill stations in India to plan your trip. Ooty will not disappoint party lovers, adventure freaks & nature lovers.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Amazing information and very helpful tips. Monsoon is the right season to get perfect view of Ooty.
    Hill Resort Ooty

    ReplyDelete
  5. Awesome!!!Very interesting post... Beautiful pictures...Thanks! your blog is one of my must-visit place when I plan trips.This post is very useful for those who wish to explore ooty tourist spots.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great post....

    Alas, you could have avoided the ugly episode of bribing the govt. officials and getting away with the procedures.

    Please avoid illegal access to such sensitive areas. We cannot afford to loose out the national treasures for our personal 'soul' satisfaction. These areas quench the thirst of more than 30 lakh people. Making it a picnic spot will have very damaging results.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Nice write up.. Is there some good place to stay at the Parson's Valley and visit the places you have mentioned?
    Planning to visit Ooty for about 5 days with friends, next month.
    If you know of any good place, please reply back to k.ramasubramaniyan@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I would like to thank you for this wonderful blog & pics. It was one point of information for all the unexplored places in ooty, which i tried to find visiting various other websites and failed.
    I made a visit to Ooty last weekends, to explore all the places mentioned by you.
    I could only go to Parsons valley and Dam and Emerald Dam. I was lil unlucky because most of the dams were closed due to Chennai bomb blast.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I work in Tamilnadu EB and all my teen ages were spent on the places you have mentioned. It was ike i was there back all those places.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have seen your blog its very nice, well design and very informatics, I am Also Travel Agent - LookIndiaHotel have lots of holiday tour packages &
    Travel to India, Hotel Booking India at very economical pricing that gives you all facilities to travel having comfort and care. In our tour packages you get railway or airplane ticket bookings,
    Hotels in India Best Deals
    Hire a Car And Driver India

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi may i know how to get permission for porthimund lake, or how to contact a forest guy, coz tomorrow am gng to ooty trip so it ll be helpfull

    ReplyDelete
  12. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Nice post. We at OotyBookings conduct eco-friendly trips in and around Ooty. We are the native of this place and proud to be!

    ReplyDelete
  14. what a trip... beauty full photos... its really awesome....

    ReplyDelete
  15. It was lovely reading your blogpost..:)
    Thanks for sharing sharing about your Ooty travel experience. Check out these 87 places to visit in Ooty that can let you experience a very different world.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sharing your Experiences is okay but reveling the bribe is not good idea. It might spoil other tourist and they also do unplanned trip there. Please remove the comment made by you for safety of other and the guy who helped you.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I read this interesting story. I really like this thanks for sharing this. If anyone wants to Hotel Budget hotel in agra then visit this .

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Guys, we are looking for stay options in upper Bhavani/Avalanche. Planning to visit this month end. Any contacts?

    ReplyDelete
  19. thanks for sharing your experience. ooty is a small heaven in south india. i have been there once only and fortunately got a chance to explore some of the best places places to visit in ooty . it was totally amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  20. thank u for sharing these awesome experience

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for sharing lot of information and experience

    ReplyDelete
  22. If you are planning for budget tour and a day tour, Taj Mahal tour by car are one of the best tour deal.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Nice place to visit. If you are interested for trekking at OOTY you could consider OOTY Hidden Valley Jungle Camp (www.ootyhiddenvalley.in). You connect at +91 99940 67000 for more information.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi could anyone give me the directions to the Parsons valley please

    ReplyDelete


  25. This post is very usefull for me. A lots of thanks for sharing this informative post.



    Packers and Movers Ooty

    ReplyDelete
  26. Was recently in Ooty with family in June. Wanted to share a tip, in case you are travelling from Coimbatore by road and do not have your own vehicle try http://taxi1way.in which will give you an economical drop to Ooty or from OOty to Coimbatore. YOu can do the local part on your own or they also book the entire trip (is costlier). We tried it and it turned out to be cheaper than all the quotes we got.
    Another thing in local shopping is hand made chocolates and local spices which are a must buy.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  27. Beautiful photographs ! Good descriptions !

    ReplyDelete
  28. Wow..That's amazing and I could never keep my eyes off.
    Meanwhile, make your journey more comfortable by booking cheap and quality budget hotels at <>
    http://www.ulohotels.com/hotels-in-ooty/ooty.php

    ReplyDelete
  29. Kerala is one of the best tourist place in India, For all the South Indians Kerala is the Honeymoon Destination, In education also in tops Its good to know lots of news about Kerala from here, Really a good blog, keep moving and post more such wonderful articles. I also read get to read more about latest kerala news in malayalam from here http://www.samakalikamalayalam.com Kindly visit for all the instant kerala news updates in Malayalam.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Such an awesome wonderful posts. The photos were more than enough to describe the journey. Really a good one. planning to visit wayanad soon :) Keep updating. loved your photography.. breathtaking views of the lakes.


