Visiting Ranikhet – my trips during 2024

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Visiting Ranikhet – my trips during 2024

View of the village Timila from my home balcony

            The year 2024 is almost drawing to a close and we are in the last month of the year.  But due to several issues, I could not compose my blogs and decided that at least for the sake of records, I should conclude the year with some of my blogs in respect of places visited during the year.  After visiting Puducherry for some admission related work of my daughter, we decided for a short visit to Ranikhet during July, 2024.

Panoramic view of Binsar Mahadev temple

A view of 'Dolia Pahadi' restuarant in Ranikhet

             As my car was due to complete its 15 years life time tenure in September, 2024 we decided to make a last trip in my car to Ranikhet.  Usually, I refrain from visiting the hills during the rainy season, but this time around as the rains were scanty and there was no other time available for the visit, we decided to take a chance.  It was hot and humid as we proceeded for the journey from Delhi and remained so till we reached the hills.  We had two short breaks for B’fast, around Gajraula and for lunch at Bhimtal (having driven via Haldwani) and on the way to Bhimtal, tried some fire grilled Maize (Bhutta in Hindi), but due to lack of rains, the taste was not as good as we were used to having during our past visits.  Having started at 6.30 A.M sharp from Delhi, we reached my pad in village Timila in Ranikhet Tehsil in the evening at around 4.00 P.M. 

Hydrangea (Guldasta in Hindi) in bloom

             We settled in for a few days in the peace and tranquility of the hills, although it was not very hot, but lack of rains had made an impact all around and the hills were not as green as they are during monsoons in the hills.  During this stay, we visited the famed ‘Binsar Mahadev Temple’ that is about 2.5 Kms. from my village home.  We also visited Ranikhet main market also during the said visit and headed for lunch in a restaurant that boasts about its cuisine etc. named ‘Dolia Pahadi’.  It had started drizzling by the time we could locate the restaurant entrance, which is about 100 odd meters away from the road head and finding a parking space is also a challenge.  But apart from the ambience, the food was not at all to our satisfaction, especially the chapattis were smelling, as if made from stale atta (flour) and despite asking them the replace, the second serving was also the same.  So despite having high hopes of having a sumptuous lunch, we had to retrace our steps back, simply dissatisfied with the outing.  The only silver lining was that we could get half a plate of famed mutton chap from Prakash dhaba in Ranikhet market for my daughter on our way back.  As it had started raining, we simply retraced our way back to our pad in the village.

A Khalij pheasant (male) in jungle adjoining my house in village Timila

             After having settled for a few days in our pad, simply enjoying the tranquil enviorn, we started back for Delhi.  However, this time around we decided to travel from Ramnagar side, as it is shorter distance as compared to coming back via Haldwani.  But I rued my decision , as after crossing Kashipur the road heads across a short bridge built over a small rivulet and therefrom the entire road was splattered with huge potholes and a journey of about 40 odd kilometers took 3 hours to complete and the experience was atrocious.  We reached Delhi late in the evening and thus, completed my first visit to Ranikhet for the year.

Road along Shipra River - from Kainchi Dham towards Khairna

On the way towards 'Binsar Mahadev temple'

Himalayan ranges at sunset - as seen from my pad in village Timila

A panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges as seen from village Timila 

