Meenmutty waterfalls

Fort Cochin

It was while trekking down Meenmutty waterfalls that we met Thomas "Chettan". Similar to some of our earlier "findings", Thomas was one of those experiences that made our work interesting day by day.

Living on the fringes of the forest, there wasn't a path that Thomas didn't know. From running to stop the forest fires set by miscreants or to help the excise department to chase the illicit liquor brewers, or to help those who got lost looking for the waterfalls, Thomas was all over the place.

During one of our regular treks, he mentioned about the forest track leading from Wayanad to Nilambur. We weren't sure about the geography of the area, but still was surprised to hear that one could actually walk through the forests to Nilambur from Wayanad within less than 6 hours! Considering the fact that it takes around 4 hours by road through the mountain roads in a four wheeler, I was longing to trek this route.

I kept on going back to Meenmutty on my own as well as with some of my friends and guests from Bangalore. The adventure actually starts from the approach road from Ooty road itself. The one km drive through the plantation in a jeep itself is an experience. Later, the short walk through the tea estate ends up on the cliff with a breath-taking view of the rain forests below.

In the sultry Cochin, I wish I were there in Meenmutty overlooking the rain forests! Still can feel the cool breeze on my face.

Even the refreshing spring that quenched our thirst many times!

© GP 2007