    Ooty Cab Booking Online

    ReplyDelete
  31. Wow!! It is so wonderful images all. Really It is very impressive and attractive blog. Thanks for sharing this blog.
    Golden Triangle Tour Packages

    ReplyDelete
  32. wow!!! that is so ar ticicle so good provied ,and veryb intretingb
    .

    ReplyDelete
  33. Really, This is very nice post. Kerala is one of the best tourist place in India Such a very wonderful place. Thanks for sharing that.
    Delhi to Jaipur One Way Taxi

    ReplyDelete
  34. Very nice post. Ooty is the place people will go during summer vacation. Thanks for sharing such an amazing experience and wonderful pictures. I loved reading this blog. This blog gives more tour spots to visit in ooty. If anyone want to travel to those places book your ticket in advance in Greenline Travels and enjoy your trip.

    ReplyDelete

  35. wow! that is an awesome place and it is full with beautiful things. You shared amazing experience of that place. Thanks a lot.
    India Tour Packages
    Adventures Trips to India
    Indian Holidays 2017

    ReplyDelete
  36. Lovely blog about trip to Ooty. It is great place to visit during vacation. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post in your blog. Explore to those places by booking bus tickets in leading Online Bus Ticket Booking Portal.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Wonderful place to visit in India ! Ooty is also called as Kashmir of South India, there are many good places in India to have a good holiday, tourists are advised to travel with the professional travel agency to make the tour memorable. Arabian Time Travel Tourism Reviews is one of the best travel agency ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_rWweeQi50&feature=youtu.be ), tourists had a good trip with Arabian Time Travel Tourism Reviews.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Your blogpost was helpful in guiding us on our visit to Portimund and beyond. I've captured a few photographs of the place, when it was sunny and bright and they look so different from the monsoon photos you've uploaded. Please take a look here: https://www.travelbagtales.com/uncovering-secret-porthimund/

    ReplyDelete
  39. The Nilgiris or the "Blue mountains" are one of the significant attractions of the slope station.
    Book budget hotels in havelock
    Book budget hotels in neil island

    ReplyDelete
  40. Travel tourister is india's top travel agencies in ooty. We are provided best tour packages in ooty and best travel agent in ooty and tour operators in ooty.
    view more - Travel Agent in Ooty

    ReplyDelete
  41. Interesting blog!! Thanks for sharing your Experiences in Ooty.

    Treetops Cottage in Manali

    ReplyDelete
  42. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  43. You talk about adventures in Ooty mine do the same, have a look at places to visit in ooty in 2 days . Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  44. Nice blog!Thanks for sharing wonderful blog & good post.Its really helpful for me,waiting for a more new post keep blogging.
    Ooty Taxi
    Ooty Taxi service

    ReplyDelete
  45. Well, very clear explanation about this topic, You did a good job and giving us such a useful information that you have shared with us. Thanks for sharing the best and useful information. I am very satisfied with your site and also with your information.
    Regards
    Swot Business promotions
    Our strategic Top SEO services are comprehensive and aimed towards delivering a competitive edge for websites. A higher brand awareness generated by our SMO services empowers business to placement achieve a unique market.
    For More Details visit : www.swotbusiness.com
    We Having a lots of Satisified Customers of Our SEO Services,These following Companies are Getting SEO Services from our Company.
    1) tour OperatorsPhoenix Tours & Travels
    2) Maid Servicesphoenix maid service

    3) Tour OperatorsVinny Tours
    4) Event Planners,Wedding decoratorsSwastika Occasions
    5) Vinny Enterprises
    6) Cochin timbers
    7) Kollam timbers
    8) Dial Phoenix BPO ervices
    9) Top NEET / IIT-JEE Coaching Institutes in Tamilnadu

    ReplyDelete
  46. Such a wonderful place!!! I can’t articulate it. Those pictures are absolutely gorgeous! I love places with amazing beauty.
    Coimbatore to Ooty Cabs

    ReplyDelete
  47. Nice blog and beautiful photos of places of ooty. I would like to visit with my friends. Thanks for sharing and you can also check ooty tour package for couple

    ReplyDelete
  48. more info here Your blog has piqued a lot of real interest. I can see why since you have done such a good job of making it interesting. I appreciate your efforts very much.

    ReplyDelete