            The second visit to my pad in village Timila in Ranikhet Tehsil was undertaken by me with a family friend of mine in November, 2024.  Since my vehicle had been scrapped on completion of the tenure, we had no other option but to travel by train.  We boarded the Kathgodam Shatabdi from New Delhi Railway station at 6.20 A.M in the morning, after having had an altercation with the Taxi Driver, who dropped us on the road on Paharganj side, without completing the journey citing jam and we had to trudge about 500 odd meters to reach the station.  However, the train journey was smooth and we got down at Kathgodam at around 12.00 Noon and therefrom commenced on our journey towards Ranikhet via Jeolikote side by local Taxi driven by my long standing trusted driver Mr.Amit (Monu being his nickname).  On the way we had a sumptuous lunch of Mutton and rice at a road side eatery (dhabha), but were struck in a mild jams starting from entrance to Nainital till the time we crossed Kainchi dham.  Although my friend was inclined to visit Kainchi Dham, I insisted that he undertakes the visit during his return journey, which was scheduled earlier than my departure.  We reached my pad in village Timila in Ranikhet Tehsil at around 3.45 P.M and it was quite cold in the evening, as the winters had started setting in, I had asked my caretaker to prepare a fire wood stove (Angithi in Hindi) to ward for the extreme dampness and cold faced during first day due to the fact that the house remains closed for months together.  During my friend’s very short visit, we went to Binsar Mahadev temple one day and rested for the remaining days.  I continued for some more time and spent my time cooking and washing utensils etc. and enjoying the environs of the village to soothe my strained nerves, away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.  I returned back following the same route, but after collecting and purchasing some local vegetables, ginger and kidney beans from village home.  Thus, ended my second visit to Ranikhet region for the year. 

Here is a short video of the destination

© S. Roy Biswas

 

Visiting Kerala – Kochi the commercial hub of Kerala

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Visiting Kerala – Kochi the commercial hub of Kerala

The famed Chinese fishing nets in Kochi

         We started our journey from Munnar and the distance between Munnar to Kochi is about 110 Kms. and the road traverses back from Munnar to Annachal and therefrom the route takes these small and big settlements i.e. Ambhazachal – Irrutukanam – Koompanpara – Adimalai – Neriamangalam – Kothamangalam – Muvattupuzha – Thiruvankulam and one finally reaches Kochi via NH-85.  En-route from Munnar one can view a few waterfalls like Attukad Waterfalls, Pallivasal, which is a bit  off the road and one has to traverse some distance both by road as well as by hiking that has multiple waterfalls amid rolling hills, surrounded by hiking trails and panoramic views.  Thereafter, on can visit Valara Waterfalls, Chillithodu, which is situated right alongthe road side and can be viewed from the road as well that is tall cascading waterfall surrounded by dense vegetation, and is a popular trekking and picnicking destination.  However, being on a very short time schedule, as the flight from Kochi was scheduled the next morning coupled with the fact that we had to do local Kochi sightseeing, we skipped all those destinations that were not directly on the road.  However, if one has time, he/she can visit these destinations enroute albeit that they have to veer off course from the NH-85 to visit them – a) Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Chillithodu that is said to be a popular trekking spot with cascading waterfalls among the hills; b) Martha Mariyam Cathedral Valiyapally, Kothamangala that is home to an Orthodox church said to have been established in the 4th century CE by Syriac Christian immigrants; c) Inchathotty Suspension Bridge, Neriamangalam that is home to the longest hanging bridge in Kerala with a length of 183 meters and 4-foot width; and d) Hill Palace Museum, Kochi that is home to a Large 19th-century palace complex with an archaeological and heritage museum along with unique parks.

Valara Waterfalls, Chillithodu on way from Munnar

'Aroma Kitchen' in Fort Kochi area of Kochi

             Having traversed the distance of 110 Kms., we finally reached Kochi at around lunch time and were famished by then as we hardly had anything on the way.  The driver did not have any idea about any place providing good quality food, so my daughter browsed through the internet and booked us at ‘Aroma Kitchen’ at Fort Kochi, although the food and ambience was really good, but it was at its price!!  Having had our lunch we went out to explore Kochi.  Kochi is one of the oldest settlements in Kerala also called as the ‘Gateway to Kerala’ as well as referred to as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”.  It is at present a vibrant city situated on the southwest coast of India in the state of Kerala. Known for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and picturesque landscapes, Kochi has emerged as a popular destination for tourists and business travelers alike more so because it becomes either the starting or ending point for tourists, who embark upon their Kerala sojourn either from Thiruvananthapuram or Kochi. 

