Route -: Bangalore - Salem - Madurai - kanyakumari - Madurai - Kolli Hills - Bangalore
Time of the Trip - 1st May to 4th May
Distance Covered :- 1550 KM
Day 1:
4:30 AM - Left Bangalore from Silkboard
8:30 AM - Stopped at Salem for Breakfast.
11:30 AM - Stopped near Madurai for Drinks.
2:30 PM - Stopped around 200 KM from Kanyakumari for Lunch.
6:00 PM - Reached Kanyakumari.
We were 3 bikers on 3 bikes and none of us had done such a long single stretch on a bike before this in one stretch.
The weather was against us too with temperature constantly above 36 degrees and no signs of rain.
We had to cover around 720 km on the forst day and we wanted to cover it before dark so rushed on the NH7. Our bikes averaged almost 100 - 105 Kmph hence we were able to follow this commitment through. At least our bikes did, our bodies was completely another story.
By the time we reached our bums and neck were sore and sitting down on any hard surface felt agonizing.
Our Breakfast
Had to take a few drinks break since in that heat it is very east to dehydrate. My riding jacket has a water pouch in the back but in this temperature it felt like a medicine for sore throat having all that boiling water on my back to drink.
The Evening Sky
Any cold water was a welcome relief. Its in such adversities that even the smallest things like gulping down cold water bring joy to the soul.
Finally reached kanyakumari and checked in a nice hotel that was already booked for us by a friend.
Had some nice dinner and since May Day is a Dry day so had to sleep sober the first night.
Day 2:-
Left at 6:00 AM to roam around the city and see the Tourist Attractions.
The line for the boat ride to Vivekananda island was extremely long hence decided to cover other things first.
1) Gandhi Memorial
Gandhi Memorial
2) Local Markets.
3) Watch Tower
2:00 PM got in line for the ferry ride to Vivekananda Island.
Trust me guys , do not go on a weekend for this. We had to stay in the line for almost 1 hour in the boiling sun to reach the ticket counter and then take the ferry ride to the island.
Huge Line waiting for the Boat Ride
Finally reached the island and the entire island is made of rock which gets super hot in the sun , hence they have painted a white paint line for tourists to walk on since you need to remove your foot wear before going inside.
After getting back had lunch and came to the room , took a bath and rested.
The around 6:00 PM we got out to see the sun set and to our surprise a crowd had gathered to see the sunrise. It was a huge crowd hence the roads were almost packed with cars. we had to park our bikes and run to the sunset location.
The sunset wasn't very great since there were a lot of clouds.
Finally had some local beer (COLT) in the night and had a fun night.
DAY 3:-
6:00 AM - Left kanyakumari to go to Kolli Hills.
3:30 PM - reached Namakal
Found a dam on the way to Namakal
There are around 72 curves and hair pin bends to reach the top of Kolli Hills and you would love every one of them.
Just be a little careful of the trucks and buses coming down.
5:00 PM - Reached our resort Nallathambi Resort.
The resort is surrounded by trees and plantation all around and we were able to park our bikes right in front of our room.
Our Bikes parked just Outside our room.
The weather was cool and we rested and roamed around to see any local attractions.
1) Boat House (Not worth it.)
2) Botanical Garden (Not worth it)
3) View Point (good for watching the sunset and the valley)
Sunset from the View Point
Day 4:-
left at 9:30 AM to go and see the waterfalls nearby.
There is a temple and you need to park your vehicles there and then go to the waterfall on foot.
Its around 1 KM from there but this 1 KM is not that easy. In fact it is the toughest 1 Km i have ever done not because it is steep or there is a jungle, but because this 1 KM is almost entirely stairs.!!!
Around 1500 steps to the bottom to see the waterfalls.
But its worth it.
That's us under the Waterfall
There is a rope tied to on e side and it ends near the waterfall. You can follow that and go under the waterfall.
Its an amazing experience there. The force of the waterfall will just blow your mind and the rocks are slippery so you need to hold those iron pillars buried in the stone there near the waterfall.
It was exhilarating and scary at the same time as the force of the waterfall will try to take you with it and the cool water will numb your body after the long walk down the stairs.
The tough part is going back up. It will take you around 30 mins on an average to reach up.
try to pace yourself and not rush.
2:00 PM - we left Kolli Hills for Bangalore.
7:30 PM - Reached Silk Board
A few things to Remember :-
1) Carry a lot of water as you will dehydrate quickly.
2) In Tamil Nadu 95% of the sign boards will be in tamil and if you cant speak their language or read their script, God help you.Good thing is that people will try to help you but you will need to know some of the southern language. Lucky for me, the other 2 guys on the trip spoke kanadda and broken Tamil.
3) On such long journeys you have to pace yourself and plan ahead. Try leaving early so that you can reach your destination before sunset.
4) Carry a first Aid Kit for sure and Tools as there will be really long stretches on NH7 where there will be nothing for kilometers.
Me doing Minor repairs on my Bike's mirror.
Finally
It was an amazing journey. None of us were sure if we would be able to cover the distance but we did. None of us were sure if our bikes would make it but they did.
I guess it makes you believe in yourself after you attempt such a journey which is out of your comfort zone. You know that nothing is un-achievable if you just believe.
Believe in yourself , trust in your machine and you will go farther than you had ever thought.
and finally, as always..!!
Fell in Love with Jenny all over again..!!
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