Ghumakkad in Hindi means 'the wanderer'. That is what I am. On the move any time anywhere!
This blog chronicles Ghumakkad's travels/teachings/learnings around the globe as picture stories. In addition, there are Picturesque Quotes (PQs) created using my pictures. Enjoy it.
If you have also been to the places/topics described here, please feel free to add to the content.
Your comments/ suggestions are welcome.
From flowers, plants, trees, tribal food, buildings and statues, we now move to a lake! Which is this lake? Where is it? KBG-10 is here! Kaun Banega Ghumakkad Contest No. 10.
Two clues follow with pictures. The lake is situated next to a dam.
If you still can't figure out, look at the first picture. See the hill slopes. What kind of vegetation grows there? Clue in the picture below.
Come on folks, this one is designed for hikers across the globe! Enough said, punch your response. First three winners get featured in the next post.
Lakes are the centre of attraction of hill stations. Be it Kodaikanal, Mount Abu (Nakki Lake), Nainital lake, Ooty lake, Udaipur (not a hill station but surrounded by hills. Lake Pichola and Fatehsagar lake, both are situated in the city) or Reserve Forests like Pinecrest or Stebbins Cold Canyon in California USA- the lakes offer many things to tourists and hikers alike. From hiking, fishing, boating, rowing, swimming, camping to just chilling out- the lakes take away your breath.
This story takes you to Kodaikanal lake called Kodi Lake in short. Ghumakkad was there in June 2018 with family. Those who have not been to Kodaikanal, may like to browse our earlier story 'Why Kodi?' As you will see in the pictures below, Kodi lake and it's surroundings are still clean and green. Although, there was a major ecological disaster about to happen when a thermometer manufacturer was dumping the mercurywaste in the lake. Public voice through a short video "Kodaikanl Won't" made such an impact that the dumping was stopped by the Court. The lake is now safe and full of tourists round the year. Let the pictures speak.
Here is a short video of paddle boats in action. While I was paddling and taking the video, I didn't realise that my knees were obstructing the camera cyclically. Please ignore the obstruction in the video.
There are plenty of hawkers selling hot snacks, nuts and fruits to the tourists. Sample below.
We end with a question. Will the glory remain?
More about the flora and fauna of Kodaikanal later. However, for pictures of a hike by 60-year olds in Kodaikanal, browse our earlier story 'BITS-68 Conquers Kodaikanal'. About lakes in USA, you may browse the following stories by Ghumakkad: Picturesque Pinecrest Toddler on a trail- hiking around Pinecrest lake Stebbins Cold Canyon Trail, California- Nature's marvel Do share your memories and pictures of lakes elsewhere. Thanks for browsing - Harsh-the-Ghumakkad with Neeta Bhargava/ 25th July 2018 #nature #lakes #hiking #environment #kodaikanal #pedalboats #ghumakkadhb #ghumakkadharsh
Do you want to climb a pine tree? Do boating in a circular boat which spins? See how sheep and rabbits are reared? Walk in the mist? Do paddle boating? Ride a tandem bicycle? If your answer to all the questions is yes, then come to Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal- The Princess of all Hill Stations. Why is it called the Princess? Because it is still green in most parts. Not overcrowded. Concrete structures are minimal. At 7200 feet above MSL, it has a salubrious climate. It has controlled littering. It is a walker's paradise-- at least in the morning. It has an old-world charm. In short it is beautiful and charming, like a princess! Ghumakkad visited Kodaikanal Kodi for short, in June 2018 with our family. The centre of attraction of Kodi is the lake. We will bring you an exclusive story on the lake later. In this story we take you around other spots in Kodi.
This story has been put together by my two grandsons Ansh from Chennai (14) and Nikhil from California (11). We were all together in Kodaikanal. They helped me in selection of pictures, captioning and editing the pictures. Full marks to their creativity! Thanks buddies, you both rock.
How to reach Kodaikanal? Madurai is the nearest airport. A 7-seater cab will cost about Rs 3600/- for 135 km drive. See the map below:
Those coming by train have to alight at Kodai Road Railway Station which is 80 kms away. A sedan cab will cost Rs 1800 for two and a half hour drive uphill.
Let our pictures do the rest of the talking.
Moyar Point gives a grand view of the valley. However, mist enveloped the valley when we reached there.
The Pine Forest is included in half-day's sightseeing. It is unspoilt and has its own charm. Tall Pine trees teach us many things.
A fallen tree provided enough challenge for everyone young and old alike.
A fallen tree offered enough climbing skills and adventure to all. Here are few short video clips starting with Anuva the youngest in our group.
Nikhil is next. Does he make it?
Ansh our tallest member, tries next!
How can a mom be left behind? Akanksha goes next!
Ankur with his shoes on, makes a brave attempt!
Akanksha managed to 'fly' up near a Pine tree. How does she manage to remain 'floating'?
Next halt was Guna Caves. Once again, the mist added to the charm of the caves and surrounding forest.
Here is a short video around the entrance to Guna cave. Don't miss the sound of crickets in the jungle.
How does the hill slope covered with roots of the trees, look like? Feel it through a short 30 seconds video.
Golfer's attraction- Kodi Golf Course. Well maintained. It's a pity that I couldn't play due to tight schedule. There is always the next time.
Pambar Falls
Ghumakkad had trekked in the hills leading to Pambar Falls in his earlier visit in Sep 2015. You can browse the picture story of the hike here.
The next day we did a day long picnic to Mannavanur. We also did a detour to Cascade waterfalls as we couldn't take pictures there earlier.
The drone camera brought by Ankur was put to good use. Pictures.
Get a feel of the Falls and the crowd in this short video.
Poomparai Village and View Point. This was enroute Mannavanur.
Postscript: On seeing the above picture, Prabudha Saurabh a poet, remarked: पूरी दुनिया ऐसी ही ख़ुशरंग हो सकती थी तब सबकी आँखों में ठहरता इस तरह पानी अगर To which Prashant Jadnevar, an accomplished dramatist replied thus:
अच्छा है नहीं ठहरती आँखों में,
वरना वहां भी चाहत की कश्तियाँ लेकर निकल पड़ते लोग !
How a picture can drive creativity! Thanks Prabudha and Prashant.
The video below gives you a panoramic view of the valley.
Kurinji plant which flowers once in 12 years!
Mannavanur Lake and Sheep Farm: Located 40 kms from Kodaikanal, it is worth a day's outing. Start early and carry an umbrella as it can rain anytime!
Mannavanur Lake- very serene and quiet. If you like crowds and noise, then this is not the spot for you. But if you love to sit on a hill slope without being disturbed, go there!
Coracle boating in Mannavanur lake. Similar to what we did in Sanapur lake near Hampi. You may read our earlier story 'Coracle not for the weak-hearted'
Picnic Lunch
We had carried veg pulao in two containers for our picnic lunch. One of the containers accidentally toppled and we were left with only half the quantity. Outdoor is always unpredictable! Pleasantly so.
There are other spots like Berijam Lake and a hike up the Pambar falls. You may browse our previous story when Ghumakkad's College buddies conquered Kodi two years ago. Hope you liked the Princess of Hill Stations in India- Kodaikanal. More stories on Kodi will follow. Stay connected. Once again, special thanks to Ansh and Nikhil my co-authors of this story! Thanks for browsing - Harsh-the-Ghumakkad with Ansh and Nikhil Bhargava/ 25th June 2018
#Kodaikanal #Mannavanur #KodiLake #Nature #HillStation #GhumakkadHB #GhumakkadHarsh #PineForest #SheepFarm #TerraceFarming #CoracleBoating #MoyarPoint #Rabbits