A traditional ferry boat in Kochi 

A Naval frigate in Kochi

A large Ocean liner in Kochi

A Bramhiny kite in flight in Kochi

A shop selling trinkets in Kochi beach area

The old Fort Kochi area with a Chinese fishing net

A map of Ernakulam district where Kochi is situated [sourced from internet]

A brief history of Kochi would reflect that centuries ago too Kochi was a commercial center for traders like Arabs, British, Portuguese Dutch and Chinese. These travelers came to this beautiful city to get access to spices like cardamom, clove and black pepper which was abundantly available here.  It was Ma Huan, the Chinese traveler, who first mentioned Kochi in his books about life in Kochi of early 15th century. Nicolo Conti, the Italian traveler also talks about the place in his records of 1440. From then on, the name appears in many travelogues and records of various travelers and traders from across the globe as Cocym, Cochym, Cochin, Cochi and so on. It has also been mentioned in some records as ‘Balapuri’, a Sanskrit name that means small town.  Some others believe that the name is a corrupted version of the Sanskrit word ‘Go Sree’, which means ‘prosperous with cows’.  Kochi is also believed to be derived from the work ‘kaki’, which means harbor in Tamil or from the Malayalam word, ‘koch-azhi’ meaning ‘small sea’ that appears to be most plausible and may also draw its name from its earlier name Kakochi that was preceded by the name Kochim, used in the Portuguese records of the 15th century. Some people still like to refer to the place as Cochin, although it is now known as Kochi.

Another view of the Kochi port area through a Chinese fishing net

A view of Fort Kochi with view of Synagogue top in distance

A view of the St. Francis Church in Kochi

            Present day Kochi offers the tourists the following array of destinations to explore while visiting Kochi – i) Kochi Fort and Mattancherry Palace – This old and archaic historic Fort Kochi area, houses the remnants of European colonial influence that are evident in the architecture. One can visit the iconic Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, showcasing exquisite murals and artifacts; ii) The Chinese Fishing Nets -  Were the most intriguing to witness.  The sight of Chinese fishing nets along the coastline, a traditional method of fishing that has been practiced in Kochi for centuries reflects its connection with the Chinese traders in the past. The nets are particularly enchanting during sunset, providing a picturesque view; iii) St. Francis Church – also in the Fort Kochi area the quaint St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European-built churches in India. This historic church, dating back to the 16th century, holds immense significance, as it was the original burial site of the explorer Vasco da Gama; iv) Jew Town and Synagogue – The quaint narrow lanes imbibes you with the charm of Jew Town that  show cases its antique shops and the Paradesi Synagogue. The synagogue, dates back to AD 1568 and is a testament to the long-standing Jewish heritage in Kochi.  v) Kochi beach – As one checks out the Chinese fishing nets, you may traverse along the Arabian Sea and at the end is a small beach that is quite unkempt and with a rocky interface with the Sea, it is not a place to swim or indulge in any beach side activities and is a rather a dull place to visit, except for many local roadside eateries and people selling trinkets; and vi)  Kerala Folklore Museum, Thevara – Last but not the least is this quaint museum that is maintained by a family trust and built independently by the founder of the trust and houses many old artefacts of use during the old times including items used in everyday life also.  It is a must visit destination for tourists to know about the past glory of Kerala.

View of the main entry bill board of Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

A brief description board in Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

        

Display of ornaments at Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Display of ornamental animal heads in Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Another display inside the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Display of ancient swords in the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Display of ancient shields in the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Display of ancient texts in the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Display of ancient musical instruments in the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Display of ancient Chinese pottery items in the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Display of gold plated art work in the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

An array of ancient stone sculptures in the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Having completed our tour of the city, we headed towards the airport area, as I had booked a hotel near the airport to avoid heavy traffic rush, we witnessed first-hand the traffic jams while trying to reach our hotel from main Kochi area.  Although the ‘9 Gems Airport Hotel’ is a small establishment, but it is neat and clean with a dedicated workforce and quite good option for overnight stays.  Kochi now a days, is a bustling city that is also one of the commercial hub of Kerala and there are many industries contributing to the success of this place. Amongst them is the Kochi Refineries located at Ambalamugal which works along with the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). This refinery is a major contributor of petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel, LPG and many more useful bi-products. Eloor is an industrial area of Kochi where you have around 250 industries which are involved in producing retro-chemical products, fertilizer, pesticides and even leather products.  Further, it being sensitive militarily, the South Western Naval Command headquarters are also at Kochi.  Thus, ended our trip to Kerala, but not without a hitch, as the vehicle owner, who had promised to end the trip at Kochi as the last destination, started clamoring for paying him for return journey to Thiruvananthapuram, wherefrom I had booked the vehicle and that too at rates with Air Conditioner, whereas it was not required for driver who was to return the vehicle alone.  These kinds to tricks played on the visitors, which leaves a bad taste for tourists at the end.

Here is a short video of the destination 

© S. Roy Biswas

 

Visiting Kerala – Munnar the only hill station of Kerala

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Visiting Kerala – Munnar the only hill station of Kerala

An idol of Lord Ganesha on way to Munnar

A map of Ernakulam district (sourced from internet)

Another road map of Ernakulam district (Sourced from internet)

A pictorial depiction of tourist points of Munnar (sourced from Internet)

We started our journey from Thekaddy at around 10.00 AM and after traversing a distance of about 100 Kms., passing by rubber plantation, spice plantations that gradually gave way to tea plantations, as the altitude was gained gradually, we reached Munnar at around 1.30 PM.  Since we had a light Breakfast in Thekaddy and noting much in between during the journey, so we were almost famished by the time we reached our hotel called Grace Munnar Resort in Chirdkandathil (H), Anachal, PO Adimaly.  The hotel had been booked through ‘MakeMyTrip’ portal and advertised its’ location as little away from Munnar, but when I reached the actual destination, at first we could not locate it, despite the fact that the driver was a local and after much enquiries, we finally reached the hotel and found it to be located in middle of some paddy fields, with no proper roads.  Moreover, when I asked for some meal for lunch, I was told that they had not advertised it in their profile and the restaurant was not having a chef at that time and would only be available by evening.  Thereafter, the driver took us to a restaurant in Adimaly, which was a good 5-8 Kms. away, we finally had out lunch at around 2.30 P.M and we had a good hearty meal there.  Thereafter, the driver suggested, that we cancel the booking, but as there was no refund available, I decided against it.  In the evening, a whole horde of persons, purportedly the owners of said resort and their known to, trooped into the hotel and all the hotel personnel were diverted to serve them, we got some tea/coffee after much persuasion and the dinner was atrocious, we almost slept on empty stomach that night.  It is advisable that the MakeMyTrip people check the hotels that they book the tourists in and provide every detail, as what I faced was total cheating by the hotel, if they wanted to host their family members, they should have declined booking of guests for that day, ‘GRACE MUNNAR RESORT’ is a totally atrocious place to visit, as neither its location is tourist friendly nor are there any amenities available nearby, so a tourist is struck in a hell-hole during the duration of his stay there.  The next day we headed for Munnar early in the morning and had a ‘parotha’ each, as B’fast was included in the room charges. 

Panoramic view of Munnar township

The famed 'Idli point' of Munnar

The Lockhart Tea factory - steeped in antiquity

First step of making tea out of tea leaves - withering process

Munnar is the only hill station of Kerala and is situated in the Western Ghats.  The climate there is conducive for huge tea plantations and the scenic beauty that it imparts, has made this area famous, especially through shooting of films etc. and thereby attracts hordes of tourists to the quaint township. The Malayalam word “Moonu Aaru,” which can be translated literally as “three rivers,” is from where the name “Munnar” evolves. The confluence of the three rivers namely Kundaly, Nallathanni and the Madhurapuzha is where the hill station is perched.  In addition to the Rivers, one can enjoy the massive wilderness, the lush greenery and the aromas emanating of tea industries, as usually passing wind brings in whiffs of tea aroma and thus, makes it a verdant location.  It is also a popular honeymoon destination and is often called the “Kashmir of South India.”  Once known as the High Range of Travancore, Munnar used to be the summer resort of the British during colonial times and it is perched at an altitude of 6000 feet.  Another attraction of Munnar is the blooming of Neelakurinji flowers, that is scientifically called Strobilanthus, which also plays a significant role in attracting tourists from all across the world, as it blooms only once every twelve years, covering the entire hill side in a shade of purple blue. 

Some scenic views around Munnar

Some huge boulders and hill tops around Munnar

Panoramic view of tea plantation in Munnar

Close up of tea plantation in Munnar

View of highest peak of Munnar i.e. Anamudi peak (2695 MSl)

The first view of the Munnar township from the opposite ridge was our first sighting of the place and I found it quite mesmerizing.   The first destination  we visited is one of the oldest Tea Estates of Munnar i.e. Lockhart Tea Factory and enroute another scenic view unfolded, aptly called the ‘Idli point’, as the hillocks covered with tea plantations, appeared like green colored Idlis (a local steamed snack made of fermented rice & lentil powder).  Having visited the Tea Estate and having learned about the process of making tea etc., with tickets costing around Rs.200/- per head, we headed back to Munnar town.  Since it was almost mid-day, we had our lunch and thereafter headed for the famed ‘Eravikulam National Park’, which was once used by the British as a hunting preserve, this area is now a national park. To this day, the park continues to provide excellent protection for its native wildlife. Located at an altitude of around 3,000 meters (10,000 feet), this national park is perched at a relatively high altitude. The Nilgiri tahr, a rare wild goat, is the protected species of this National Park.  For visiting the park, we had had purchase tickets @ Rs.200/- per head plus charges for camera etc. and therefrom, after waiting for a considerable period of time, boarded a bus operated by the park authorities, which takes the visitors to the hill top and later transfers them back to the gate by the road side.  The busses run in a circular route and one can board any bus, subject to availability of seats, during the return journey.  It is a must visit destination for the nature and wildlife lovers.

Details of Eravikulam National Park at its entrance

The famed 'Nilgiri Thar' the protected species of Eravikulam National Park

The famed 'Neelakurinji' flowers that bloom every twelve years (sourced from internet)

Panoramic view from atop Anamudi hill in Munnar

Panoramic view of Mattupetty dam in Munnar

Panoramic view of 'Echo Point' in Munnar

In late afternoon pruning of tea plants being undertaken by labourer

Thereafter, having visited the Eravikulam National Park, we headed for another destination known as the Mattupetty Dam that is a water reservoir in Idukki district, located at about 13km from the heart of the hill station.  Owing to the availability of water year round, it houses an exotic range of flora and fauna thriving around it.  If luck favors, one may spot a herd of Asiatic Elephants here or a little ahead at a place called Echo Point.   Mattupetty, is also perched at an elevation of about 5000 feet and takes about an hour’s drive from Munnar to reach the place, which is also well-known for its old Swiss type dairy farms. The picturesque Mattupetty lake and dam, is an ideal picnic point where one can enjoy the thrills of boating and other related adventure activities.  We crossed the bridge across the dam and headed towards the Echo Point, by this time it was getting late afternoon and it had started drizzling and so after a brief visit, we headed back towards Munnar town.  On our way back, we visited the Botanical Garden in Munnar and had some delectable tea/coffee and some snacks at the restaurant run within the precincts of the Botanical garden.   Thereafter, we made a pit stop at the Munnar market wherefrom we got our dinner packed, because of the experience we had in the hotel the previous night and then we headed back to the hotel, where we reached quite late in the evening.

Entrance of Botanical Garden

Some flowers growing the the Botanical Garden in Munnar

Some orchids growing the the Botanical garden in Munnar

Here is a short video of the destination -

© S. Roy Biswas